Publications
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New Fisheries Act permit rules take effect November 25th, 2013
IntroductionLast week, the federal government took a big step toward bringing the Fisheries Act (Canada) and its application into line with the federal government’s responsible resource development plan. On November 6th, 2013, the Government of Canada announced that November 25th is the date (…)
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Quebec mining royalty agreements as seen through the lense of the Quebec Court of Appeal
On August 6, 2013, the Quebec Court of Appeal rendered a very interesting decision in the case of Anglo Pacific Group plc v. Ernst & Young Inc., 9261-0690 Québec Inc., Northern Star Mining Corp. and Jake Resources Inc. This decision is interesting in several respects, but particularly because (…)
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Accidental discharges: the duty to notify
On October 17th, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada released its long-awaited decision in Castonguay Blasting, commonly referred to as the fly-rock case. To summarize, Castonguay was doing some blasting work and rock was unexpectedly projected outside the work site, landing on someone’s (…)
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Fungal Contamination and Commercial Leases
Fungal contamination: a complex problem The detection of a fungal contamination problem in a building can be a complex operation. For example, recurring water infiltration due to leaks in a building’s outer envelope can create an environment that is conducive to the growth of mould in spaces not (…)
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The Committee on Public Finance presents its views on the D’Amours Report
On September 17, 2013, after holding special consultations in June and August 2013,1 the Committee on Public Finance published its conclusions and recommendations on the report of the Expert Committee regarding the future of the Quebec Retirement System (the “D’Amours Report”). (…)
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The theory of contractual repudiation does not apply to employment contracts
Can an employee’s insubordination amount to repudiation of his employment contract, thus providing his employer with just and sufficient cause to dismiss him? In a judgment rendered on September 20, 2013, the Québec Court of Appeal answered this question in the negative.1The plaintiff, (…)
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Quarterly legal newsletter intended for accounting, management, and finance professionals, Number 21
CONTENTS The Pros and Cons of Arbitration Clauses in Commercial Contracts Pirating and Using Software Without a Licence: The BSA | The Software Alliance Case Interprovincial Taxation: The Importance of Severing Residential Ties on Departure Security Under Section 427 of the Bank Act: Do the (…)
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Criminal negligence: The Court of Appeal of Ontario increases to $750 000 the fine imposed on Metron Construction Corp.
On September 4, 2013, the Ontario Court of Appeal ordered Metron Construction Corporation (“Metron”) to pay a fine in the amount of $750 000 for criminal negligence causing death.1 After Metron pled guilty to the offence, the trial judge ordered the company to pay a fine of $200 000. (…)
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The Supreme Court of Canada will hear the Asphalte Desjardins case on the issue of the employer’s right to waive the resignation notice given by an employee
On September 5, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada allowed the motion for leave to appeal filed by the Commission des normes du travail against the decision rendered in March 2013 by the Court of Appeal of Québec in the case of Commission des normes du travail v. Asphalte Desjardins inc.1In this (…)
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The Supreme Court of Canada Renders a Decision on Restrictive Covenants Contained in an Asset Sale Agreement
On September 12, 2013, in Payette v. Guay inc.1, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered a decision which will be of interest to anyone involved in a transaction for the purchase or sale of assets. The Court shed some light on the interpretation of clauses restricting employment and post-employment (…)
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The External Directors of a SME
OVERVIEW: Good governance can and should create value for SMEs Good governance can constitute protection against a director’s potential liability The general duties of the director of a SME are the same as those of the director of a large corporation (care and loyalty) The terms (…)
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Legal newsletter for business entrepreneurs and executives, Number 18
CONTENTS Easing the financing rules while waiting for crowdfunding Avoiding disputes by entering into a shareholders’ agreement Tenth anniversary of Bill 72 : Land protecton and rehabilitationEASING THE FINANCING RULES WHILE WAITING FOR CROWDFUNDINGJosianne BeaudryThere is no doubt (…)