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Questions and Answers
Which function is NOT typically performed by administrative bodies?
Which function is NOT typically performed by administrative bodies?
What type of rights arise from treaties between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples?
What type of rights arise from treaties between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of administrative law?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of administrative law?
What does business law primarily seek to ensure?
What does business law primarily seek to ensure?
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Which of the following is NOT a consequence of lack of knowledge of business law?
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of lack of knowledge of business law?
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What is one of the key roles of business law in terms of risk?
What is one of the key roles of business law in terms of risk?
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What is the definition of law in the context of business?
What is the definition of law in the context of business?
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Which of the following is a key element of business law related to compliance?
Which of the following is a key element of business law related to compliance?
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What could be a direct outcome of poor understanding of business law?
What could be a direct outcome of poor understanding of business law?
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Which form of law involves regulations set by government agencies?
Which form of law involves regulations set by government agencies?
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What is Public Law primarily concerned with?
What is Public Law primarily concerned with?
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Which of the following is NOT a category of Public Law?
Which of the following is NOT a category of Public Law?
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What does Private Law primarily govern?
What does Private Law primarily govern?
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Which of the following examples falls under Civil Law?
Which of the following examples falls under Civil Law?
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Which type of law is often referred to as judge-made law?
Which type of law is often referred to as judge-made law?
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Which of the following is primarily included under Private Law?
Which of the following is primarily included under Private Law?
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Administrative Law is primarily concerned with which aspect of law?
Administrative Law is primarily concerned with which aspect of law?
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What characteristic distinguishes Civil Law from Common Law?
What characteristic distinguishes Civil Law from Common Law?
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Which section of the Constitution Act, 1867 assigns powers related to criminal law to the Federal government?
Which section of the Constitution Act, 1867 assigns powers related to criminal law to the Federal government?
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What type of jurisdiction does the federal government have over environmental protection?
What type of jurisdiction does the federal government have over environmental protection?
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What is one of the responsibilities assigned to provincial governments under Section 92?
What is one of the responsibilities assigned to provincial governments under Section 92?
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Which level of government primarily regulates business in Canada?
Which level of government primarily regulates business in Canada?
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What is the primary role of the political executive in the government?
What is the primary role of the political executive in the government?
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What is the term for the body composed of all ministers heading government departments in Canada?
What is the term for the body composed of all ministers heading government departments in Canada?
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Which branch of government is independent from the legislative and executive branches?
Which branch of government is independent from the legislative and executive branches?
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What aspect of government does the formal executive represent?
What aspect of government does the formal executive represent?
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What is the constitutional duty of the federal and provincial Crowns towards Aboriginal peoples?
What is the constitutional duty of the federal and provincial Crowns towards Aboriginal peoples?
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Which jurisdiction is responsible for local zoning and parking regulations?
Which jurisdiction is responsible for local zoning and parking regulations?
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What mechanism does the law provide to ensure accountability for rule violations?
What mechanism does the law provide to ensure accountability for rule violations?
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Which of the following is an example of law that protects individuals?
Which of the following is an example of law that protects individuals?
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What was the consequence for Maple Lodge Farms' violation of the Health of Animals Act?
What was the consequence for Maple Lodge Farms' violation of the Health of Animals Act?
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What is a breach of contract defined as?
What is a breach of contract defined as?
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The privacy breaches associated with Tim Hortons mainly concerned which aspect of customer data?
The privacy breaches associated with Tim Hortons mainly concerned which aspect of customer data?
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What was the penalty placed on Maple Lodge Farms in addition to the monetary fine?
What was the penalty placed on Maple Lodge Farms in addition to the monetary fine?
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Under privacy legislation, what is required of organizations before collecting personal information?
Under privacy legislation, what is required of organizations before collecting personal information?
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What is a key component of effectively managing a crisis?
What is a key component of effectively managing a crisis?
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Which statement reflects the role of in-house legal counsel within organizations?
