Professional Development.
Continuing Education.
Multi-disciplinary, interactive educational programming delivered in Beautiful British Columbia.
Collaboration.
Consultation.
Informed Debate.
Pacific Business & Law Institute offers cutting-edge, interdisciplinary forums. Based in Vancouver, we are a close-knit team of lawyers and professionals who have been committed to researching pressing issues, trends and legal and social policy developments for over 30 years. We are dedicated to making a positive difference in our community and believe that the best ideas result from collaboration, consultation and informed debate.
Upcoming Programs
Honouring Treaties: Respect, Nation to Nation Relationships and Revenue Sharing
NEW DATE: April 9 & 10, 2025 - National Arts Centre in Ottawa, ON and Live Webinar
Mutual respect, maintaining relationships and an honourable approach to sharing resources are the basics for any successful ongoing partnership.
At this conference we will look at Treaties between Indigenous people and the Crown as sharing relationships, and consider the role of the Honour of the Crown in honouring those relationships.
This two day program will explore the issues around the recent Restoule decision from the Supreme Court of Canada.
How do we interpret and implement the Honour of the Crown in Canada? What does it really mean?
What are the obligations on the Crown to understand and respect the Indigenous perspective on Treaties?
How should Indigenous laws be applied in the negotiation and implementation of treaties?
What does diligent implementation mean in the treaty context? What are the guiding principles?
What do mutually beneficial and respectful sharing relationships look like in the Treaty context?
How has the duty to implement treaties in an honourable way been enforced?
What is Canada's record in honouring treaties?
What is the role of the courts and what are the remedies when one of the parties fails to honour the relationship?
We will look at historic treaties as well as the modern treaties that are being negotiated and implemented at the present time. We will hear about the recent Haida Nation and British Columbia Model - a new way of negotiating Aboriginal Title in Canada.
Come and learn.
Join us as we both consider lessons from the past and forge a new way forward.
Construction Projects: Building for the Future
NEW DATE: April 2, 2025 - Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
The U.S. has now implemented its threatened intention to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. In response, the Canadian government has imposed the first round of retaliatory tariffs and has signaled an intention to impose tariffs on additional U.S. imports in the coming weeks. In addition, a number of provincial governments have expressed an intention to restrict or forbid American companies from public procurement opportunities. The imposition of these tariffs and potential procurement restrictions are creating uncertainty in the construction industry and leading to questions around the viability of projects.
In this changing world, PBLI is proud to present “Construction Projects: Building for the Future” in collaboration with its Partner Sponsor, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, a Canadian national law firm which consistently ranks first among Canadian construction and infrastructure firms.
This conference will bring together the top legal and industry minds for a discussion-focused program centered on legal considerations across the project lifecycle, from drafting agreements to navigate economic volatility and tariffs, to addressing claims and liabilities with a focus on safeguarding stakeholder interests and ensuring project success. The program will also include roundtable panel discussions on construction insurance and collaborative contracts, including the Integrated Project Delivery (“IPD”) model that focuses on collaborative team-based project delivery to minimize risk and prevent delays.
Join us as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry and prepare for success in a world where innovation and adaptability are key.
Commercial Real Estate Development 2025
April 15, 2025 - Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
The commercial real estate industry is complex and dynamic. The sector is marked by ever-evolving market conditions, including interest rate hikes, a shifting political climate, and transformational housing-related legislation. Navigating the complexities of this dynamic sector demands a keen awareness of emerging issues and a discerning eye for creative opportunities. Advisors, developers, and industry leaders must stay abreast of the latest developments to thrive in the current economic environment.
Our exclusive one-day program assembles a distinguished cadre of seasoned experts, who will guide through what you need to know in order to stay competitive. Our program is tailored for the sophisticated professional seeking practical, actionable insights and proactive strategies. Join us for strategic discourse that goes beyond the surface, and gain a nuanced understanding of the current climate that will empower you to navigate your project with finesse and success.
Specific Claims 2025
May 7 & 8, 2025 - Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
Specific claims arise from Crown failures in respect of the administration of First Nations land and other First Nation assets, and from unfulfilled treaty promises. Resolving these historical grievances is critical to building trust and to improving Crown-First Nations relationships, and to achieving the national project of reconciliation. In addition, the settlement of specific claims brings long-term social and economic benefits to Indigenous communities.
This forum assembles an expert faculty to provide delegates with an update on the progress made in the area of specific claims, including an update on policy and process, negotiations, and the operation of the Specific Claims Tribunal. Decisions and precedent from the Tribunal will be discussed. In addition, faculty will provide delegates with in-depth information and practical advice with respect to researching, preparing and valuing specific claims, and will facilitate discussion on what further steps need to be taken to improve the process and accelerate the resolution of specific claims.
Indigenous Policing Forum 2025
June 4 & 5, 2025 - Grey Eagle Resort and Casino in Calgary, Alberta
It is well known that Indigenous communities face racism, and higher crime and incarceration rates than the rest of Canada.
There are higher police incidents involving Indigenous people.
There is a crisis - in the last six months of 2024 there were 12 fatal interactions between police and Indigenous persons in Canada. The news coverage has been minimal.
What is happening around Intimate Partner Violence?
In these crisis times, it is crucial for all those involved with the system to explore and identify key elements in developing and implementing quality policing strategies and harm reduction measures for Indigenous communities.
There are new approaches to enforcing by-laws in Indigenous communities and recent successful court decisions.
Police departments across Canada have increased public scrutiny and calls for greater accountability.
In the middle of great conflict, there are enormous opportunities for growth and progress.
Join us as we bring together leading experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Attend this two-day program to hear critical insights and updates that are affecting Indigenous police services, and police serving Indigenous communities.
This is essential learning for anyone interested in reconciliation and creating a better and safer future.
Inspiring and Uniting Our Audiences Through Shared Understanding
“PBLI’s aboriginal law programs are a vital part of my own continuing legal education. Their programs are current, informative and lively. These sessions bring together lawyers, academics, First Nation leaders, government policy and decision makers by putting the law in the larger context of what is happening on the ground and in the halls of government.”
- Robert J. M. Janes, Principal, JFK Law Corporation
Rebroadcasts
Use the topic areas below to browse PBLI’s library of on-demand rebroadcasts and material sets from past programs.
Contact
Pacific Business & Law Institute
Unit 2 - 2246 Spruce Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 2P3
Email
admin@pbli.com
Phone
Tel: (604) 730-2500