Case information
Conduct a refined search of the Supreme Court of Canada database to obtain details on the status of a matter before the Court.
35842
Gilles Caron, et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen, et al.
(Alberta) (Civil) (By Leave)
Docket
Judgments on applications for leave to appeal are rendered by the Court, but are not necessarily unanimous.
| Date | Proceeding | Filed By (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-11-25 | Appeal closed | |
| 2015-11-23 | Formal judgment sent to the registrar of the court of appeal and all parties | |
| 2015-11-23 | Judgment on appeal and notice of deposit of judgment sent to all parties | |
| 2015-11-20 |
Judgment on the appeal rendered, CJ Abe Ro Cro Mo Ka Wa Ga Côt, The appeals from the judgment of the Court of Appeal of Alberta (Edmonton), Numbers 1003-0016-A and 1003-0017-A, 2014 ABCA 71, dated February 21, 2014, heard on February 13, 2015, are dismissed with costs awarded to Mr. Caron and Mr. Boutet, on a party and party basis, in this Court, in the Court of Appeal and in the summary conviction appeal court. The interim costs previously awarded to Mr. Caron and affirmed by this Court in 2011 are unchanged. Abella, Wagner and Côté JJ. are dissenting. The constitutional questions are answered as follows: 1. Is the Languages Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. L-6, ultra vires or inoperative insofar as it abrogates a constitutional duty owed by Alberta to enact, print and publish its laws and regulations in English and in French in accordance, inter alia, with the Rupert’s Land and North-Western Territory Order of June 23, 1870, R.S.C. 1985, App. II, No. 9? Answer: No. Abella, Wagner and Côté JJ. would answer yes. 2. If the answer to question 1 is affirmative, are the Traffic Safety Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. T-6, and any other laws and regulations that have not been enacted, printed and published by Alberta in English and French inoperative? Answer: It is not necessary to answer this question. Abella, Wagner and Côté JJ. would answer yes. Dismissed, costs on a party and party basis |
|
| 2015-04-09 | Media lock-up request accepted | |
| 2015-04-08 | Media lock-up consent form received from, (Letter Form) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2015-04-07 | Media lock-up consent form received from, (Letter Form) | Gilles Caron |
| 2015-03-31 | Media lock-up consent form received from, (Letter Form) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-03-23 | Media lock-up letter, consent form and undertaking sample sent to all parties | |
| 2015-03-13 | Media lock-up requested or proposed | |
| 2015-03-02 | Transcript received, 146 pages | |
| 2015-02-17 | Correspondence received from, Sébastien Grammond dated 2015-02-17. Re: Correction to a statement during the oral argument - Consent rec'd by e-mail on 2015-02-18 (Sent to the Court on 2015-02-25) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2015-02-13 | Judgment reserved OR rendered with reasons to follow | |
| 2015-02-13 | Intervener's condensed book, Submitted in Court (14 copies) | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2015-02-13 | Respondent's condensed book, Submitted in Court (14 copies) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-02-13 | Appellant's condensed book, Submitted in Court (14 copies) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2015-02-13 | Appellant's condensed book, Submitted in Court (14 copies) | Gilles Caron |
| 2015-02-13 |
Hearing of the appeal, 2015-02-13, CJ Abe Ro Cro Mo Ka Wa Ga Côt Judgment reserved |
|
| 2015-02-12 |
Appeal hearing scheduled, 2015-02-13, Early start 9 a.m. Judgment reserved |
|
| 2015-02-10 | Notice of appearance, Kevin Shaar and Christine Ruest Norrena will be present at the hearing. | Commissaire aux langues officielles du Canada |
| 2015-02-10 | Notice of appearance, Mark Power, François Larocque and Justin Dubois will be present at the hearing. | Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta |
| 2015-02-10 | Notice of appearance, Sébastien Grammond, Allan Damer, Mark Power, François Larocque and Justin Dubois will be present at the hearing. | Pierre Boutet |
| 2015-02-10 | Notice of appearance, Roger Lepage and Francis Poulin will be present at the hearing. | Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise |
| 2015-02-10 | Notice of appearance, Roger Lepage, Francis Poulin and Romain Baudemont will be present at the hearing. | Gilles Caron |
| 2015-02-09 | Notice of appearance, Kevin Feehan and Anna Loparco will be present at the hearing. | Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre |
| 2015-02-06 | Notice of appearance, Alain Préfontaine and Catherine Lawrence will be present at the hearing. | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2015-02-06 | Notice of appearance, Nicolas Rouleau will be present at the hearing. | Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc. |
| 2015-02-05 | Correspondence received from, Justin Dubois dated 2015-02-04. Re: Corrections to the factum and record | Gilles Caron |
| 2015-02-05 | Supplemental document, Supplementary record, Completed on: 2015-02-05 | Gilles Caron |
| 2015-02-05 | Correspondence received from, 4 reserved seats requested | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-02-05 | Notice of appearance, Peter Taschuk, Teresa Haykowsky, David Risling and Randy Steele will be present at the hearing. | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-02-05 | Appeal perfected for hearing | |
| 2015-02-05 |
