Reported Elsewhere: The Limits of Liability in Canada's File-Sharing Lawsuits

The Limits of Liability in Canada's File-Sharing Lawsuits

Michael Geist

Law professor, columnist, author

Over the past couple of days, there have been multiple reports about the return of file sharing lawsuits to Canada, with fears that thousands of Canadians could be targeted. While it is possible that many will receive demand letters, it is important to note that recent changes to Canadian copyright law limit liability in non-commercial cases to a maximum of $5,000 for all infringement claims.

In fact, it is likely that a court would award far less -- perhaps as little as $100 -- if the case went to court as even the government's FAQ on the recent copyright reform bill provided assurances that Canadians "will not face disproportionate penalties for minor infringements of copyright by distinguishing between commercial and non-commercial infringement."

Injunction against Suncor drug tests upheld on appeal

CBC News Posted: Nov 28, 2012 4:36 PM MT

Suncor Energy has lost an appeal of a temporary injunction that prohibits the start of random drug and alcohol testing on its employees.

The Alberta Court of Appeal turned down the request on Wednesday after hearing arguments from the oilsands giant.