CECRA Program Extended Throughout July

June 30, 2020 - Tony Anderson

The federal government has just announced the extension the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Program to cover the month of July. This extends the Program’s eligibility by one month beyond the original three months of April, May and June

As per our previous blog posts, the CECRA Program offers forgivable loans to qualifying small businesses (those that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic) who lease commercial space from qualifying landlords. Ultimately, the federal and provincial governments will cover 50% of the gross rent, the eligible tenant would pay 25% and the landlord would forgo the remaining 25%.

Although…

BC Government Introduces “Benefit Companies”

June 17, 2020 - Owen Bird

The Government of British Columbia intends to amend the Business Corporations Act (“BCBCA”) to include a new type of company – a benefit company. This amendment is set to take place on June 30, 2020.

A benefit company is a for-profit corporation that dedicates itself to conducting responsible and sustainable business and to promoting a public benefit(s). A public benefit includes any activity that positively impacts a group outside of the corporation’s shareholders. For example, an educational group, the local community, the environment, or a charitable organization. A list of possible ‘public benefit’ activities can be found here.

Benefit…

No Eviction for Eligible Commercial Tenants Unless Landlords Apply for CECRA

June 01, 2020 - Tony Anderson

When the Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (“CECRA”) Program was first revealed, two issues were highlighted by the public concerning eligibility:

The requirement that the relevant commercial property had been used to secure a mortgage loan; and that commercial tenants were at the whim of their respective landlords to apply for the Program.

The former concern has recently been addressed by the Federal Government by eliminating the requirement for a mortgage to be registered and, as of today, it appears the latter issue has also been remedied.

This morning, the Provincial Finance Minister, Carole James, announced a new emergency order…

Owen Bird Welcomes Scott Urquhart

June 01, 2020 - Owen Bird

Owen Bird Law Corporation is pleased to announce that Scott Urquhart has joined our firm as the newest member of our Insurance and Construction Dispute groups.

Called to the Bar in 2006, Scott is a litigator with extensive experience at all levels of British Columbia’s courts. In addition to practicing in the areas of insurance, civil litigation and construction law, he also has successful trial and appellate experience in commercial and fraud litigation.

Growing up in the Cariboo, Scott worked in mills and on cattle ranches, paying his way through University while working in BC’s oil and gas…