Retroactive Disclosure Background In an ongoing attempt to curb money-laundering, tax evasion and hidden property ownership, the BC provincial government introduced the Land Owner Transparency Act (“LOTA”) and Land Owner…
Among other things, an employment contract is an effective means to prevent the unexpected financial strain on your operating budget, that often accompanies a departing employee. But, when assessing the…
CLICK to download the PDF Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in the City of Nelson snow clearing case (Nelson (City) v. Marchi, 2021 SCC 41) in
The Federal Government recently published guidelines for employers to assist with issuing Records of Employment (ROEs) after a COVID-19 related leave or termination, where an employee fails to abide by…
One of the most surprising developments in estate law over the last number of years has been increasing uncertainty over designated beneficiary assets – life insurance, RRSPs, RRIFs, and TFSAs…
Whether you are starting a new business or moving an existing business to a new location a lease is one of your most important documents. When embarking on a new…
CLICK to download the PDF Local governments can breathe a sigh of relief after the recent decision of the British Columbia Court of Appeal in Rai v Sechelt, 2021 BCCA…
On August 3, 2021, September 30 was officially declared the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As discussed in a previous post, this holiday is intended to commemorate the history
Dealing with a parent’s dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming. However, confronting potential legal challenges head-on before the disease progresses can be one of the best ways to protect your parent’s…
In a workplace context, the Human Rights Code (the “Code”) prevents employers from discriminating against employees based on the number of protected characteristics (disability, religion, sex, age etc.). Where appropriate,…
Considerations for Estate Planning You are invited to join our Wills & Estate team for a free CPD-approved seminar: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 | 11:30-1:00 pm Virtual – Microsoft Teams
I want to fire an employee – what are my obligations? An employer may terminate an employee’s employment at any time by providing notice or payment in lieu of notice,…
As featured in the August 2021 issue of “Bar Talk”, our Jessica Vliegenthart aka The Roll Model shares lessons learned from her time with Team Canada… “Shortly after playing in…
Often when an employee quits, there is a clear end to the relationship. But at times, ending employment can be uncomfortable and murky. For an employer, a uncertain ending can…
CLICK to download the PDF In The Redeemed Christian Church of God v. New Westminster (City) 2021 BCSC 1401, the court declared that the City of New Westminster infringed a…
Ordinarily there is a two-year limitation period to file a lawsuit, from the date you discovered your loss. COVID-19 Response – Limitation Periods Temporarily Suspended The Province suspended limitation periods…
Enns v Gordon Estate, 2018 BCSC 705 In my Will, I can leave my belongings to anyone I choose, right? That idea comes from the concept of “testamentary autonomy” and…
As of June 15, 2021, employers in B.C who are registered for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage can submit application for reimbursement of amounts paid to employees for COVID-19 paid sick leave,…
Legislation is expected to come into force on August 3, 2021 establishing September 30 as a national holiday: the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This holiday is a response…
Alter Ego vs Joint Spousal Trust Planning What is an Alter Ego Trust? An Alter Ego Trust is a type of trust allowed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the
Fixed term employment contracts can be beneficial for employers who only need employees for a limited time or for a limited scope. These contracts help create some certainty and set…
When does a promise become more than a promise? In the recent case of Bergler v Odenthal (“Bergler“), the BC Supreme Court had the chance to revisit the concept of…
Life is complicated, and especially so when losing loved ones. By preparing this broad checklist, we hope to provide you with some certainty and guidance through difficult times. We know…
While it is an honour to be selected as an Executor; many would agree that it is also a burden. From our work assisting Executors, we have identified a number…
Most employers know that when an employee approaches them with a mental health issue, the employer may have obligations to accommodate that employee. However, what is an employer’s obligation when…
Life Insurance Trusts During a previous bulletin, we discussed the downsides to naming a child (under age 19) as a direct beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Most significantly, the…
Safety and Health Protocols To protect the health and safety of Fulton lawyers, staff and the general public, and to minimize the risk of a costly business interruption following a…
Every so often we encounter a client (the “Insured”) who has designated their young children (or child) as the direct beneficiaries of their life insurance policy (the “Policy”). Most commonly…
The recent case of English v. Richmond (City), 2020 BCSC 1642 provides clear direction for local governments who are regulating the production and cultivation of cannabis; specifically, the case articulates…
Have you been named an Executor or considering whom to name as YOUR Executor? Do you want to know more about the role and responsibilities of an Executor and what…