Order by, Ga, FURTHER TO THE ORDER dated December 26, 2014, granting leave to intervene to the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française de common law inc., as well as the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association, the Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre (jointly); IT IS HEREBY FURTHER ORDERED THAT: 1. The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française de common law inc., as well as the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association, the Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre (jointly) are each granted permission to present oral argument not exceeding ten (10) minutes at the hearing of the appeal. 2. The factums of the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta and the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise will be considered without the need for oral argument. Allowed in part |
|
| 2015-02-02 | Notice of appearance, Graeme Mitchell will be present at the hearing. | Attorney General for Saskatchewan |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's book of authorities, Completed on: 2015-01-30 | Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's factum, Completed on: 2015-01-30, (Electronic version due on 2015-02-06) | Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's book of authorities, Completed on: 2015-01-30 | Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc. |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's factum, Completed on: 2015-01-30, (Electronic version due on 2015-02-06) | Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc. |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's factum, Completed on: 2015-01-30, (Electronic version due on 2015-02-06) | Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's factum - AG on constitutional question, Completed on: 2015-01-30 | Attorney General for Saskatchewan |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's book of authorities, (2 volumes), Completed on: 2015-01-30 | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's factum - AG on constitutional question, English translation rec'd on 2015-01-30, Completed on: 2015-01-30, (Electronic version due on 2015-02-06) | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's book of authorities, Completed on: 2015-01-30 | Attorney General for Saskatchewan |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2015-01-30 | Commissaire aux langues officielles du Canada |
| 2015-01-30 | Notice of withdrawal | Métis National Council |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's book of authorities, Completed on: 2015-01-30 | Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre |
| 2015-01-30 | Intervener's factum, Completed on: 2015-01-30 | Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre |
| 2015-01-27 | Correspondence received from, Both appellants dated 2015-01-27. Re: Additional time for oral arguments | Gilles Caron |
| 2015-01-22 | Certificate of counsel (attesting to record) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-01-22 | Respondent's book of authorities, (3 volumes), Completed on: 2015-01-22 | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-01-22 | Respondent's record, Completed on: 2015-01-22 | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-01-22 | Respondent's factum, Factum in response to Pierre Boutet, Completed on: 2015-01-22 | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-01-22 | Respondent's factum, Factum in response to Gilles Caron, Completed on: 2015-01-22 | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2015-01-13 | Notice of name | Métis National Council |
| 2014-12-29 | Order on motion for leave to intervene, SIGNED DECEMBER 26, 2014. (by GASCON J.) | |
| 2014-12-29 |
Decision on the motion for leave to intervene, SIGNED DECEMBER 26, 2014., Ga, UPON APPLICATIONS by the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association, the Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre, the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta, the Conseil des Innus de Pessamit and Chef de Pessamit René Simon, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, the Métis National Council, the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française de common law inc., Chef Réal Mckenzie, en son propre nom, au nom de tous les autres membres du conseil de bande des Innus de Matimekush-Lac John et au nom de tous les autres membres de ladite bande, Chef Bruno Kistabish, en son propre nom, au nom de tous les autres membres du conseil de bande des Algonguins d’Abitibiwinni et au nom de tous les autres membres de ladite bande, and Chef Christian Awashish, en son propre nom, au nom de tous les autres membres du conseil de bande des Atikamekw d’Opitciwan et au nom de tous les autres membres de ladite bande, for leave to intervene in the appeal; AND THE MATERIAL FILED having been read; IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: The motion for leave to intervene of the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association, the Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre is granted and the said group of interveners shall be entitled to serve and file a single factum not to exceed ten (10) pages in length on or before January 30, 2015. The motions for leave to intervene of the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise, the Métis National Council and the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française de common law inc. are granted and the said interveners shall be entitled to each serve and file a factum