While the construction industry is integral to the Canadian economy, leaders in this field face significant challenges. In order to see their projects through to completion, construction companies must contend with complex regulatory requirements, risk management, and significant labour shortages. Companies involved in large-scale energy projects in British Columbia and Ontario must also cope with political uncertainty. The lawyers at Alexander Holburn draw from a breadth of experience in this dynamic industry to provide advice that is practical and solutions-orientated.

Canadian and international companies operating in British Columbia, Ontario, and across Canada, regularly turn to Alexander Holburn for support in bringing their projects to completion. From the drafting of contracts through to procurement, we support our clients throughout the entire life cycle of their project. Our Construction + Engineering Practice is lead by Christopher Hirst.

With extensive experience in insurance law, our lawyers help clients develop frameworks for managing risk. We move efficiently and strategically to reduce the possibility of costly delays. Should a dispute arise, we provide unwavering support to our clients, working to defend their interests, resolve the dispute, and get the project back on track. We provide knowledgeable, strategic advice in regards to both litigation defence and collection. Often it is in a client’s best interest to avoid the courtroom; our lawyers are highly experienced in mediation and arbitration.

We work closely with a wide range of clients including developers/owners, general contractors, construction managers, architects and engineers, construction trades, and material suppliers. Our construction lawyers have the experience and the knowledge to support clients involved in large, complex projects, which may be subject to numerous regulatory regimes. Clients engaged in smaller projects also benefit from our team’s efficient, business-orientated approach.

Construction legislation in Canada continues to evolve, challenging companies and individuals to stay one step ahead of developments. At the federal level, significant changes to builders/mechanics/construction lien acts have implications for industry participants, including the Federal Senate’s introduction of Bill S-224, the Canada Prompt Payment Act. The provinces have also undertaken steps towards reform. In December 2017, the Ontario legislature adopted Bill 142, the Construction Lien Act Amendment Act, 2017 . The British Columbia Law Institute has begun a Builders Lien Act Reform Project, involving both a comprehensive review and an overhaul. Clients look to our firm for the knowledgeable advice they need to navigate the changing legal landscape. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of construction lien legislation and we regularly advise clients in matters relating to the Builders Lien Act.

Our lawyers have taken a leadership role in construction law. Members of our Construction and Engineering Practice authored (and regularly update) the Annotated British Columbia Builders Lien Act, an important reference tool for British Columbia construction law practitioners.  In addition, we publish three chapters in the Builders Liens Practice Manual, as well as regular columns on current construction law issues in Business in Vancouver, the Journal of Commerce, and Construction Business magazine.  You will also find us actively involved with industry groups such as the Vancouver Regional Construction Association and the British Columbia Construction Association.

We regularly contribute to CLE construction seminars and present on construction issues to industry associations as well as private companies and public bodies.  Moreover, clients of Alexander Holburn benefit from our ongoing lunch-and-learn seminar series.