Construction Projects: Building for the Future
New Date: April 2, 2025 at 9:00AM PST
Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
Construction Projects: Building for the Future
New Date: April 2, 2025
Overview
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.
Key Areas Addressed:
Prompt payment legislation across Canada
Review of recent cases
The critical role of construction insurance in construction projects, including an overview of the key insurance types, such as builder’s risk and liability policies
Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including the use of referees and dispute review boards
Key contract clauses to handle economic volatility and potential tariffs
Review of collaborative contract models of project delivery, including Alliance, IPD and Progressive Design Build
Who Should Attend:
Lawyers
Construction and development company owners and C-suite officers
Construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers
Project control managers, prime contract managers, and claims consultants
Designers, engineers, and architects
Construction insurers and risk managers
Agenda
9:00 - Welcome and Introduction by PBLI
9:05 - Chairs’ Welcome and Introduction
Seema Lal
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Matthew Milne
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
9:10 -Caselaw Update
Sharla Johnson
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
A review of the top 5 most important construction law cases from 2024
9:40 - Questions and Discussion
9:50 - Prompt Payment
J. Marc MacEwing
Clyde & Co LLP
An update on the status of lien reforms and prompt payment legislation across the country
10:20 - Questions and Discussion
10:30 - Morning Break
10:40 - Roundtable: Construction Insurance
Moderator: Matthew Milne
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Wilma Schreuders
Beazley
Gord Thompson
Insureline Brokers Inc.
An overview of various types of construction insurance
A moderated roundtable discussion featuring industry experts covering such issues as: construction insurance in Canada, standard form policies, insurable losses, current trends
11:50 - Questions and Discussion
12:00 - Lunch Break
1:00 - Alternative Dispute Mechanisms
Moderator: David Edinger
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
John R. Singleton, KC
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Richard Lindsay, KC
CMB Mediation
An overview of alternative dispute mechanisms for resolving project disputes, including a discussion on the use of Referees, Project Mediators, Dispute Boards and Arbitrators as mechanisms for in-stream and post-project disputes
1:50 - Questions and Discussion
2:00 - Afternoon Break
2:15 - Key Contract Clauses in a World of Economic Volatility and Tariffs
Mollie Deyong
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
A review of key common contract clauses and how they function individually and together to allocate and manage risk
Managing the potential impacts of tariffs through contract clauses: material costs, supply chain disruption and delays, increased disputes
2:45 - Questions and Discussion
2:55 - Roundtable: Collaborative Contracts
Moderator: Seema Lal
Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
James Lota
City of Burnaby
Kimberly Johnston
Johnston Davidson Architecture + Planning Inc.
Bruce Vasarhely
Kinetic Construction
Case study of a project completed using a collaborative project delivery model (IPD)
A moderated roundtable discussion featuring industry experts providing an overview and comparison of the various collaborative project delivery models/contracts including Progressive Design Build, Alliance and IPD
4:05 - Questions and Discussion
4:15 - Chairs’ Closing Remarks
4:20 - Program Concludes
Meet the Co-Chairs
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Partner, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, Vancouver, BC
Seema Lal is a Partner and Co-Chair of the Construction and Infrastructure practice group, and member of the Commercial and Business Litigation practice group at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP. Seema is focused on the negotiation and preparation of construction contracts, procurement issues, builders’ liens, disputes; and construction dispute resolution, including claims for extras and delays. She seeks to provide strategic legal advice to assist her clients in making informed and effective legal and business decisions. Through her practice and her involvement in industry associations, she has built up an in-depth understanding of the construction sector and the unique issues facing its stakeholders. She is also experienced in assisting clients with insurance matters and professional liability claims. She is a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, an association of lawyers who are distinguished for their skill and experience in the practice or teaching of construction law. Seema regularly provides lectures and seminars, including for the Independent Contractors Association of British Columbia, Buildex, Vancouver Regional Construction Association and Pacific Business & Law Institute. She was also previously an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia for engineering students – Legal Aspects in Engineering Practice.
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Partner, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, Vancouver, BC
Matthew Milne is a Partner in the Insurance and Construction and Infrastructure Practice Groups at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, specializing in insurance defence and coverage work, most often in the construction context.
Matthew is a relationship-builder, bringing practical decision-making to his construction and insurance practice with the drive to bring major disputes to successful resolution.
Matthew maintains a practice acting for owners, developers, engineers and contractors throughout the course of construction and following project completion. He also regularly advises clients with respect to commercial general liability, E&O, builder’s risk, and wrap-up liability policies. Matthew regularly represents clients in court proceedings and Alternative Dispute Resolution forums.
Meet the Faculty
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Partner, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, Vancouver, BC
David Edinger is a Partner in the Commercial Litigation, Construction, Insurance and Workplace Law Groups at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP. He is also chair of the firm’s Conflict Committee, and a Member of the Management Committee. David specializes in uniquely tailored and effective approaches to dispute prevention and resolution, which includes advising on contract and procurement strategy, crafting creative risk management solutions, and resolving matters through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation at all levels of court in British Columbia. His broad range of expertise and experience includes resolving commercial and construction disputes involving owners, sureties, general contractors and consultants in relation to builders lien claims, claims for extras, delay, deficiencies and tendering/RFP issues. Recently, David has focused on assisting procurement and contracting processes on larger construction projects and is particularly knowledgeable with respect to the unique commercial considerations and context of public institutions.
