Research Reports

On this page we have gathered a selection of findings from projects and organizations that study various legal issues.


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

Alberta Resources

The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) has released this second report on the working and living conditions of foreign workers in Alberta. Entrenching Exploitation updates and expands upon the first report, documenting serious exploitation and abuse at the hands of employers and the government. This PDF (44 pages, 2009) is available for free download.

Related legal topic(s): Research reports and institutes, Temporary foreign workers

This qualitative study was led by Dr. Julie Macfarlane of the University of Windsor. The goal was to develop data on the experience of self-represented litigants in three Canadian provinces: Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. The study data illustrates a range of negative consequences experienced by SRL’s as a result of representing themselves. Preliminary Recommendations based on these findings are included at the end of this Report. This 147 page PDF is available for free download.

Related legal topic(s): Research reports and institutes, Self-representation

Canada/Federal

Prepared by Professor Michael Jackson, QC and Graham Stewart, former Executive Director of the John Howard Society of Canada, this report is a critical review of the policy paper on the Correctional Service of Canada released publicly in December 2007. (PDF – 236 pages, 2009)

Related legal topic(s): Corrections, Public safety, Research reports and institutes

The Canadian Human Rights Commission commissioned this research project to examine past legal assessments of accommodation for environmental sensitivities, including how third parties may be involved and the relevance of buildings codes and standards. This report concludes by providing descriptions of best practices in relation to accommodation of environmental sensitivities and principles of universal design.  This 44-page PDF is available for free download. (2007)

Related legal topic(s): General health law and policy, Human rights, Workers' health and safety

The research for this White Paper, prepared for the Association of Canadian Court Administrators, has revealed an important service gap that exists in the Canadian justice system in terms of what self-represented litigants (SRLs) need and what is currently being provided. While the entire justice system has a role to play in understanding and addressing this question, the primary focus of this White Paper is on courts and court administrators (and related services) and their specific approach to SRLs and their legal needs. The report makes eight recommendations. This PDF (104 pages, 2012) is available for free download.

Related legal topic(s): Research reports and institutes, Self-representation

This index provides bibliographic access to materials associated with more than 200 federal Royal Commissions that have taken place since Confederation. There are approximately 7000 items in the index that includes commission reports, briefs, submissions, evidence, working papers and other documents.

Related legal topic(s): Law libraries, Research reports and institutes

The Treaty Making in Canada section of the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) website includes resources on over 70 historical treaties negotiated with First Nations between 1701 and 1923, including historical research reports, images, maps, and bibliographies.

Related legal topic(s): Aboriginal law, Legal history, Research reports and institutes

International

Each year, UNICEF’s flagship publication, The State of the World's Children, closely examines a key issue affecting children. The report includes supporting data and statistics and is available in French and Spanish language versions.

Related legal topic(s): Homelessness, Poverty, Statistics