Which statement reflects the role of in-house legal counsel within organizations?
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What should businesses prioritize to minimize legal risks?
What should businesses prioritize to minimize legal risks?
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What is a common misconception about the timing of legal advice?
What is a common misconception about the timing of legal advice?
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Which option best describes the emerging role of outside counsel?
Which option best describes the emerging role of outside counsel?
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What should businesses do regarding their relationship with legal counsel?
What should businesses do regarding their relationship with legal counsel?
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What is the main distinction between inferior and superior courts in Canada?
What is the main distinction between inferior and superior courts in Canada?
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What is required for an appeal to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada?
What is required for an appeal to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada?
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What type of cases does the Federal Court of Canada handle?
What type of cases does the Federal Court of Canada handle?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of judges in the Canadian legal system?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of judges in the Canadian legal system?
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In what year was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms created?
In what year was the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms created?
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What is a primary purpose of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
What is a primary purpose of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
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Which statement best describes the small claims court in Alberta?
Which statement best describes the small claims court in Alberta?
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What is meant by 'leave' in the context of appeals to the Supreme Court of Canada?
What is meant by 'leave' in the context of appeals to the Supreme Court of Canada?
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What must occur for acceptance to be effective in a contract?
What must occur for acceptance to be effective in a contract?
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When is acceptance considered effective under the postbox rule?
When is acceptance considered effective under the postbox rule?
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What characterizes a situation where acceptance is indicated by conduct?
What characterizes a situation where acceptance is indicated by conduct?
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What was the nature of the counteroffer in the Lowe case?
What was the nature of the counteroffer in the Lowe case?
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What can be inferred about acceptance in cases where communication is instantaneous?
What can be inferred about acceptance in cases where communication is instantaneous?
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What is the primary trigger for the duty to consult Aboriginal Peoples by the Crown?
What is the primary trigger for the duty to consult Aboriginal Peoples by the Crown?
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What is a potential economic consequence for Indigenous communities when the Crown acts without adequate consultation?
What is a potential economic consequence for Indigenous communities when the Crown acts without adequate consultation?
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How should businesses view litigation in the context of resolving legal disputes?
How should businesses view litigation in the context of resolving legal disputes?
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Section 91, Constitution Act, 1867 assigns the power to regulate seacoast and inland fisheries to the provincial governments.
Section 91, Constitution Act, 1867 assigns the power to regulate seacoast and inland fisheries to the provincial governments.
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The regulation of property and civil rights is a power assigned to the federal government under Section 92, Constitution Act, 1867.
The regulation of property and civil rights is a power assigned to the federal government under Section 92, Constitution Act, 1867.
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The federal government plays no role in the regulation of hazardous products.
The federal government plays no role in the regulation of hazardous products.
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The (i) probability of loss and (ii) the severity of loss are irrelevant in evaluating risks.
The (i) probability of loss and (ii) the severity of loss are irrelevant in evaluating risks.
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Changes to legislation can be considered a legal risk for businesses.
Changes to legislation can be considered a legal risk for businesses.
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Legal risks can include injury to workers.
Legal risks can include injury to workers.
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Study Notes
Divisions/Classifications of Law
- Administrative law governs the interactions between government and business, comprising rules created by agencies and officials performing government functions.
- Indigenous Peoples in Canada had established legal traditions prior to European contact, with rights recognized independently of colonial claims of sovereignty.
- Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 affirms existing Aboriginal and treaty rights, covering Indian, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Treaty and Aboriginal Rights
- Treaty rights arise from formal agreements between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples, dating back to the 18th century and modern treaties post-Confederation in 1867.
- Aboriginal rights exist in the absence of treaties, relating to land occupation and customs or practices. Example: The Musqueam have an Aboriginal right to fish for food and ceremonial purposes.
Business Law
- Business law outlines regulations for commerce, protecting intellectual property and establishing risk management frameworks for business ventures.
