In This Issue - #182 April 30, 2014

Why did you become a lawyer?

I love reading, writing and research, and lawyering allows me to use those skills to help others achieve their business goals.

See the full text of the Supreme Court of Canada decision discussing Senate Reform, released April 25th, 2014, here. Full text

The British Columbia government recently undertook a Liquor Policy Review headed by MLA John Yap, whose final report was released to the public on January 31, 2014. The Review collected submissions from industry stakeholders and the public and the Final Report provides 73 recommendations for reform to the existing liquor laws.

Local governments across British Columbia have competing demands of providing amenities and infrastructure while keeping down taxes.

There is no shortage of news stories, novels, television series or movies portraying what the media believe lawyers (or “attorneys” if you want the U.S. lingo) do for a living. While the media often depicts lawyers in a bad light, fortunately some portrayals are not only positive but also inspiring.

On March 20, 2014 the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC), along with the securities regulators in Québec, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, published a Notice and Request for Comment for a proposed a new exemption from the prospectus requirements to enable private companies to raise smaller amounts of money from members of the public over the internet.

Family Law disputes often arise when one parent wants to move out of town with the children. The move may be motivated by a new relationship, a better job, or by a desire to be closer to family support. Frequently the other parent objects to the move since it could hamper their ability to see the children, and may negatively impact his or her relationship with the children.

Every year in my personal injury practice, I meet with individuals who have had the unfortunate luck of sustaining significant injuries while out shopping, eating dinner out, attending a party, etc. In other words, these individuals have been injured while on someone else’s property.

The Builders Lien Act, S.B.C. 1997, c. 45 (prescribes multiple time limits for filing a claim of lien. Generally, these time limits run from 45 days from the occurrence of a triggering event. It is often difficult to determine when, or if, such a triggering event has occurred.

A question I often get asked is "Should I be using the ™ symbol or the ® symbol beside my trade-mark?"

A landlord's reaction to a default under a commercial lease is usually determinative as to its ability to collect arrears and to recover future rent under the lease.

Under the Income Tax Act (the "ITA") of Canada, Canadian residents are subject to income tax on all worldwide income. On the other hand, non-residents are only subject to tax on income tied to Canadian sources. Although this may sound straightforward, determining your liability and extent of liability can be complicated and the consequences for failing to comply can be significant.

When determining the amount of spousal support payable between spouses, courts in British Columbia typically follow the ranges provided by the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (the “SSAG”).

A tired Michigan BP gas station attendant who had just completed the night shift and wanted to go home put his boss on blast and lost his job as a result.

Pushor Mitchell is holding its annual blood drive at the Kelowna Canadian Blood Services Clinic on April 28thand 29th as well as May 1st and 3rd.

A man who broke up with his ex-fiancée by text message has lost his legal claim over a $53,000 engagement ring that he wanted back.