Seminar Papers
2010
Construction Projects: From Start to Finish
In this paper, we will provide you with techniques in managing risk in contractual relationships for construction projects. The discussion in this paper will first, by necessity, cover general principles governing all contractual relationships. The discussion will then turn to specific issues in relation to contractual relationships for construction projects, from the initial decision as to the form of contractual arrangement to be used for a particular construction project, to…Continue Reading »
2010
Sauce for the Gander: Conflict of Interest for Elected Officials and Employees
Most local government elected officials and employees are aware that the Community Charter contains a comprehensive set of rules with resepct to the management of officials' conflict of interest. While these provisions undoubtedly serve to improve public confidence in the administration of local government, the phrase "conflict of interest" often bears an undeserved stigma.
2010
Elections - Gearing Up for 2011
The first part of this paper reviews what we think are the top election issues, with our choices based in part on court decisions since the 2008 general local elections. The second part of this paper briefly discusses statutory changes to election legislation expected to be in place for the November 2011 elections.
2010
Telecommunications: Towers of (Federal) Power
While some telecommunication towers, such as the CN Tower, can offer multiple uses and be heralded as a landmark, other telecommunication towers can be considered a neighbourhood blight. While many local governments in British Columbia are home to a telecommunication installation or cell-phone tower, residents, the Council or the Board may be unaccustomed to the limitations that local governments have in regulating the use and siting, building and geotechnical standards,…Continue Reading »
2010
Local Governments and Carbon Offsets
"Allowance units", "compliance units", "emission reduction units", "carbon neutrality", "carbon offsets"...What are these terms and concepts all about? Where do they come from? What mind came up with them? These are a few examples of the lingo evolving in the realm of carbon offsets trading and the movement to reduce global green house gas emissions (GHGs). The Province of British Columbia has been at the forefront in Canada moving towards a carbon offset trading system.