Submitted by Section Co-Chair, Erin L. Brook
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 9
September 24 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Trish Goulet, Warsh Law
Meeting Title/Topic: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act
Synopsis: The new Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act came into effect on December 16, 2014. Come and explore how this new legislation may impact your First Nations clients who live on reserve land and are in marriage or marriage-like relationships.
November 25 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Janet Humes, bankruptcy trustee
Meeting Title/Topic: Bankruptcy and Family Law
Synopsis: Janet Humes will provide a summary of the various bankruptcy options, processes, and implications, including such topics as consumer proposals, discharge, court applications, exempt property etc. She will also provide specific information on how bankruptcy can affect a spouse going through a separation or divorce.
December 07 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Jarett Plonka, Lawyer, Victoria B.C.
Meeting Title/Topic: THE BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT FOR FAMILY LAWYERS
Synopsis: THE BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT FOR FAMILY LAWYERS Many family claims involve disputes involving family companies. However, family counsel often do not appreciate that their clients have rights and obligations outside of the family law context. This discussion is designed to give family lawyers a practical overview of the Business Corporations Act, an understanding of the tools available to them, and an idea of how they can be best used to prosecute or defend family claims.
Topics to be discussed include:
December 14 12:15 PM - 02:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Joanne Platt, FMEP counsel
Meeting Title/Topic: FMEP and Family Lawyers, what you need to know
Synopsis: FMEP and Family Lawyers, what you need to know Ms. Joanne Platt will be presenting on the role of counsel for FMEP. She will answer any questions we have on serving FMEP and when counsel for FMEP will become involved. Please come prepared with any questions you may have regarding the process FMEP counsel takes with respect to enforcement and what you would like to know about cases where counsel for FMEP are involved.
February 23 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Dr. Elterman
Meeting Title/Topic: Dinner Meeting: The Process of Section 211 Reports
Synopsis: A discussion on the preparation and process for preparing section 211 reports from the perspective of the report preparer. Dr. Elterman to attend to provide insights as a report preparer.
March 29 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Joanna Recalma and Trish Goulet
Meeting Title/Topic: The Intersection of Family Law and Aboriginal Wills & Estates
Synopsis: Come out and learn how First Nations wills and estates may differ from non-First Nation wills and estates. Practical examples of the interesection of family law and wills and estates law in the context of First Nations clients will be discussed..
April 13 12:15 PM - 01:45 PM
Guest Speaker: Jacqueline Gaudet, Crown Counsel
Meeting Title/Topic: K-Files, Peace Bonds, and Protection Orders: the Crown and Family Lawyers
Synopsis: K-Files, Peace Bonds, and Protection Orders: the Crown and Family Lawyers Jacqueline Gaudet from Nanaimo Crown Counsel will sit down with the Family Bar to discuss the interplay between family law and criminal law in domestic violence cases, discussing "K-Files," Peace Bonds, and the role of Crown in FLA Protection Order breaches. Discussion may involve how family lawyers and Crown can work together to ensure the safety of family law clients/victims of domestic assault.
June 10 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Philip Birrer and Kyle Sangret of Birrer Sangret
Meeting Title/Topic: Tax Issues in Family Law
Synopsis: Tax Issues in Family Law Philip Birrer and Kyle Sangret of Birrer Sangret will discuss various tax issues that affect family law. We will also be hosting our AGM at this meeting.
June 21 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Lisa Bury, and Director of the Justice Access Centre in Nanaimo
Meeting Title/Topic: J.A.C. Tour with Lisa Bury
Synopsis: Lisa Bury gives us a tour of the JAC, we discuss thier services and Lisa discusses Section 211 Reports
Comments and Observations of the Chair
I am fortunate enough to work with a strong executive who met to discuss issues in our practice and our meetings were catered to topics of interest for our section members as expressed to the executive. The CBA gives us the opportunity to obtain the bulk of our professional development on topics that we are directly interested in and that are impacting our practice.
- Corporate records: Who is entitled to what, common mistakes, and the importance how this can help your client.
- Beyond “good faith”: directors’ obligations, and how to use them to your advantage.
- Company audits: yes, they’re mandatory!
- Corporate oppression: your powerful tool, and how to use it when your client isn’t a shareholder.
- Alternative remedies: Inspectors, derivative actions, receivers.
- Case studies and procedure.