not to exceed ten (10) pages in length on or before January 30, 2015. The motion for leave to intervene of the Conseil des Innus de Pessamit and of Chef de Pessamit René Simon and the motion for leave to intervene of Chef Réal Mckenzie, en son propre nom, au nom de tous les autres membres du conseil de bande des Innus de Matimekush-Lac John et au nom de tous les autres membres de ladite bande, Chef Bruno Kistabish, en son propre nom, au nom de tous les autres membres du conseil de bande des Algonguins d’Abitibiwinni et au nom de tous les autres membres de ladite bande and Chef Christian Awashish, en son propre nom, au nom de tous les autres membres du conseil de bande des Atikamekw d’Opitciwan et au nom de tous les autres membres de ladite bande, are dismissed. The requests to present oral argument are deferred to a date following receipt and consideration of the written arguments of the parties and the interveners. The interveners are not entitled to raise new issues or to adduce further evidence or otherwise to supplement the record of the parties. Pursuant to Rule 59(1)(a) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada, the interveners shall pay to the appellants and respondent any additional disbursements occasioned to the appellants and respondents by their interventions. Allowed in part |
|
| 2014-12-29 | Submission of motion for leave to intervene, SIGNED DECEMBER 26, 2014., Ga | |
| 2014-12-19 | Reply to the motion for leave to intervene, Completed on: 2014-12-19, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-19) | Le Chef Réal Mckenzie, en son propre nom, au nom de tous les autres membres du conseil de bande des Innus de Matimekush-Lac John et au nom de tous les autres membres de ladite bande |
| 2014-12-19 | Reply to the motion for leave to intervene, Completed on: 2014-12-19, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-19) | Métis National Council |
| 2014-12-19 | Reply to the motion for leave to intervene, Completed on: 2014-12-19, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-22) | Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta |
| 2014-12-17 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Response to ACF, Completed on: 2014-12-17, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-17) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-12-17 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Response to AFCA, Completed on: 2014-12-17, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-17) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-12-17 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Response to Commissioner of Official Languages, Completed on: 2014-12-17, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-17) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-12-17 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Response to FAJEF, Completed on: 2014-12-17, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-17) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-12-17 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Response to Pessamit, Chiefs and MNC, Completed on: 2014-12-17, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-17) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-12-17 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Response to ACSTA, Completed on: 2014-12-17, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-17) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-12-16 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2014-12-16, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-16) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-12-15 | Response to the motion for leave to intervene, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2014-12-15, (Printed version filed on 2014-12-15) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-12-12 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-10) | Conseil des Innus de Pessamit et le Chef de Pessamit René Simon |
| 2014-12-10 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-12-10, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-10) | Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc. |
| 2014-12-10 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-12-10, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-10) | Le Chef Réal Mckenzie, en son propre nom, au nom de tous les autres membres du conseil de bande des Innus de Matimekush-Lac John et au nom de tous les autres membres de ladite bande |
| 2014-12-10 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-12-10, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-10) | Commissaire aux langues officielles du Canada |
| 2014-12-10 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Affidavit of service rec'd 2014-12-12, Completed on: 2014-12-10, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-08) | Conseil des Innus de Pessamit et le Chef de Pessamit René Simon |
| 2014-12-10 | Notice of hearing sent to parties | |
| 2014-12-09 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-12-09, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-09) | Métis National Council |
| 2014-12-09 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-12-09, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-09) | Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise |
| 2014-12-09 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-12-09, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-09) | Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta |
