The Complete Brief
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January 20, 2026
Canada exceeds francophone immigration numbers for 2025
For the fourth year in a row, Canada has slightly exceeded its target for the immigration of French-speaking permanent residents.
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January 20, 2026
CRIMINAL CODE OFFENCES – Offences against person and reputation - Homicide - First degree murder
Appeal by Demetroff from his conviction for first-degree murder in the shooting death of Parker. The appellant and co-accused Saddleback were tried together before a judge and jury. The Crown conceded it could not prove the murder was planned and deliberate but argued first degree murder, asserting Parker was killed while being forcibly confined in his SUV.
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January 19, 2026
Carney announces Canada-Qatar partnership on trade, investment and defence
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a new partnership with Qatar to boost trade, investment and defence cooperation, according to a release issued on Jan. 18.
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January 19, 2026
Canada, EU sign first-of-its-kind agreement for mutual recognition of architects
Canada has announced the launch of the Mutual Recognition Agreement for Professional Qualifications of Architects (MRAA), the first of its kind for professional services under a Canadian free trade agreement.
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January 19, 2026
Federal Court clarifies leave requirement for new evidence in trademark appeals
The appellant appeals from a decision of the Trademarks Opposition Board, refusing its application for registration of the trademark FILTER DESIGN. The FILTER DESIGN trademark consists of the “positioning of a sign” in the form of a pattern of diamond-shaped apertures on the surface of certain air filters. The board refused the application on grounds that the diamond-shaped apertures were dictated primarily by a utilitarian function, and the trademark was unregistrable pursuant to subsection 12(2) of the Trademarks Act (Products Unlimited, Inc. v. Five Seasons Comfort Limited, 2026 FC 48).
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January 19, 2026
Feds launch banned firearms buyback program for individuals
Canada has announced the launch of the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP) for all eligible firearms owners. The voluntary program aims to remove dangerous, assault-style firearms from communities and give law-abiding gun owners an opportunity for fair compensation.
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January 19, 2026
Court rejects union appeal over arbitrator’s preliminary jurisdiction ruling
The Alberta Court of Appeal has denied a union leave to appeal an Alberta Labour Relations Board ruling that an arbitrator’s decision on jurisdiction over grievances brought by Sobeys was preliminary and not yet reviewable by the board.
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January 19, 2026
When will parental alienation lead to reduced child support?
When does a parent’s deliberate obstruction of court-ordered parenting time justify the cancellation or reduction of child support? That question was addressed by the Supreme Court of British Columbia in K.A.N. v. N.L., 2025 BCSC 2477.
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January 19, 2026
What estate litigators can expect in 2026
2025 marked significant updates in estate litigation, introducing key reforms for practitioners. Changes to Estate Forms under Rules 74, 74.1 and 75 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, which took effect mid-August to simplify probate applications, will remain active into 2026. A notable Ontario Superior Court ruling in Mavalwala Estate v. Fast, 2025 ONSC 4100 confirmed that only physically executed wills are valid, and that electronic drafts are not valid. There have also been discussions regarding the changes to the Rules, which started in 2025 and will be implemented in 2026.
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January 19, 2026
MLT Aikins adds 4 associates across Western Canada
MLT Aikins has welcomed four associate lawyers to its offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Saskatoon, according to the firm.