Unfortunately this is not an uncommon statement heard by many family lawyers. Both men and women are forced to stay in an unhealthy and abusive relationship because they fear what will happen to them or their children if they attempt to leave. What are your legal options in these circumstances and what can a lawyer…
Read MoreThe Orphan Well Decision: Implications for the Banking Sector
TagsArticles, Natural ResourcesA case comment by Nikita Gush, Articled Student & Dennis Ryan, Partner and Head of the Natural Resources Group at Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP, Kelowna BC © 2019 The Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) recently held that a trustee of a bankrupt company must attend to the bankrupt’s environmental remediation obligations in priority of satisfying…
Read MoreBe Prepared: the Importance of Shareholders’ Agreements
TagsArticles, Business LawWhen a company is incorporated, you and your fellow owner/s may be getting along well – after all, you made the decision to start a business because your ideas and vision were aligned. However, like any relationship, there are likely to be ups and downs, and it is important to have a plan in place…
Read MoreA Commentary on Powell v Powell — Company Property or Family Property?
TagsArticles, Family LawWritten by Michael Sinclair, Partner & Nikita Gush, Articled Student Many business owners wonder how their business will be affected by their separation or divorce. They are concerned to what extent their family law proceedings could intrude on the operation of their business. Recent case law has shed light on the issue of how the…
Read MoreMoney Saved or a Fool’s Bargain
TagsArticles, Family LawIs it wise to negotiate your own family law settlement? Sound investment advice includes spending money on the right things. Where spending money stands to either make you money or save you money in excess of the amount spent, that is normally a wise investment. Many people negotiate their own resolution to family law issues…
Read MoreTerminating an Employee Approaching Retirement Age
TagsArticles, Employment LawIt often comes as a bit of a surprise to employees that their employment can be terminated at any time, without cause, regardless of their length of service, age or position, provided that the employer provides reasonable notice of the termination with either working notice or pay in lieu of notice. What is reasonable notice…
Read MoreUnderstanding Constructive Dismissal
TagsArticles, Employment LawConstructive dismissal is one of the most confusing areas of employment law. Not all employer conduct is sufficient to trigger a legitimate claim for constructive dismissal and conduct that would otherwise seem innocuous may trigger a legitimate claim. What is Constructive Dismissal? Constructive dismissal happens when an employee resigns from their position because the employer…
Read MoreShould Employee Benefits Continue During the Notice Period?
TagsArticles, Employment LawIn Ontario, the Employment Standards Act, 2000, requires an employer to continue all benefits during the notice period on termination of employment without cause. Meaning that on termination, an employee is entitled to all extended health and dental benefits that they had during their employment during the ESA notice period. This is not the case…
Read MoreHow Do I Remove a Charge From Title to My Property?
TagsArticles, Real Estate and TransactionsIn BC, each property’s title is registered with the BC Land Title Office which includes a list of any and all charges that are actively registered against that property. What is a “charge”? Put simply, a charge is a legal instrument registered on title that notes some form of third-party interest, rule or entitlement that…
Read MoreThe New NAFTA – USMCA: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth of the BC Wine Industry
TagsArticles, Wine Services(A commentary by Nikita Gush, Articled Student and Dennis Ryan, Partner and Head of the Natural Resources Group, Doak Shirreff Lawyers LLP, Kelowna, BC © 2019) A new NAFTA? On November 30, 2018, the US, Canada, and Mexico signed a new North American free trade agreement called the United States Mexico and Canada Agreement (USMCA). …
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