Features
Crypto Gambling in Canada and What Modern Players Should Know
Online entertainment has changed quickly across Canada, and casino players are now looking beyond traditional card deposits, slow withdrawals, and standard bonus formats. Crypto gambling in Canada sits at the centre of that shift, combining familiar casino games with faster digital payments, Bitcoin deposits, mobile-first design, and a growing interest in provably fair gameplay.
For readers who already understand Bitcoin but want a more direct way to experience modern crypto casino originals, bitcoin minesweeper is a simple place to start. Winna.com offers a clean, fast, crypto-friendly environment where players can explore an original mines-style game without the clutter that often makes online casinos feel harder to navigate than they need to be.
The appeal is easy to understand. A crypto casino can feel more flexible than a regular online casino because players may be able to deposit with BTC or other cryptocurrency, access games quickly, and manage payouts through a crypto wallet. That does not mean every casino site is the same, though. Canadian players still need to think about game variety, payment speeds, bonus terms, mobile usability, withdrawal limits, and the rules that apply in their province or territory.
This guide explains how crypto casinos in Canada work, why Bitcoin gambling continues to grow, what separates a strong platform from a weak one, and how Canadian players can compare crypto casino games, bonuses, deposits, withdrawals, and safety features before they gamble online.
Why Crypto Gambling Keeps Growing in Canada?
Crypto gambling has grown because it solves several frustrations players often associate with conventional online gambling. Many players want faster deposits, clearer payment control, lower friction, and casino games that feel designed for the digital age rather than adapted from older banking systems.
Bitcoin is still the most recognizable crypto option, but Canadian crypto casinos may also support Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Dogecoin, or other coins depending on the operator. This flexibility matters because not every player wants to hold or deposit BTC. Some prefer stablecoins for easier value tracking. Others choose coins known for lower network fees or faster transfers.
A crypto casino in Canada may appeal to players who value:
| Feature | Why it matters to Canadian players |
| Bitcoin and crypto deposits | Gives players more payment flexibility than card-only sites |
| Faster withdrawals | Crypto payouts can move quickly once approved by the casino |
| Mobile-friendly play | Many players now gamble from phones rather than desktops |
| Original crypto games | Mines, crash, dice, and plinko offer a different pace from slots |
| Simple navigation | A cleaner casino site makes deposits, games, and account tools easier to find |
| Bonus variety | Welcome bonus, deposit bonus, free spins, cashback, and reload offers can add value when terms are fair |
The key word is “can.” A crypto casino is not automatically better because it accepts Bitcoin. The best crypto casino in Canada for one player might not be the best for another. A casual slot player may care most about free spins and a welcome bonus. A table game player may care more about live dealer access. A crypto-first player may prioritize BTC withdrawals, payout speed, and wallet compatibility.
How Crypto Casinos in Canada Work?
A cryptocurrency casino usually works like a regular online casino with one important difference: instead of relying only on fiat deposits such as Canadian dollars, players may deposit crypto directly from a wallet. Once the deposit reaches the casino account, the player can use the balance to play slots, table games, live casino titles, or original crypto games.
The exact process varies by site, but the basic flow is usually straightforward. A player creates an account, chooses a cryptocurrency, copies the deposit address, sends funds from a crypto wallet, and waits for the blockchain confirmation. After that, the balance becomes available in the casino account.
Some crypto casino sites display balances in crypto, while others convert the value into CAD, USD, or another fiat equivalent for easier gameplay. Players should check how the casino handles exchange rates, minimum deposit amounts, and withdrawal limits before sending funds.
Crypto deposits are generally irreversible. That is convenient once everything is correct, but it also means players should double-check the wallet address, coin type, and network before confirming a crypto transaction.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Casino in Canada?
Choosing a crypto casino should be less about hype and more about fit. The best platforms make the casino experience feel smooth from the first deposit to the final payout, while also offering enough games, clear bonus terms, and practical account tools.
