NDP/Green Platform Relating to Real Estate
With the announcement that the Green Party and New Democratic Party intend to work together to govern British Columbia, we have reviewed the two parties’ ... Continued
Drafting a Will In Light of the Rule in Howe v. Earl of Dartmouth
When deciding how to distribute property under a will, a will-maker will sometimes wish to delay when those assets are transferred to a particular beneficiary, ... Continued
Notary liable for failing to advise on the sellers’ residency status
The recent case of Mao v. Liu, 2017 BCSC 226, has attracted much media attention in B.C. Several newspapers have published articles with titles such ... Continued
The Sensitive Issue of Burial
Issues surrounding the control of human remains and burial sites may involve substantial emotional, cultural, and legal issues. Most relevant provincial legislation across Canada gives ... Continued
New 2017 Competition Act and Investment Canada Act Merger Thresholds
There are various thresholds for review of acquisitions of control of Canadian businesses by non-Canadian businesses. The review thresholds in the Competition Act and the ... Continued
Canadian Trademarks: Year in Review 2016
Once again in 2016 there has been no progress to bring into force the significant amendments passed in 2014 to the Trade-marks Act, R.S.C. 1985, ... Continued
The Executor’s Year
For those involved in estate administration there is, from time to time, reference made to the “executor’s year.” The following will discuss two questions which ... Continued
Commercial Host Liability – Pub liable for accident caused by intoxicated patron
In the recent decision of Widdowson v. Rockwell, 2017 BCSC 385, the Supreme Court of British Columbia found the owners of the Cambie Bar & ... Continued
Legal Trend: evidence of testamentary intent can ‘save’ otherwise invalid wills or gifts
Background The recently reported case of Bach Estate (Re)[1] is the first decision to rule on section 43 of the Wills, Estate and Succession Act[2] ... Continued
Finalized Canadian Free Trade Agreement to Replace Agreement on Internal Trade
On April 7, 2017, a Canadian Free Trade Agreement (“CFTA“) News Release announced that Ministers representing the federal, provincial and territorial governments concluded negotiations on ... Continued
Another leading case by our estates team: Court Confirms Multiple Wills for Business Owners
We recently acted in the first BC court case to confirm that multiple wills may be used to reduce probate taxes for business owners. We ... Continued
Legacy donors: Joan and Tom Webster
Many British Columbians do not have a will. According to a 2014 report for BC Notaries, just 55% of us have a signed, legally valid and up-to-date will. ... Continued