Submitted by the Section Co-Chair, Jeff Langlois
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 8
September 16, 2014
Guest Speakers: Stan Ashcroft, Ashcroft and Company, Rosemarie Schipizky, Department of Justice, and Kate Blomfield, Ratcliff & Company
Meeting Title/Topic: Recent Cases of the Specific Claims Tribunal
Synopsis: The speakers provided updates on recent decisions of the specific claims tribunal, and commented on developments regarding practice points before the tribunal.
October 9, 2014
Guest Speakers: Chris Roine, Counsel, BC Hydro, and Darwin Hanna, Callison & Hanna, Barristers & Solicitors
Meeting Title/Topic: Tsilhqot'in: What are the implications of Aboriginal Title for solicitors
Synopsis: This joint Section meeting was hosted with the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum. The speakers discuss the implications of the Tsilhqot'in for solicitors, and in particular, the impact of the decision on negotiations between industry and First Nations.
December 10, 2014
Guest Speaker: Mr. Douglas Eyford, Eyford Macaulay Shaw & Padmanabhan LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: Discussion: Report to the Prime Minister on Aboriginal Canadians and Energy Development and Amendments to Canada’s Comprehensive Land Claims Policy
Synopsis: Mr. Eyford first discussed his report of 2013 to the government on First Nations' interests in the development of oil and natural gas pipelines, LNG terminals and related infrastructure. It was published in December of 2013. Mr. Eyford next discussed his work in relation to the comprehensive land claims policy and reviewed the interim policy released by Canada.
January 15, 2015
Guest Speakers: Peter Spicker, Assistant General Counsel at Spectra Energy, and Eric Denhoff, CEO for the Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association
Meeting Title/Topic: Building Successful Relationships with First Nations in Development of LNG Infrastructure
Synopsis: The speakers discussed practice points relating to aboriginal engagement by industry relating to the development of natural gas and LNG infrastructure.
February 25, 2015
Guest Speakers: Lesley Giroday and Aaron Bruce, Ratcliff & Company LLP
Meeting Title/Topic: Strategic Land use Planning for First Nations' Territories
Synopsis: The speakers discussed the purpose of land use planning in First Nations territories, and discussed practice points relating tot he development of land use plans tht include First Nations interests.
April 22, 2015
Guest Speaker: Robert Janes, JFK Law Corporation
Meeting Title/Topic: Annual Update and Wine & Cheese Social 2015
Synopsis: Mr. Janes provided his annual review of cases of importance for 2014.
May 27, 2015
Guest Speaker: Melinda J. Skeels, Racliff & Company, and Ryan Dalziel, Bull Housser & Tupper
Meeting Title/Topic: Saik'uz First Nation and Stellat’en First Nation Decision: First Nations Claims for Nuisance and Breach of Riparian Rights
Synopsis: This joint Section meeting was hosted with the Environmental Law Section. The speakers discussed the recent Saikuz and Stellaten case from the perspectives of counsel for the appellant and respondent.
June 16, 2015
Guest Speaker: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: 2015/2016 Section Executive Elections and Planning Meeting
Comments and Observations of the Co-Chair
We had an active year in the CBABC Aboriginal Law - Vancouver Section, hosting more meetings than the previous year which were all well attended. Our focus this year was ensuring that there were topics that catered to both litigation and solicitor focused practitioners, and we hosted a number of sessions dedicated to both practice areas. Our plan for the next year is to look for additional ways to engage a growing member base.