A strong crypto casino should offer:
| What to check | What to look for |
| Payment options | BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT, or other crypto options that match your wallet |
| Game variety | Slots, table game options, live dealer games, and crypto casino games |
| Bonus terms | Clear wagering, eligible games, expiry dates, and max payout rules |
| Withdrawal process | Transparent payout times, fees, limits, and verification requirements |
| Mobile experience | Fast loading, clean menus, and smooth gameplay on smaller screens |
| Reputation signals | Clear terms, responsive support, and consistent user experience |
| Responsible gambling tools | Limits, time-outs, and account control features |
Winna deserves a place on the shortlist for players who prefer a modern layout, simple navigation, and original crypto-friendly gameplay. It is especially relevant for readers who want to try a direct, fast-paced game rather than start with a crowded lobby full of unfamiliar categories.
Canadian Crypto Casinos Versus Fiat Casinos
Traditional online casinos and crypto casinos often overlap. Many offer similar slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, live dealer rooms, and promotions. The difference is usually found in the payment layer, account experience, and game style.
Fiat casinos tend to focus on Interac, cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets. That can feel familiar, especially to players who do not hold cryptocurrency. Crypto casinos, by contrast, are built for players who already use digital assets or want the added flexibility of crypto payments.
| Category | Crypto casino | Fiat online casino |
| Deposits | Bitcoin, altcoins, stablecoins | Interac, card, bank transfer, e-wallet |
| Withdrawals | Often crypto wallet payouts | Bank or e-wallet payouts |
| Game types | Slots, table games, live casino, crypto originals | Slots, table games, live casino |
| Bonus style | Crypto bonuses, deposit bonus, cashback, reloads | Welcome bonus, free spins, reloads |
| Speed | Can be fast after approval | Depends on payment method and operator |
| Best for | Players comfortable with crypto wallets | Players who prefer CAD banking |
Neither format is automatically better for everyone. A Canadian player who wants the simplest CAD experience may prefer a regular online casino. A player who wants crypto deposits, BTC withdrawals, and a modern online crypto casino experience may prefer a crypto casino Canada option.
Is Crypto Gambling Legal in Canada?
Canada’s gambling framework is not one single nationwide casino rule. Gambling is mainly managed through provincial and territorial systems, while the federal Criminal Code sets the broader legal foundation. The Criminal Code allows lottery schemes when they are conducted and managed by a province, and provincial regulators decide how legal online gambling operates in their own regions.
That means “legal in Canada” depends heavily on where the player is located, which operator is being used, and whether the platform is authorized under the relevant local framework. Ontario, for example, has a regulated iGaming market with registered operators, while other provinces use different models.
Crypto itself is not illegal in Canada. The legal question is not simply whether a casino accepts Bitcoin, but whether the gambling activity is permitted under the applicable rules where the player is located. Players should review local requirements before they gamble and use responsible gambling tools wherever available.
Because laws and platform availability can change, Canadian players should treat legality as a local question rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Taxes, Crypto Records, and Gambling Winnings
Tax treatment can also depend on the facts. The Canada Revenue Agency explains that crypto-assets may create business income, capital gains, business losses, or capital losses depending on the activity, and that users need to report crypto-related earnings or losses where required.
For casino players, the important point is record-keeping. Even when gambling is casual entertainment, crypto transactions may still create a record of acquisition, disposal, conversion, or transfer. If a player deposits BTC, wins, withdraws, converts crypto to CAD, or trades one coin for another, those events may require careful tracking depending on the circumstances.
Good records may include deposit dates, withdrawal dates, wallet addresses, transaction IDs, coin values at the time of transfer, exchange receipts, and casino account statements. Anyone unsure about taxes should speak with a qualified Canadian tax professional rather than relying on a casino guide.
How to Deposit Bitcoin at Canadian Crypto Casinos?
Depositing Bitcoin is usually simple, but it rewards careful attention. A wrong address or wrong network can cause avoidable problems, so players should move slowly the first time they use a new casino site.
A typical BTC deposit process looks like this:
| Step | What to do |
| Choose Bitcoin | Select BTC in the casino deposit menu |
| Copy the address | Use the exact wallet address shown by the casino |
| Check the network | Make sure the sending wallet supports the required network |
| Send the amount | Start with a smaller deposit if testing the process |
| Wait for confirmation | Blockchain confirmations can take time depending on network activity |
| Review the balance | Confirm that funds appear before placing bets |
Players should also review minimum deposit rules. Some casinos set a minimum BTC amount, while others use a fiat equivalent. A deposit below the minimum may not be credited automatically.
