News

This section keeps you up-to-date on the latest news and upcoming public appearances of Lavery professionals.

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  1. Bernard Larocque appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Québec

    We were very pleased to learn of the announcement of the Minister of Justice confirming the appointment of Bernard Larocque as a Judge of the Superior Court of Québec for the district of Montréal. The Superior Court of Québec is an ordinary court of law in Quebec hearing all disputes that a formal provision of law has not assigned to the jurisdiction of another court. The Superior Court plays a key role in Quebec's justice system. Bernard Larocque joined the firm in 1998 as a member of the litigation group and became a partner in 2003. His practice focused mainly on civil litigation, including defamation, insurance law, class actions, professional liability and administrative disputes. He has frequently appeared before the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada and the Court of Appeal of Quebec.?His excellence and reputation as a litigator earned him the title of Fellow by the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers in March 2020. Bernard has also always been active in the community and has been deeply involved with the Justice Pro Bono Board of Directors for over twenty years, which he has chaired since 2020. "Bernard will be serving on the bench with several of his former colleagues and friends from the firm. He embodies Lavery's values, driven by excellence, diligence, a deep sense of duty and a desire to give back to society. These are all qualities that will carry him through this next important chapter in his legal career," concludes Anik Trudel, CEO at Lavery.

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  2. Lavery, Ranked Number One in Quebec by The Canadian Lawyer

    Once again, Lavery is ranked number one in Canadian Lawyer magazine's list of the Top 10 Quebec Regional Law Firms. Lavery stands as the benchmark in Quebec when it comes to delivering legal services, according to the many private practice and in-house lawyers who responded to this Canada-wide survey. The firm's professionals stood out among their peers for their analytical minds, business savvy, and solution-oriented approach. This distinction highlights the excellent services and deep expertise that our firm has built its reputation on. Additionally, Lavery's presence in the province's four main business centres reflects our commitment to serving businesses of all sizes that contribute to Quebec's economic development. This recognition is a testament to our ability to adapt to the serious challenges that our clients have faced over the past two years. It shows that we are continuing to distinguish ourselves by offering 360° legal services that meet the expectations and requirements of key players in the Quebec economy. For more information on the survey results, please visit the Canadian Lawyer website:The Top 10 Law Firms in Quebec | Canadian Lawyer (canadianlawyermag.com) About LaveryLavery is the leading independent law firm in Québec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Québec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Québec jurisdiction.

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  3. 36 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2024 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is proud to announce that 36 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2024 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2024 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory:   Asset Securitization Brigitte M. Gauthier Class Actions Laurence Bich-Carrière Myriam Brixi Construction Law Nicolas Gagnon Marc-André Landry Corporate Commercial Law Luc R. Borduas Étienne Brassard Jean-Sébastien Desroches Christian Dumoulin André Vautour    Corporate Finance & Securities Josianne Beaudry         Corporate Mid-Market Luc R. Borduas Étienne Brassard Jean-Sébastien Desroches Christian Dumoulin Édith Jacques    Selena Lu André Vautour Employment Law Richard Gaudreault Marie-Josée Hétu Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur Guy Lavoie Family Law Caroline Harnois Awatif Lakhdar Infrastructure Law Nicolas Gagnon Insolvency & Financial Restructuring Jean Legault      Ouassim Tadlaoui Yanick Vlasak Intellectual Property Chantal Desjardins Isabelle Jomphe Labour Relations Benoit Brouillette Brittany Carson Simon Gagné Richard Gaudreault Marie-Josée Hétu Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur Guy Lavoie Life Sciences & Health Béatrice T Ngatcha Litigation - Commercial Insurance Dominic Boisvert Marie-Claude Cantin Bernard Larocque Martin Pichette Litigation - Corporate Commercial Laurence Bich-Carrière Marc-André Landry Litigation - Product Liability Laurence Bich-Carrière Myriam Brixi Mergers & Acquisitions Edith Jacques Mining Josianne Beaudry           René Branchaud Sébastien Vézina Occupational Health & Safety Josiane L'Heureux Workers' Compensation Marie-Josée Hétu Guy Lavoie Carl Lessard The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, published since 1997, is based on an extensive peer survey process. It includes profiles of leading practitioners across Canada in more than 60 practice areas and leading law firms in more than 40 practice areas. It also features articles highlighting current legal issues and recent developments of importance. Congratulations to our lawyers for these appointments, which reflect the talent and expertise of our team. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Québec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Québec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Québec jurisdiction.

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  4. Lavery's expertise recognized by Chambers Global 2024

    We are pleased to announce that Lavery has once again been recognized in the 2024 edition of Chambers Global in the following sectors: Intellectual Property (Canada) - Band 4 Intellectual Property Litigation (Canada) - Band 4 These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery’s professionals. Two lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective areas of practice in the 2024 edition of the Chambers Global guide. Areas of expertise in which they are recognized: René Branchaud : Mining (International & Cross-Border) - Band 5 Sébastien Vézina : Mining (International & Cross-Border) - Band 5 Since 1990, Chambers and Partners' ranks the best law firms and lawyers across 200 jurisdictions throughout the world. The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness. About LaveryLavery is the leading independent law firm in Québec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Québec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Québec jurisdiction.

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  5. Lavery and its Intellectual Property group recognized in the 2024 edition of the WTR 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals

    We are pleased to announce that Lavery has been ranked in the 2024 edition of the WTR 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. Four of our members have also been recognized as leaders in their respective areas of practice. Geneviève Bergeron Partner | Lawyer - Trademark Agent Geneviève’s practice focuses on all aspects of trademarks, intellectual property transactions, copyright and domain names. Her trademark expertise also includes litigation, such as opposition and cancellation proceedings, formal notices and the negotiation of coexistence and settlement agreements, as well as the drafting, negotiation and review of commercial contracts, such as licence and assignment agreements. Chantal Desjardins - Partner | Lawyer - Trademark Agent Chantal actively assists her clients in establishing their rights in the field of intellectual property, which includes the protection and defence of trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, domain names, trade secrets and other related forms of intellectual property, in order to further their business objectives. Isabelle Jomphe - Partner | Lawyer - Trademark Agent Isabelle’s expertise includes trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, trade secrets and technology transfers, as well as advertising law and matters related to labelling and the Charter of the French Language. Suzanne Antal - Senior Trademark Agent Suzanne focuses her practice on all aspects of trademark registration, including drafting and filing trademark applications and representing clients in trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings, both nationally and internationally.  The WTR 1000 is a guide that identifies the top trademark professionals and law firms around the globe. The lawyers and law firms featured in this guide are selected further to a rigorous process involving research and interviews with practitioners, clients and in-house counsel. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Québec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Québec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Québec jurisdiction.

