Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 29 NOVEMBER 2011

Thinking About The Occupy Question

Siskinds LLP
Explore more from Siskinds LLP

I agree that municipalities should be permitted to enforce their "no camping" bylaws in city parks.

CanadaEnvironment
Author LinkedIn connections

I agree that municipalities should be permitted to enforce their "no camping" bylaws in city parks. But I also agree with the Occupiers that undue social inequalities are harmful, for the environment and for society as a whole. Richard Wilkinson has done some excellent research on the social effects of inequality. Watch him at http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_wilkinson.html

And did you know that Washington parks were occupied by a huge protest movement of veterans in 1932? They were driven out by force, but their (legitimate) grievances were eventually addressed.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Related Articles

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Amendments To The Physical Activities Regulations Consolidate Major Projects Review Process Under The Canada Energy Regulator

On September 3, 2026, amendments to Canada's Physical Activities Regulations came into force, removing several project categories from federal Impact Assessment Act oversight and consolidating review authority with the Canada Energy Regulator. These changes eliminate overlapping federal review processes for international and interprovincial pipelines, electrical transmission lines, and certain energy facilities, aiming to streamline major project approvals while raising questions about Indigenous
CanadaEnvironment
McMillan LLP
McMillan LLP
Article

Amendments Streamline Project List Under Impact Assessment Act

The Government of Canada has amended regulations under the Impact Assessment Act to streamline environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects, particularly interprovincial pipelines. These changes shift regulatory responsibility for certain energy projects to the Canada Energy Regulator while removing other project types from federal review following the Supreme Court's 2024 constitutional ruling.
CanadaEnvironment
MLT Aikins LLP
MLT Aikins LLP
Article

Changing Lanes: Canada Proposes To Replace Its ZEV Sales Mandate With Technology-neutral Emission Standards

Canada is proposing to eliminate its federal zero-emission vehicle sales mandate and replace it with technology-neutral greenhouse gas emission standards. The shift comes amid declining EV sales, affordability concerns, and trade uncertainty with the United States, raising questions about how the automotive industry will balance climate goals with market realities. What will this regulatory transformation mean for manufacturers, consumers, and Canada's electrification timeline?
CanadaEnvironment
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Infractions environnementales : Québec augmente substantiellement les amendes minimales

Le régime québécois de sanctions pénales en matière d'environnement a été considérablement renforcé pour certains secteurs industriels, avec des amendes minimales multipliées par dix pour des infractions spécifiques. Les modifications réglementaires entrées en vigueur en août 2026 visent neuf catégories d'activités industrielles à haut risque environnemental, transformant radicalement l'exposition financière des entrep
CanadaEnvironment
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Article

Installations industrielles en Ontario : Changements proposés aux règles de délivrance des permis environnementaux

Le ministère de l'Environnement de l'Ontario propose d'importants changements aux règles de délivrance des permis environnementaux qui pourraient faire économiser aux exploitants des dizaines de milliers de dollars en 2026. Cette proposition remplacerait la date butoir fixe du 31 janvier 2027 pour l'enregistrement au REAS par une approche fondée sur l'existence de changements aux activités des installations. Quelles sont les implications pour les installations industrielles ont
CanadaEnvironment
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Article

Significant Increase In Environmental Fines For Certain Industrial Sectors In Quebec

Starting August 13, 2026, certain companies engaged in industrial activities deemed high-risk will be subject to minimum fines ten times higher in the event of a violation of the Environment Quality Act (EQA). This reform is part of a broader trend aimed at strengthening the deterrent effect of environmental sanctions and encouraging companies to ensure their compliance with applicable legislative and regulatory requirements.
CanadaEnvironment
Fasken
Fasken
Article

Hausse Marquée Des Amendes Environnementales Pour Certains Secteurs Industriels Au Québec

À compter du 13 août 2026, certaines entreprises exerçant des activités industrielles jugées à risque élevé s'exposent à des amendes minimales dix fois plus élevées en cas d'infraction à la Loi sur la qualité de l'environnement (LQE). Cette réforme s'inscrit dans une tendance plus large visant à renforcer l'effet dissuasif des sanctions environnementales et inciter les entreprises à s’assurer de leur conformité aux exigences législatives et réglementaires applicables.
CanadaEnvironment
Fasken (French)
Fasken (French)
Article

Conformité en matière de substances chimiques sous le régime de la LCPE : comment gérer le risque croissant de non-conformité à la réglementation

La réglementation des substances chimiques au Canada évolue rapidement, créant des risques juridiques et opérationnels importants pour les entreprises. Les obligations de conformité s'étendent désormais bien au-delà des simples interdictions de substances, englobant la documentation rigoureuse, la transparence de la chaîne d'approvisionnement et une surveillance réglementaire continue sous le régime de la Loi canadienne sur la protection de l'environnem
CanadaEnvironment
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

What Is A Material Change In Canadian Franchise Disclosure—And When Must It Be Disclosed?

A foreign franchisor has delivered a compliant Franchise Disclosure Document to a promising Canadian candidate. The fourteen-day period is running. Site selection is underway. Then, eight days in, something happens: the landlord renegotiates a lease term, a key supplier is replaced, an executive who is named in the disclosure document resigns, or the franchisor is served with a claim that did not exist when the FDD was assembled.
CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law
Siskinds LLP
Siskinds LLP
Article

Tariffs, Terminations And EI: Implications Of Canada’s New Support Package For Employers

Canada's federal government has announced a $3.5 billion rapid response support package in anticipation of retaliatory tariffs against the United States, introducing new temporary employment insurance measures and workforce retention programs. The package extends EI benefits, waives waiting periods, and creates funding opportunities for employers to retain and retrain workers rather than implement large-scale layoffs.
CanadaEmployment and HR
Siskinds LLP
Siskinds LLP
Article

Can I Use My Existing Financial Statements In A Canadian Franchise Disclosure Document?

Foreign franchisors expanding into Canada often possess financial statements prepared under various accounting frameworks. Understanding whether existing audited, reviewed, or compiled statements satisfy Canadian franchise disclosure requirements is essential to avoid costly delays and legal exposure. This analysis examines the critical distinction between accounting standards and assurance standards...
CanadaCorporate/Commercial Law
Siskinds LLP
Siskinds LLP
Article

When “at Any Time” Doesn’t Mean “any Time”: A Welcome Dose Of Common Sense

The Ontario Court of Appeal has issued a landmark decision that may finally bring predictability to termination clause litigation. For years, employment agreements have been struck down over seemingly harmless phrases, leaving employers and employees uncertain about enforceability. Will this new ruling restore common sense to contractual interpretation, or will technical challenges continue to dominate employment law disputes?
CanadaEmployment and HR
Siskinds LLP
Siskinds LLP
Article

JUUL Class Action Certified In British Columbia

Since 2019, Siskinds LLP has represented the plaintiffs in proposed JUUL class actions across Canada, alleging that the e-cigarette devices are hazardous products but were falsely marketed as a desirable, safe and healthier alternative to smoking. These Canadian lawsuits allege the defendants failed to properly inform Canadians, especially children, adolescents and young adults, of the dangers associated with the use of JUUL products.
CanadaConsumer Protection
Siskinds LLP
Siskinds LLP
Article

When Trust Is Exploited: Abuse By Professionals In Positions Of Power

When professionals entrusted with the care of children exploit their positions of authority for harmful purposes, the impact extends far beyond the abusive acts themselves. This examination explores the complex dynamics of institutional sexual abuse, the barriers survivors face in coming forward, and the legal pathways available for pursuing accountability when systems fail to protect those in their care.
CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Siskinds LLP
Siskinds LLP