Arvay Finlay LLP

12/09/2022

Congrats Nick!

This week I remember my dear friend and colleague Joe Arvay, who was one of Canada’s finest and most compassionate lawyers. A bold advocate with an inspiring voice, Joe was steadfast in his commitment to supporting the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised members of our society. Two years since his passing, I had the honour of meeting with the first recipient of the Joe Arvay Legacy Fund, Nick Sayed, motivated by Joe’s virtue, and by his upbringing as a son of a Lebanese Civil War refugee. Nick embodies the humanitarianism which was at the heart of everything Joe did and carries on an important legacy rooted in community and public advocacy. Thank you for meeting with me Nick, and best of luck in your career!

11/26/2022

Best Law Firms in Canada 2023: Our complete listings

Arvay Finlay LLP is honoured to be listed as one of Canada’s leading firms in Aboriginal, Administrative and Public Law by the Globe & Mail:

The Globe and Mail partnered with Statista to determine which law firms in Canada are held in the highest esteem by their colleagues

10/18/2022

Contaminated Sites 2022 — Pacific Business & Law Institute

Join Arvay Finlay's Robin Gage at PBLI’s Contaminated Sites 2022 conference on November 10 at UBC Robson Square or online! Register at pbli.com/contsite22 and get 15% off with the faculty discount code (F15-1752).

  Contaminated Sites 2022November 10th, 2022Downtown Vancouver or Live Webinar9:00AM PST Register Now Contaminated Sites 2022 November 10, 2022 OverviewDoing business with contaminated sites gives rise to many complex legal and practical questions, and setbacks or disputes can be costly and time-co...

06/12/2022

Worth the wait! Originally delayed by COVID, the SINIXT People return to their territory to celebrate their historic legal victory. Very honoured to have been there to join in their celebration. Welcome home Sinixt!

06/03/2022

Former SFU president Andrew Petter among this June’s distinguished honorary degree recipients

Congrats to Arvay Finlay Associate Counsel, Andrew Petter, QC, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws from SFU next week.

Former SFU president Andrew Petter will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during next week’s convocation ceremony for his contributions to academia, law and politics in B.C.

04/28/2022

“YOUTH v GOV” tells the story of the children’s climate lawsuit, Juliana v. U.S., and the 21 young Americans who are suing the government for causing the climate crisis and violating their rights to life, liberty, and property.

Arvay Finlay represents a number of young Canadians in a similar court challenge against the Canadian government.

Watch the film, streaming on Netflix 4/29. Share their story. Take action!

This story isn’t over. Help write the next chapter by getting involved today: YouthvGov.org.

01/14/2022

Win for Homeless Residents of CRAB Park and the Right to Safe Shelter — Arvay Finlay LLP

Another proud moment for our team. Arvay Finlay is grateful to continue its work advocating for the rights of unhoused individuals, and would like to thank everyone in the community at the park who trusted us with their stories.
arvayfinlay.ca/news/2022/1/14/win-for-homeless-residents-of-crab-park-and-the-right-to-safe-shelter

In a resounding victory for the rights of persons experiencing homelessness, the decision in Bamberger v. Vancouver (Board of Parks and Recreation) , 2022 BCSC 49 marks a promising development in the law, which vindicates the fundamental rights and interests of those forced to shelter in public spa

12/17/2021

Joseph Arvay Legacy Fund created to support law students into public interest legal work

https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/resources/legal-education/joseph-arvay-legacy-fund-created-to-support-law-students-into-public-interest-legal-work/362628?fbclid=IwAR3-dq-VGclIUMOyZKWcqX3q86mcHZ2ERJvnkvVeiHtuWhOX9-FkQK_J60Q

Arvay died at 71, in December of 2020

12/15/2021

News — Arvay Finlay LLP

Arvay Finlay LLP is pleased to announce that Kate Phipps will be joining our partnership. Welcome Kate!!

December 15, 2021 Robin Gage Kate Phipps joins the Arvay Finlay LLP Partnership December 15, 2021 Robin Gage Arvay Finlay LLP is pleased to announce that Kate Phipps will be joining our partnership. Kate joined the firm in 2016 after acting as legal counsel to the Supreme Court, and practicing at a....

12/07/2021

Honouring the Legacy of Joseph Arvay, OC, QC — Arvay Finlay LLP

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the loss of Joseph Arvay, OC, QC. We are proud to continue his work. Please read more about just one of the ways in which his legacy is being honoured. BC Civil Liberties Association Uvic Faculty of Law University of Victoria

December 7, 2021 marks the one-year anniversary of the sudden death of Joseph Arvay, OC, QC.  Joe was one of Canada’s leading constitutional lawyers. “Joe was widely recognized as one of the most brilliant and successful constitutional and civil liberties lawyers of his time, and his pass

11/06/2021

Ontario Court of Appeal Confirms Landmark Treaty Case
https://arvayfinlay.ca/news/2021/11/5/ontario-court-of-appeal-confirms-landmark-treaty-case

09/30/2021

Honouring Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2021 — Arvay Finlay LLP