- Knowledge of business law is crucial as ignorance can lead to lost opportunities and regulatory penalties.
Trademark Regulation
- Trademark laws protect unique branding, preventing confusion among consumers due to similar business names, as demonstrated by the case of "Haus of Plants" vs. "House of Plants".
- Trademarks assure consumers of the source and quality associated with a brand.
Classifications of Law
- Domestic law includes statutes governing citizens, while international law focuses on relations between states and global entities like the United Nations.
- Substantive law defines rights and responsibilities, whereas procedural law governs the enforcement of those rights.
- Public law regulates the relationship between individuals and government, including criminal, constitutional, and administrative laws, while private law handles personal interactions like contracts and torts.
- Common law is based on judicial precedents in most provinces, unlike Québec, which follows a civil law system.
Regulation of Business
- Business regulation primarily falls under provincial and municipal jurisdictions concerning property and civil rights, as well as local ordinances surrounding taxes, zoning, and licensing.
- Federal jurisdiction controls international trade and communication, imposing laws regarding labor standards and safety in these sectors.
Government Structure
- The executive branch encompasses ceremonial and political roles, with the Prime Minister and the cabinet formulating policies and regulations.
- The judiciary operates independently, overseeing legal interpretations and the enforcement of laws.
Environmental Law
- Environmental regulations involve overlapping responsibilities at federal, provincial, and municipal levels, necessitating awareness of applicable laws for businesses.
- Federal regulations oversee marine and waterway protections, fisheries, hazardous product management, and the transport of dangerous goods.
- Bill S-5 aims to enhance environmental protections under Canadian environmental law, emphasizing corporate liability for noncompliance with environmental policies.
Law and Society
- Law regulates societal conduct by protecting individuals and property, facilitating interactions, and offering dispute resolution mechanisms.
Protecting Persons and Property
- Legal frameworks establish rules to safeguard personal and communal interests.
- Breaches of these rules result in penalties to ensure accountability, such as privacy and criminal laws.
- Breach of contract refers to failure to meet contractual obligations, enforceable through lawsuits for damages.
Privacy Breach Case: Tim Hortons
- Tim Hortons' app tracked user location without valid consent, violating privacy legislation.
- The privacy commissioner confirmed that the consent was invalid and the data collection practices were inappropriate.
- A class action against Tim Hortons was settled without an admission of liability.
Ethical Considerations: Maple Lodge Farms
- Maple Lodge Farms faced penalties for inhumane treatment of chickens, leading to 25,450 deaths.
- Consequences included an 80,000fineandarequirementtoinvestover80,000 fine and a requirement to invest over 80,000fineandarequirementtoinvestover1 million to enhance facilities and vehicles.
- The corporation was also placed on probation for three years and issued a public apology.
The System of Courts
- Inferior courts have judges appointed by provincial governments and handle cases with limited financial jurisdiction.
- Superior courts, appointed by federal governments, manage serious criminal matters and have unlimited financial jurisdiction.
- Provincial courts of appeal address appeals from inferior and superior courts.
- The Supreme Court of Canada is the final appellate court, requiring leave for cases of national significance.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Established in 1982 as part of the Constitution Act, it mandates governmental adherence to liberal democratic values.
- High-profile cases related to public health and safety incidents underscore its importance in protecting rights.
Crisis Management in Business
- Effective crisis management involves quick, positive reactions and the use of a credible spokesperson to address public concerns.
- Companies must communicate transparently, explaining problems and acknowledging their roles.
Managing Legal Services
- Legal expertise helps identify risks, create management plans, and navigate crises effectively.
- Timing and frequency of legal consultations are crucial; too frequent may be costly, while infrequent may lead to larger issues.
Role of Lawyers in Risk Management
- Lawyers can serve as in-house or external counsel, increasingly playing a proactive role in strategy and prevention.
- Legal counsel is integrated into management for optimal decision-making.