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  6. Lavery hires seven new legal professionals

    Lavery is pleased to announce that seven recently sworn-in lawyers are joining Lavery following the completion of their articling within the firm. Quebec City office: Sophie Blanchet Sophie is a member of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. "What attracted me to Lavery was their team of experienced lawyers with wide-ranging and exciting expertise. What's more, they're caring, and they believe in their young colleagues. It didn't take me long to feel at home. I had the opportunity to get involved in various cases, my opinion was valued, I was given time to learn, and, above all, I was encouraged. I'm very happy and proud to be joining the Lavery team and to have the opportunity to continue my professional development with dedicated, passionate people. " Philippe Lavoie-Paradis Philippe is a member of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. "Lavery is a hundred-year-strong firm with a modern and innovative vision. I'm proud to contribute to this dynamic team that puts forward a long tradition of excellence to better build tomorrow's future." Juliette St-Pierre Juliette St-Pierre is a member of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and practises primarily in commercial litigation and insurance law. "After being welcomed by the Lavery team in 2022, I quickly felt that collaboration was the name of the game and that my involvement in projects was valued. It was only natural for me to start my career with this team, enabling me to develop as a lawyer alongside skilled professionals who value excellence and personal achievement." Montreal office: Julie Aubin-Perron Julie is a member of the Business Law group and practices mainly in transactional and commercial law. "Working at Lavery means choosing a stimulating work environment that encourages development and initiative. It is a privilege for me to start my career with these inspiring professionals and to be part of a collaborative and caring team." Laurence Bernard Laurence is a member of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. Her practice focuses primarily on insurance litigation, product liability and civil liability. "Initially, what convinced me to join Lavery was that right from when I first started as a student, my team welcomed me as one of their own, involved me in a number of projects and gave me a lot of autonomy. When I began articling, it was both comforting and exciting to work with them again and continue our wonderful collaboration. On a human and professional level, I really feel that I'm part of a team that cares about my well-being and development. Along with working with lawyers who inspire me, this is what drives me to try to be the best version of myself." Radia Amina Djouaher Radia Amina Djouaher is a member of the Business Law team and practices mainly in transactional and commercial law. During her articling term, Amina had the opportunity to collaborate on multiple technology law cases and played a key role, for instance, in the due diligence process for complex deals involving global technology companies. What's more, Amina actively participated in drafting contracts involving technology. "I'm delighted to join the great Lavery family. Beyond the expertise and excellence of the firm, it was the connections I made while articling and my summers as a student that convinced me that Lavery was the ideal environment for me. The generosity of all the members of the firm, their good spirit as well as their dedication to helping others and to the development of young people are qualities that set Lavery apart and that allowed me to agree without hesitation to join the team!" Sherbrooke office: Anaïs Martini Anaïs Martini is a member of our business law group and holds a Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor from McGill University. While in this program, she participated in legal clinic activities and a copyright policy moot.

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  7. Lavery and C3E establish a strategic partnership to support the energy efficiency industry

    Lavery is pleased to announce its partnership with the Centre d’excellence en efficacité énergétique (C3E). This partnership aims to bolster support for companies in the energy efficiency industry by assisting them with business transactions and their transition to energy-efficient practices. C3E chose Lavery to represent and support its activities as it strives to modernize and adapt to new market realities surrounding the energy transition. As a law firm that shares C3E’s values and objectives, Lavery is ideally positioned to promote the interests of local businesses and partner with them in their growth. Lavery has been involved with companies in the industry for decades and has developed a keen understanding of the many issues and challenges involved in projects in this sector. Business transactions in the energy sector require the collaboration of teams specializing in several of Lavery’s areas of expertise. Thanks to our multidisciplinary approach and close connections with all stakeholders in the industry, we can assist businesses with their legal and governance-related issues. “We’re honoured that C3E chose Lavery to help speed up the energy transition across businesses, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to provide our expertise,” concluded Édith Jacques, a partner at Lavery.

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  8. A new associate joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to welcome Marie-Christine Lysymanko to its Montréal office. Marie-Christine joins our Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. She practises predominantly in the areas of insurance law and civil liability. As part of her practice, Marie-Christine is called upon to represent the interests of our clients before various judicial and administrative bodies, and to help settle disputes out of court. "In the legal community, Lavery is reputed for its excellence and the commitment of its team members. I'm delighted to be joining this firm, which stands out for its expertise and boldness, as well as its innovative, people-centred approach. My discussions with the lawyers I have met have reinforced my conviction that I will be able to realize my full potential in this stimulating and collaborative work environment."

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  9. Lavery celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Intellectual Property group

    We are pleased to mark the fifth anniversary of Lavery’s Intellectual Property group. Providing a broad array of services, the team has contributed to the firm’s leading position in this field of expertise. Made up of lawyers as well as patent/trademark agents, the Intellectual Property team has boosted the firm’s success and growth by leveraging its cutting-edge expertise and working closely with clients from various sectors, including the auto, aerospace, artificial intelligence, energy, entertainment, video games, life sciences, manufacturing, retail, mechanical engineering, technology and transportation industries. Major shift in Lavery’s relationship with companies in the knowledge, innovation and technology sectors Lavery has gained distinction for being one of the firms filing the largest number of applications with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Based on recent statistics, Lavery ranks second among Quebec firms in terms of the number of trademark and patent applications submitted over the past year. “Above all, we are celebrating five years of excellence and commitment via an enriching legal partnership that has evolved alongside the knowledge industries with a view to protecting our clients and promoting their bold approach.” – Isabelle Jomphe, Partner, Trademark Agent and Co-Leader of Lavery’s Intellectual Property group. Over the past five years, the Intellectual Property team members have played a key role in many major cases, providing strategic advice and safeguarding the assets of national and international clients alike. Their proactive approach and technical expertise have set the firm apart as a legal partner of choice for companies seeking to successfully navigate the complicated intellectual property landscape. “Over the past five years, our Intellectual Property team has become an essential part of Lavery, laying out an international vision and forming a local anchor point for our expertise.” – Serge Shahinian, Partner, Patent Agent and Co-Leader of Lavery’s Intellectual Property Group.

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  10. Two new members join Lavery’s ranks

    Lavery is delighted to welcome David Choinière and Maude Sirois to its Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. David Choinière David's practice focuses mainly on banking litigation, restructuring and insolvency. He also advises and represents his clients in commercial disputes of all kinds and regularly makes representations before the various Quebec courts. "I'm delighted to be joining the team at Lavery, a firm with an outstanding reputation. For me, Lavery is synonymous with expertise, competence and intellectual rigour, which is why I chose to continue my career with the firm. I'm particularly looking forward to working with experienced lawyers in the commercial litigation, restructuring and insolvency team. I know that this new challenge will not only serve to put my experience and knowledge to good use, it will also spur my professional development." Maude Sirois Maude's practice focuses primarily on health and social services law. In particular, she represents institutions in hospital and professional liability proceedings. She also has expertise in consent to care. As part of her practice, Maude is also called upon to provide strategic advice on the governance of health care and social services establishments. "At Lavery, I found a health law team with cutting-edge expertise, focused on collegiality, professional development and know-how. That's what compelled me to take the plunge, but what really made Lavery the firm of choice for me was meeting my future colleagues and the warm discussions that we had."

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  11. Isabelle P. Mercure and Marie-Nancy Paquet take over as managers of the Sherbrooke office

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Isabelle P. Mercure and Marie-Nancy Paquet have been appointed to run the Sherbrooke office. Our two partners are taking over from Christian Dumoulin, who was Managing Partner for over eight years. Isabelle P. Mercure will also be joining the firm’s Management Committee. An engaging duo We are convinced that our two partners’ complementary skills will ensure that our Sherbrooke teams are fully engaged, our business grows and our firm is well-positioned in the Estrie region. Isabelle joined the firm in 2014, specializing in transactional and tax law. She focuses her practice mainly on corporate law, trusts and taxation, and has developed a sought-after expertise with a diverse clientele of healthcare professionals.   As for Marie-Nancy, she joined Lavery in 2018 and is a partner in the litigation group. She practices mainly in civil liability, health and social services law, personal insurance and contract management, in addition to leading large-scale class actions. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Québec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Québec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Québec jurisdiction.

