If your intentions as to your estate are not clarified to the extent required by law, you will be intestate. In such cases, the additional costs associated with probating your estate can cause great strain to your survivors. It is always advisable to have a clear, valid will in place, representing your final wishes as your estate, to avoid any…
Many British Columbians are making the decision to purchase a unit in a development that is not yet constructed. This decision is usually the largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime and is often both an exhilarating but also nerve-wracking experience. And while there are advantages to “purchasing pre-sale” there are also some risks and other issues that…
In 2017, Parliament enacted the Genetic Non‑Discrimination Act (the “Act”). The Act was created to protect Canadians genetic information, who otherwise would be forced to take a genetic test or provide the results to employers and insurance companies. The Act introduced the first nationwide penalty against genetic discrimination, including a fine up to one million dollars and/or imprisonment for five…
Some employees are hired pursuant to a verbal contract of employment. For others, the terms of the contract are set out in a formal written agreement. Written or oral, the agreement between employer and employee is a contract. If some terms of the agreement are uncertain, then basic rights and obligations are implied at law. In addition, all employment agreements…
Purchasing a home, or any property for that matter, is an exciting time. However, it’s a large purchase to make. Therefore, buyers who discover that they’ve been deceived may need to seek legal counsel to remedy the issue. In many cases, buyers will need to spend even more money to make repairs. Sometimes they’ll realize that they can no longer…
Joint ventures (JV) are quite common when two or more parties want to start a new project or reach a particular goal. However, prior to entering such an agreement, it’s important that each venturer is protected. By outlining each partner’s expectations in the beginning, they’ll most likely avoid conflict down the road. The goal is to protect each individual’s business…
Many, if not all, Canadian businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. However, Canada introduced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) to support employers during these troubling times. In short, this subsidy covers 75% of employee wages for eligible employers. Therefore, if you’re interested in finding out more about CEWS including what it is or whether you’re an eligible…
When it comes to estate planning, perhaps you’ve heard of or considered setting up a trust. If you’re on the fence about it, read below to get a brief description of the ins and outs of setting up a trust. What is a Trust? Trusts are flexible vehicles for holding and passing on your assets. They ensure that your fortune…
During these difficult and uncertain times, the federal and provincial governments have been taking measures to provide financial support to those who need it. This includes employed and self-employed individuals who have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the province of British Columbia has announced the B.C. Emergency Benefit for…
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the details for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program on April 24, 2020. The program aims to provide the support needed by small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The government hopes that introducing this program will contribute towards a quicker and easier economic rebound once restrictions are lifted. In…