| 2014-12-09 | Certificate (on limitations to public access), (Letter Form), (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-09) | Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre |
| 2014-12-09 | Notice of name, (Letter Form), (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-09) | Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre |
| 2014-12-09 | Motion for leave to intervene, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-12-09, (Electronic version filed on 2014-12-09) | Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre |
| 2014-11-20 | Certificate of counsel (attesting to record), (Letter Form), (Electronic version filed on 2014-11-20) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-11-20 | Certificate of counsel (attesting to record), (Letter Form), (Electronic version filed on 2014-11-20) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-11-20 | Appellant's book of authorities, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-11-20, (Electronic version filed on 2014-11-19) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-11-19 | Appellant's record, (Book Form), Vol. 1 tp 6 - joint, Completed on: 2014-11-19, (Electronic version filed on 2014-11-20) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-11-19 | Appellant's book of authorities, (Book Form), Vol. 1 to 3 - Joint, Completed on: 2014-11-19, (Electronic version filed on 2014-11-19) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-11-19 | Appellant's factum, (Book Form), Courtesy Translation filed, Completed on: 2014-11-19, (Electronic version filed on 2014-11-19) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-11-19 | Appellant's factum, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-11-20, (Electronic version filed on 2014-11-19) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-10-30 | Notice of intervention respecting a constitutional question | Attorney General of Canada |
| 2014-10-14 | Notice of intervention respecting a constitutional question, (Letter Form), (Electronic version filed on 2014-10-17) | Attorney General for Saskatchewan |
| 2014-10-06 | Correspondence received from, Roger J.F. Lepage by email, re: style of cause | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-10-02 | Notice of constitutional question(s) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-09-25 | Letter advising the parties of tentative hearing date and filing deadlines (Leave granted) | |
| 2014-09-24 | Order on motion to state a constitutional question, (by CHIEF JUSTICE MCLACHLIN) | |
| 2014-09-24 |
Decision on the motion to state a constitutional question, CJ, UPON APPLICATIONS by the appellants for an order stating constitutional questions in the above appeal; AND THE MATERIAL FILED having been read; IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT THE CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS BE STATED AS FOLLOWS: 1. Is the Languages Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. L-6, ultra vires or inoperative insofar as it abrogates a constitutional duty owed by Alberta to enact, print and publish its laws and regulations in English and in French in accordance, inter alia, with the Rupert’s Land and North-Western Territory Order of June 23, 1870, R.S.C. 1985, App. II, No. 9? 2. If the answer to question 1 is affirmative, are the Traffic Safety Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. T-6, and any other laws and regulations that have not been enacted, printed and published by Alberta in English and French inoperative? Any attorney general who intervenes pursuant to par. 61(4) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada shall pay the appellant and respondent the costs of any additional disbursements they incur as a result of the intervention. IT IS HEREBY FURTHER ORDERED THAT: 1. The appellant’s record, factum and book of authorities shall be served and filed on or before November 19, 2014. 2. Any person wishing to intervene in this appeal under Rule 55 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada shall serve and file a motion for leave to intervene on or before December 10, 2014. 3. The appellant and respondent shall serve and file their responses, if any, to the motions for leave to intervene on or before December 17, 2014. 4. Replies to any responses to the motions for leave to intervene shall be served and filed on or before December 19, 2014. 5. The respondent’s record, factum and book of authorities shall be served and filed on or before January 22, 2015. 6. Any attorney general wishing to intervene pursuant to par. 61(4) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada shall serve and file their factum and book of authorities on or before January 30, 2015. Granted |
|
| 2014-09-24 | Submission of motion to state a constitutional question, CJ | |
| 2014-09-12 | Reply to the motion to state a constitutional question, Completed on: 2014-09-12, (Electronic version filed on 2014-09-12) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-09-12 | Reply to the motion to state a constitutional question, Completed on: 2014-09-12, (Electronic version filed on 2014-09-12) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-09-05 | Response to the motion to state a constitutional question, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2014-09-08, (Printed version filed on 2014-09-08) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-09-02 | Notice of appeal, Completed on: 2014-09-02, (Electronic version filed on 2014-09-03) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-09-02 | Notice of appeal, Completed on: 2014-09-02, (Electronic version filed on 2014-09-03) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-08-28 | Motion to state a constitutional question, (Letter Form), Proof of service missing. Received 2014-09-16., Completed on: 2014-09-16, (Electronic version filed on 2014-08-28) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-08-26 | Motion to state a constitutional question, (Letter Form), Completed on: 2014-08-26, (Electronic version filed on 2014-08-26) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-08-01 | Copy of formal judgment sent to Registrar of the Court of Appeal and all parties | |