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Partner, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, Vancouver, BC
Mollie Deyong is a Partner in the Construction and Infrastructure Practice Group at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP. Mollie has a steadfast interest in infrastructure projects and has specialized in construction and infrastructure since the outset of her legal career.
She has honed her skills in respect of drafting and negotiating standard form and bespoke contracts of varying degrees of complexity, including design-build contracts, construction (design-bid-build) contracts, construction management contracts, supply contracts, and professional services contracts. She understands the importance of both high level risk considerations and technical details, and has facility with all manner of contract documents including technical specifications, commercial contract schedules, contractual amendments and change documentation.
In addition to providing front-end services, Mollie works with clients both large and small representing their interests in respect of a myriad of construction-related issues. She is a construction industry lawyer with experience in large-scale infrastructure disputes, negotiation, mediation, multi-party litigation, arbitration, procurement matters and resolving legal issues that arise on construction projects in both Ontario and British Columbia. She has experience working with large infrastructure owners, mid-size project owners and developers, contractors, suppliers, consultants and design professionals.
As her practice includes both front-end transactional work and dispute resolution for construction industry clients, Mollie is uniquely positioned to assess her clients’ needs, craft legal solutions that avoid costly disputes, and deliver cradle-to-grave construction project advice with a focus on service excellence.
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Associate, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, Vancouver, BC
Sharla Johnson is an Associate in the Commercial Litigation, Construction and Infrastructure, Insurance, Professional Liability, and Workplace Law Practice Groups at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP.
She maintains a broad litigation practice, with particular experience in professional regulation, public law, tenancy and employment issues, and large insurance and construction disputes. Sharla is attentive to client needs while guiding them through each stage of the legal process, combining her interest in complex legal issues with real life experiences.
Sharla interned at the Provincial Court of British Columbia and has represented clients in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
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Principal, Johnston Davidson Architecture, Vancouver, BC
Kimberly Johnston is the Principal of JDa, a Vancouver-based architecture studio founded in 1976 by her father, Douglas Johnston, and Ian Davidson. Kim worked alongside her dad from an early age, learning about all aspects of the family business and developing an architectural practice. In 2005, after becoming an AIBC-registered architect, she took the lead in designing many of the firm’s projects and hasn’t stopped since. Focused primarily on civic and institutional projects under her direction, JDa has become a leader in both fire hall and colocation design in Western Canada. When Kim is not busy designing and managing architectural projects, she can often be found gardening at her East Vancouver home with her husband and business associate, John Botelho, and their dog, Louie.
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Associate Counsel, Clyde & Co LLP, Vancouver, BC
Marc graduated from the University of British Columbia Law School in 1979 and was admitted to the British Columbia Bar in 1980.
Since 1982, he has practiced extensively in the area of construction law, focusing on builders liens, tendering disputes, the preparation and analysis of contract documents and construction–related litigation. Marc has been “Repeatedly Recommended” by the Lexpert Directory as a Leading Practitioner in the construction law practice area for BC, Peer Review Rated “Very High” for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell. He’s included in The Best Lawyers in Canada and Who’s Who Legal in the Construction Law practice area, and he is a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers.
He is a member of the editorial board and a contributor to The Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia Builders Liens Practice Manual. Marc is also the author of more than 175 published articles on construction law topics and is a frequent lecturer to design professional and construction trade bodies, educational institutions and business and trade seminars.
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Mediator, CMB Mediation, Vancouver, BC
Prior to joining CMB in February 2021, Richard practiced as litigation counsel for more than 40 years, obtaining his law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1977. Prior to law, Richard earned a degree in civil engineering and worked as a project engineer with private and government organizations. He remains registered as a Professional Engineer, providing him with insight and expertise in areas such as professional liability of architects and engineers, construction, and property disputes.
Throughout his legal career, Richard practiced insurance law and has chaired the preeminent insurance law conference held in BC since its inception over 20 years ago. He has been consistently ranked highly in insurance law by his peers. His practice was centered primarily on complex claims litigation, often in different jurisdictions, covering a wide variety of property, casualty, energy, insurance coverage, products liability, fire losses, engineering and construction matters and all manner of professional liability disputes. He has vast experience in the resolution of complex multiparty disputes and has represented clients at all levels of British Columbia courts and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Early in his career Richard developed an interest in alternative dispute resolution and became a strong advocate of the benefits of all forms of ADR. As an experienced trial lawyer, he became aware of the pitfalls, risks, and short comings of resorting to trial as the primary vehicle to resolve disagreements. As a result, he completed his training as both a mediator and an arbitrator and has acted as both counsel and mediator/arbitrator in a wide variety of matters.
