Choose a topic below to see a selection of our podcasts and videos.
Artists' Legal Info Podcasts
Law LISNS to Artists: Copyright law for Musicians
Over two episodes co-hosts Meghan Recker and Carleigh MacKenzie chat with Matthew Gorman, an entertainment lawyer based in Halifax, NS, about copyright, music contracts, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), catalogue acquisitions, great practical tips and other legal issues for musicians. Gorman is working on updating his Legal Guide for Musicians. Listen to learn about some of the basic legal ideas every musician should know about.
Resources for Artists talked about in the episode
- The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada
- Canadian Music Reproduction Rights Agency
- Sound Exchange
- “Presented With a Music Contract? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions” – by Matthew Gorman
To contact Matthew Gorman
- Contact page on https://www.oceantownmusic.ca/
- Social media: @oceantownmusic
LawLISNS are short legal information podcasts presented by the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS-pronounced 'listens'). LawLISNS talk about everyday legal problems in Nova Scotia, your rights and responsibilities, and ways to work things out.
Thank you to Dalhousie University's Schulich School of Law for supporting law student Meghan Recker's summer 2022 placement with LISNS.
The law and information talked about in this episode were current as of September 2022. Laws change, so check with LISNS or a lawyer to see if the law has changed since then. LISNS podcasts explain the law in a general way as it applies in Nova Scotia, Canada. The information is not intended as legal advice. If you have a legal problem, contact a lawyer for advice about what steps you should take in your situation.
Conversion Therapy*: Surviors Speak
Join us in rich and informative conversations with survivors of conversion therapy* who courageously share their voices and stories with host Shila LeBlanc. Learn more about the harms and impacts of conversion therapy* with many stories originating right here in Nova Scotia.
Ian’s Story
Learn about Ian’s experience of conversion therapy* both within himself and within a religious setting. Ian was subjected to conversion therapy* for nearly 50 years, until he found the courage to start anew and begin his healing journey. Ian shares with us the challenges of escaping communities entrenched in harmful views, and is now looking to therapeutically support others who have suffered from the harms of conversion therapy*.
N’s Story
This episode dives into the complexities of healing from the harm of conversion therapy*. Learn about N’s personal experiences and also their professional understanding of the challenges of healing trauma arising from conversion therapy*. N is a rabbi with Reform Judaism and offers specialized therapy to those seeking affirming faith spaces. N sheds light on what inclusive faith spaces mean to them.
Julie’s Story
This episode explores conversion therapy* within families, institutions, and communities. Julie experienced both subtle and explicit pressure to change who they were throughout their upbringing. It was in fact this project that supported Julie in realizing that they too had been subjected to this kind of harm. Julie shares with us their wish for people to embody their truths and explores the cultural messaging that excludes queer folks.
Veronica’s Story
This episode explores the personal impacts of conversion therapy* in a familial and religious setting, as well as what it means to do advocacy work as a survivor. Veronica was and continues to be a public voice calling for meaningful action to prevent, address, and respond to the harms of conversion therapy*, especially from a survivor lens. She shares with us what the ban means to her and what challenges remain in preventing and addressing this kind of harm.
Robert’s Story
This episode explores the harms of conversion therapy* in religious spaces. Robert was subjected to conversion therapy* for most of his upbringing in the context of a small, religious town in Nova Scotia. After finding the courage to move away from his family and community so he could live freely as a gay man, he searched for faith spaces that allowed him to be himself. Robert found this space, and is a strong believer in the power of healing within gender-inclusive faith spaces.
Jordan’s Story
This episode examines the work of survivor advocacy efforts to bring healing to those impacted by the harms of converstion therapy*. Jordan, who himself is a survivor of conversion therapy*, works at the Community-Based Research Center as the SOGIECE/CP* Prevention & Survivor Support Coordinator for the Community-Based Research Centre. He shares with us the challenges and potentials ahead when it comes to addressing this harm, and supporting those impacted to move forward in good ways.
Cultural Competence Videos
These resources are intended to help anyone who serves the public, including lawyers, address sexual harassment complaints and understand various issues that affect clients who are navigating workplace sexual harassment.
Best Practices when Working with Trans and Non-Binary Clients
In this video, presenter Shae Morse speaks about common barriers and issues that trans and non-binary people face when accessing legal help. Shae provides concrete tips for how you can make your legal practice a safer and more inclusive space for clients across the gender binary.