Honouring Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2021:
arvayfinlay.ca/news/2021/9/30/honouring-orange-shirt-day-and-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-september-30-2021

Content Warning: residential schools, unmarked graves, abuse  The offices of Arvay Finlay LLP will be closed on September 30th to honour survivors of the residential school system and to affirm our commitment to supporting justice for Indigenous communities against historic and ongoing co

04/26/2021

S.C.C. Affirms Transboundary Hunting Right for “Extinct” Sinixt First Nation — Arvay Finlay LLP

arvayfinlay.ca/news/2021/4/25/scc-affirms-transboundary-hunting-right-for-extinct-sinixt-first-nation

On April 23, 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada issued reasons for judgment in R. v. Desautel , confirming that Mr. Desautel, as a member of the Lakes Tribe of the Colville Confederated Tribes in Washington State, has a constitutionally protected right to hunt in Canada in the traditional territory

04/23/2021

Supreme Court rules Sinixt are not 'extinct'

Congratulations to the Sinixt People, who have never wavered in their commitment to have their rights and their status recognized!

Canada's highest court has upheld the acquittal of Richard Desautel, the Sinixt member who tried to reverse the federal government's 65-year-old claim that an Indigenous nation from British Columbia's interior no longer exists.

04/08/2021

Court of Appeal Dismisses Conflict of Interest Appeal in Gitanyow Title Claim — Arvay Finlay LLP

Court of Appeal Dismisses Conflict of Interest Allegations in Gitanyow Title Claim. https://arvayfinlay.ca/news/2021/4/8/court-of-appeal-dismisses-conflict-of-interest-appeal-in-gitanyow-title-claim

On April 7, 2021, the BC Court of Appeal confirmed a BC Supreme Court decision that had dismissed an application to remove the Gitanyow Nation’s longstanding lawyer from its aboriginal title case on the basis of an alleged conflict of interest. This application and appeal was brought be Chief Darl...

03/29/2021

Big Win for the Environment as SCC Upholds Carbon Pricing — Arvay Finlay LLP

Big Win for the Environment as SCC Upholds Carbon Pricing — Arvay Finlay LLP

On March 25, the Supreme Court of Canada released its much anticipated decision on the constitutionality of federal legislation which implements minimum national standards for carbon pricing in Canada. Provincial appellate courts had  been divided on the issue of whether the legislation wa

03/01/2021

Arvay Finlay welcomes Andrew Petter, CM, QC as Associate Counsel arvayfinlay.ca/news/2021/3/1/arvay-finlay-welcomes-andrew-petter-cm-qc-as-associate-counsel

02/22/2021

Retired Judge Finds VPD Members Committed Misconduct in “Wellbeing Check” Which Turned Violent — Arvay Finlay LLP

Retired Judge Finds VPD Members Committed Misconduct in “Wellbeing Check” Which Turned Violent — Arvay Finlay LLP

Findings of abuse of authority have been made against two members of the Vancouver Police Department in relation to their actions at a “wellbeing check” at a private home on March 13, 2016. The incident resulted in a violent altercation that left the complainant with serious injuries.  Th

02/04/2021

Joseph Arvay legacy fund - University of Victoria

Arvay Finlay is very pleased to support this important initiative in support of students’ pursuit of careers in public law.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of Joseph Arvay. He was a wonderful, greatly loved human being and an exceptional and tireless advocate for individuals and groups whose basic human ri...

01/20/2021

Joe Arvay Initiative for Public Interest Law - Law Foundation of BC

Such a fitting tribute to Joe and a wonderful initiative by the Law Foundation in support of public interest law and access to justice.

https://www.lawfoundationbc.org/joe_arvay_initiative/

The Law Foundation of BC is proud to announce the creation of the Joe Arvay Initiative for Public Interest Law, a new charitable fund aimed at improving people’s lives through the law and enhancing access to justice in British Columbia. Joseph Arvay, O.C., O.B.C., Q.C. was one of Canada’s foremo...

01/17/2021

New Advocates’ Society award to be renamed in honour of famed litigator Joe Arvay

New Advocates’ Society award to be renamed in honour of famed litigator Joe Arvay

The Joe Arvay Advocacy in Adversity Award will shine a light on B.C advocates

01/05/2021

SHORTS: The Legacy of Joseph Arvay QC (1949-2020)

Thanks Robert for this excellent podcast tribute to Joe.

https://blubrry.com/stereodecisis/71689417/shorts-the-legacy-of-joseph-arvay-qc-1949-2020/

Stereo Decisis hosted by Stereo Decisis

12/17/2020

In Memoriam - Joseph J. Arvay, OC, QC — Arvay Finlay LLP

Our firm's In Memoriam page for Joseph Arvay, OC QC can be found here, together with links to some of the many tributes and articles: https://arvayfinlay.ca/joseph-j-arvay-oc-qc/in-memoriam

It is with great sadness that Arvay Finlay LLP mourns the death of our colleague and friend, Joseph J. Arvay, Q.C., O.C., O.B.C., who passed away suddenly on December 7, 2020.  He was 71.