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  12. Lavery welcomes two lawyers, bolstering its expertise in commercial litigation

    Lavery is delighted to welcome Marc-André Landry and Joël Larouche to its Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, who will bolster the firm's expertise in commercial litigation. Marc-André Landry is joining the team as a partner. Having solid experience in dispute resolution, he assists his clients in particular with negotiation, mediation or arbitration, or before the various courts of law.He acts for a wide range of clients in sectors as diverse as construction, real estate, renewable energy, conventional energy, new technologies, financial services and pharmaceuticals. Mr. Landry is regularly consulted in cases involving fraud or corporate data theft. Using his knowledge of extraordinary remedies (Anton Piller and Norwich orders, seizures, requests for confidentiality, among others) he is able to protect his clients' interests effectively. He also defends business people accused of violating securities laws by the Autorité des marchés financiers."Lavery's vision and the strength of its team persuaded me to join the firm—and I did the right thing. Clients already benefit from and appreciate Lavery's multiservice platform, which meets the needs of SMEs as well as those of the largest institutions," says Marc-André. Joël Larouche joins the team as Senior Associate. He focuses his practice primarily on commercial litigation issues such as insolvency and restructuring. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience with injunctions of all kinds, including Anton Piller, Norwich and Mareva injunctions, as well as those used in breaches of non-solicitation and non-competition clauses and the theft of personal and confidential information, among others. He frequently acts as an independent supervising lawyer in the context of Anton Piller order enforcement. He is sought out by clients to act in various situations, including shareholder and transactional disputes, as well as in regulatory investigations and in the resolution of corporate governance issues. His practice leads him to represent both large private and institutional corporations, in particular in the financial, technology and construction sectors. "I'm delighted to be joining the Lavery family, which has a passionate and meticulous team with a proven track record. The idea of working for a leading independent firm quickly appealed to me, but above all, I was convinced when I saw how people-centered the firm is," says Joël.The combined expertise of these two professionals consolidates Lavery's commercial litigation offer, affirming the firm's position as a leader in Quebec.

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  13. Myriam Brixi recognized as Canada’s leading litigation expert by Lexpert

    On November 23, 2023, Lexpertrecognized Myriam Brixi’s expertise in its 2023 Special Edition: Litigation. This directory ranks the leading litigators involved in Canada’s landmark litigation cases who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession by providing outstanding service to clients. Each year, the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory team analyzes the most notable cases in the country and conducts in-depth interviews with litigation lawyers to evaluate peer nominations and place the spotlight on outstanding legal professionals. As a partner in Lavery’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, Myriam Brixi focuses her practice primarily in the areas of class actions, product liability, consumer law and insurance law. She has participated in complex class actions raising important legal issues, including a wide range of multi-jurisdictional class actions.   Myriam adds this recognition to the one she received earlier this year as Quebec Litigator of the Year in the Emerging Talent category and another she received as one of the Top 100 Women in Canadian Litigation by Benchmark Litigation. Congratulations to Myriam for this distinction that is a testament to her talent and expertise. For more information, please go to: https://www.lexpert.ca/rankings/best-lawyer/se-lit About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Québec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Québec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Québec jurisdiction.

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  14. Lavery’s Anik Trudel named CEO of the Year by Les Affaires in its medium-sized business category

    Lavery is proud to announce that its CEO, Anik Trudel, was named CEO of the Year 2023 by the Journal Les Affaires in its medium-sized business category. The nomination of a woman in this category is a first in the history of Les Affaires. The CEO of the Year award is presented to leaders who innovate, honour stakeholders, foster a strong corporate culture and provide the right conditions for growth. This recognition, awarded by a jury of leaders in the business community, is a testament to Anik Trudel’s leadership in ensuring the firm’s growth and progression since her arrival six years ago. “I would like to share this distinction with all the partners, lawyers, members of the Management Committee and administrative staff, without whom all our achievements would not have been possible. The entire Lavery family and I are truly honoured to receive this recognition from members of the Quebec business community. This goes to show that our shared passion for achieving our objective of partnering with key stakeholders in the Quebec economy is valued,” said Anik Trudel. When she was appointed in 2017, her profile in the legal industry was unique: a female lawyer no longer practicing law, taking the helm of a firm where she had never before been an employee, let alone a partner. Lavery chose her not only for her keen understanding of the legal practice, but also for her innovative approach to management, aiming to becoming a leader in reshaping the legal profession in Quebec. Lavery prides itself on its inclusive, collaborative and performance-driven corporate culture. As a CEO entirely dedicated to managing the firm’s operations effectively, Anik has devoted herself to building a diverse team of professionals, including some from outside the legal profession, to work alongside the partners in order to achieve the firm’s strategic objectives. Lavery is undergoing significant growth, setting itself apart with its innovative approach in the industry.

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  15. Lavery recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada's Best Law Firms 2024

    On November 15, 2023, the Globe and Mail released the results of its inaugural edition of Canada's Best Law Firm for 2024 and we are pleased to announce that Lavery is included. The ranking for Canada's Best Law Firms was created based on recommendations from lawyers and clients (corporate legal departments). The final list ranks law firms in 31 specialties. Out of the thousands of law firms analyzed, only 200 are recognized. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.

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  16. Lavery provides support as La Presse navigates transformation

    In December 2020, Montreal-based La Presse became one of the first media outlets in Canada to obtain registered journalism organization (RJO) status. The special status, introduced by the federal government and granted by the Canada Revenue Agency, is intended to provide alternative funding options for news organizations hit hard by declining revenues, enabling them to fund themselves through donations. Lavery had the privilege of helping La Presse reorganize its corporate structure, so it could meet all the criteria for the designation and enjoy advantages such as tax-exempt status and the ability to issue donation receipts.We also represented La Presse in talks with the Canada Revenue Agency, emphasizing the distinct nature of a mass media outlet like La Presse and the highly competitive environment in which the organization operates. As a result of our representations, La Presse was able to secure RJO status. La Presse subsequently sought our guidance on establishing new governance rules to meet its obligations as an RJO and on creating a second social utility trust. The Lavery team was led by Luc Pariseau and Audrey Pelletier.

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  17. Mining: Lexpert Recognizes Three Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada

    On October 23, 2023, Lexpert recognized the expertise of three of our partners in its 2023 Lexpert Special Edition: Mining. Josianne Beaudry, René Branchaud and Sébastien Vézina now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of Mining. Josianne Beaudry is a partner and leader of the Business law group at Lavery. Her practice is primarily focused on securities law, investment funds and mining law. She advises financial sector participants on the application of regulations relating to securities and corporate governance. René Branchaud is a partner in the firm’s Business Law group. He practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. Sébastien Vézina is a partner in the firm’s Business Law group. Over the years, he has refined his practice and developed a particular interest in negotiating commercial agreements with companies in the mining and renewable energy sources, financial services and sports and entertainment industries. Generally, Sébastien's practice in these different industries includes public and private mergers and acquisitions, public and private financing, private sector investments and company buyouts, in particular cross-border transactions between Canada and the United States and international transactions, and the negotiation of various commercial agreements. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.

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  18. Lavery is developing its own generative AI tool

    Lavery, the leading independent law firm in Quebec, is developing its own interface whereby all its members will be able to access different versions of ChatGPTTM, the conversational agent developed by OpenAITM. Becoming familiar and having a good understanding of how this type of tool works is essential for the firm, its members, and its clients. Staying on the cutting edge of AI developments and evolving legal services With the creation of this personalized interface, Lavery is building on its cutting-edge position in the areas of AI and legal services with an emphasis on innovation and security. Integrating the interface, which was developed by the members of Lavery’s Legal Laboratory on Artificial Intelligence (L3AI) in association with IT engineers from the firm’s Intellectual Property team and the members of its IT group, signals Lavery’s desire to be a leader in the adoption of new technologies. In a rapidly evolving industry, Lavery is adopting this technology so its members can learn how to use it and eventually incorporate it into their professional practice. As adapted for Lavery, the tool offers a secure environment and will provide the firm’s members with a practical and powerful hands-on experience. Secure and evolving interface Developing a personalized interface and putting in place a strict framework for the internal use of generative AI means that this technology can be used securely and effectively within the firm while fostering the development of skills that users will need. The conditions of use that Lavery has laid out are not only simple and clear, but also rigorous. The firm’s members will be taking part in various training activities. Dedicated to the firm’s users, the application programming interface (API) logs requests submitted as well as the conversational agent’s responses. Over time, this data will be used to adjust the tool’s behaviour with a view to boosting security, accuracy and performance. “By developing our own platform, we will have access to a personalized product that is specifically designed to meet our needs and offers improved risk management and opportunities to perfect the interface,” said Benoit Yelle, Lavery partner and patent agent. Harnessing Lavery’s client service expertise “We would like to gain familiarity with conversational agents so we can better advise clients who wish to implement this type of business technology on the relevant issues, risks and benefits,” said Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. “The firm’s decision to build its own interface while managing the risks associated with the use of generative AI is a prime example of one of our core values—entrepreneurship—and attests to the fact that our members put this value into practice in their day-to-day lives.” About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.

