In The News

Did the anti-immigrant protest in St. Albert, Alberta last month constitutes a “hate crime”? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir asks Kyla Lee (Acumen Law) to explain what is – and isn’t – a “hate crime”, legally speaking. And, it’s complicated.

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This is VANCOLOUR – Kyla’s Court: Is the “Elon salute” a hate crime?Read More »

A B.C. small business owner with stores in Vancouver and Toronto says she no longer reports crimes to the police and is relying solely on social media to hold criminals accountable.

Security cameras at CityLux Boutique in downtown Vancouver have captured repeated smashed windows, shoplifting and even a brazen daylight couch theft during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Kyla Lee on Global News: ‘I will make you famous’: Retailer turns to social media to track down shopliftersRead More »

In December 2022, Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre wrote in a National Post op-ed, “People struggling with addiction belong in treatment, not prison.” Last week, he unashamedly called for many of those same people to be imprisoned for life.

It was a stunning culmination of Poilievre’s opposition to drug decriminalization and harm reduction policies, including supervised consumption sites (which Poilievre referred to as “drug dens”) and prescribed alternative drug programs.

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Kyla Lee in The Tyee: Pierre Poilievre’s Pipe Dream: Imprison Drug Users for LifeRead More »

Ruby Punzalan was on shift as an area manager at a North Vancouver A&W last March when a car in the drive-thru hit the restaurant. The impact splashed burning hot oil from the deep fryer all over her face and body.

“I almost died,” said Punzalan. “I spent three weeks in ICU with the life support and almost one month in burn recovery.”

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Kyla Lee on CTV News: A&W manager who suffered life-changing burns when car hit the restaurant can’t sue driverRead More »

Delivery and rideshare workers and advocates are urging the B.C. government to review its distracted driving laws following a B.C. Supreme Court ruling that determined accepting a delivery order on a phone while driving is illegal.

The case involved Vancouver-based Uber Eats driver Vasu Subhashbhai Virda, who was ticketed on July 31, 2024, for tapping his phone to accept a delivery order while driving.

Virda testified that he had tapped the screen once to accept a delivery offer through the Uber Eats app, which he said he had to respond to within five seconds.

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Kyla Lee on CBC News: Gig workers want change after B.C. court rules accepting orders amounts to distracted drivingRead More »

Canada’s politicians are completely divided on how to navigate Trump’s tariff threats. They’re disagreeing, while we’re suffering. Plus, should gig workers be allowed to use their phones while driving? Legal clarification is desperately needed! Finally, we’ll talk about a shocking reality—Canadians are now less than $200 away from not being to pay their bills!

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Kyla on The Mike Smyth Show: Politicians divided over Trump, Clarifying distracted driving laws, & Canada’s affordability crisis!Read More »

Vancouverites planning on balcony makeovers may want to consider how the changes will impact their neighbours.

While the City of Vancouver doesn’t have specific regulations focused on decorations or conduct on patios or balconies, it does have bylaws concerning how patio decorations and furniture impact neighbours. 

Residents must also consider their specific building’s rules regarding what they may have. 

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Kyla Lee in Vancouver Is Awesome: Are some things illegal to have on your balcony in Vancouver?Read More »

A retired firefighter who suffered significant injuries after being hit by a car while cycling says due to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) no-fault insurance system, he’s not getting the care he needs.

On May 16, 2023, Wakefield was hit by a vehicle while riding his ebike in Vernon, B.C., leaving him with multiple broken ribs, a broken scapula, a broken collar bone, and a concussion.

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Kyla Lee on Global News: ICBC discontinues Vernon senior’s care after he was hit by vehicle in 2023Read More »