Interac can still be relevant for Canadian players who want to buy Bitcoin before gambling. For example, a player may use a Canadian exchange or crypto platform to purchase BTC with CAD, then send it to a personal wallet before depositing at a crypto casino. The casino itself may or may not support Interac directly.
Bitcoin Casino Withdrawals and Payout Speed
Payout speed is one of the main reasons players consider Bitcoin casino sites in Canada. Crypto withdrawals can be faster than some traditional banking methods, especially once a casino approves the withdrawal internally.
However, payout time is not only about the blockchain. A casino may first review the account, check bonus conditions, confirm identity where required, and apply withdrawal limits. After approval, the crypto transaction still depends on network conditions.
Players should compare:
| Withdrawal factor | Why it matters |
| Internal approval time | The casino may need to review the payout first |
| Crypto network speed | BTC can vary depending on congestion and fees |
| Fees | Network fees and casino fees can affect the final amount |
| Limits | Daily, weekly, or monthly withdrawal limits may apply |
| Bonus status | Active wagering requirements can delay withdrawals |
Fastest payout crypto casinos in Canada are not just the ones that advertise speed. They are the ones with clear rules, consistent processing, and transparent limits.
Bonuses Available at Canadian Crypto Casinos
Crypto bonuses can look generous, but terms matter more than headline numbers. A large welcome bonus may be less useful than a smaller deposit bonus with fair wagering requirements. Free spins may be valuable for slot players, while cashback may suit players who prefer steadier bankroll support.
Common crypto casino bonuses include:
| Bonus type | How it works |
| Welcome bonus | A first-deposit offer for new players |
| Deposit bonus | Extra funds based on a qualifying deposit |
| Free spins | Spins for selected slot games |
| Reload bonus | A repeat deposit offer for existing players |
| Cashback | A percentage returned after losses over a set period |
| VIP rewards | Ongoing perks for frequent players |
Players should check eligible games, wagering rules, max bet limits, expiry times, and withdrawal caps. Table game players should be especially careful because blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and live dealer games may contribute less toward wagering than slots.
A bonus should support entertainment, not pressure a player to gamble more than planned.
Crypto Casino Games You Can Play
Game variety is one of the strongest parts of the modern crypto casino experience. Canadian players can often find traditional casino titles alongside crypto-native games that are built for quick rounds and simple mechanics.
Popular categories include:
| Game category | Examples |
| Crypto originals | Mines, crash, dice, limbo, plinko |
| Slots | Classic slots, video slots, jackpot-style games |
| Table games | Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker variants |
| Live casino | Live blackjack, live roulette, live baccarat, game shows |
| Instant games | Fast rounds with simple rules and adjustable risk |
Mines-style games are especially popular because they combine simple decisions with quick outcomes. Players reveal tiles while trying to avoid hidden mines, choosing when to cash out based on the risk they are willing to take. That makes the format easy to understand even for players who do not normally enjoy complex table game rules.
Winna’s original mines experience fits this trend well. It gives players a modern, direct way to try crypto casino games without needing to learn a long rulebook.
What Are Provably Fair Crypto Games?
Provably fair games are one of the more distinctive features in crypto gambling. In simple terms, they use cryptographic methods that allow players to verify that a game result was not changed after the bet was placed.
This concept is most common in crypto originals such as dice, crash, mines, and plinko. The game uses server seeds, client seeds, and hashes to create results that can be checked after the round. Players do not need to be blockchain experts to appreciate the idea: provably fair systems are designed to add transparency to digital casino outcomes.
Not every crypto casino game is provably fair, and not every player will check every result. Still, the feature has become an important part of how Bitcoin and crypto casinos differentiate themselves from traditional casino sites.
No-KYC Crypto Casinos in Canada
Some players search for no-KYC crypto casinos because they want a fast account setup. KYC means “know your customer,” and it refers to identity checks that casinos may use for compliance, security, age verification, or withdrawal review.
