Resources

Lawson Lundell LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Lisa Chamzuk, Randall Chatwin, Christine Kowbel and Justin Young into the partnership.

On November 15, 2011, the Supreme Court of Yukon released its decision in Ross River Dena Council v. Government of Yukon, 2011 YKSC 84. The case is important as it is the first court decision to consider the issue of whether the Government of Yukon has a duty to consult with First Nations when recording quartz mineral claims under the Quartz Mining Act (the “Act”).  It is also somewhat unique as the recording of a quartz mineral claim by the Mining Recorder is not a discretionary act under the “free entry” system established by the Act.

This article, published in the December 2011 issue of Small Business Profit Guide, discusses employee privacy rights for information stored on work computers and the importance of adopting a well-conceived policy on computer usage.

The best way to protect your company from being found in violation of employee privacy is to adopt a well-conceived policy on computer usage and enforce it consistently.

Valerie Mann was one of 10 women recognized in the Professionals category by Women’s Executive Network as one of the 2011 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™. Winners of the Top 100 Awards are selected by an independent advisory board and recognize high-achieving women in private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Congratulations to Peter Tolensky on being named by Lexpert as one of Canada’s leading lawyers under 40. This award further confirms Peter’s place among Canada’s leading real estate counsel. His reputation as a dealmaker makes him top choice for many players in the Canadian real estate industry. Peter is a partner at Lawson Lundell LLP and Chair of its Commercial Real Estate and Development group.

On November 23, 2011 Chief Justice Robert Bauman of the British Columbia Supreme Court issued his much anticipated Reasons for Judgment in Reference re Section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada (“the Reference”), 2011 BCSC 1588, the constitutional reference concerning the validity of Canada’s anti-polygamy law. Chief Justice Bauman found that the law is consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, except to the extent that it subjects children to criminal prosecution.

Valerie Mann discusses reverse break fees in the article, "Breaking up is hard (and expensive) to do", published in the November 22, 2011 issue of Business in Vancouver.

We are pleased to welcome JoAnn and Michelle to our Calgary office. JoAnn and Michelle have recognized expertise and experience in navigating complex regulatory proceedings and environmental processes, and resolving aboriginal and other stakeholder concerns.

This paper examines the scope of a regulator’s authority to conduct inspections and investigations across a number of common regulatory contexts.

Mining companies investing for the first time in Canada’s North may find the experience unlike any other. This holds true not only for foreign corporations, but also for companies familiar with mining in the Canadian south. This article provides an orientation around some of these unique challenges.