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  19. André Vautour appointed Chair Elect of World Services Group (WSG) Board of Directors

    Lavery is pleased to announce that André Vautour, Partner of the firm, has been elected Chair Elect of the World Services Group (WSG) 2023–2024 Board of Directors. Mr. Vautour will serve as Chair Elect for a one-year term where he will work with WSG leadership and other members of the Board in assessing the strategic future and progress of WSG and meeting its objectives. In addition to Mr. Vautour, WSG officers for the current year include Anastasia Campbell from Graham Thompson in the Bahamas, Chair; Rafael Calvo Salinero from Spanish firm Garrigues, Secretary; David Gutiérrez from BLP in Costa Rica, Treasurer; and Herman H. Raspé from Patterson Belknap in New York, Chair Emeritus. The network’s board, on which Mr. Vautour also sits, is made up of 16 members representing all the regions in the world. World Services Group is the most prominent global network of independent law firms and a group of a select few investment banking and accounting firms. The network is comprised of over 120 prominent law firms with over 23,000 professionals globally. The members of these firms act in over 150 countries and territories. This network can connect its members’ clients to other elite legal firms and their multinational clients worldwide. “I’m very pleased to serve as Chair Elect at WSG. This prestigious organization provides a solid and collaborative global platform and its members are committed to providing the best service quality and value to their clients. The Chair, Alexandra Campbell of Graham Thompson in the Bahamas, the Chair Emeritus, Herman H. Raspé of Patterson Belknap in New York, members of the Board, members of the regional councils and all WSG member firms make an outstanding contribution through their hard work,” stated André Vautour. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec and a member of the WSG network. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.

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  20. Lavery welcomes Geneviève Bergeron to its Intellectual Property Group

    Lavery is delighted to welcome Geneviève Bergeron as a Partner and Trademark Agent in our Intellectual Property Group. She has extensive experience in trademarks, intellectual property transactions, copyright and domain names. She also advises on the application of the Charter of the French Language to labelling, advertising and commercial signage. She has been recognized for her expertise in intellectual property and trademark law by numerous rankings, including The Best Lawyers in Canada, World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000, Managing Intellectual Property and Who’s Who Legal: IP. Geneviève provides strategic advice and helps many companies protect their trademarks, both in Canada and abroad. Her trademark expertise covers a wide range of industries and includes litigation, such as opposition and cancellation proceedings, the negotiation of coexistence and settlement agreements, and commercial contracts involving intellectual property. Geneviève is also very involved in professional associations related to her practice, including the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada and the International Trademark Association. “I am very pleased to be joining Lavery’s intellectual property team. It’s a high-powered team with a solid reputation both in Canada and abroad, offering high-level expertise on the protection, management, enhancement and defence of intellectual property rights. I’m delighted to become a member of such a talented and passionate team, and look forward to actively contributing to the firm’s success,” says Geneviève.

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  21. Lavery's expertise recognized by Chambers Canada 2024

    We are pleased to announce that Lavery has once again been recognized in the 2024 edition of Chambers Canada in the following sectors: Corporate/Commercial (Québec, Band 1, Highly Regarded) Employment and Labour (Québec, Band 2) Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 3) Intellectual Property (Nationwide, Band 4) These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery’s professionals. Five lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective areas of practice in the 2023 edition of the Chambers Canada guide. Areas of expertise in which they are recognized: René Branchaud : Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 5) Nicolas Gagnon : Construction (Nationwide, Band 3) Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Employment and Labour (Québec, Up and Coming) Guy Lavoie : Employment and Labour (Québec, Band 2) Sébastien Vézina : Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 5) Since 1990, Chambers and Partners' ranks the best law firms and lawyers across 200 jurisdictions throughout the world. The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.

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  22. Energy: Lexpert Recognizes Two Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada

    On September 25, 2023, Lexpert recognized the expertise of two of our partners in its 2023 Lexpert Special Edition: Energy. René Branchaud and Edith Jacques now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of energy. René Branchaud practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. Edith Jacques is a partner in Montréal's Business law group. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law, as well as international law and acts as business and strategic consultant to mid- and large-size companies. She plays an active role in companies in the manufacturing and energy sectors. These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services René and Edith. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.  

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  23. Lavery hires nine new legal professionals

    Lavery is pleased to announce that nine recently sworn-in lawyers are joining Lavery following the completion of their articling within the firm. Quebec City office William Bolduc William will be joining the administrative law team at Lavery’s Quebec City office in September 2023. Although he is an administrative law generalist, most of his mandates involve municipal law. William also has a keen interest in constitutional law. “Municipal law is exciting, but highly complex due to its legislative corpus. During my internship, Lavery’s administrative law team gave me consistent support and guidance as a junior professional. I am proud to have an opportunity to join this dynamic team and to bring the benefits of my own experience.” Marianne Duboy Marianne Duboy specializes in civil and commercial litigation and construction law. She joined the Lavery team as a student back in 2021. She completed her bachelor of law degree at Laval University. During her studies, Marianne was involved as a volunteer researcher at Laval University’s Legal Information Office. She also served as a research assistant for Prof. Daniel Gardner. “I decided to begin my career at Lavery because of the team with which I developed and grew over the past two years. That gave me an opportunity to exceed in personal as well as professional terms.” Émilie Grignon Émilie is a member of our Business Law group. She joined the Lavery team as a student back in 2021. “I decided to join Lavery after the team welcomed me with such open arms. This allowed me to develop both personally and professionally by giving me greater autonomy, as well as the chance to pursue excellence as a jurist.” Montreal office : Sophie Crevier Sophie Crevier is member of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and practices primarily in the areas of civil and commercial litigation. During her studies, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Montreal’s Cyberjustice Laboratory, where she contributed to the development of projects designed to promote access to justice using high-tech tools. “For me, Lavery offers a welcoming environment, where the focus is on collaboration and where our colleagues and mentors care deeply about our professional success. It’s no surprise that I would want to begin my legal career there.” Renaud G. Murphy Renaud is a member of our Business Law group and mainly practices in the area of financing, particularly venture capital and equity financing. Prior to his legal training, Renaud completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has more than 10 years of sales experience, primarily in the telecommunications sector. “As soon as I was hired at Lavery, I was granted trust. I am pleased to be starting out as a lawyer in an environment that fosters autonomy, rigour and the pursuit of excellence.” Jennifer Younes Jennifer joins our Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. " Choosing Lavery was for me a way of choosing a team that would support me, while ensuring that I had access to the resources I needed to develop professionally.  So I continue my journey at Lavery, now as a lawyer, with the certainty of being surrounded by dedicated mentors fostering a stimulating, collaborative and collegial work environment." Sherbrooke office: Arianne Arguin Arianne is member of our Business Law group. She primarily practices in the areas of transactional law and commercial law, where she supports our partners and experienced members working primarily on cases involving commercial transactions, such as corporate restructurings and business sales/acquisitions. She also works on cases involving the incorporation of the legal practice involving various professionals. Prior to joining the firm, she honed her legal knowledge and skills in the legal department of the public health and social services network. “As soon as I started at Lavery, I realized that collaboration is a core value of the firm. As a member of the Lavery team, I have the opportunity to develop my skills each day by working closely with a range of professionals who pool their strengths and expertise to offer an unparalleled level of service to each client.” Marianne Fortier Marianne is member of our Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. “At Lavery, I am spoiled insofar as I can rub shoulders with experienced legal professionals who are so generous with their time and experience. The team members’ approach is very humane and collaborative. When I began working for the firm, I was involved in a variety of mandates before I knew it. That gave me a chance to develop my professional skills.” Marie-Pier Landry Marie-Pier Landry is member of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. She joined the Lavery team as a student back in 2021. “I am delighted to be joining a team characterized by its excellence, sense of daring and entrepreneurship. I am convinced that Lavery will enable me to thrive professionally. I am looking forward to contributing to the firm’s success!”