| 2014-08-01 | Judgment on leave sent to the parties | |
| 2014-07-31 |
Judgment of the Court on the application for leave to appeal, The applications for leave to appeal from the judgment of the Court of Appeal of Alberta (Edmonton), Numbers 1003-0016-A and 1003-0017-A, 2014 ABCA 71, dated February 21, 2014, are granted with costs in the cause. Granted, with costs in the cause |
|
| 2014-06-16 | All materials on application for leave submitted to the Judges, LeB Ka Ga | |
| 2014-06-09 | Applicant's reply to respondent's argument, (Book Form), Completed on: 2014-06-09, (Electronic version filed on 2014-06-09) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-06-06 | Applicant's reply to respondent's argument, (Book Form), electronic version missing., Completed on: 2014-06-06, (Electronic version due on 2014-06-13) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-05-29 | Certificate (on limitations to public access), (Letter Form), Proof of service missing. Received., (Electronic version filed on 2014-05-29) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-05-29 | Respondent's response on the application for leave to appeal, (Book Form), Proof of service missing. Received., Completed on: 2014-05-30, (Electronic version filed on 2014-05-29) | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-04-29 | Letter acknowledging receipt of a complete application for leave to appeal, file opened 2014-04-29. | |
| 2014-04-25 | Certificate (on limitations to public access), (Letter Form), (Printed version filed on 2014-04-25) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-04-24 | Correspondence received from, (Letter Form), Lynne Watt, agent for Counsel for the Respondent, Attorney General of Alberta re: she have been appointed. | Her Majesty the Queen |
| 2014-04-22 | Certificate (on limitations to public access), (Included in the application for leave to appeal), (Electronic version filed on 2014-04-25) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-04-22 | Application for leave to appeal, (Book Form), Second application. Two volumes. Proof of service missing. Received., Completed on: 2014-04-29, (Electronic version filed on 2014-04-25) | Gilles Caron |
| 2014-04-17 | Book of authorities, (Book Form), Proof of service missing. Received., (Electronic version filed on 2014-04-17) | Pierre Boutet |
| 2014-04-17 | Application for leave to appeal, (Book Form), First application. Proof of service missing. Received. New cover., Completed on: 2014-04-24, (Electronic version filed on 2014-04-17) | Pierre Boutet |
Parties
Please note that in the case of closed files, the “Status” column reflects the status of the parties at the time of the proceedings. For more information about the proceedings and about the dates when the file was open, please consult the docket of the case in question.
Main parties
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Caron, Gilles | Appellant | Active |
v.
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Her Majesty the Queen | Respondent | Active |
And Between
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Boutet, Pierre | Appellant | Active |
v.
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Her Majesty the Queen | Respondent | Active |
Other parties
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney General of Canada | Intervener | Active |
| Attorney General for Saskatchewan | Intervener | Active |
| Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre | Intervener | Active |
| Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta | Intervener | Active |
| Commissaire aux langues officielles du Canada | Intervener | Active |
| Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise | Intervener | Active |
| Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc. | Intervener | Active |
Counsel
Party: Boutet, Pierre
Counsel
Allan Damer
Sébastien Grammond
Mark Power
François Larocque
Sébastien Grammond
Mark Power
François Larocque
Mintz Law
10357 - 109th Street
Suite 400
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 1N3
Telephone: (780) 969-3694
FAX: (780) 425-2195
Email: adamer@mintzlaw.ca
10357 - 109th Street
Suite 400
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 1N3
Telephone: (780) 969-3694
FAX: (780) 425-2195
Email: adamer@mintzlaw.ca
Agent
Justin Dubois
Juristes Power
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
Party: Caron, Gilles
Counsel
Roger J.F. Lepage, Q.C.
Francis Poulin
Romain Baudemont
Francis Poulin
Romain Baudemont
Miller Thomson LLP
2103 - 11th Avenue
Suite 600
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 3Z8
Telephone: (306) 347-8330
FAX: (306) 347-8350
Email: rlepage@millerthomson.com
2103 - 11th Avenue
Suite 600
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 3Z8
Telephone: (306) 347-8330
FAX: (306) 347-8350
Email: rlepage@millerthomson.com
Agent
Justin Dubois
Juristes Power
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
Party: Her Majesty the Queen
Counsel
Teresa R. Haykowsky
David D. Risling
Peter P. Taschuk, Q.C.
