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Back to Normal: B.C. Ban on Evictions Coming to an End

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The B.C. Government has announced that the ban on evictions for non-payment of rent will end on September 1, 2020. This means that beginning September 1, 2020, tenants will be required to pay their rent in full. The repayment framework is set out in Order in Council No. 449, which was approved and ordered on July 30, 2020. So what do landlords and tenants need to know when it comes to their repayment obligations? The Rent is Due The state of emergency began on March 18, 2020. On March 30, 2020, Ministerial Order M089 came into force and effectively prohibited landlords... Read More

Alexander Holburn Sponsors Golf for KidSafe 2020

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Alexander Holburn was happy be a sponsor in the Golf for KidSafe 2020 event. Historically, the KidSafe Project holds a week-long golf tournament fundraiser. Due to COVID-19, this year we united together in spirit and supported the event by making a donation to the KidSafe Project. Donations provide 450 vulnerable children and youth with the safety, nutrition, and educational programming they need and deserve during school breaks. On average, Golf For KidSafe has raised over $200,000 every year for programming. Contributions and support are needed now more than ever for emergency programs and resources amid COVID-19. Learn more about... Read More

Canadian Immigration Updates: Biometrics; Restoration of Temporary Resident Status; Study Permit; and Service Canada

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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization assessed COVID-19 as a pandemic. The Canadian government has unveiled aggressive new measures to contain the coronavirus and this has direct impact on Canadian immigration. This bulletin will provide a summary of the key immigration updates for the period between July 6, 2020 and July 16, 2020. Biometrics On July 15, 2020, Immigration Canada introduced a temporary policy to exempt biometrics from temporary resident applicants in Canada. The policy does not apply to permanent resident applicants. Restoration of Temporary Resident Status On July 14, 2020, Immigration Canada introduced a new public policy that provides an... Read More

B.C. Government Allows for Temporary E-Witnessing of Estate Planning Documents

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On May 19, 2020, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued ministerial orders allowing for the electronic execution of wills (Order M161), and  enduring powers of attorney (“EPOA”) and representation agreements (Order M162). These orders are made in light of ongoing health and safety concerns due to COVID-19.  This will be of significant assistance in enabling British Columbians to have validly signed estate planning documents in place even though they are currently unable to meet with their lawyer or notary, or other witnesses, in person. The orders allow for a will, EPOA, or representation agreement (the “Document”) to... Read More

Construction Companies Should Check Contracts, Insurance for Relief From Potential Pandemic Losses

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The effect of COVID-19 on the construction industry remains in the early stages. So far, construction in British Columbia has fared surprisingly well. We have avoided a government shutdown and for the most part we have avoided site and plant exposures, supply chain interruptions, significant labour shortages due to sick and quarantined employees, bankruptcies and project shutdowns. However, we are far from through this and a suite of risks still confronts the industry. As risks materialize, construction participants will want to know how to deal with their contractual commitments and whether losses arising from the contract will be recoverable. Some are... Read More

Electronic Attendance at Corporate Meetings

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As a result of COVID-19, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued an order on April 21, 2020, with respect to attending and hosting corporate meetings. The Ministerial Order applies until the declaration of a state of emergency throughout British Columbia is cancelled or expires. The Ministerial Order sets out conditions for holding corporate meetings solely by telephone or another communications medium. It gives individuals the right to participate in corporate meetings remotely as long as all participants can communicate with each other and vote at the meeting. The Ministerial Order does not ban in person corporate meetings. Scope... Read More

2020 Endeavour Award Goes to Angela Cusano

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Congratulations to Angela Cusano for winning the first Endeavour Award of 2020! This award recognizes outstanding employees who go above and beyond their daily responsibilities for the betterment of the firm. The word endeavour means to exert oneself; to do or effect something; make an effort; or strive. As the Trust Accounting Assistant at the firm, Angela is focused, receptive, bright and easy to talk to. She always has a great attitude and is a beacon of positivity in the Accounting Department. Angela is responsive to her peers and goes above and beyond to help those who are in need.... Read More

Ministry of Finance Extends Effective Date of Transparency Register

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In response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Finance extended the effective date of the requirement to create and maintain a “Transparency Register” to October 1, 2020.   Previously, private, non-distributing companies created under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act (“BCBCA”) were required to comply with the requirement effective May 1, 2020. As we reported in November 2019, the purpose of the Transparency Register is to identify the beneficial owners of a company, including individuals who have direct or indirect control of the company or its shares. The Transparency Register must be kept at the company’s records office or at an otherwise accessible... Read More