On March 1, 2021, The Children’s Law Act, 2020 (the “CLA”) came into force. The CLA amended the criteria for the best interests of the child analysis, directing the courts to more effectively consider family violence as a factor when determining decision-making responsibilities and parenting time.

The relevant sections of the CLA for determining an appropriate parenting order are sections 10(1) through 10(4), which now specifically require the court to take into consideration any family violence including the nature, seriousness and frequency of violence, the harm or risk of harm to the child and the pattern of this behaviour, amongst other factors. 

Allegations of domestic violence are present in a significant number of applications before the court. However, more often than not, the alleged abuser categorically denies the allegations. The issue of who to believe and what weight to attribute to the allegations has been a common issue in family law. With the new amendments to the CLA, these issues are, once again, front and center.

Since the CLA came into force several cases have come before the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench addressing this issue. In Juraville v Armstrong, 2021 SKQB 73, the mother and father both alleged physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of the other and denied, absolutely and completely, the version told by the other. Mr. Justice Megaw performed an in-depth analysis of how the court considers contradictory evidence of domestic violence in light of decision making and parenting, stating:

The real question, therefore, is not whether particular events, or any events, did or did not happen. Those may be determined in a trial, or they may remain undetermined. The focus of the court now must be on, and remain on, the best interests of these children and how to safely structure parenting in view of what is being alleged. The allegations of violence and abuse must, of course, be considered in determining these best interests. Such consideration is done not from a perspective of punishing the alleged abuser, or any party. It is important to keep in mind, by addressing the allegations of violence and abuse and by inserting protections, the court is not to be seen as having made findings of fact regarding these allegations.
 

Ultimately, despite the significant allegations of domestic violence, Mr. Justice Megaw determined that the concerns regarding allegations of violence could be addressed by ensuring the parties did not interact on a personal level and that the evidence did not support a conclusion that the children’s best interests would prevent parenting time with either the mother or father.

In a similar decision, DW v EO, 2021 SKQB 157, both parents alleged domestic violence was inflicted by the other and adamantly denied they were the perpetrator of any abuse. Despite the allegations, Madam Justice Richmond determined that it was still in the child’s best interests to have a shared parenting arrangement to facilitate the relationship between the child and both parents. This, despite the fact that both parents alleged family violence, demonstrated an unwillingness to cooperate with the other regarding the care of the child with violence and arguments continuing to occur in front of the child and a high level of anger and animosity towards each other.

While it is now a legislative requirement through the CLA for the court to consider domestic violence when analyzing the best interests of the child, it is still only one of many factors for the court to consider in a highly subjective analysis. Based on recent case law, the presence of domestic violence, particularly where the violence has not been inflicted on the child, appears to have minimal impact on the best interests of the child analysis.

Lately we have been spending much more time in our homes than usual. With homes and finances at the forefront of many household conversations, here is a list of 6 things you can do to improve both your home and your finances. 

Don't pay so much toward the higher-interest debt that you risk defaulting on mortgage payments. Yes, credit cards can be expensive, and the issuer may take legal action if you default on card payments. But defaulting on mortgage payments can be an even bigger risk because you could lose your home.

Owning a home comes with many responsibilities and expenses, some that you can plan for in advance, like property taxes, and some that just pop up unexpectedly. If you haven’t already started saving for those unexpected expenses in an emergency fund or rainy-day fund, the new year is a great time to start! Saving any amount is beneficial in an emergency, but about 3 to 6-month’s salary is usually recommended. A high-interest savings account is a good place for your emergency fund. You’ll still be able to earn interest on your savings, and it’s not entirely locked away in case you need to access the funds quickly.

For some people, work-from-home measures may be in place indefinitely. The lines between your personal and professional life may be blurred during this time. The best way to keep firm boundaries is by trying to maintain a similar routine to when you’re in the office. Ensure you set boundaries to limit overtime work, always take breaks throughout the day, and log off your work computer at the usual end of the workday.

We live in Saskatchewan, so there's no avoiding heating and cooling costs, and they will only rise as time goes on. Whatever you can do to make your property more energy-efficient is a worthwhile investment! It also makes it more attractive when you decide to sell. 

For tech-savvy homeowners, making your home more energy-efficient with smart thermostats or programmable LED lights can be fun! Even if technology isn’t your thing, minor fixes around the house can help make your home more energy-efficient and save you money. Here are a few things to add to your list:

• Seal all air leaks around windows and doors
• Use cold water or energy-saving settings for washing machines and dishwashers
• Unplug devices and appliances when not in use
• Lower your thermostat while you’re away from home or in less-used areas of your home
• Install a low-flow showerhead
• Opt for energy-efficient window treatments like honeycomb shades

Depending on how much you still owe on your mortgage, paying it off may be daunting but don’t be discouraged. Even small steps now can help you become mortgage-free sooner. Start by increasing your regular payments. For example, instead of purchasing a takeout dinner, put that extra $50 towards your monthly mortgage payment. Keep that up for a year, and you’ve already put an additional $600 towards your mortgage and, over five years, an additional $3,000.

