In this issue - #148 June 30, 2011

Pushor Mitchell is pleased to announce that Keri Grenier has joined the firm.

Pushor Mitchell is pleased to welcome Matthew Blow to the firm as an associate lawyer.

Buying or selling property is a major undertaking. Markets fluctuate which can lead to very different strategies depending on whether it is a buyers or a sellers market. Real estate laws and practises frequently change. Deals often close quickly which can be both exciting and stressful. Our real estate lawyers help thousands of clients complete their deals every year.  We know what to expect and where the pitfalls are for all types of residential and commercial property transactions.

Community involvement is a long standing firm tradition, members of the firm contribute through donations of time and money to a broad range of activities. The latest contribution in that regard is James Paterson joining the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Central and South Okanagan/ Similkameen.

UBC student Shirley Hutchinson is the winner of this year’s Pushor Mitchell Gold Medal Leadership prize. Pushor Mitchell LLP created the $10,000 award which is given annually to a top graduating student in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences.

The BC Property Transfer Tax (the “PTT”) is a value added tax payable by purchasers who acquire an interest in property.

Its not often that consumers get a break on new purchases.  The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) New Home Rebate is a BC government initiative which aims to compensate new home buyers for the added taxes associated with the implementation of the HST. The rebate is available for “newly constructed” homes or “substantially renovated” homes purchased as a primary place of residence. A “substantial renovation” is one where the interior of a building is essentially gutted and rebuilt before being sold. The rebate is applicable (in whole or in part) to all new homes purchased after the July 1st, 2010.

This series, by BC personal injury lawyer Paul Mitchell Q.C,.will explain the Top Ten mistakes to avoid with your ICBC personal injury claim.

This is the time of year when companies throw various social events to enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle with their employees, including golf tournaments, beach parties and family picnics. These events can be very successful, but employers need to be aware that they have legal obligations when alcohol is part of the event.

School’s out for summer and that only means one thing, summer vacation!  Many of us get caught up in the excitement of planning our vacation, including details like where to go, what activities to do, who we’ll see, etc., and let’s face it, when you are getting ready to go on vacation, you’re more likely to think about what bathing suit to pack than what travel insurance you are buying.