Dispute Resolution
- Effective legal risk management aims to avoid litigation while maintaining important commercial relationships.
Business Activities and Legal Disputes
- Common causes of disputes include equipment failures, pollution incidents, customer dissatisfaction, and hacking.
Duty to Consult Indigenous Peoples
- Legal obligation for federal and provincial governments to consult Aboriginal Peoples on decisions affecting treaty rights.
- Duty is contingent upon the government’s awareness of rights and potential adverse actions.
Acceptance in Contract Law
- Acceptance of offers must be communicated but can be implied through conduct.
- The postbox rule applies in certain situations, where acceptance is valid upon mailing, not delivery.
Case Study: Lowe v Upper Clements Family Theme Park
- Disagreement over crane lease terms highlighted differences in negotiation perspectives.
- The court ruled a contract existed, concluding a counteroffer was accepted based on correspondence.
Law's Role in Society
- Law guides conduct by protecting individuals and their property, facilitating interactions, and providing dispute resolution methods.
- Legal protection includes setting rules to safeguard interests and establishing penalties for breaches to ensure accountability.
Protection of Privacy
- Privacy legislation mandates that organizations must obtain consent for the collection and use of personal information.
- Tim Hortons faced criticism for its app that tracked users' locations without proper disclosure or consent.
Legal Violations and Consequences
- Tim Hortons was deemed to have violated privacy rights by not adequately informing users about data collection practices.
- Settlements were reached in class action lawsuits against Tim Hortons without admission of liability.
Maple Lodge Farms Case
- Maple Lodge Farms was convicted for inhumane treatment of 25,450 chickens, violating the Health of Animals Act.
- Penalties included an 80,000fine,arequirementtoinvestover80,000 fine, a requirement to invest over 80,000fine,arequirementtoinvestover1 million in improvements, and a three-year probation period.
Federal and Provincial Powers
- The Constitution Act, 1867 distinguishes federal powers (e.g., criminal law, international trade) from provincial powers (e.g., hospitals, civil rights).
- Indigenous councils hold specific bylaws in certain areas, as recognized under sections 91 and 92.
Environmental Regulation
- Environmental protection involves federal, provincial, and municipal laws, often leading to complex regulatory landscapes for businesses.
- Federal jurisdiction includes ocean protection, fisheries, hazardous product regulations, and dangerous goods transport.
- Proposed Bill S-5 aims to enhance the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
Legal Risk Management Process
- Identifying legal risks is crucial; businesses should analyze operations, relationships, and decisions comprehensively.
- Common legal risks include environmental damage, workplace injuries, product defects, and system failures.
Cybersecurity Risks
- In 2021, half of small and medium Canadian businesses experienced data breaches, an increase from previous years.
- The average cost of responding to a cyberattack and ransomware incidents is approximately $6.35 million.
Litigation Considerations
- Businesses should explore alternatives to litigation for resolving disputes, as court proceedings can be costly.
- The duty to consult Indigenous Peoples before actions that may affect their rights is essential; lack of consultation can lead to business delays and community losses.
Case Study: Nevsun Resources Ltd v Araya
- Nevsun was accused of exploiting Eritrean workers under the government's National Service Program.
- Workers reported forced labor conditions, including long hours in extreme temperatures.
Duty to Consult with Aboriginal Peoples
- Crown authorities must consult Aboriginal Peoples regarding actions potentially affecting their treaty rights.
- The scope of this duty varies based on the strength of land claims and community interests, requiring meaningful engagement.
Lawsuit Stages and Enforcement
- The enforcement stage involves ensuring the winning party collects court-awarded judgments, with limitations to protect individuals from extreme hardship.
- Appeals allow parties to contest court decisions, requiring evidence of significant judicial errors and typically involve multiple judges.
Appeals Process
- The appellant initiates the appeal process, while the respondent opposes it.
- Appeals must be filed within a specified period, commonly 30 days, without introducing new evidence.
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