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  24. Lavery welcomes a new partner to the Business Law group

    Lavery is very pleased to welcome Marc-André Godin as a partner in the Business Law group at our Montreal office, more specifically as a member of our Real Estate Law team. Mr. Godin’s main areas of practice include real estate, investments, commercial leasing, procurement and general commercial law. Over the course of his career, Mr. Godin has worked for various private companies and law firms. He has also been involved in a number of major transactions, including due diligence mandates with environmental, commercial and real estate components. Mr. Godin previously served as an in-house legal advisor to institutional clients, as well as to a real estate venture capital fund. He also worked as a legal advisor to a federal Crown corporation and a national commercial brokerage firm, supporting their needs in the areas of commercial and real estate law. Mr. Godin is deeply committed to the well-being of Quebec’s youth. Since 2014, he has served as director of donations and sponsorships for Let’s Bond, a group of young professionals organizing benefit events for the Jeunes en Tête Foundation and the Douglas Institute Foundation. “I am eagerly looking forward to joining the Lavery team, whose reputation for excellence extends across Quebec as well as internationally. Thanks to its multi-disciplinary nature and in-house collaboration, the firm helps companies doing business in Quebec to realize their ambitions, whether that means achieving growth, managing risks, optimizing assets or protecting and defending their interests. The core values upheld by the firm’s members convinced me to pursue my career here,” said Mr. Godin.

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  25. The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 recognize 68 lawyers of Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 68 of its lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields of expertise by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024. The following lawyers also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada: Josianne Beaudry : Mining Law Jules Brière : Administrative and Public Law Bernard Larocque : Professional Malpractice Law Carl Lessard : Workers' Compensation Law Consult the complete list of Lavery's lawyers and their fields of expertise: Josianne Beaudry : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Mining Law Laurence Bich-Carrière : Class Action Litigation / Contruction Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Product Liability Law Dominic Boivert : Insurance Law Luc R. Borduas : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Daniel Bouchard : Environmental Law Elizabeth Bourgeois : Labour and Employment Law (Ones To Watch) René Branchaud : Mining Law / Natural Resources Law / Securities Law Étienne Brassard : Equipment Finance Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Real Estate Law Jules Brière : Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice / Administrative and Public Law / Health Care Law Myriam Brixi : Class Action Litigation Benoit Brouillette : Labour and Employment Law Richard Burgos : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Corporate Law / Commercial Leasing Law / Real Estate Law Marie-Claude Cantin : Insurance Law / Construction Law Brittany Carson : Labour and Employment Law Karl Chabot : Construction Law (Ones To Watch) Chantal Desjardins : Intellectual Property Law Jean-Sébastien Desroches : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Raymond Doray : Privacy and Data Security Law / Administrative and Public Law / Defamation and Media Law Christian Dumoulin : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Alain Y. Dussault : Intellectual Property Law Isabelle Duval : Family Law Philippe Frère : Administrative and Public Law Simon Gagné : Labour and Employment Law Nicolas Gagnon : Construction Law Richard Gaudreault : Labour and Employment Law Julie Gauvreau : Intellectual Property Law / Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice Audrey Gibeault : Trusts and Estates Caroline Harnois : Family Law / Family Law Mediation / Trusts and Estates Marie-Josée Hétu : Labour and Employment Law Édith Jacques : Energy Law / Corporate Law / Natural Resources Law Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Labour and Employment Law Isabelle Jomphe : Advertising and Marketing Law / Intellectual Property Law Guillaume Laberge : Administrative and Public Law Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin : Insurance Law Awatif Lakhdar : Family Law Bernard Larocque : Professional Malpractice Law / Class Action Litigation / Insurance Law / Legal Malpractice Law Éric Lavallée : Technology Law Myriam Lavallée : Labour and Employment Law Guy Lavoie : Labour and Employment Law / Workers' Compensation Law Jean Legault : Banking and Finance Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Carl Lessard : Workers' Compensation Law / Labour and Employment Law Josiane L'Heureux : Labour and Employment Law Despina Mandilaras : Construction Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation (Ones To Watch) Hugh Mansfield : Intellectual Property Law Zeïneb Mellouli : Labour and Employment Law / Workers' Compensation Law Isabelle P. Mercure : Trusts and Estates Patrick A. Molinari : Health Care Law Jessica Parent : Labour and Employment Law (Ones To Watch) Luc Pariseau : Tax Law / Trusts and Estates Ariane Pasquier : Labour and Employment Law Jacques Paul-Hus : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Audrey Pelletier : Tax Law (Ones To Watch) Hubert Pepin : Labour and Employment Law Martin Pichette : Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation Élisabeth Pinard : Family Law François Renaud : Banking and Finance Law / Structured Finance Law Judith Rochette : Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law Ian Rose FCIArb : Director and Officer Liability Practice / Insurance Law / Class Action Litigation Sophie Roy : Insurance Law (Ones To Watch) Chantal Saint-Onge : Corporate and Commercial Litigation (Ones To Watch) Ouassim Tadlaoui : Construction Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Bernard Trang : Banking and Finance Law / Project Finance Law (Ones To Watch) Mylène Vallières : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Securities Law (Ones To Watch) André Vautour : Corporate Governance Practice / Corporate Law / Information Technology Law / Intellectual Property Law / Technology Law / Energy Law Bruno Verdon : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Sébastien Vézina : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Mining Law Yanick Vlasak : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Jonathan Warin : Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery’s professionals. About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Quebec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Quebec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm’s expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Quebec jurisdiction.

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  26. Lavery involved in the construction of the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge

    Following a qualification process, the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable du Québec (MTMD) issued a call for tenders in 2022 for the construction of the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge pursuant to the project delivery method known as design-build-finance (DBF). Since this was a DBF, the financing of this project had to be included in the proposals made by the selected candidates. Lavery represented the successful consortium made up of Dragados Canada Inc., Roxboro Excavation Inc. and Construction Demathieu & Bard Inc. Our role required expertise in the following areas: (a)   Governance and corporate law  (b)  Project financing (banking and securities)  (c)   Public procurement (d)  Construction law (e)   Commercial agreements (f)    Taxation  Lavery represented the consortium from the call for proposals to the financial close, including the drafting phase leading up to the awarding of the contract to the consortium. The financing was the most complex part of this transaction. Under the hybrid approach retained for that project, a major credit facility to be granted by a bank syndicate had to be set up, as well the private placement of two tranches of bonds. This involved adjusting the rights and obligations of creditors on both sides within a sophisticated intercreditor agreement. The financing also required parent company guarantees, including from French and Spanish corporations, which required us to find common ground to accommodate the typical requirements of a North American financing and the specific corporate and commercial features applicable in France and Spain. To meet this challenge, we put together a multidisciplinary team, divided up the work in accordance with our professionals’ diverse expertises, and dedicated a team member exclusively to interactions with the MTMD, its lawyers and the issuers of performance bonds typical for this kind of projects. Sound project management practices were essential to the success of this team effort. It is a privilege for Lavery to have participated in this essential project allowing the people of Quebec to obtain a new bridge linking the regions of Montérégie and Montréal. The Lavery team was led by Josianne Beaudry, Nicolas Gagnon, Édith Jacques, David Tournier and André Vautour, and included Véronik Bonneville-Pesant, Katerina Kostopoulos, Jean-François Maurice, Joseph Gualdieri, Siddhartha Borissov-Beausoleil, Alexandre Turcotte, Luc Pariseau, Charles Hugo Gagné, Mickaël Pageau, Jean-Vincent Prévost-Bérubé and Yohann Lévy.

