Real Estate
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April 18, 2024
The multi-disciplinary lawyer: Why legal expertise isn’t enough
The conventional notion of what makes a successful, valuable lawyer has and continues to undergo a transformation. While it is still important to have legal expertise, this has become just the starting point for the profession as a whole and is in no way guaranteed a successful representation of clients and the community.
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April 17, 2024
Digital solutions through an Indigenous lens | Lawrence Lewis
In a world where digital transformation shapes every aspect of our lives, the narrative of technological advancement often overlooks the diverse needs and voices of Indigenous communities. But creating digital solutions through an Indigenous lens — combining traditional values through innovative pathways — gives rise to progressive structures that honour cultural significance.
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April 16, 2024
Legal aid funding, auto theft crack down and redistribution of judgeships feature in federal budget
Funding for legal aid to reduce court delays; redistributing “unused” Alberta unified family court posts to other superior courts; and creating new offences and harsher penalties for auto theft are among dozens of justice-related measures proposed in the latest federal budget, which the minority Liberal government says aims to enhance the affordability of shelter, groceries, internet and other necessities for Canadians.
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April 16, 2024
Budget 2024 tax initiatives to play a key role in Ottawa’s effort to boost housing, economy
In a sweeping 2024 budget that targets increased housing, lower living costs, small-business support and greater economic growth, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government is also taking tax measures to help offset a projected $40 billion deficit for 2023-24 and a rising federal debt estimated to reach $1.37 trillion by 2029.
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April 15, 2024
Court gives guidance on whether condo unit sale subject to GST
On March 15, the Tax Court of Canada in 1351231 Ontario Inc v. The King, 2024 TCC 37 was tasked with deciding whether the sale of a condominium unit was subject to GST pursuant to Division II of the Excise Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985, C. E-15 (the Act). In sum, the court found that GST/HST was collectible on the sale of a condominium that was leased under a number of short-term leases through the Airbnb platform.
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April 15, 2024
Property buying, money laundering: An overview
Property buying and money laundering are two interconnected issues that have garnered significant attention in recent years. Money laundering is the process of converting illicit funds, obtained through illegal activities, into seemingly legitimate assets. Property transactions, particularly real estate, have become a popular method for money launderers to clean their illegal funds. This essay will explore the relationship between property buying and money laundering, the methods used in laundering and the steps taken to combat this issue.
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April 15, 2024
B.C. formally recognizes First Nation’s title over traditional territory
In what is being characterized as a first in Canada, the B.C. government has negotiated an agreement that recognizes Aboriginal title over Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the coast of the provincial mainland where the Haida people have lived for over 12,000 years.
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April 11, 2024
Ottawa unveils affordability measures to aid ‘first-time’ homebuyers, mortgage-strapped owners
The Trudeau government is proposing measures aimed at assisting “first-time” buyers to save for a home as well as helping cash-strapped owners hang on to their mortgaged homes.
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April 11, 2024
Lawyers concerned about retroactive effect, application of proposed B.C. home-flipping tax
British Columbia has announced a plan to bring in a home-flipping tax as a means of increasing the number of affordable homes in the province, but lawyers are raising concerns about the tax’s retroactive effect and the fact it applies to beneficial owners rather than legal ones.
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April 11, 2024
B.C. introduces legislation on legal profession reform; law society, bar association opposed
The B.C. government has unveiled long-promised legislation to bring lawyers, paralegals and notaries under the umbrella of one regulator. But the provincial law society and bar association have both come out swinging against the proposals, saying they would erode the independence of the legal profession.