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Counsel, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, Vancouver, BC
John Singleton is a principal legal figure in the country’s construction industry, having played key roles in major developments across Western Canada. He founded the firm in Vancouver, in 1982, with a vision of creating a practice that would stand out for its expertise in construction and infrastructure law. Today, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP serves clients across the country and is recognized internationally for its knowledge and insight.
John has acted as Counsel in precedent-setting cases involving insurance, construction, liability and environmental matters. He offers extensive experience in major infrastructure projects and public private partnerships, as well as complex commercial disputes.
John is an accomplished Mediator and Arbitrator. He earned the chartered arbitrator designation (C.Arb) from the ADR Institute of Canada, and over the past decade has served as fairness advisor on more than 85 infrastructure projects, ranging from the construction of hospitals and hydro energy enterprises, to the building of the RCMP headquarters in Surrey, B.C.
He has dedicated significant time to sharing his knowledge through academia and professional journals. He is an adjunct Professor of Law at the University of British Columbia and the Thompson Rivers University, and was a visiting lecturer at Stanford University’s law school.
John is consistently recognized as a leader in the construction legal field, regularly earning top rankings from Lexpert, Best Lawyers, Who’s Who Legal, Martindale-Hubbell and others. Benchmark Canada has designated him a “litigation star” and Chambers Canada recently labelled him a “top gun.”
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General Manager, Lands and Facilities, City of Burnaby, BC
James is a Professional Engineer with a specialized MBA and over twenty years of wide ranging experience in public and private sectors including Business Development, R&D, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Project Management.
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Senior Account Executive, Insureline Brokers Inc., Courtenay, BC
Gord is a commercial insurance broker with over 20 years of experience, specializing in construction and real estate with clients throughout BC.
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Branch Manager (Vancouver), Kinetic Construction, Vancouver, BC
With 30 years’ experience, Bruce brings exceptional technical expertise and industry experience to his role as Kinetic’s Branch Manager (Vancouver). After receiving his Civil and Structural Technology Diploma from BCIT, Bruce worked on several post-secondary, retail, and commercial office projects throughout Metro Vancouver, rising from Project Coordinator to Project Manager.
Bruce joined Kinetic in 2016, where he has provided senior leadership for project delivery along with the implementation of health and safety and sustainability best practices. In his role as Branch Manager, Bruce provides leadership and guidance for the overall activities of the Branch, as well as the achievement of corporate initiatives. Some of his notable past projects include the Shaw Tower in Vancouver, the University of British Columbia’s Buchanan Tower Phases 1 through 6 and Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Cloverdale Trades and Technology campus.
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Underwriter - Architects, Engineers and Construction Errors and Omissions, Beazley, Toronto, ON
Registration Form
Program:
Construction Projects: Building for the Future
Date:
NEW DATE: April 2, 2025
Location:
UBC Robson Square (800 Robson Street - Classroom level), Vancouver, BC
Registration:
The registration fee is $890.00 plus GST of $44.50 totalling $934.50 for webinar and in-person attendance. Registration fee covers your attendance at the program and electronic materials. In-person attendance includes a catered lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
Early Bird Discount:
Register by March 3, 2025 and receive a $100 discount on the registration fee ($790.00 plus GST). Discounts cannot be combined.
Group Discount:
Register four persons from the same organization at the same time and you are entitled to a complimentary fifth registration. Discounts cannot be combined.
If you would like to register a group, please fill out this form and email it to registrations@pbli.com:
Payment:
You may pay by VISA, Mastercard or cheque. Cheques should be made payable to the Pacific Business & Law Institute and mailed to Unit 2-2246 Spruce Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 2P3. Please do not send cheques via courier with signature required.
When and Where:
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. The program starts at 9:00 a.m. (PST). UBC Robson Square is located at 800 Robson Street in Vancouver, BC, and our event will take place on the classroom level. Please visit https://robsonsquare.ubc.ca/find-us/ for directions.
Materials:
The faculty will prepare papers and/or other materials explaining many of the points raised during this program. Materials will be distributed electronically. Please contact us at registrations@pbli.com if you are unable to attend the program and wish to purchase a set of materials.
Cancellations/Transfers:
Refunds will be given for cancellations (less a $60.00 administration fee) if notice is received in writing five full business days prior to the program (March 26, 2025). After that time we are unable to refund registration fees. Substitutions will be permitted. We reserve the right to cancel, change or revise the date, faculty, content, availability of webinar or venue and transfer in-person registration to webinar registration for this event.
To register by phone:
Telephone us: 604-730-2500
Your Privacy:
We will keep all information that you provide to us in strict confidence, other than to prepare a delegate list containing your name, title, firm and city for our faculty and the program delegates. We do not share our mailing lists with any non-affiliated organization.
Course Accreditation:
Attendance at this course can be listed for up to 5.8 hours of continuing professional development credits with the Law Society of BC. For practitioners in other jurisdictions, please check your governing body’s CPD requirements.
If you would like to register a group, please fill out this form (DOWNLOAD FORM) and email it to registrations@pbli.com (*This form is for registrations of 5 or more and cannot be combined with any other promotions/discount codes.)
For individual registration, please continue with form below.