What Protections Does the Land Title Act (BC) Offer Registered Property Owners? In British Columbia, the security and certainty of property ownership are underpinned by the Torrens land title system, as set out in the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c 250. This system is designed to provide robust legal protections for registered property owners, […]
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Legal Title vs. Equitable Title in British Columbia Real Estate Transactions When buying or selling real estate in British Columbia, two key concepts frequently arise: legal title and equitable title. While closely related, understanding the distinction is essential for anyone involved in a real estate transaction. Legal Title Legal title refers to the official ownership of a property as
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What You Need to Know: The New GST Rebate for First-Time Home Buyers in British Columbia Good news for first-time home buyers in British Columbia! The federal government has delivered on a major promise, and as of May 27, 2025, a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rebate is available for buyers of newly built
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Employees in British Columbia are comprehensively protected from workplace harassment and discrimination through a robust framework of human rights legislation, occupational health and safety laws, and, in certain instances, common law. Employers bear a significant legal obligation to actively maintain a work environment that is safe, respectful, and entirely free from discrimination and harassment. Foremost
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Can an Employer Reduce an Employee’s Wages or Hours Without Agreement in British Columbia? A frequent question in employment law, particularly in British Columbia, is whether an employer possesses the unilateral right to reduce an employee’s pay or hours. The general rule is clear: an employer cannot make significant, fundamental changes to essential terms of
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In British Columbia, when an employer terminates an employee’s employment without cause, they are legally obligated under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) to provide either written notice of termination or pay in lieu of notice. These statutory minimums are mandatory and apply regardless of the terms stipulated in any employment contract, unless the contract offers
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When Can an Employer Legally Terminate an Employee Without Cause in British Columbia? In British Columbia, employers generally retain the right to terminate an employee “without cause,” meaning they are not required to provide a specific reason directly related to serious employee misconduct for ending the employment relationship. This right, however, is balanced by crucial
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What rights does an employee have during a probationary period? Many employment contracts in British Columbia include a probationary period, typically ranging from three to six months, designed to allow both the employer and the employee to assess the suitability of the employment relationship. However, it’s a common misconception that employees have no rights during
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What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor? Understanding the fundamental distinction between an employee and an independent contractor is paramount for both businesses and workers operating in British Columbia. These classifications carry vastly different rights, obligations, and legal protections, and a misclassification can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions, including
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In British Columbia, a will-maker (testator) has the crucial responsibility of appointing one or more executors in their will under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). The executor plays a vital role, being responsible for administering the deceased’s estate according to the instructions in the will and the law. To qualify, an executor must
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Melissa has 8+ years of combined Commercial, Business and Contract Law experience as In-House Counsel in manufacturing, health, real estate development, and broadcast communication industries. She is instrumental in developing strategies to minimize legal risk and ensure regulatory compliance.
She has 6+ years of Human Resources Management experience and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. Her practice includes Family Law, Civil Litigation, Wills & Estates and Real Estate & Conveyancing.
For fun, she visits ancient sites and ruins and belts out popular Broadway tunes.
Northam Law is a boutique law firm offering advisory services in Real Estate Law and Conveyancing, Business Law, and Human Resources. Our practice areas also include Wills & Estates and Family Law. Notarization services are also available.
