Spirits of the Law

Mark Marrisen of Burrard Strategy joins Sarah and Matthew to talk about the ramifications of the recent federal election, and what this might mean for Canada’s legal landscape over the next four years. They also discuss the Canada’s year of cannabis. It’s one year since legalization went into effect, and the government is still ironing out the kinks in their supply and distribution framework. What work has been done, what is still ongoing, and what issues need addressing by the new parliament?

Sarah, Puneet and Matthew discuss cannabis arrests, Dominic Leblanc, Rights Clash Issues, corruption, and LGBT rights history while sampling cider for the colours of the Pride Flag.

Ian Bushfield of Politicoast joins Matthew and Sarah to talk about the Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, give Jody Wilson-Raybould a report card on her time as Attorney General, talk about the changes to the ICBC insurance scheme, and check in with the embattled SNC Lavalin. The report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was recently released, and includes amongst its recommendations Calls to Action for Individuals, for Lawyers and Law Societies. Read the report here. Jody Wilson-Raybould was the Attorney General for much of the Trudeau government's tenure. How did her performance stack up against her mandate letter? Not great. ICBC is bringing the hammer down on distracted and impaired drivers, seatbelt scofflaws, and people who have gotten all of two tickets. How will their changes impact insurance? See the changes here. Finally, SNC Lavalin has dropped over 60% in share value, and has a brand-new CEO to show for it. Who is Ian Edwards? Will he turn the company around? Read more.

Two places, both alike in Oil Money In fair Alberta where we lay our scene From ancient sludge reaps new profits, honey But like Norway, will civil hands redeem? Sarah and Matthew celebrate Norwegian independence day with a look at Canada's very own petrostate, the mountainous, monarchical, oil-laden land to the east, Alberta.

Sarah and Matthew saunter down the 100 block of Keefer Street, trying out cocktails at The Keefer and Juniper, while examining some interesting legal news that might leave you sour.

In a very special 4/20 episode of Spirits of the Law, Sarah and Matthew are joined by Andrew Forshner, Development Director of the Vancouver Writers Festival to talk about toking during special events in British Columbia, why our liquor laws are still stuck in the Dust Bowl era while most of society just wants to move on to the punch bowl. They also review two BC Spirits from Tofino Distilling, their Natural Botanicals selection. The last liquor reform report SOL permits not in the plan Special Cannabis Events in Ontario VPD on Cannabis Events California Regime BC Liquor laws are garbage How we got this pile of garbage Eby on Booze BC Liquor Law Reform Advocacy Fixing the monkeys paw Because we wished for a fix to liquor reform on a monkeys paw, and all our wishes were granted, in a way that somehow made the situation worse.

Whiskies featured: Shelter Point (Campbell River) Lohin McKinnon (Surrey) Goodridge & Williams (Delta) Okanagan Spirits (Kelowna/Vernon) De Vine Vineyards - Winery & Distillery (Saanich) Legend Distilling (Naramata) News Bites: Hunted game is mostly illegal, but chefs argue for the vibrant taste only found outside the farm This Georgia teacher read the fine print — and won $13K B.C. strengthens protections of heritage, archeological sites with updated law Canada gets closer to a right to repair law 'It's our way of life': Inuit designers are reclaiming the tarnished sealskin trade The cocktail cops: How patchy provincial liquor laws are holding back our drink masters

The SNC-Lavalin affair is rocking the Trudeau government. Meanwhile, Laphroaig and Lagavulin fight one more skirmish in their 100 years of animosity.