No-KYC claims should be read carefully. A casino may allow small deposits or basic play with limited information, but still request verification before a payout, after certain thresholds, or when required by its policies. Players should always review the terms before depositing.
For Canadian players, the practical question is not only whether an account opens quickly. It is whether the casino clearly explains when verification may be needed, how withdrawals work, and what documents may be requested.
Expert Tips for Playing at Crypto Casino Sites
A good crypto casino experience starts before the first bet. Players who plan ahead usually avoid the most common frustrations around deposits, bonuses, and withdrawals.
Useful habits include:
| Tip | Why it helps |
| Start with a small deposit | Tests the wallet and casino process |
| Read bonus terms first | Avoids surprises before withdrawal |
| Track coin values | Helps with personal records and tax organization |
| Use a secure wallet | Reduces avoidable payment mistakes |
| Set session limits | Keeps gambling in entertainment territory |
| Compare payout rules | Prevents confusion about withdrawal limits |
| Avoid chasing losses | Supports healthier bankroll control |
Players should also decide what kind of experience they want. Someone looking for fast original games may prefer a site like Winna. Someone focused on live dealer tables may compare casinos based on studio providers and table limits. Slot players may look more closely at free spins, game studios, and jackpot-style titles.
Responsible Gambling Comes First
Crypto can make online gambling feel faster, which is why responsible gambling habits matter. Players should decide on a budget before depositing, avoid gambling with funds needed for essentials, and use available tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion when needed.
A healthy approach treats gambling as paid entertainment, not income. Winning is possible, but outcomes are uncertain, and no casino game should be viewed as a reliable way to make money.
Players who feel gambling is becoming stressful should pause and seek support through local or national responsible gambling resources.
So What Makes a Strong Crypto Casino in Canada?
The strongest crypto casinos in Canada combine payment flexibility, clear rules, engaging games, and simple design. They do not force players to dig through confusing menus just to deposit, find a game, or understand a bonus.
A practical ranking approach might consider:
| Ranking factor | Why it matters |
| Crypto payment support | Determines how easily players can deposit and withdraw |
| Game selection | Shows whether the casino suits slots, tables, live play, or originals |
| Bonus fairness | Helps players understand real promotional value |
| Payout transparency | Reduces confusion around withdrawals |
| Mobile usability | Matters for players who gamble on phones |
| Support quality | Helps solve payment and account questions |
| Responsible tools | Supports safer long-term play |
Winna stands out for players who want a clean, modern entry point into crypto casino originals. Its Mines game is easy to understand, fast to access, and well suited to players who prefer simple gameplay over a crowded traditional casino lobby.
Final Thoughts on Crypto Gambling in Canada
Crypto gambling in Canada is no longer a niche topic for early Bitcoin users only. It has become part of a wider shift in online casino entertainment, where players want faster payments, more control, mobile-first design, and games that feel built for the digital age.
The best crypto casino in Canada depends on the player’s priorities. Some will care most about BTC withdrawals. Others will compare welcome bonus terms, free spins, table game access, or live casino variety. Many will simply want a casino site that feels modern, clear, and easy to use.
For players interested in crypto originals, Winna is a practical place to explore. Its streamlined design and direct gameplay make it a strong option for readers who want a modern crypto-friendly casino experience without unnecessary complexity.
FAQs About Crypto Gambling in Canada
Is crypto gambling legal in Canada?
Crypto gambling legality depends on the province or territory, the operator, and the applicable gambling framework. Canada allows gambling through provincial and territorial systems, but players should check local rules before using any online casino.
Can Canadians gamble with Bitcoin?
Yes, Canadians can technically use Bitcoin at casino sites that accept BTC, but availability and legal status depend on the platform and the player’s location. Players should also understand wallet transfers, minimum deposits, and withdrawal rules before sending funds.
What is a crypto casino?
A crypto casino is an online casino that accepts cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals. Many crypto casinos include slots, table games, live casino titles, and original crypto games such as mines, dice, crash, or plinko.
Are Bitcoin casinos safe?
Bitcoin casinos can vary widely. Players should look for clear terms, transparent payment rules, responsible gambling tools, secure wallet processes, and a strong reputation. No platform should be judged only by bonus size or advertising claims.