Best Practices when Working with African Nova Scotian Clients.
Restorative Approaches Learning Hub
Restorative approaches offer us a shift in our understanding of justice. While Indigenous communities have always understood the value of this way of being and working, settler spaces are increasingly adopting and adapting these ways of working into their organizations. We hope to expand awareness and understanding of these powerful alternatives to traditional justice processes.
This section is devoted to educational content related to restorative approaches and restorative justice. Learn how to incorporate a restorative approach into your practice or service provision, explore the potentials of this method in cases of workplace sexual harassment, and deepen your understanding of this lens.
Restorative Approaches Podcasts
Sexual Harassment at Work: Restorative Justice
Episode 3: Connected Workspaces, Even in Difference
Host Shila LeBlanc speaks to peacebuilder and conflict facilitator Maureen St Clair about how to nurture connected workplaces while holding space for the differences between us. Maureen gives us insight into what it means to cultivate our capacity to connect with others, even those we disagree with.
Episode 2: The Potential of Restorative Investigations
Host Shila LeBlanc speaks to restorative advocate and expert Jake MacIsaac about restorative investigations and how this way of working shifts traditional processes for the better. Learn about the value of this principled approach in instances of workplace sexual harassment.
Episode 1: Where does Restorative Justice Fit?
Host Shila LeBlanc speaks to distinguished restorative expert Jennifer Llewellyn about the potentials of the restorative model in cases of workplace sexual harassment. Learn about what this principled approach has to offer for harmful situations in the workplace.
Restorative Approaches Educational Videos
Learn about the benefits of restorative approaches and how to employ them in your practice. Shila provides concrete and practical guidance to support legal counsel and service providers in employing restorative approaches in their working relationships.
VIDEO 1:
Understanding Restorative Approaches: This video provides a useful overview of what "restorative" actually means and where this approach fits into justice services today. Join Shila as she reviews the foundations and principles of this method, giving you clear information on what qualities and conditions create restorative working relationships with colleagues and clients (and family and community). Learn about the differences between restorative justice and restorative approaches and how the restorative lens differs from traditional justice frameworks.
VIDEO 2:
Working Restoratively: This video provides concrete and practical information on how to work with clients in a restorative way, especially for those who are victims of workplace sexual harassment. Join Shila as she gives you tips and tricks on how to have a restorative first meeting with clients. Learn how to support your client as they navigate complex legal processes.
About the Instructor
Shila LeBlanc (Shy-la, she/her pronouns) is a queer settler and practitioner of restorative facilitation and restorative justice. Her mission is to expand awareness and access to restorative methods given their powerful potential for justice and healing in micro and macro ways. She founded Restorative Approach which offers restorative conflict services as well as restorative education for organizations and individuals. She has worked as a caseworker in restorative justice, as an investigator at the NS Human Rights Commission, and specializes in conflict resolution. She is frequently involved in community projects, loves volunteering, and facilitates the KAIROS Blanket Exercise as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. You can reach her at [email protected]
Restorative Approaches Resource List
pdf Download this Resource List (61 KB) in pdf.
Resources on Indigenous roots of restorative approaches:
- University of Queens research reading list for Indigenous Peoples and restorative justice
- Decolonizing Indigenous Restorative Justice is Possible - Research by John George Hansen
- International Institute for Restorative Practices: Restorative Justice Practices of Native American and Other Indigenous People of North American Part 1
- International Institute for Restorative Practices: Restorative Justice Practices of Native American and Other Indigenous People of North American Part 2
International resources for restorative approaches:
- International Institute for Restorative Practices
- Short 2 minute video on restorative practices (from International Institute for Restorative Practices)
Restorative approaches in NS:
Restorative justice in NS:
Last updated: Sept 2021
Family Law
NS Family Law new & improved website!
In Episode 7 host Kiara Gibbons chats with Natasha Matthews, Coordinator, Policy & Compliance, Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Court Services, about the April 1, 2022 launch of the refreshed, renewed and improved NS family law information website: nsfamilylaw.ca Listen to learn about some of the new features of the site and easier ways to find family law information, and then check out the new nsfamilylaw.ca site!
