UVic Local Government Law Course (ADMN 452)
September 9, 2015Announcements
Kathryn Stuart and Peter Johnson begin teaching the Local Government Law course at the University of Victoria’s School of Public Administration the week of September 7, 2015. This online course offers students an introduction into the legal authority of local governments; basic concepts of administrative law; legal reasoning and how to recognize potential legal problems […]
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September 9, 2015Announcements
Sean Smith, a UVic law student, has joined Stewart McDannold Stuart for a three month term as a law co-op student, having previously worked as a student in a large local government organization. This is a great way for law students to dip their toes into the legal profession (and hopefully not get frightened off!). […]
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July 8, 2015Legal Updates
Most local governments in British Columbia have likely already received a letter from the Province advising of regulatory changes affecting medical marihuana and ALR land. Legislative Changes The Agricultural Land Reserve Use, Subdivision And Procedure Regulation 171/2002 B.C. Reg. 171/2002 was changed effective May 7, 2015 to incorporate medical marihuana production facilities (MMPFs) into the […]
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LGMA Presentations You Do Not Want to Miss – Thursday, June 18
June 9, 2015Announcements
The Local Government Management Association annual conference is scheduled for June 16 – 19 in Prince George. Colin Stewart will be presenting a legal update on matters of interest to municipalities and regional districts. Susan Beach will be presenting on how to accommodate disabilities in the workforce and reduce liability for human rights complaints. We […]
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Bill 29 Expands Tax Exemptions for Independent Schools
June 1, 2015Legal Updates
The BC Legislature has given first reading to Bill 29 – 2015, the Property Taxation (Exemptions) Statutes Amendment Act, 2015 (“Bill 29”). If it becomes law, Bill 29 will repeal and replace the language of subsection 220(1)(l) of the Community Charter, and subsection 15(1)(o) of the Taxation (Rural Area) Act. In its current form, the […]
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City of Edmonton Fails to Curb Uber
May 21, 2015Legal Updates
The recent case of City of Edmonton v. Uber Canada Inc., 2015 ABQB 214 is the latest decision examining whether or not Uber Canada is operating a taxi brokerage business in contravention of local bylaws. In this case, the City of Edmonton argued that Uber was operating in the City without a valid business licence […]
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Opening Prayers at Municipal Council Meetings Violates Freedom of Religion
May 8, 2015Legal Updates
The Supreme Court of Canada recently made national headlines with its decision in the case of Mouvement laïque québécois v. Saguenay (City) 2015 SCC 16. The decision affirms the requirement for state neutrality in matters of religious belief. As a result, it seems there is no place for prayers or other forms of religious observance […]
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Court Approves TLC Restructuring
May 5, 2015Legal Updates
Financially troubled land conservation organization TLC The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (“TLC”) recently took a significant step forward in its restructuring efforts under the provisions of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”). With the overwhelming support of its creditors, both secured and unsecured, TLC brought forward for approval of the British Columbia Supreme […]
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Bill 24 Modernizes Societies Legislation
April 15, 2015Legal Updates
Bill 24-2015, the Societies Act, has been given First Reading in the Legislature. This Bill repeals the current Society Act, enacted in 1977, replacing it with something akin to a scaled back and simplified version of the BC Business Corporations Act. Local governments may interact with incorporated societies in a number of ways, including as […]
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Upcoming Presentation – Privacy Issues in Pandemic Planning
April 14, 2015Announcements
On Thursday, April 30, 2015 Susan Beach will be speaking about Privacy Issues in Pandemic Planning at a joint meeting of the Health Law Section and Freedom of Information & Privacy Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association – BC Branch, to be held in Vancouver at the law offices of Harper Grey LLP.
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