How fast are crypto casino withdrawals?
Crypto withdrawals can be fast once the casino approves the payout, but timing depends on internal review, bonus status, withdrawal limits, network congestion, and the cryptocurrency used. BTC withdrawals may take longer during busy network periods.
Do Bitcoin casinos require ID verification in Canada?
Some casinos may request ID verification during registration, before withdrawals, after certain transaction levels, or as part of compliance checks. Even sites that advertise fast signup may still ask for documents in specific situations.
Can I use Bitcoin to claim bonuses at crypto casinos in Canada?
Many crypto casino bonuses are available through Bitcoin deposits, but terms vary by site. Players should check eligible coins, minimum deposit amounts, wagering requirements, expiry dates, and maximum cashout limits.
Which crypto casino games can you play in Canada?
Canadian players may find slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, live dealer games, and crypto originals. Mines-style games are especially popular among players who want quick rounds and simple decision-making.
Is Winna a good option for crypto casino originals?
Winna is worth exploring for players who want a modern, mobile-friendly, crypto-friendly way to try original games. Its mines-style gameplay is simple to understand and fits players who prefer a clean casino experience.
Do I need to pay taxes on Bitcoin casino winnings in Canada?
Tax treatment depends on the facts, including whether activity is casual, business-like, or connected to crypto disposals. Because the CRA has specific guidance for crypto-assets, players should keep records and speak with a qualified tax professional for personal advice.
Features
Cheap Weed In Canada: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
Since legalisation, cannabis has settled into Canadian life as an ordinary, regulated purchase. And like groceries or gas, the price can vary a surprising amount from one shop to the next once you start comparing.
For a lot of buyers, that has turned the focus to value. Affordable options like cheap weed prove a lower price and a tested, quality product can go together. This guide explains how to shop smart in Canada without cutting corners.
Why Has Affordable Cannabis Become So Popular?
Because the novelty has worn off, and buyers now shop like they do for anything else. In the early days, people paid whatever the new legal stores asked. That has changed.
A few things drove that shift:
- A maturing market, with more retailers competing on price.
- Online sellers, whose lower overhead keeps costs down.
- Savvier buyers, who now compare rather than grab the first option.
- A wider range of formats and budget-friendly bulk sizes.
The result is a real focus on getting value for money. Crowdsourced figures put the early average near $6.85 a gram, and cannabis price data from Statistics Canada shows how legal and illegal prices have differed since 2018.
That gap is exactly why shopping around pays off. A careful buyer can pay noticeably less than a careless one for a comparable product. The sticker price is only where the comparison starts.
How Do Canadians Shop for Cheaper Weed?
With the same care they bring to any regular expense. A handful of habits make the biggest difference. These are the ones worth adopting:
- Compare the per-gram price. It is the only fair way to weigh two options.
- Buy larger formats. Bigger quantities almost always lower the unit cost.
- Skip premium markups. Plain flower beats pricey pre-rolls for value.
- Watch for sales. Online retailers run them often, especially on holidays.
- Match potency to the plan. A stronger product means you use less each time.
None of these involve settling for a worse product. They simply put your money to better use, the same way you would stretch your money on any other purchase. The cheapest sticker is rarely the best value, and the priciest is seldom worth it.
The same logic applies whether you shop in person or online in Canada. Read the label, weigh the cost per gram, and let the numbers guide you rather than the branding.
Is There a Catch With Low-Priced Cannabis?
Not in the legal market, which is the part newcomers miss. In Canada, every legal product is tested and labelled to the same standard, whatever it costs.
That means a budget option from a licensed seller has cleared the same checks as a premium one. It is screened for contaminants, and its potency is verified. Price reflects branding, packaging, and store margins far more than basic safety.
The genuine differences are in the finer points. Premium flower might offer a better aroma or a richer flavour, and some formats simply cost more to make. For everyday use, though, a well-priced choice usually performs just fine.
The real catch is buying outside the legal system. Health Canada’s overview of the Cannabis Act is a sensible read on what legal really means. Buying legal protects you, not buying expensive.