Family law resources mentioned in this episode:
To contact nsfamilylaw.ca
- nsfamilylaw.ca website survey
- Social media: @nsfamilylaw
- Contact Us page on nsfamilylaw.ca
- [email protected]
Other resources talked about in the episode
- Family Law Information Centres at the Supreme Court Family Division in Halifax and Sydney. Visit nsfamilylaw.ca for more information
- Courts of Nova Scotia
Getting legal advice
If you cannot pay a lawyer:
A lawyer you would pay:
- your employee assistance program (EAP) may provide referrals to lawyers
- Lawyer Referral Service (Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia)
- Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society online directory of lawyers in Nova Scotia
- Other ways to find a lawyer
For help in French:
- Email the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia any time at [email protected].
- Call the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia’s Legal Information Telephone Line on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons at 902-455-3135 or 1-800-665-9779.
- Make an appointment with Access Justice
Nova Scotia Legal Aid, family law services & COVID-19
In Episode 5 Nova Scotia Legal Aid lawyer Paul Stordy talks about Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s services, challenges and changes in family law services resulting from COVID-19, and gives tips for child-focused parenting during COVID-19 and beyond.
In Episode 6 hosts Meg and Kiara continue their talk with Nova Scotia Legal Aid lawyer Paul Stordy, covering: child or spousal support and steps to consider if the payor’s income is reduced for reasons beyond their control, such as due to COVID-19; COVID-19’s impact on the divorce process; and options and support for people experiencing intimate partner violence. Meg and Kiara wrap up by reflecting on their chat with Paul, the general impact of COVID-19 on family law, what resonated with them, and some wise words from Meg's mom!
Understanding Changes to Canada's Divorce Act made March 1, 2021
Lawyer Shelley Hounsell-Gray, Q.C. talks about changes to Canada's Divorce Act that became law on March 1, 2021.
In Episode 3 Shelley covers who the Divorce Act applies to, new parenting language, best interest factors, the impact of family violence, and new duties for parents, legal advisers and courts.
In Episode 4 Shelley covers
- alternative dispute resolution, including settlement conferences with a judge
- moves that significantly affect the child’s relationship with the other parent (relocations)
- highlights of key practical changes to the law.
Family Law Basics
LISNS Legal Information Counsellor Nicholas LeBlanc talks about family law basics, including parenting language and where to start to get family law help.
Find Family Law Information & Help
Can't find what you’re looking for? Go to nsfamilylaw.ca
More legal information about family law in Nova Scotia
- Contact us by telephone (Legal Information Line), email, or live chat to connect with a legal information counsellor and get free family law information
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid offers family law live chat on its website on Tuesdays from 3 pm to 5 pm
- Justice Canada Family Law Information
- The Court Services Division of Nova Scotia’s Department of Justice operates Family Law Information Centres at the Supreme Court–Family Division in both Halifax and Sydney. Visit nsfamilylaw.ca for more information.
- A website called CANLII offers free access to Canadian laws and court decisions. You can also find Nova Scotia laws on the Nova Scotia Legislature website at nslegislature.ca and court information and procedures on the Nova Scotia Court website at www.courts.ns.ca
- Francophone Nova Scotians can get help from l’Association des juristes d'expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
To find a lawyer who does family law, you can
- ask a friend or family member for a referral
- contact your local Nova Scotia Legal Aid office at: http://www.nslegalaid.ca/contact.php
- contact law firms in your community that do family law
- contact your employee assistance program or union if you have one
- go to nsfamilylaw.ca, the page on getting legal advice
- contact a women’s centre and ask if they can suggest a referral
- go to Lawyers and Legal Help for more ways to find a lawyer.
If you cannot pay a lawyer
Your lawyer may accept alternative billing arrangements, or may be willing to just work on part of your case.
If you have no extra money, but you and your spouse own property, such as a home, investments, or RRSPs, some lawyers may agree to be paid at the end of your case, when you receive your share of the family property.
Also, some lawyers may consider helping you with just part of your legal issue. For example, they might prepare an affidavit or examine a witness in court. This is sometimes called providing “unbundled” or “limited scope retainer” legal services. Go here for more information about how lawyers charge for their work.
You may qualify for Nova Scotia Legal Aid.
Contact your local Nova Scotia Legal Aid office for information about Legal Aid’s services: nslegalaid.ca/legal-aid-offices/, and ways to apply for Nova Scotia Legal Aid: http://www.nslegalaid.ca/apply.php. You can also apply for Legal Aid online, at nslegalaid.ca/onlineapplication.php. Check your local directory for the addresses and telephone numbers of legal aid offices across Nova Scotia, listed under [“Legal Aid” in the white pages and government section of the telephone book, or visit Nova Scotia Legal Aid’s website at: www.nslegalaid.ca
Summary advice lawyers can help with some family law issues.
