Increasing demand for remote work has presented new challenges for businesses, particularly where it comes to recording time for work completed.  While time theft has historically been difficult for employers to prove, the rise of remote work has ushered in new methods such as activity tracking software which has simplified the employer’s ability to prove…

Employees and self-employed persons who contribute to Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) plan will now have access to expanded EI sickness benefits. Those who made their claim on or after December 18, 2022, may receive up to 26 weeks of EI sickness benefits, extended from the previous limit of 15 weeks.   EI Sickness Benefits are…

On January 1, 2023, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (the “Act”) came into force. Under section 4(1) of the Act, non-Canadians will be prohibited from purchased any residential property in Canada. Defining The Meaning Of “Residential Property” The term “Residential Property” is defined section 2 of the Act as:…

In British Columbia, condominium ownership is principally governed by a statutory regime found in the Strata Property Act (“SPA”). However historically, structures were developed to create land ownership and management rights outside of that legislative scheme. Cypress Gardens (a 177-unit residential complex located in the City of North Vancouver) is an example of what has…

Celso Boscariol, K.C., Partner in our Business Law Group, has been elected as the new Vice-Chair of the Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW) in New York City, at LAW’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September 2022. Lawyers Associated Worldwide is a global association of over 100 independent law firms located in more than 180 major commercial…

The COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for Canadians. Employers and employees have had to adapt to changing public health measures throughout the past few years. Provincial governments lifted most, if not all of their public health mandates in early 2022. Although public health mandates are no longer in effect for most Canadians, employers still have…

September 9, 2022 – Watson Goepel LLP (“Watson Goepel” or the “Firm”), is pleased to announce that the Hon. Richard B.T. Goepel, K.C. has joined the Firm as Senior Counsel effective September 7, 2022. Mr. Goepel returns to Watson Goepel following his retirement from the BC Court of Appeal. He brings a wealth of experience…

Embargoed until August 25, 2022 – We are pleased to announce that three of our lawyers have been selected for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada® Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honour which is determined by votes received amongst their local legal peers…

On July 21, 2022, the Government of British Columbia announced the creation of regulations that will enable a mandatory three-day Homebuyer Protection Period (“HPP”), also known as a “cooling off period” or “right of rescission” starting on January 1, 2023. The new regulations can be implemented directly by the government due to previously passed amendments…

We are pleased to welcome Erika Hertz and Zachary Tng to Watson Goepel as our 2022-2023 Articling Students. Erika and Zachary graduated from law school in 2022. During law school, they consolidated their legal experience through Pro Bono work. Read more about Erika Hertz and Zachary Tng.