What Makes a Cheap Purchase a Smart One?
A couple of quick checks, mostly. A real bargain holds up to a second look, while a false one does not. The table below shows what to weigh.
| Check | Why It Matters |
| Is the seller licensed? | Only legal retailers guarantee tested product |
| What is the per-gram cost? | The headline price can hide a weak deal |
| Is potency on the label? | Higher strength can stretch your money |
| Are there bulk or sale deals? | These usually beat single-unit pricing |
| What does delivery cost? | Shipping can erase an online saving |
Any shaky answer there is a reason to pause. A licensed seller with clear pricing and labelling is the safe choice, while a suspiciously cheap unlicensed source is not. The legal age applies regardless, at 18 or 19 depending on the province.
Treat cannabis like any other considered purchase. Compare, check the details, and let value rather than habit lead the decision. That is how modest savings add up across a whole year.
Before You Buy
- Cannabis prices vary widely by retailer, format, and store overhead.
- Comparing the per-gram cost is the fairest way to judge value.
- All legal Canadian cannabis is tested, so cheaper is not unsafe.
- Bulk buys, sales, and plain formats keep spending down.
- Always buy from a licensed source, and factor in delivery fees.
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki on Pexels
Alt text: A shopper comparing prices online at home
Smart Savings, No Compromise
Buying affordable cannabis in Canada is not about chasing the lowest number you can find. It is about understanding what shapes the price and shopping with a little intention. Stick to licensed, tested products, compare the real cost per gram, and lean on bulk deals and online pricing. Do that, and an affordable choice stays a smart one, purchase after purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheap Weed Safe to Buy In Canada?
Yes, provided it comes from a licensed retailer. All legal cannabis in Canada is tested for contaminants and labelled for potency, regardless of price. A lower cost usually reflects branding and overhead rather than weaker safety, so a budget option from a legal seller is still a safe one.
How Do I Find the Best Cannabis Deals?
Compare the per-gram price, buy larger formats, and watch for sales from online retailers. Checking potency against price helps too, since a stronger product can mean you use less. The key is shopping deliberately instead of defaulting to the same brand or store each time.
Why Is Cannabis Cheaper Online?
Online sellers usually carry lower overhead than physical stores, and they run sales and bulk deals more often. That lets them price competitively while still selling tested, legal product. Just remember to factor in shipping, which can offset the saving on a small order.
Does Paying More Mean Better Cannabis?
Not necessarily. Price reflects branding, format, and store margins as much as quality, and all legal product meets the same testing standards. Premium options may offer a better aroma or appearance, but a well-priced choice often works just as well day to day.
Features
Author and lifelong nurse Tilda Shalof’s new book a guide not only for young nurses but one that will appeal to a wider readership
By MYRON LOVE Tilda Shalof’s most recent book – “The Handover – a Nurse’s Last Shift” was, in the words of its author, “written for the general public, to understand nursing. Nursing is everyone’s concern, not just nurses. The general public has a stake in the matter,” she observes.
I can guarantee that there are plenty of stories and anecdotes that the author shares from her own experiences that will also be of interest to a wider readership. I certainly enjoyed the book.
The title – “The Handover,” she explains, is the regular exchange between nurses going off their shift and the nurses beginning the next shift, during which the outgoing nurses pass on all relevant information about the patients under their care to the incoming nurses. A recurring thread throughout the book – of close to 400 pages – is the retiring Shalof’s interaction with three student nurses whom she had recently befriended through one of her many speaking engagements. In particular, Shalof gives co-writing credit to one Lisa Mochrie – a nurse who the author acted as mentor to during Mochrie’s last period as a student and continuing through her early nursing career.
There is a tendency for many people to take for granted people I would describe as working in a service capacity such as nursing. One of the reasons that Shalof points out in her book for our ongoing nursing shortages is that young men and women are more likely to be encouraged to pursue a medical career (to be a doctor) than a nurse. This, she points out, despite the fact that hospitals can function without doctors – but not without nurses.
Some other factors, she notes, are the ever increasing demands of documentation – which detract from patient care – and regulations, which have taken much of the satisfaction out of the profession.