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  27. Myriam Brixi recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Women in Litigation by Benchmark Litigation for 2023

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Myriam Brixi has been recognized in the 10th edition of Benchmark Litigation’s Top 100 Women in Litigation in Canada for 2023. This prestigious achievement honours Canada’s 100 best female litigators who have achieved professional distinction via their recent involvement in key cases and have forged a solid reputation in the eyes of their peers and clients. As a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, Myriam Brixi focuses her practice primarily in the areas of class actions, product liability, consumer law and insurance law. She has participated in complex class actions raising important legal issues, including a wide range of multi-jurisdictional class actions.   In addition to this honour, Myriam was recognized as a Litigation Star and was named Quebec Litigator of the Year in the Emerging Talent category earlier in 2023. For more information, please go to:   Top 100 Women in Canada in Litigation

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  28. Three new members join Lavery’s ranks

    Lavery is pleased to welcome three new members to its Montréal office: Emma-Sophie Hall, François Pariseau and Noémie Rochette. Emma-Sophie Hall Emma-Sophie Hall is back in our Labour and Employment Law group. She assists employers with all aspects of labour and employment law, including labour standards, employment contracts and corporate policies. She is also called on to assist in preparing for the arbitration of grievances and proceedings before the civil courts of Quebec. "I am delighted to be back in such a stimulating work environment with exceptional mentors." Noémie Rochette Noémie joins our Business Law group and our firm's tax law team. She specializes in all aspects of tax law, including tax planning for corporate reorganizations, estate planning and tax litigation. "I am very enthusiastic about joining Lavery, a renowned organization with a corporate culture that values excellence and professional growth. I was won over by a friendly and dedicated team managing large-scale, diversified mandates and guiding junior lawyers in their development. I am looking forward to joining the team and furthering my career." François Pariseau François Pariseau is a member of the Administrative Law group. He focuses his practice primarily on administrative and constitutional law in many specialized areas, such as access to information, protection of privacy, and professional and disciplinary law. In this capacity, he regularly represents and advises public and private entities, including professional orders and public bodies on issues relating to constitutional law, judicial review, injunctions and disputes in administrative law. "I was genuinely impressed by how professional the people involved in the hiring process were when they contacted me. Every step of the way, the professionals I met showed interest in me and were very receptive during our conversations. At Lavery, I discovered a people-oriented team, a unique and powerful brand image and, above all, professionals committed to actively contributing to Quebec society."

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  29. Lavery/Léger Survey: Businesses Still Seeking Growth Opportunities but Feel Ill-Equipped in the Current Economic Context

    A survey conducted by the law firm Lavery in collaboration with Léger reveals that more than half (58%) of Québec businesses have curbed their growth plans as a result of various financial issues and the labour shortage. The survey, intended to assess the priorities and growth perspectives of Québec businesses, nonetheless reveals that nearly half of organizations (44%) are still looking for opportunities to grow in the coming year.  While 47% of businesses in the professional, scientific and technical services sector report slower progress in reaching their growth targets, they are still the ones that have fared the best in the face of monetary and labour shortage issues. In the construction sector, two thirds of businesses report a decelerating growth plan. The economic context has been transformed since the pandemic—conditions are constantly changing and capital costs have shot up as a result of rising interest rates. In a tightening market where mistakes are becoming increasingly costly, consulting experts for business guidance prior to making decisions is even more critical then ever to properly develop and structure business plans and ensure strategic growth. Businesses ill-equipped to meet challenges One out of four businesses reports having faced financial issues, namely increased operational costs, the fear of recession, the cost of financing or payment deadlines. Likewise, one out of four businesses reports major difficulties resulting from the labour shortage. However, the survey results show that nearly one third (31%) of respondents feel that they are poorly equipped to deal with the issue that is affecting them the most. The solutions contemplated to ensure growth include hiring employees (49%), making an acquisition (19%) and restructuring (16%). More than half of respondents have considered hiring a legal professional for operations like mergers or acquisitions (67%), takeovers or distribution of shares to key employees (55%) and layoffs (50%). To counter the labour shortage problem, the first thing businesses usually think of doing is stepping up recruitment efforts. However, over the past two years, organizations have increasingly been choosing to offer shares to key employees to attract, mobilize and retain their personnel. Implementing a digital shift to boost productivity is another popular measure. Experts—and in particular legal experts—have in-depth knowledge of market issues, transactions and growth opportunities, and businesses stand to benefit from consulting them more often for guidance in developing growth strategies before making decisions. Methodology The results were obtained through a online survey conducted by Léger from May 3 to 18, 2023, targeting a sample of 200 Quebec-based corporate decision-makers and influencers in one of the following sectors: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting / Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction / Manufacturing / Finance and insurance / Information industry / Professional services / Corporate and business management / Real estate services / Public administration / Construction. Contact Jean-François Lemieux, [email protected], 514 877-3002

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  30. Lavery helps Cultures Gen V become Quebec’s largest greenhouse grower

    On July 4, 2023, Cultures Gen V, one of Quebec’s leading greenhouse growers, announced the acquisition of Serres Royales. The acquisition furthers Cultures Gen V’s business strategy, which aims to improve Quebec’s food self-sufficiency by expanding sustainable greenhouse growing and offering consumers a wider variety of superior quality products. This transaction makes Cultures Gen V the largest diversified greenhouse grower in Quebec, adding 9 hectares of tomatoes to its current acreage, for a total of 36 hectares. Lavery was privileged to represent Cultures Gen V in the transaction. Not only did the firm implement the group’s pre-transaction refinancing, it also negotiated and closed the transaction. The Lavery team was led by Étienne Brassard with the assistance of Gabrielle Ahélo and France Camille De Mers and the collaboration of Béatrice Bull, Pamela Cifola, Éric Gélinas, Jessica Parent, Chantal Desjardins, James Duffy, Valérie Belle-Isle, Sonia Guérin, Joseph Lauzon-Potts, Arielle Supino, Bernard Trang, Katerina Kostopoulos, Charlotte Dangoisse, David Tournier, Ana Cristina Nascimento, Joëlle Montpetit and Nadine Giguère.

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  31. Lexpert Recognizes Three Partners as Leading Technology and Health Lawyers in Canada

    On June 26, 2023, Lexpert recognized the expertise of three of our partners in its 2023 Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health. Chantal Desjardins, Selena Lu and André Vautour now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of Technology and Health. Chantal Desjardins is a partner, lawyer and trade-mark agent in Lavery’s intellectual property group. She contributes actively to the development of her clients’ rights in this field, which includes the protection of trade-marks, industrial designs, copyright, trade secrets, domain names and other related forms of intellectual property, in order to promote her clients’ business goals. Selena Lu is a partner in the Business Law group and focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions. She frequently advises clients abroad on commercial law matters relating to investment and expansion in Canada. Over the years, Selena has developed an interest and acquired significant experience in supporting customers in their technological change. On a day-to-day basis, she advises clients on the legal impacts of the introduction of new technologies. Moreover, she oversees the development of the structure and negotiation of mergers and acquisitions along with complex business relationships for developing, marketing and acquiring technologies. André Vautour practices in the fields of corporate and commercial law and is particularly interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds and mergers and acquisitions of private corporations. He practises in the field of technology law (drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce agreements).

