CASE COMMENT
Catalyst Paper Corporation v. North Cowichan (District) 2012 SCC 2
The Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) has, in its decision of January 20, 2012 affirmed the findings of the BC Supreme Court and BC Court of Appeal in upholding the District’s tax rate bylaw, which was challenged by Catalyst Paper Corporation (“Catalyst”) as being illegal, unreasonable and ultra vires. Continue reading
GUILT BY ASSOCIATION?
Conflict of Interest under the Community Charter and Common Law
Given the recent civic elections this past November, conflict of interest rules may be a topic on the radar of many local government elected officials. As such, the BC Supreme Court’s recent decision in Schlenker v. Torgrimson, 2012 BCSC 41 (“Torgrimson”) is timely, as it further clarifies the conflict rules pertaining to elected officials who are also members or directors of community organizations that may, in the future, have matters before the elected official’s council or board. Continue reading
IP for LGs – If you don’t think intellectual property law affects local governments, think again.
The term “intellectual property” usually brings to mind stories about big pharmaceutical companies, cutting-edge tech firms, or powerful Hollywood studios battling to prevent unauthorized copying of their creations. However, the ambit of intellectual property law is much broader than what makes the headlines. Continue reading
3 Minute Manager – Holiday Parties
Ten tips for striking the Balance Between Fun and Responsibility at the Staff Party.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Part 3: Work Related Stress to be Covered by Workers Compensation
On November 3, 2011, the BC provincial government introduced legislation to amend the Workers Compensation Act, to provide benefits to employees who suffer from post-traumatic stress, and from work-related stress. The amendments broaden the scope of the workers compensation regime from mainly physical injuries to work-related mental illnesses, and bring BC into line with other provinces. Continue reading