In an interview with this writer, she observes that Jewish nurses are few and far between because nursing is not a profession that most Jewish families encourage. (I can only name a handful of Jewish nurses that I have known or have come across.)
She spoke about how she became a nurse early in life to her aged and ailing parents – being the only daughter – (she has three older brothers) and the last of her siblings to leave home. In “The Handover”, she also makes frequent reference to fictional nurse Cherry Ames – the heroine of numerous books written between 1943 and 1968 – as inspiration for Shalof’s choice of career.
For the first 30 years as a nurse, Shalof worked in an intensive care ward at Toronto General Hospital. She subsequently worked for a short time at an HIV clinic and, later a hospital day clinic and a neurosurgery unit. She also spent several summers as a camp nurse at a Jewish camp while her kids were campers there.
“The Handover” is Shalof’s seventh book. Her first book, published in 2004, was “A Nurse’s Story,” chronicling her experiences over 30 years as an ICU nurse. Among her other books are:“Camp Nurse,” recounting anecdotes from her time working summers at her children’ summer camps, and “Opening My Heart” – an account of the profession from the point of view of a patient after she had open heart surgery.
Coincidently, she notes, she began her first book around the time of the SARS outbreak in Toronto in 2003. Shalof says she started writing her latest book at the height of the Covid lockdowns, which she references from time to time in the book. .
The approach Shalof has taken in writing “The Handover” – following a foreword and introduction – is literally an A to Z overview of everything there is to know about nursing – with each chapter focusing on one specific letter of the alphabet. Each chapter relates her thoughts and tells anecdotes from her own nursing experiences over 40 years in the profession, as well as her interactions with Lisa Mochrie and the other two student nurses as they transition from students to professionals.
In her conclusion, she observes that “nursing can be a path to making a difference – having an impact. It can be a front row seat at the theatre of life. Or it can be a job, a way to make a living and help support your family. “
Most importantly, she added, “make sure you try to have some fun. Do everything in your power to enjoy being a nurse”.
Although the now 67-yeear-old author is retired from the practice of nursing, she remains in demand as a speaker and advisor. She continues to get calls from throughout North America seeking her advice.“The Handover” is available from the University of Toronto Press.
Features
Michael Mitchell: His Labour of Love in Law
By GERRY POSNER The Mitchell name in Winnipeg has been around a long time and much of the the name recognition stems from the long connection of the family to a business known as Mitchell Fabrics, a mainstay on Main Street for many years. Established by Mendel Mitchell generations ago and not closed until 2017, many family members, including in-laws, worked there as managers, students and retirees. And yet, the family vocation was not limited to just the business, t it stretched out into the world of law, and more specifically the field of labour Law. One particular Mitchell reached the peak of all aspects of Labour Law. Three Mitchells: Leon, son Grant (a senior management side labour lawyer in Winnipeg), and daughter April Katz (an academic at the University of Victoria Law School), had stellar careers in that field. Yet another Mitchell, Michael, also achieved great acclaim as a labour lawyer. Michael, a product of the south end of Winnipeg, is the son of the late Harry and Gertrude (Sirluck) Mitchell, so he has some impressive genes going for him. But he has added to the story immeasurably.
Perhaps it all began for Michael Mitchell when he graduated from what was the first and only Grade 7 Hebrew school class at Herzlia Academy. He later was Regional Vice-President of AZA in his teenage years. After two years at Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate and two more at Grant Park High School, Mitchell went off to the University of Manitoba for his first year and then on to the University of Toronto, where he obtained a BA in Political Science. Then came law school, also at the University of Toronto, from where he graduated with an LLB in 1975. Along the way, he married the former Lynne Berman ( also from Winnipeg).That union produced three Mitchell daughters, two of whom are physicians – in psychiatry and neurology respectively, while the third is a pioneering pre-school educator. Michael and Lynne also have six grandchildren.