Randy Steele
David D. Risling
Peter P. Taschuk, Q.C.
Randy Steele
McLennan Ross LLP
600 West Chambers
12220 Stony Plain Road N.W.
Edmonton, Alberta
T5N 3Y4
Telephone: (780) 482-9247
FAX: (780) 482-9101
Email: thaykowsky@mross.com
600 West Chambers
12220 Stony Plain Road N.W.
Edmonton, Alberta
T5N 3Y4
Telephone: (780) 482-9247
FAX: (780) 482-9101
Email: thaykowsky@mross.com
Agent
D. Lynne Watt
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
160 Elgin Street
Suite 2600
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1C3
Telephone: (613) 786-8695
FAX: (613) 788-3509
Email: lynne.watt@gowlingwlg.com
160 Elgin Street
Suite 2600
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1C3
Telephone: (613) 786-8695
FAX: (613) 788-3509
Email: lynne.watt@gowlingwlg.com
Party: Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
Counsel
Mark C. Power
Michel Doucet
François Larocque
Michel Doucet
François Larocque
Juristes Power
1199, rue Hastings Ouest
9e étage
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6E 3T5
Telephone: (604) 265-0340
FAX: (604) 265-0340
Email: mpower@juristespower.ca
1199, rue Hastings Ouest
9e étage
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6E 3T5
Telephone: (604) 265-0340
FAX: (604) 265-0340
Email: mpower@juristespower.ca
Agent
Justin Dubois
Juristes Power
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
Party: Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise
Counsel
Roger J.F. Lepage, Q.C.
Francis P. Poulin
Francis P. Poulin
Miller Thomson LLP
2103 - 11th Avenue
Suite 600
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 3Z8
Telephone: (306) 347-8330
FAX: (306) 347-8350
Email: rlepage@millerthomson.com
2103 - 11th Avenue
Suite 600
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 3Z8
Telephone: (306) 347-8330
FAX: (306) 347-8350
Email: rlepage@millerthomson.com
Agent
Justin Dubois
Juristes Power
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
Party: Attorney General for Saskatchewan
Counsel
Graeme G. Mitchell, Q.C.
Attorney General for Saskatchewan
820-1874 Scarth Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 4B3
Telephone: (306) 787-8385
FAX: (306) 787-9111
Email: graeme.mitchell@gov.sk.ca
820-1874 Scarth Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4P 4B3
Telephone: (306) 787-8385
FAX: (306) 787-9111
Email: graeme.mitchell@gov.sk.ca
Agent
D. Lynne Watt
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
160 Elgin Street
Suite 2600
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1C3
Telephone: (613) 786-8695
FAX: (613) 788-3509
Email: lynne.watt@gowlingwlg.com
160 Elgin Street
Suite 2600
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1C3
Telephone: (613) 786-8695
FAX: (613) 788-3509
Email: lynne.watt@gowlingwlg.com
Party: Attorney General of Canada
Counsel
Alain Préfontaine
Catherine A. Lawrence
Catherine A. Lawrence
Procureur général du Canada
50 O'Connor
Suite 500, Pièce 530
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8
Telephone: (613) 670-6257
FAX: (613) 954-1920
Email: aprefontaine@justice.gc.ca
50 O'Connor
Suite 500, Pièce 530
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8
Telephone: (613) 670-6257
FAX: (613) 954-1920
Email: aprefontaine@justice.gc.ca
Agent
Christopher M. Rupar
Attorney General of Canada
50 O'Connor Street, Suite 500, Room 557
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8
Telephone: (613) 670-6290
FAX: (613) 954-1920
Email: christopher.rupar@justice.gc.ca
50 O'Connor Street, Suite 500, Room 557
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8
Telephone: (613) 670-6290
FAX: (613) 954-1920
Email: christopher.rupar@justice.gc.ca
Party: Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord No. 2 and Denis Lefebvre
Counsel
Kevin P. Feehan, Q.C.