You can make an appointment to meet with a Nova Scotia Legal Aid summary advice lawyer at the court. You do not have to qualify for Nova Scotia Legal Aid to use this service. The summary advice lawyers provide brief, basic legal advice free of charge. Go to https://www.nsfamilylaw.ca/legal-advice-information for information.
You can represent yourself.
If you decide to represent yourself, you should still ask a lawyer to review the forms before you file them with the court, if possible.
Hosts:
Meghan Luft and Kiara Gibbons, Dalhousie Schulich School of Law students
Podcast guests:
Nicholas LeBlanc, Legal Information Counsellor, Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
Shelley Hounsell-Gray, Q.C., lawyer
Paul Stordy, Nova Scotia Legal Aid lawyer
Natasha Matthews, Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Court Services, Coordinator, Policy & Compliance
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Justice Canada for funding support for our family law podcasts.
LawLISNS are short legal information podcasts presented by the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS - pronounced “listens”). LawLISNS talk about everyday legal problems in Nova Scotia, your rights and responsibilities, and ways to work things out.
Guide for Girls
The fourth edition of Guide for Girls was developed by the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia, and published by the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women. This guide celebrates the journey that all Nova Scotia girls and youth take while growing up. This is a guide to growing up, a resource to ensure that you feel supported in every step of your journey.
Information for Youth
Investor Rights Guide
Newcomer Nuggets
Investor Stories
Top 10 Takeaways
Plan Ahead: Wills and Estates Videos
Personal Directive, Power of Attorney and Will: Introduction
Why you need a Personal Directive: Introduction
Plan Ahead: Making a Personal Directive and using the free Personal Directive App (30 minutes)
Why you need a Power of Attorney
Why you need a Will
Representing Yourself Videos
Civil Litigation
Small Claims Court: Self Advocacy Series
Videos to help you with Small Claims Court
These short videos help you with starting a claim and preparing a defence, knowing what evidence to gather and present, tips for being as prepared as possible, and what to do after you receive a judgement. Using the Small Claims Court App, and watching these videos, you will be well prepared to navigate the small claims court process.
Self Advocacy 101 - Introduction
Self Advocacy 101 - Top Tips
Self Advocacy 101 - The Claim
Self Advocacy 101 - Evidence
Self Advocacy 101 - Secrets Revealed - Part 1
Self Advocacy 101 - Secrets Revealed - Part 2
Self Advocacy 101 - After Judgment
More Information
A litigation lawyer provides helpful hints for people representing themselves at court in this pdf Self Advocacy Guide - Edition 1(1.07 MB)
Here is a series of longer videos that further explain the Self-Advocacy Guide.
We have lots of other resources for Representing Yourself, including our Small Claims Court App.
Family Law
Child Protection Videos and Info Booklet
Child protection matters are very serious. It is essential that you get legal advice. Contact Nova Scotia Legal Aid or a lawyer in private practice to get help.
If your children have been taken into protective custody, this is a difficult time for you and your family. These videos and the information booklet can answer many of your questions. With the help of a lawyer, and the right attitude, you can work towards getting your children back, or to keeping them in your home if being supervised by the agency. Watch all seven chapters in order. Later, you can watch the chapter that’s about the next step you’re about to take in the court process.
View the videos in English.
View the videos in Mi’kmaq.
Read the information booklet:
In English: What you need to know when Child Protection takes your children into care
In Mi'kmaq: Ta'n nuta'q +kjijitun ta'n tujiw lkalkewaq wesua'la'tiji kinijink anko'tasinu
This video and the booklet will answer some of your questions:
- What has happened?
- Where are your children?
- When can you see them?
- What can you do to make sure your family stays together?
- Important:
- This video is for adults.
- Do not watch it with your children.
- Watch it with your lawyer, a social worker, or a support person.
- Ask questions and get help as you go through the child protection process.
Go to nsfamilylaw.ca for more information about Child Protection.
The video was produced with the collaboration of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court Family Division, Executive Office of the Nova Scotia Judiciary, Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Nova Scotia Department of Community Services, Nova Scotia Department of Justice, with funding from The Law Foundation of Ontario. While financially supported by The Law Foundation of Ontario, the views expressed in this video production do not necessarily reflect the views of The Foundation.
Family Justice Video Series
Youtube Channel
For more videos, please check our YouTube channel.
Last upload: August 2023