Alcohol Taxes Across Provinces

As the summer comes to an end, many are rushing to fit in their last few days of vacation. Many individuals choose to stay within Canada to avoid extra costs, especially with the dollar on the decline. Most individuals bring back alcohol as souvenirs from their trips but this can become a complicated matter when crossing borders. Regular travellers to the U.S are aware that there are alcohol taxes when crossing the border; however, did you know there were also alcohol taxes when crossing borders within Canada?

In 2012, Gerard Comeau had travelled to Quebec from New Brunswick to collect alcohol. The 59 year old man was shocked when he was arrested for transporting illegal importing alcohol into his home province. He had 12 cases of beer and three bottles of liquor on him. In the past, Comeau had made several trips over the course of three years to buy significantly cheaper beer in Quebec and had no problems but this time was different. Comeau was charged in accordance to the federal anti-smuggling laws put in place during the peak of Prohibition which forbids importing more than a single bottle of wine or 12 pints of beer from an outside province into New Brunswick. Many individuals were shocked to learn about this provision.

Numerous individuals are supporting Comeau’s cause via crowdfunding. The matter is to be heard in the Supreme Court of Canada. Furthermore, legal experts believe this outdated law needs to be revisited as it should no longer be applicable. Although section 121 of the Constitution allows for free movement of goods across provincial borders there is a conflict with a Supreme Court decision made in 1921 which interpreted section 121 in a manner that could prove to be an obstacle for Comeau. The law was argued to be interpreted in a narrow manner rather than in the spirit of the law.

What are your thoughts?

Should there be provincial limitations on alcohol importation from other provinces?

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Balancing Mental Health in the Legal Realm

This piece builds on the Mental Health in the Legal Realm piece, if you have not had a chance to read it please click on the “link“.

I would like to begin again by stating that not all legal environments are the same.

If you are feeling anxiety and stressed at work here are some tips that may help you cope with your situation. They are not written in any particular order of importance.

What can you do?

1. Make time for yourself -do something that allows you to feel free and at peace such as: yoga, exercising, meditating, a hobby or even just running a hot bath. Allow yourself to have time to do something you love while tuning the world out.
2. Although it can be hard to find a confidant in a world that seems “cut throat” – if you can find a colleague to help you through the tough times at work it can make work life a lot easier.
3. Leave work at lunch – a walk, visit a park or eat out, sometimes a physical distance from the place of anxiety can help you regain control. If you’re thinking “but there will be so much work when I get back” not allowing yourself to take that mental break might be contributing to the problem. The work will still be there when you get back but stepping away and coming back can make you more productive and reenergized.
4. The LSUC recognizes the issue of substance abuse and the need for help. Consequently, the LSUC has offered a program known as The Member Assistance Program (MAP) for lawyers and paralegals to help legal practitioners confront substance abuse issues.
5. Legal practitioners are also encouraged to take advantage of their employee benefits, the help is there and it is offered for a reason; you are not weak.
6. Sole practitioners if you want to go on vacation, let your clients know far in advance when you will be going on vacation and ask a trustworthy colleague to look after your practice while you’re gone.
7. If you do not receive a pat on the back from your boss, reward yourself anyways. Do something that makes you feel alive and like you’re pampering yourself, you DESERVE IT!
8. When you’re constantly striving for the best it can lead to a lack of a satisfaction despite how much you’ve achieved; try to give yourself credit where it’s due. Don’t sell yourself short. You work hard and you deserve recognition especially from yourself. When you feel defeated and like you aren’t achieving your goals, remind yourself of what you have already accomplished. It’s easier to keep yourself motivated that way.
9. Try to stay in the moment. When you get a large load of work at once it can be easy to lose sight of what should be tackled first. Keeping a calm mind and working through one task at a time can be the difference between an anxiety attack and being productive.
10. Count on your support system – whoever that might be. Sometimes venting is all you really need. It’s okay to admit that you’re in over your head to a group of individuals who won’t judge you and are there to support you through it.
11. Find comfort in your work environment. For instance, many individuals enjoy a hot beverage when things get overwhelming; if that’s your source of comfort, then make yourself a hot cup of tea or coffee when you feel overwhelmed. Others may prefer flowers, perhaps you’d like to bring in flowers to keep on your desk while you work. If you prefer listening to music, then see how you can introduce that into your work routine. Making the most of your environment can sometimes ease the mental stress associated with being in that environment.

Please don’t forget to “like” , “reblog”, and “share” this piece as you can be helping someone who is currently suffering from anxiety and stress. Remember, they may not tell you personally but that doesn’t mean that an individual isn’t having trouble coping.

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Points of Discussion:

1. Did you find these tips helpful?
2. Which of these tips can you see yourself implementing?
3. Have you worked in environment where you felt stressed out? How did you cope?

Leave your thoughts in the comments!