*** UPDATE: On March 26, 2020, the B.C. Minister of Citizens’ Services signed an order under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, permitting the disclosure of health information by health care bodies and public bodies in certain circumstances related to COVID-19. Health care bodies may make disclosures for the…

Given the current climate of uncertainty, with many of us concerned with the health and well-being of our loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic, thoughts naturally go to what we can be doing to make sure our affairs are in order and that those we care about are protected. An estate plan is an essential…

On March 17, 2020, the Province of British Columbia declared COVID-19 a “public health emergency”. The realities of a global pandemic could not be foreseen just a couple of months ago. Now, it is impossible to read the news or scroll through a social media feed without being overwhelmed with information about the pandemic. Among…

Dear clients and friends of Watson Goepel LLP, As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we wish to assure you that we have taken a pro-active approach to ensure business continuity for our valued clients should matters escalate. Our priority is the health and well being of our clients, professionals, and communities, and therefore, we…

Watson Goepel LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan R. Lee as the firm’s new Managing Partner, effective March 1st, 2020. He follows in the footsteps of Thomas G. Keast, Q.C., who served in this leadership role for over a decade. Tammey George, Watson Goepel’s Chief Operating Officer states, “On behalf of the…

A recent decision of the BC Court of Appeal, Apps v Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd., 2019 BCSC 855, will have significant effects for personal injury claimants on British Columbian ski hills. Waivers printed on signs and tickets may no longer apply. Most skiers and snowboarders, and sports enthusiasts generally, are familiar with the waiver of…

In the coming months, a new Land Owner Transparency Registry, a fundamental requirement under the Land Owner Transparency Act, is expected to come into effect. The public disclosure of ownership information in the Registry forms part of the British Columbia government’s strategy to improve housing affordability by increasing transparency of property ownership in BC. In…

On October 1st, 2020, significant amendments to the British Columbia Business Corporations Act (the “Act”) will come into effect (this was initially scheduled to be May 1, 2020, but the date was changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic). These amendments require every private company incorporated under the Act to maintain a “transparency register” listing all…

Limitations dates, or deadlines for taking legal action, are one of the most important issues at the outset of any legal claim. In many cases, including those in family law, parties must bring claims before they “expire”, or else that claim will be extinguished. This article explores key family law situations where there is a…

Published in The Lawyer’s Daily, Partner Laurence Klass outlines some of the common mistakes made by separating and divorcing couples that he encounters in his practice. Examples include selling the family home and splitting the proceeds equally without considering the implications, DIY separation agreements, failing to recognize time limitation periods, and more.