For a large part of his career as a lawyer, Michael Mitchell practiced law in Toronto as a senior partner in the firm of Sack Goldblatt Mitchell – from 1980 through 2014, having joined the firm in 1975 as a student. The firm was committed to the union side practice of Labour and Employment Law. Not so surprisingly, he had to appear at all levels of courts, also administrative tribunals.To his credit, his work and impressive track record was recognized by his peers as he was named a leading labour lawyer in Canadian Lexpert Directory and was frequently recommended in Best Lawyers in Canada. Between 1982- 2006, Mitchell was also the managing partner of the firm, which suggests to me an ability to manage people, not an insignificant skill. During his tenure as the managing partner, the law firm grew from just under ten lawyers to over fifty, with offices in both Toronto and Ottawa. His responsibilities were firm leadership, strategic decision making and financial management.
But, what a career Mitchell has had. For starters, aside from his time as a practicing lawyer in the field of labour law, he has, since his leaving the practice, just changed hats. From 2015 to 2018, he was part time Vice-Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board and, from 2018 as of this moment, he has become full time Vice-Chair at the same Ontario Labour Relations Board. Needless to say that, over the course of his administrative work since 2015, Mitchell has been at the centre of some significant decisions and, if you are interested, I can direct you to the selected substantive decisions in which Mitchell has been involved.
Moreover, Mitchell has worked and continues to work in the area of mediation and arbitration of both labour and indeed civil law. This is a large area, to put it mildly. For starters, there is the entire field of grievance arbitration. To be involved in cases of this kind, your name has to be put up by one of the parties and often agreed to by the other party. That means you have credibility with both of the protagonists. Mitchell clearly has that kind of reputation and draws support from both sides of the aisles – as it is referred to in some circles. He has been an arbitrator/ referee in many cases, including the famous 1986-1990 Class Action settlement related to individuals who had contracted Hepatitis C. Further, he has conducted numerous civil mediations related to employment, contracts and human rights matters. Mitchell also mediates and arbitrates collective bargaining disputes.
One of Mitchell’s’ main achievements was that he was invited between 2015-2017 to be a Special Advisor (with capital letters, no less) to the Ontario Minister of Labour with regard to the Changing Workplace Review. This was a landmark review of the Ontario Employment Standards Act and the Labour Relations Act where he, together with Justice John Murray, recommended many legislative changes to protect workers from the negative impacts of precarious employment. The best part of his work was that many of th recommendations were actually adopted. Other recommendations remain for future governments across the country to consider.
If you really want to delve into the Michael Mitchell career, you should know that, over the span of his career there are many publications that he has authored. The main one is his textbook on the Ontario Labour Relations Board, which he co-authored with his early mentor, Jeffrey Sack, and which remains the leading authority on the Ontario Board.
Mitchell comes by his passion for labour law honestly. His uncle, Leon Mitchell, was an iconic force on the union side in his practice of law in Winnipeg and was the inspiration for Michael to enter law to become a labour lawyer in the first place. In fact, it was Leon who introduced Michael to a man in Toronto who recommended Michael to connect with an up and coming labour lawyer in Toronto named Jeffrey Sack K.C. That connection resulted in the Sack Goldblatt Mitchell law firm. As well, Michael was well known to Sid Green during the early years of Sid’s law career, also his early days as a Cabinet Minister in the Schreyer NDP government. Sid was a person who exerted a significant influence on Michael.
With all that on his plate, Mitchell found time to be the president of the Darchei Noam Synagogue in Toronto between 2004-2008. He has also been the president of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation of North America. During his term, he led the merger negotiations which ultimately resulted in the current structure of that movement ,which is now referred to as Reconstructing Judaism. Its singular aspect is that it consists of a single organization combining congregations plus a Rabbinical School. That was enough to get Mitchell an invitation to attend one of President Obama’s Chanukah parties at the White House during the Obama term. As well, to this day, Mtchell sits as a Director of the New Israel Fund of Canada.
Mitchell has his feet still planted in Winnipeg. His two sisters live there, as well as Lynne’s sister. In fact, he just visited Winnipeg for his sister Ruth Ann’s and Paula’s 85th and 80th birthdays respectively. And to keep up to date, Michael and Lynne Mitchell have long had a subscription to the Jewish Post.
In short, at just under 80, Michael Mitchell is moving like he is eighteen. The longevity of his career may soon rival the longevity of the family business, Mitchell Fabrics.
