Criminal
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February 20, 2026
B.C. seeks public input on regulated paralegal roles
The British Columbia government is asking for public feedback on what kinds of legal work regulated paralegals should be allowed to do. The Legal Professions Act, which became law in 2024, created a new category of legal service provider — regulated paralegals — who differ from those currently known in the province as paralegals, who work under the supervision of a lawyer and are not allowed to provide legal advice.
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February 20, 2026
Feds invest in youth gang prevention in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
In an effort to address gang violence, the Government of Canada is investing $1,273,617 in federal funding for the Ummah Society’s new youth-focused initiative, which is dedicated to “Muslim youth and young people aged 15 to 30 in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.”
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February 20, 2026
Visual law: Using tables, diagrams and pictures in legal work
What if the next presentation you attend is only voice without visuals? If an airplane safety card had only text with no pictures? If a furniture assembly guide was not drawn but written? If the television disappears and only books are left?
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February 20, 2026
Addressing gender identity among prison populations
Policies provide a framework, and operations turn that framework into action. In a municipal setting, the town council sets policy, and town staff implements operations. But what if a policy puts staff and those they serve in danger?
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February 19, 2026
Manitoba expanding safety tech, safety officers at various health-care facilities
In a bid to secure the safety of Manitoba’s front-line health-care workers, the province is expanding its delivery of a mobile app that provides real-time safety alerts, connection to “safety services” and emergency notifications.
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February 19, 2026
Ottawa boosts FINTRAC resources to combat rising extortion threat
Ottawa has announced new measures to crack down on extortion, including a planned surge of resources to Canada’s financial crimes watchdog and launching a partnership with financial institutions to disrupt criminal networks, according to a Feb. 19 government release.
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February 19, 2026
Saskatchewan appoints 3 new provincial court judges
Saskatchewan has appointed three new judges to its provincial court, according to a provincial news release. Sara Knowles will sit in Saskatoon, Matthew Schmeling in Regina and Curtis Wiebe in Prince Albert.
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February 19, 2026
Legal programs cannot be treated as line items on a budget
The Paralegal Town Hall stands in proud partnership with the Ontario Association of Black Paralegals as we introduce a joint open letter addressed to Premier Doug Ford, Attorney General Doug Downey, Minister Paul Calandra, members of college boards of governors, and other key decision-makers across Ontario.
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February 18, 2026
Rick Woodburn named director of Nova Scotia’s Public Prosecution Service
Rick Woodburn has been appointed director of Nova Scotia’s Public Prosecution Service after serving in the role on an acting basis, according to a provincial announcement.
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February 18, 2026
Public protection, gun law lessons from Tumbler Ridge
Most Canadians believe that adherence to our criminal laws will protect society. It has become commonplace to hear politicians urging us to “get tough on crime” or to support “jail, not bail” as measures to ensure public safety. But how can public safety be protected when there is no accused person to arrest and hold accountable for their actions?