Anna Loparco
Anna Loparco
Dentons Canada LLP
2900, 10180 - 101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 3V5
Telephone: (780) 423-7330
FAX: (780) 423-7276
2900, 10180 - 101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 3V5
Telephone: (780) 423-7330
FAX: (780) 423-7276
Agent
K. Scott McLean
Dentons Canada LLP
1420 - 99 Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1H4
Telephone: (613) 783-9600
FAX: (613) 783-9690
Email: scott.mclean@dentons.com
1420 - 99 Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 1H4
Telephone: (613) 783-9600
FAX: (613) 783-9690
Email: scott.mclean@dentons.com
Party: Commissaire aux langues officielles du Canada
Counsel
Kevin Shaar
Christine Ruest Norrena
Christine Ruest Norrena
Commissariat aux langues officielles du Canada
30, rue Victoria
6ième étage
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0T8
Telephone: (819) 420-4864
FAX: (819) 420-4837
Email: kevin.shaar@ocol-clo.gc.ca
30, rue Victoria
6ième étage
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0T8
Telephone: (819) 420-4864
FAX: (819) 420-4837
Email: kevin.shaar@ocol-clo.gc.ca
Party: Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc.
Counsel
Nicolas M. Rouleau
720 Brock Ave.
Toronto, Ontario
M6H 3P2
Telephone: (416) 885-1361
FAX: (888) 850-1306
Email: rouleaun@gmail.com
Toronto, Ontario
M6H 3P2
Telephone: (416) 885-1361
FAX: (888) 850-1306
Email: rouleaun@gmail.com
Agent
Justin Dubois
Juristes Power
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
130, rue Albert
Bureau 1103
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5G4
Telephone: (613) 702-5560
FAX: (613) 702-5560
Email: jdubois@juristespower.ca
Summary
Keywords
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Summary
Case summaries are prepared by the Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada (Law Branch). Please note that summaries are not provided to the Judges of the Court. They are placed on the Court file and website for information purposes only.
Constitutional law - Language guarantees - Right to publication - Scope of Rupert’s Land and North-Western Territory Order, June 23, 1870, R.S.C. 1985, App. II, No. 9 - Appellants charged with offences under Traffic Safety Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. T-6, Alberta statute enacted in English only - At trial, appellants arguing that Traffic Safety Act unconstitutional because it not enacted in English and in French - At conclusion of trial, Alberta Provincial Court judge ruling in appellants’ favour and declaring that 1870 Order imposed obligation on Legislative Assembly of Alberta to enact legislation in English and in French - That decision set aside by Court of Queen’s Bench in judgment that subsequently affirmed by Court of Appeal - Whether Languages Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. L-6, is ultra vires or inoperative insofar as it abrogates constitutional duty owed by Alberta to enact, print and publish its laws and regulations in English and in French in accordance, inter alia, with 1870 Order - If answer to question 1 is affirmative, whether Traffic Safety Act and any other laws and regulations that have not been enacted, printed and published in French are inoperative.
The appellant Pierre Boutet was charged with an offence under the Traffic Safety Act, an Alberta statute enacted in English only. At trial, he argued that the Act was unconstitutional because it had not been enacted in English and in French. Mr. Boutet’s case was joined to that of Gilles Caron, which raised the same issues. At the conclusion of a trial lasting nearly 90 days, Judge Wenden of the Alberta Provincial Court ruled in favour of Mr. Boutet and Mr. Caron and declared that the Royal Proclamation of 1869 and the 1870 Order imposed an obligation on the Legislative Assembly of Alberta to enact legislation in English and in French. That decision was set aside by the Court of Queen’s Bench in a judgment that was subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
Lower court rulings
July 2, 2008
Provincial Court of Alberta
040241291P1, 2008 ABPC 232
Provincial Court of Alberta
040241291P1, 2008 ABPC 232
Pierre Boutet and Gilles Caron acquitted
December 17, 2009
Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta
040241291S4, 2009 ABQB 745
Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta
040241291S4, 2009 ABQB 745
Appeal allowed and acquittals of Pierre Boutet and Gilles Caron set aside
February 21, 2014
Court of Appeal of Alberta (Edmonton)
1003-0016-A, 1003-0017-A, 2014 ABCA 71
Court of Appeal of Alberta (Edmonton)
1003-0016-A, 1003-0017-A, 2014 ABCA 71
Appeals dismissed
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Date modified: 2025-02-27