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  32. Death of J. Vincent O'Donnell, former partner and builder of Lavery

    It is with deep regret that we learned of the death of our former partner and colleague, J. Vincent O’Donnell. Mr. O’Donnell joined the firm in 1957 and practiced law until his retirement in 2009. He quickly rose up the ranks to become one of Quebec’s foremost litigators. Over the course of a career spanning more than 50 years, he argued cases at all levels of court, including a dozen appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada. A number of the cases with which Mr. O’Donnell remained closely associated resulted in precedent-setting decisions in the areas of insurance, professional liability and class actions. Bâtonnier of the Bar of Montreal from 1984-1985, Mr. O’Donnell played an active role on various committees of the Barreau du Québec and the Canadian Bar Association throughout his career. His reputation also extended beyond Canada’s borders thanks to his membership in prestigious international associations such as the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the International Association of Defense Counsel. Mr. O'Donnell profoundly influenced several generations of legal practitioners, to whom he bequeathed his passion for the law and his professional rigour. Paying tribute to the entirety of his career, the English-speaking section of the Bar of Montreal presented him with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. On behalf of the entire Lavery team, we extend our most sincere condolences to Mr. O’Donnell’s family and friends, as well as to all our colleagues who had the privilege of knowing him.

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  33. Lexpert Recognizes Two Partners as Leading Infrastructures Lawyers in Canada

    On May 23, 2023, Lexpert recognized the expertise of two of our partners in its 2023 Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure. Nicolas Gagnon and André Vautour now rank among Canada's leaders in the area of infrastructure law. Nicolas Gagnon specializes in construction law and surety law. He counsels public and private sector clients, professional services firms and contractors as well as surety companies at every stage of construction projects. He advises clients with respect to the public bidding and procurement process, and is involved in the drafting of contract documents and the management of the work and any claims resulting therefrom. André Vautour practices in the fields of corporate and commercial law and is particularly interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds and mergers and acquisitions of private corporations. He also practises in the field of technology law (drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce agreements).

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  34. Myriam Brixi named Quebec Litigator of the Year in the emerging talent category at the Benchmark Litigation Canada Awards 2023

    Lavery is proud to announce that Myriam Brixi was named Quebec Litigator of the Year in the emerging talent category at the 12th annual Benchmark Litigation Canada Awards held in Toronto on May 10, 2023. This prestigious award is given to leading litigators involved in landmark litigation cases who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession by providing outstanding service to clients. Each year, the Benchmark Litigation team analyzes the most notable cases in the country over several months and conducts in-depth interviews with litigation lawyers and their clients to evaluate peer nominations and recognizes the work of outstanding lawyers. As a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, Myriam Brixi focuses her practice primarily in the areas of class actions, product liability, consumer law and insurance law. She has participated in complex class actions raising important legal issues, including a wide range of multi-jurisdictional class actions.   Myriam adds this recognition to the Litigation Star awards she received earlier this year, as well as her nomination as one of the Top 100 Women in Canadian Litigation by Benchmark Litigation in 2022. Congratulations to Myriam for this distinction that is a testament to her talent and expertise. For more information, please go to: https://benchmarklitigation.com/NewsAndAnalysis/View-the-2023-Benchmark-Canada-Awards-shortlist/Index/8860

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  35. Finance and M&A: Lexpert Recognizes Four Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada

    On April 19, 2023, Lexpert recognized the expertise of four of our partners in its 2023 Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A. Etienne Brassard, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Édith Jacques and Selena Lu now rank among Canada's leaders in the financial sector and in M&A. Etienne Brassard practices business law, more specifically corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law. In his practice, he advises local and international businesses in relation to all forms of private financing, from traditional or convertible debt to equity investments. He has thus developed extensive expertise in setting up complex financing structures, in both operational and transactional contexts. Jean-Sébastien Desroches practices business law and focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure, renewable energy and project development as well as strategic partnerships. He has had the opportunity to steer several major transactions, complex legal operations, cross-border transactions, reorganizations, and investments. Édith Jacques is a partner in Montréal's Business law group. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law, as well as international law and acts as business and strategic consultant to mid- and large-size companies. Selena Lu is a partner in the Business Law group and focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions. She frequently advises clients abroad on commercial law matters relating to investment and expansion in Canada. Selena has strong business acumen and offers practical and innovative solutions to her clients, who are mainly entrepreneurs and owner-operators.

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  36. Lavery assists Fancamp Exploration Ltd. in a joint venture agreement with Platinex Inc.

    On March 13, 2023, Fancamp Exploration Ltd. (Fancamp) officially announced that it had entered into a joint venture agreement with Platinex Inc. (Platinex) to further explore and promote certain gold mining properties located in Ontario and owned by the two entities. The transaction involved Fancamp transferring its Heenan Mallard and Dorothy mining properties to South Timmins Mining Inc. (Goldco), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Platinex, in exchange for shares representing 25% of Goldco's issued and outstanding shares and a 1% royalty on the properties to Platinex. The transaction also included a shareholder agreement providing for the governance of Goldco's activities. Fancamp subscribed for a number of shares representing 9.5% of Platinex's issued and outstanding shares. Lavery was privileged to represent Fancamp in this important mandate led by Jean-Paul Timothée and Alexandre Turcotte. -- Fancamp is a growing Canadian mineral exploration corporation dedicated to its value-added strategy of advancing its priority mineral properties through exploration and innovative development. The corporation owns numerous mineral resource properties in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick, where it mines chromium sector, strategic rare-earth metals, gold, zinc, titanium and other resources. To learn more about Fancamp, go to: https://www.fancamp.ca

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  37. Lavery strengthens its Intellectual property group

    We are pleased to welcome Gaspard Petit, Suzanne Antal and Marie-Eve Tremblay to Lavery. Gaspard Petit – Associate and technical advisorGaspard is a lawyer and technical advisor in Lavery's Intellectual Property group.He has also worked as a software engineer and has over 15 years of experience in programming, developing and managing IT products and services, particularly in the areas of broadcasting, video games and cloud computing. "I joined the Lavery IP team for the quality of its professionals, and each encounter confirmed that this was the ideal place for me to grow." Suzanne Antal – Trademark AgentSuzanne is a trademark agent in Lavery's Intellectual Property group. She has over 20 years of experience as a trademark agent and paralegal with a number of Quebec firms. She focuses her practice on all aspects of trademark registration, including drafting and filing trademark applications and representing clients in trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings, both nationally and internationally. "Lavery is a firm with an ideal working environment, the organization of a large office and caring people. It is a pleasure to join the intellectual property group that I have admired for years. Now I'm in! The practice is diverse and the challenges are significant. Anything to make me feel like there's room to grow." Marie-Ève Tremblay – Paralegal and Trademark Agent in trainingMarie-Ève is a paralegal and trademark agent in training with the Intellectual Property group. She has nearly 10 years of experience as a paralegal. Prior to joining Lavery, Marie-Ève worked for another Montréal firm specializing in intellectual property in the trademark industry. She has also worked for companies managing international trademark portfolios.

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  38. Jean-François Denis Chooses Lavery, Becoming the Firm’s New Chief Client Officer

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean-François Denis as Chief Client Officer. As it continues its strong growth, the firm can count on his expertise of legal operations and understanding of the needs, expectations and business realities of the firm’s clients, in addition to consolidating its client approach and experience. Among other things, Jean-François will be playing a key role in implementing innovative strategies, optimizing processes in connection with legal operations and assisting partners and professionals with clients matters. His unifying leadership makes him an undeniable asset for Lavery. “I am very pleased to be joining Lavery’s dynamic and committed team,” said Jean-François Denis. “Our industry is changing exponentially. I look forward to contributing to the firm’s development by helping it stay on the cutting edge of best practices.” Lavery is privileged to draw on Jean-François Denis’ professional experience. After practicing law for several years, he went on to hold a variety of client-centred positions. Extending for over 20 years, his career path ties in well with our sector’s realities and will enable the firm to forge even stronger relationships with its clients and to continue assisting them with their growth and the challenges they face. His understanding of the legal services market worldwide gives him a unique perspective on the delivery of services and on their optimization within a framework of solid client relationships. Before joining Lavery, Jean-François worked for six years at SNC-Lavalin, where he became one of the first professionals in Canada entirely dedicated to managing legal operations as Director of Legal Affairs, Global Operations. Prior to that, he practised for several years in a law firm as a litigation counsel before acting as legal advisor to BRP and Bombardier Aerospace. He also served on the board of directors of the Association of Corporate Counsel (Quebec Chapter) for five years, including three as chair. “I cannot imagine a better association for Lavery: Jean-François’ strong leadership skills and his grasp of the legal practice, as well as the transformation of our industry, make him a powerful ally.” said Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer.