12/08/2020

Obituary of Joseph James ARVAY | Earth's Option Cremation & Burial Services

Obituary of Joseph James ARVAY | Earth's Option Cremation & Burial Services

Joseph Arvay died on Monday December 7, at the age of 71, after a heart attack. Joe was a lawyer who helped bring about sweeping legal changes to Canada, including same-sex marriage and the right to a medically assisted death, through decades of passionate courtroom advocacy. Other cases in which Mr...

12/08/2020

With heavy hearts, we sadly share that Joseph J. Arvay, OC, QC - one of the lead attorneys in the youth-led federal climate case, La Rose v. Her Majesty the Queen - has passed away at the age of 71. Joe, as we knew him, was a titan in Canadian law, especially public law as it pertains to constitutional, aboriginal and administrative law matters. He appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada on several occasions and was widely recognized and honoured as a trailblazer and leader in his field, including becoming an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017 and receiving the Order of British Columbia in 2018. Joe was a fierce advocate for protecting the Charter rights of the youth plaintiffs in La Rose v. Her Majesty the Queen and was a chief architect of this case. We intend to honour his legacy by continuing the fight to secure the legal right to a safe climate for these young plaintiffs and everyone in Canada. Our hearts go out to Joe’s family, friends and colleagues as we reflect today on the many extraordinary impacts he had on his community and country.

12/07/2020

The Arvay Finlay family is deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Joseph J. Arvay, OC QC has passed away. Details on how his remarkable life will be remembered will follow.

12/04/2020

What’s the Point of Climate Change Litigation?

What’s the Point of Climate Change Litigation?

12/01/2020

For , Arvay Finlay is matching donations from our staff to and . We challenge other firms to find ways to support these organizations that do such important work.

09/29/2020

This week, the La Rose youth climate plaintiffs are headed to Canada's Federal Court! Want to tune in and show them your support? Register for the public court hearing, which will run from 8:30am to 3:30pm (Pacific Time) on Wednesday September 30 and Thursday October 1. https://tinyurl.com/y5kbdl2x

These courageous youth are taking the Canadian government to court for violating their charter rights by perpetuating climate change. Let's show up and show them that we support their call for a court-mandated climate recovery plan.

Photo by Robin Loznak

09/25/2020

Ottawa trying to toss out climate lawsuit from youth activists | CBC News

Today is the Global Day of Climate Action. This is how the Canadian Government is celebrating.

In this week's issue of our environment newsletter, we look at a climate change lawsuit filed against the Canadian government by a group of children, some good news for electric cars and Alberta's wind and solar potential.

09/14/2020

Public Healthcare Protections Upheld After Decade-long Battle — Arvay Finlay LLP

Public Healthcare Protections Upheld After Decade-long Battle — Arvay Finlay LLP

On September 10, 2020, the BC Supreme Court handed down its long-awaited decision in Cambie Surgeries Corporation v British Columbia (AG) , 2020 BCSC 1310. In a nearly 3,000 paragraph judgement, the court ruled against the plaintiffs, led by private health care advocate, Dr. Brian Day, to find that

09/12/2020

Parents Join Landmark Youth Lawsuit Suing Government for Climate Change

Parents Join Landmark Youth Lawsuit Suing Government for Climate Change

Fifteen young people are going to court later this month to fight the Canadian government’s attempt to have their lawsuit thrown out.

09/11/2020

Ruling in B.C. Provincial Court judges’ salary dispute affirms importance of judicial independence

Ruling in B.C. Provincial Court judges’ salary dispute affirms importance of judicial independence

B.C. Supreme Court quashes province’s move to reject proposed increases and orders reconsideration

09/11/2020

Private Vancouver clinic loses constitutional challenge of public health-care rules | CBC News

Proud to have our very own Joseph Arvay, OC, QC, represent the Health Coalition Intervenors on this very important vindication of public health care in Canada.

The B.C. Supreme Court has dismissed a years-long court challenge of public health-care rules in B.C. that claimed the province's health-care system denies patients the right to timely care. Dr. Brian Day had argued patients have the right to pay for private care if the public system is too slow to....

09/04/2020

Victory in the SCC for Genetic Fairness — Arvay Finlay LLP

... When the Government of Canada won't defend its own law, but you win anyway!

On July 10, 2020, the Supreme Court of Canada issued its decision in Reference re Genetic Non-Discrimination , 2020 SCC 17, finding that it is within Parliament’s power to protect the public’s control over the use of their genetic information. This decision is an important victory for privacy ri...

09/01/2020

Provincial Court Judges’ Compensation Case Affirms Importance of Judicial Independence — Arvay Finlay LLP

Provincial Court Judges’ Compensation Case Affirms Importance of Judicial Independence — Arvay Finlay LLP

The BC Supreme Court has quashed the government’s decision to reject the Judicial Compensation Commission’s recommended salary adjustment for Provincial Court judges. Chief Justice Hinkson’s decision published yesterday notes the long-recognized “constitutional imperative” in Canada of “...

07/13/2020

Genetic non-discrimination law is constitutional, SCC rules

Genetic non-discrimination law is constitutional, SCC rules

Decision has ‘profound implications’ beyond holding that Act is constitutionally valid, says counsel