Non-Profit Corporations, Report 26

Non-profit organisations are an integral part of our society, an increasing component of our economy, delivering a wide array of services including education, training, housing, food banks, health care and recreation. The current legislation is old and has not kept pace with the non-profit sector and the legislation should be updated to allow non-profits to accomplish their objectives; to clearly articulate the roles and responsibilities of directors and members, and to balance the requirements and […]

February 3, 2015

Matrimonial Property Act: Valuation Date, Report for Discussion 25

The Matrimonial Property Act was enacted in 1978 and provides a method of sharing matrimonial property between spouses on marriage breakdown. What property is available for sharing and how is it valued? Since 2005, the law applied by the courts is that the property must be valued at trial. In reviewing Alberta cases since 2009, this date is problematic. It is an uncertain future date, assumes spouses will litigate to trial, and discourages earlier party driven settlements. […]

November 2, 2014

Oaths and Affirmations, Final Report 105

A person who gives evidence by spoken testimony or by written affidavit must promise to tell the truth before giving that evidence. Currently, the Alberta Evidence Act requires people to swear a religious oath unless they take the initiative to actively object to doing so. The judge or official must at that point conduct a short inquiry and be satisfied that the objection is justified on certain specified grounds. Only then may the person be allowed to […]

September 1, 2014

2013-2014 Annual Report

July 27, 2014

Beneficiary Designation by Substitute Decision Makers, Final Report 104

The Alberta Law Reform Institute has released recommendations to ensure testamentary wishes are respected upon death. It has become common to use beneficiary designations as a simple way to pass on assets. Beneficiary designations are made with: Pension plans Insurance policies Retirement savings plans Retirement income funds Locked in retirement accounts Tax free savings accounts However, more of the population is aging and losing the capacity to decide who will receive the proceeds of these […]

July 1, 2014

Arbitration Act: Stay and Appeal Issues, Final Report 103

The Alberta Law Reform Institute has published Final Report 103 – Arbitration Act: Stay and Appeal Issues. Many legal disputes are arbitrated outside the court system using the Alberta Arbitration Act. Over the years, certain issues have arisen which affect the ideal functioning of the arbitration system. Following public consultation, the Alberta Law Reform Institute has now released Final Report 103 – Arbitration Act: Stay and Appeal Issues.

January 1, 2014

Estate Administration, Final Report 102

The Alberta Law Reform Institute makes a number of recommendations for reform of the Administration of Estates Act. The objective of these reforms is to create clear, rational and accessible legislation that will provide guidance to estate representatives who are responsible for administering an estate. Final Report 102 – Estate Administration clarifies the roles of the estate representative, beneficiaries and the court. It will also outline the primary responsibilities of the estate representative and will emphasize the […]

October 1, 2013

Alberta Non-Profit Corporations: Getting Legislation that Helps

In April 2013, The Muttart Foundation hosted a consultation conference in Banff, Alberta. The Alberta Law Reform Institute had the opportunity to meet with more than thirty experts from Non-Profit sectors across Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom to exchange information and discuss the issues that Alberta Non-Profits face. This report summarizes the consultation and will be invaluable in guiding our recommendations in reforming the primary non-profit corporate legislation in Alberta, the Societies […]

September 8, 2013

2010-2013 Annual Report

July 1, 2013

Criminal Appeal Procedures, Final Report 101

The criminal appeal process is complex and not well understood. It derives from a number of sources, which are not always consistent and not always clear. Personal freedom and liberty are crucial. The stakes are high for anyone convicted of an offense. Prompt access to an appeal system that is clear and comprehensive is critical. The challenge accepted by the Alberta Law Reform Institute, and taken up by its working group of judges, prosecutors, defense […]

August 2, 2012