National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021 marks Canada’s first official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which will be observed annually hereafter.  The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday which gives Canadians the opportunity to acknowledge the intergenerational harm that residential schools caused Indigenous families and communities.  This day is set aside to honour those… Read more »

Presentation to Law Society of Ontario

On November 10, 2020 at 11:25 Eastern, Kathryn Deo, Shayla Point and Marie Potvin will be participating in the Law Society of Ontario’s “Indigenous Law Issues 2020” conference. They will be giving a presentation on  the First Nations Fiscal Management Act and the Role of the FNFMA Institutions. Further information about the conference is available… Read more »

Report on Federal Government Subsidies in the Fossil Fuel Industry

This spring ALG Associate Erin Gray supervised law students at the University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre’s clinic program. A report by two of these students was released recently and is a comprehensive look at the many ways in which the federal government subsidizes the fossil fuel industry—compiling much research done on this topic, and including some surprising… Read more »

Bill C-92 is Long Overdue

Bill C-92 is long overdue recognition of Indigenous right of self-government in child and family services After much anticipation, on Thursday, February 28, 2019 the federal government introduced Bill C-92 in the House of Commons. Bill C-92, An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families, finally recognizes Indigenous peoples’ inherent right of self-government… Read more »

Ming Song leaves Arbutus Law Group

Please join us in wishing Ming Song, best wishes as she leaves Arbutus Law Group, effective March 1. Ming has decided to leave the traditional practice of law to pursue both legal and non-legal interests and passions as well as increasing her volunteer pursuits. Traveling and higher education are also just two of the many… Read more »

Bankrupt Companies cannot walk away from their Environmental Liabilities, says Supreme Court of Canada

“Bankruptcy is not a licence to ignore rules, and insolvency professionals are bound by and must comply with valid provincial laws during bankruptcy.” Wagner C.J. and Abella, Karakatsanis, Gascon and Brown JJ. in Orphan Well Association v. Grant Thornton Ltd. Last week the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) released its decision in Orphan Well Association v. Grant Thornton Ltd., 2019 SCC 5 . A majority… Read more »

Supreme Court of Canada finds Crown not required to Consult First Nations before enacting Legislation

Last week the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) released its decision in Mikisew Cree First Nation v. Canada (Governor General in Council), 2018 SCC 40 . The Court addressed a question it had previously left unanswered: does the duty to consult apply to the law-making process? Seven of the nine justices found that the duty to consult does not apply. This case involved two omnibus bills that were… Read more »

ALG presenting at the FNTAA 25th Annual National Forum

Kathryn Deo will be attending the First Nations Tax Administrators Association 25th Annual National Forum at the Songhees Wellness Centre on September 26 and 27, and will be giving a presentation on Property Transfer Tax laws on September 26.