Biography
Fiona is an Associate at Carbert Waite LLP. Prior to attending law school, Fiona had a lengthy career as a registered nurse, in which she worked primarily in the post-anesthesia care unit. Fiona has worked as a nurse in Scotland, Saudi Arabia, and Canada.
Fiona’s legal practice focuses on health law, including providing advice to health professionals on college issues and medical malpractice defence.
She remains actively involved with the University of Calgary Faculty of Law and enjoys providing mentorship to students. During her graduate studies Fiona provided teaching assistance in the areas of Conflicts of Laws, and Employment Law. She is also involved with the University of Calgary mooting program and assists with organizing the William McGillivray Moot Shield Competition and the Bennett Jones Cup in Health Law Advocacy competition.
Fiona is currently completing her Master of Laws through the University of Calgary, with a focus in Health Law.
Education
- J.D., University of Calgary (2018)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing, Robert Gordon University, Scotland (1996)
Professional Memberships
- Law Society of Alberta (2019)
- Canadian Bar Association
- Association of Women Lawyers
- College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (non-practicing)
Community
- Coordination Committee, William McGillivray Moot Competition, University of Calgary
Publications
- Funding Environmental Projects with Regulatory Prosecutions: Transparency and Accountability in Creative Environmental Sentencing, Forthcoming, Journal of Environmental Law and Practice, Social Science Research Network (SSRN) (2019)
Blog Posts
Navigating the Federal Vaccine Injury Support Program
August 18, 2021
In June 2021 the Federal Government began accepting applications for its Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP). This blog discusses the new program and examines its eligibility criteria and application process.
Continue ReadingAmendments to Medical Assistance in Dying Laws in Canada
March 23, 2021
This blog post reviews the judicial and legislative history of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada, outlines the major new changes, and discusses some ongoing concerns with the MAiD laws.
Continue ReadingCan Employers Require COVID-19 Vaccinations?
January 4, 2021
Requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is a step governments, employers, and businesses may be considering. Proof of vaccination compliance has been mandatory in some situations before COVID-19.
Continue ReadingAlberta’s Mental Health Amendment Act (Bill 17)
November 10, 2020
On July 17, 2019 the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench ruled in JH v Alberta Health Services, 2019 ABQB 540 that several provisions in the Mental Health Act, specifically those pertaining to involuntary detention, were unconstitutional. This blog post explains some of the key changes and comments on how these…
Continue ReadingChanges to Alberta’s Employment Standards Code under Bill 32
August 11, 2020
Bill 32: Restoring Balance in Alberta’s Workplaces Act, was introduced in the Alberta Legislature on July 7, 2020, and received Royal Assent on July 29, 2020. Bill 32 introduces a number of changes to Alberta’s Employment Standards Code and Labour Relations Code. This blog post explains some of the changes…
Continue ReadingBill 30 – Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020
August 6, 2020
On July 6, 2020, the Legislature of Alberta introduced Bill 30: Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020. Bill 30 proposed amendments to a number of statutes across the health sector. This blog post explains some of the key changes and discusses how these changes may affect Albertans.
Continue ReadingTemperature Screening at Work
May 1, 2020
For workplaces that remain open, or those considering how to resume operations, the possibility of screening employee temperature is being explored with greater frequency. With major corporations around the world announcing screening programs to both increase worker safety and consumer confidence, many others are asking if they should follow such…
Continue ReadingCOVID-19: Navigating Working From Home for Employers and Employees
April 2, 2020
The COVID-19 outbreak is forcing organizations and employees to rely on remote work arrangements. While work from home arrangements have intrinsic challenges, the current COVID-19 social-isolation measures add further difficulty, as many employees are now balancing working from home with childcare obligations or home-schooling.
Continue ReadingWhen Can I Use an Electronic Signature?
April 1, 2020
Author: Fiona Balaton As the situation with COVID-19 rapidly evolves, many people are being forced to create alternative solutions to conducting business. With many people working from home and conducting meetings by video, electronic signatures are being used more frequently. Electronic Transactions Act The Electronic Transactions Act (“ETA”) sets out…
Continue Reading