In a time where social media blurs the lines between personal and professional conduct, an arbitration decision from earlier this year provides a critical reminder of the necessity to navigate off-duty conduct with care, while also confirming that arbitrators may prioritize a healthy workplace environment over reinstatement to avoid further conflict. In Board of Governors…
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Landmark Arbitration Decision Upholds Indefinite Suspension of CFL Player for Sports Gambling
On August 27, 2024, Arbitrator Allen Ponak upheld an indefinite suspension imposed on Shawn Lemon, a veteran defensive end in the Canadian Football League (CFL), for wagering on CFL games in 2021, including a game in which he played. This decision highlights the complexities of player conduct in professional sports and raises important questions about…
Alberta Appellate Court Renders Significant Decision on University Autonomy and Expressive Rights
Universities value their autonomy, and though subject to court supervision, have long been accorded significant leeway in managing their academic and non-academic affairs. The Alberta Court of Appeal recently issued a decision that is controversial in its recognition that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms governs an Alberta university’s control over the use of its space. This decision conflicts with jurisprudence in other jurisdictions and may be challenged, but it does highlight the pressures on university autonomy today, particularly as they pertain to matters involving free expression.