Watson Goepel is thrilled to announce that six of our lawyers have been recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2026 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ in 2026 for their remarkable success and excellence in their area of expertise.
From stronger consumer protection rules to evolving AI risks and construction payment reforms, businesses in Vancouver and across British Columbia are entering a new legal landscape that demands proactive attention—not reactive fixes.
In January 2024, British Columbia’s Intimate Images Protection Act (the “IIPA”) came into force, along with the Intimate Images Protection Regulation (the “IIPR”) to address the unauthorized distribution or threat of distribution of intimate images.
Power of Attorney misuse, also commonly referred to as Power of Attorney abuse, is a growing concern in British Columbia. It most often comes to light when money is identified as missing, family relationships break down, or a loved one becomes vulnerable due to age or illness.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are actively exercising an expanded legal authority that allows officers to cancel Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), ETAs, study permits, and work permit.
Regulatory amendments came into force on January 31, 2025.These cancellation powers are to ensure ongoing compliance throughout a person’s stay.
Vendor takeback financing (VTB), seller financing, and business purchase financing in Canada are increasingly common solutions when traditional lending falls short. Whether you are buying a business or preparing to sell one, understanding how these structures work, and how they are legally protected, can determine whether a deal succeeds or collapses.
We are proud to share that Watson Goepel’s Family Law practice has been named a finalist in the inaugural Canadian Lawyer Top Family Law Teams program—national recognition that reflects the strength, dedication, and excellence of our team.
Contracts are the foundation of business and many personal transactions in Canada. Whether it’s a construction agreement, employment contract, lease, or shareholder arrangement, contracts create legally binding obligations.
But what happens if someone breaches a contract in Canada?
Estate disputes in British Columbia can come down to a deceptively simple question:
When does an inheritance actually “vest”—at death, or only when the estate is distributed?
The recent decision in Lewis v. Jack, 2026 BCCA 18 provides a clear answer and one that impacts beneficiaries, executors, and families navigating estate administration.
In a recent CityNews interview, lawyer Anita Boscariol offers legal insight into the B.C. government’s proposal to temporarily suspend parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Drawing on her experience in Indigenous law, Boscariol explains why the province is considering this move and what it may mean in practice for Indigenous Nations, government decision‑making, and the broader legal landscape in British Columbia.