Another simple way to pay your mortgage off faster is to put any additional or unexpected income towards your mortgage. That can be anything like funds from a tax return, a bonus from work or inheritance. Before you make any pre-payments, double-check your mortgage pre-payment options with your mortgage lender so you don’t exceed your allowable limits.

WINMAR® Regina Making a Difference.

WINMAR® is dedicated to operating and growing our business as a responsible corporate citizen, committed to our communities and to sound environmental management.

We’re committed to working towards smaller, fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles and completing environmental assessments of our facilities and operations. Reducing the amount of debris sent to landfills is one of our focuses.

Working together with our industry partners and members of the restoration specialist community, we’re taking responsible steps to ensure the planet and its resources are healthy for the next generations.

Esporta® Cleaning System

The ES-3300 Esporta Wash System is more than just a washing machine. It’s an innovative washing system using a patented system of hydraulic pressure cleaning combined with environmentally friendly detergents to effectively disinfect soft contents. Esporta is used for numerous situations including fire/smoke contamination, sewage contamination and flood contamination. Shoes, outerwear and even sporting equipment can be rescued. Treasured family items that would have previously been destined for a landfill can be returned to their rightful place in your home.

Fireline Cleaning Equipment

WINMAR® is proud to implement the FIRELINE SYSTEM® for the processing of contents. This amazing new technology has changed the way hard contents and electronic items are restored. With the use of ultrasonic waves, items can be efficiently and economically cleaned. Valuable items like figurines, dishes, and silverware can now be safely returned. Electronics and appliances built with hard plastics that don’t break down are less likely to be sent to a landfill.

Our commitment for the future includes our Winmar Sustainability Policy. We use revolutionary technology that helps ensure your precious and personal items can be returned to their home where they belong. Not the landfills

WINMAR Regina's experienced and certified staff provide full-service restoration for all types of loss;

• Flood/water, 
• Fire 
• Asbestos
• Wind, Hail and Disaster
• Mould

With their 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year service they always come through for you.

WINMAR IS A TRUSTED REGINA DISASTER SERVICES & REGINA GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Household projects have a tendency to drag on. Distractions and busy schedules lead to delays. And work seems never to get completed. Hiring a professional can eliminate the stress of a never-ending project.

Professionals will take care of all of your project prep work. They will handle the measuring and steps to get the surface ready for installing the boards. You won’t have to worry about the tedious tasks of gathering supplies. Or the time-consuming trips back and forth to the home improvement store.

Drywall installers work under a contract. You can work together to agree on an appropriate time frame with them to complete your job. And you can set milestones in a contract for large jobs to make sure the work gets completed at a steady pace. Pros want to complete a job and get paid on time just as much as you want the work done quickly.

Professional contractors often work in teams. This makes them much more efficient than an individual. And if they have worked together often, they often have their installation method down to a surprisingly quick science.

4. You’ll Get Sturdy and Long-Lasting Results

With the investment you are making in your drywall, you want the job done proficiently. You don’t want to be making repairs or replacing sheets because of poor installation. A professional can guarantee a sturdy install that will stand the test of time.

Mounting drywall incorrectly can lead to big problems. It can cause the weakening of the entire wall. And it will leave the area unstable and likely to suffer major damage from even normal wear and tear. Poorly installed drywall can be damaged by even minor things like hanging photo frames.

Using the correct technique is important for long-term stability. Professionals are aware of the best techniques to attach drywall boards to tough surfaces like concrete. And know which anchors or screws will work best for each job. This ensures that you will have a solid surface that will stay adhered to the wall.

5. Drywall Pros Create A Seamless Look

The most important part of any drywall installation is finishing. Creating a smooth and seamless wall can be a tough task. You want your walls to look even, polished, and professionally done.

Drywall boards are made to fit together at the edges. But inevitably, a small crack will remain visible between each pair of neighbouring boards. A good drywall installer has a solid seam filling technique to eliminate this. These seams must be taped and covered with a thin layer of drywall mud using a precise method to make them invisible.

The composite materials that make up drywall boards give them a rough texture. This has to be eliminated to ensure a flawless-looking paint job. Your drywall installer will make sure your boards are perfectly prepped.

Any nicks or dents in the wall will be carefully and expertly repaired. Your professional will have a system to make sure the full surface is checked. They will sand the entire wall to a smooth surface. They will also take care of removing dust from the boards, so they are ready to be primed and painted.

6. Drywall Pros Guarantee Their Work

Having a relationship with a drywall professional is helpful long term. One of the most important reasons to hire an installer is that they usually guarantee their work. They also may be willing to give you a good deal should you damage the wall and need repairs on the wall. And they will be more likely to work with you if you have another project in the future.

2. BE SMART

 5. INSTALL A SMART SECURITY SYSTEM

 6. INSTALL SMART CAMERAS