Jan 1, 2008

Duty to consult with First Nations: A municipal obligation?

The Canadian federal government and all provincial governments have a duty to consult with the First Nations before taking any steps that may infringe on aboriginal or treaty rights which are claimed or have been established. The case law on this point is clear. What isn’t so clear is whether the duty to consult with the First Nations applies to municipalities when making land-use or other decisions that may impact these rights.

Sep 1, 2007

Dealing With Construction Liens

Jackhammers, nail guns, power saws…ah…the sounds of fall in the city. Recent reports estimate that residential real estate values will increase by 9.5 % this year, and that the average home price in Canada will top $300,000 for the first time. And we already know the state of affairs in commercial construction (especially in Calgary and Vancouver). But did you know that one of the natural consequences of construction is…you guessed it!….the construction lien?