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.

About PBLI

Upcoming Programs

Additions to Reserve (ATR): Exploring New Approaches

April 22 & 23, 2026 - Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
First Nations have voiced frustrations over delays in making decisions on their proposed “additions to reserve”. Some additions to reserve have taken decades to complete, harming opportunities for reconciliation, protection of culturally important First Nation lands, and economic development of First Nations. Particularly as Canada is facing international economic headwinds, there is a need for a fast and efficient additions to reserve process, capable of making decisions at the speed of business.
Canada is aware of the frustrations and the potential value of a faster process not just for First Nation economies but for the entire Canadian economy and has invited recommendations improvement of the additions to reserve policy and process.
Join us for an exploration of the bold changes which would be needed to create a different future for First Nation lands … and be part of the change.

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Indigenous Rights to Water Forum

May 20 & 21, 2026 - Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
Water is life.
Indigenous use of, and jurisdiction over, water resources, marine areas, the seabed and the foreshore are critically important issues in Canada. They have both domestic and international dimensions.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) recognizes Indigenous peoples’ spiritual connection to water, and their rights to determine how water resources in their Territories are used.
Issues relating to water, the seabed and the foreshore are increasingly arising in Indigenous-Crown litigation, including in the Cowichan and Haida title cases. Ways to address water-related challenges are also being negotiated in Treaty and reconciliation agreements between Indigenous peoples and Crown governments, and in international agreements.
Come and learn how rights to water affect Indigenous communities - the need for safe drinking water and what is being done about it. We will also explore sustainable water management and the need to protect critical habitat.
Indigenous Rights to Water are critical and life sustaining. Please join us.

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The Great Wealth Transfer: Navigating Estate Disputes

May 28, 2026 - Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
The largest transfer of wealth from generation to generation is upon us.
With great transfers of wealth come great disputes. How can you be prepared?
How best to deal with "disgruntled" or "entitled" heirs?
How can you ensure the wishes of the testator are honoured?
Is the will valid? Was there undue influence? Can the will be varied?
What is fair and reasonable and what will the Courts consider? Will the Courts look at behaviour?
What assets are included or excluded from the estate?
How do you keep a business going during estate disputes?
These and many other tricky questions and situations will be raised and discussed by our knowledgeable faculty.
Come and learn!

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Indigenous Policing 2026

June 3 & 4, 2026 - Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, Calgary, Alberta
Indigenous communities face racism, higher crime and incarceration rates than the rest of Canada.
There are significantly higher police incidents involving Indigenous people.
We know these facts. What can we do and how can we fix it?
What has worked? What can we change?
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.

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Indigenous Projects – Attracting Investment

June 9, 2026 - Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
Indigenous Nations have unprecedented opportunities for significant equity in historic major projects in Canada.
This conference will address any challenges that exist in attracting significant investment for financing Indigenous participation. What are the key issues and what do investors want?
Come and explore with the experts how to bridge the gap between smart investing and Indigenous opportunities - learn how your community can benefit!

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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