Real Estate
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April 24, 2024
New regulations to disallow B.C. strata corporations to defer depreciation reports indefinitely
The B.C. government has announced that new regulations will allow strata owners to have more “certainty and consistency around the repair and maintenance of common property” by closing a loophole that “allowed strata corporations to indefinitely defer depreciation reports.”
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April 23, 2024
Federal budget fails to address immigration shortcomings | Sergio R. Karas
Last week, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled Canada’s 2024 Budget, which proposes a whopping $52.9 billion in federal spending. Of particular concern are the $743.5 million over five years, along with an ongoing $159.5 million, earmarked for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to tackle challenges within the backlogged refugee system. While this is an area of concern, the budget is unclear on how these significant expenditures will be utilized to resolve many pressing issues in those departments.
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April 22, 2024
SCC’s spring session features weighty constitutional & admin law appeals but case volume is light
Constitutional and administrative law cases dominate at the Supreme Court of Canada this spring, with the handful of appeals to be heard involving class actions, standard of review, the honour of the Crown and the right to vote.
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April 19, 2024
Underused housing tax to generate estimated $694M, says Parliamentary Budget Officer
The underused housing tax (UHT) will generate an estimated $693.9 million in revenue between the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2027-28, according to a legislative costing note published by the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO).
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April 18, 2024
New rules aimed at turning short-term rentals back into homes in B.C. to come into force on May 1
New rules aimed at reining in the growing short-term rental market in B.C. and helping to alleviate the housing crisis are set to come into effect on May 1.
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April 18, 2024
Canada’s first national flood insurance program missing funding agreement, says Insurance Bureau
Canada’s flood insurance program as outlined in Budget 2024 will ensure that more than 1.5 million homeowners will have access to affordable flood insurance, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). However, without a proper funding agreement, homeowners remain at risk.
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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.