Canada: Civil Law

The Ontario Court of Appeal unanimously overturned a lower court decision that had struck down provincial legislation requiring the removal or reconfiguration of Toronto bicycle lanes, holding that such ordinary legislation does not become constitutionally entrenched simply because it creates a benefit. The court forcefully reaffirmed that legislatures retain the power to amend or repeal their prior policy choices unless the Charter independently prevents them from doing so, and that courts must distinguish

Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users on Ontario’s roads. Unlike motor vehicle drivers, cyclists have minimal protection when sharing the road with cars, trucks and other vehicles. As a result, even a relatively low-speed collision can lead to serious life-altering injuries.

Could gun manufacturers and distributors be held liable in Ontario for firearms trafficked from the U.S. and used in Canadian crimes? This analysis examines how product liability law, successfully applied to opioids and tobacco, might offer a new approach to gun violence beyond traditional criminal enforcement strategies.