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  39. Lavery appoints five senior associates and a senior notary

    Lavery is pleased to welcome the following professionals as senior associates and a senior notary in the firm. Elizabeth Bourgeois - Senior Associate Elizabeth is a member of the firm's Employment and Labour Law Group. She has acted as a lawyer-investigator and has specific experience in the prevention and treatment of psychological harassment and incivility in the workplace. Since 2018, Elizabeth has also been a mediator certified with the Barreau du Québec in, among other areas, labour relations. In her practice, she also advises employers in the public, para-public and private sectors on matters relating to human resources management and labour relations. Olivier Boileau - Senior Associate Olivier Boileau is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, and his practice focuses primarily on civil, commercial and corporate litigation. As part of his practice, Olivier has developed an expertise in commercial litigation. He advises and represents a diverse clientele before the courts, in particular shareholders of corporations of all sizes. Nadia Yasmine Hanine - Senior Associate Nadia Yasmine Hanine is a member of the Business Law group. She has participated and played a significant role in numerous share and asset purchase and sale transactions involving companies of various sizes. She represents entrepreneurs and investors as part of the acquisition of interests in private issuers. She also advises entrepreneurs and start-ups on various legal issues relating to their businesses. Chantal Saint-Onge - Senior Associate Chantal Saint-Onge is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group. She works predominantly in the areas of insurance law and civil liability. In her practice, Chantal has been called upon to represent clients from various economic sectors and industries, which has enabled her to continually develop new fields of expertise and specialization. Letta Wellinger - Senior Associate Letta Wellinger is a member of our Business law group and practices primarily in the areas of commercial law, transactional law, and corporate reorganizations. Ms. Wellinger also practises in civil and commercial litigation. Marie-Andrée Truchon - Senior Notary Marie-Andrée Truchon is a notary and tax specialist and practices in the Business Law group where she works chiefly in the areas of corporate law and taxation. As part of her practice, she is assigned to cases dealing with acquisitions/sales of corporations, mergers and corporate reorganizations, where she is called upon to draft a variety of commercial agreements. Congratulations to all of you!

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  40. A new partner joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to welcome Geneviève Beaudin, as a new partner in the Labour and Employment Law Group. Geneviève advises and represents companies under provincial and federal jurisdiction in their individual and collective labour relations. In this capacity, she deals with cases involving grievance adjudication, human rights, labour standards and access to information. She has also developed strong expertise in drafting opinions, arguments and factums in labour and employment law litigation. Geneviève represents companies in court, before various arbitral and administrative tribunals, and in mediation processes.

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  41. 33 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2023 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is proud to announce that 33 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2023 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2023 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Class Actions Laurence Bich-Carrière Myriam Brixi Construction Law Nicolas Gagnon Corporate Commercial Law Étienne Brassard Jean-Sébastien Desroches Christian Dumoulin Édith Jacques    Corporate Finance & Securities Josianne Beaudry           René Branchaud Corporate Mid-Market Luc R. Borduas Étienne Brassard Jean-Sébastien Desroches Christian Dumoulin Édith Jacques    Selena Lu André Vautour Employment Law Richard Gaudreault Marie-Josée Hétu Guy Lavoie Zeïneb Mellouli Infrastructure Law Nicolas Gagnon                Insolvency & Financial Restructuring Jean Legault      Ouassim Tadlaoui Yanick Vlasak Jonathan Warin Intellectual Property Chantal Desjardins Alain Y. Dussault Isabelle Jomphe Labour Relations Benoit Brouillette Simon Gagné Richard Gaudreault Marie-Josée Hétu Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur Guy Lavoie Litigation - Commercial Insurance Marie-Claude Cantin Bernard Larocque Martin Pichette Laurence Bich-Carrière Mergers & Acquisitions Josianne Beaudry Mining Josianne Beaudry René Branchaud Sébastien Vézina Occupational Health & Safety Josiane L'Heureux Property Leasing Richard Burgos Workers' Compensation Marie-Josée Hétu Guy Lavoie Carl Lessard

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  42. Four new members join Lavery’s ranks

    Lavery is pleased to announce that four recently sworn-in lawyers are joining Lavery following the completion of their articling within the firm. Ayman El Alamy joins our Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and practices mainly in civil litigation and insurance law. "Working at Lavery means that you get the chance to be involved very quickly in stimulating projects while benefitting from learning-centred supervision and a friendly work environment imbued with a strong spirit of collegiality." Maria Ionele joins the Labor and Employment Law Group. She joined Lavery in October 2021 as a student and completed her articling term at the firm in 2022. "Lavery was the obvious choice for me. There, I encountered an authentic team of passionate and inspiring professionals. It's the ideal firm for developing as a legal professional. The cases are exciting and collaboration between colleagues is emphasized, making for a stimulating work environment." Sofia Khan joins the Labor and Employment team. She completed her articling term at the firm in 2022. She completed her B.A. in Civil Law Cooperative at the University of Ottawa in 2020 and her B.A. in Common Law under the National J.D. Program at the University of Ottawa in 2022. "What has marked me the most in my time at Lavery is the passion, determination and collaborative spirit of all the professionals that I have worked with. I am now starting my career in labour law, with the opportunity to be involved in major cases, to collaborate with experts in the field and to be surrounded by mentors who have my professional development at heart." Philippe Vachon joins the Administrative Law team. "Articling at Lavery was an opportunity for me to personally experience an environment where initiative is encouraged, while benefitting from the supervision required to develop the professional skills I needed in order to practice as a lawyer."

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  43. Lavery assists Agendrix in obtaining two ISO certifications for data security and privacy

    On February 6, 2023, Agendrix, a workforce management software company, announced that it had achieved certification in two globally recognized data security and privacy standards, ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 27701:2019. This made it one of the first staff scheduling and time clock software providers in Canada to obtain these certifications. The company is proactively engaging in all matters related to the security and confidentiality of the data processed by its web and mobile applications. The ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard is aimed at improving information security systems. For Agendrix’s customers, that means its products comply with the highest information security standards. ISO/IEC 27701:2019 provides a framework for the management and handling of personal information and sensitive data. This certification confirms that Agendrix follows best practices and complies with applicable laws. A Lavery team composed of Eric Lavallée, Dave Bouchard, Ghiles Helli and Catherine Voyer supported Agendrix in obtaining these two certifications. More specifically, our professionals assisted Agendrix in the review of their standard contract with their customers, as well as in the implementation of policies and various internal documents essential to the management of personal information and information security. Agendrix was founded in 2015, and the Sherbrooke-based company now has over 150,000 users in some 13,000 workplaces. Its personnel management software is a leader in Quebec in the field of work schedule management for small and medium-sized businesses. Agendrix’s mission is to make management more human-centred by developing software that simplifies the lives of front-line employees. Today, the company employs more than 45 people.

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  44. Lavery appoints three new partners

    Lavery is pleased to welcome the following professionals as partners in the firm. Sylvain Pierrard – Québec Sylvain Pierrard is a lawyer and trademark agent in the firm’s Business law and the Intellectual Property groups. He focuses his practice on trademarks, copyright, corporate and commercial law. Frédéric Laflamme – Trois-Rivières Frédéric Laflamme is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. His practice is focused on matters involving civil and commercial litigation, such as civil liability, construction law and shareholder disputes. He is called upon to represent Canadian and foreign companies, insurers, manufacturers, contractors and shareholders before Quebec’s superior courts, and to advise them on settling their disputes. Vincent Towner – Sherbrooke Vincent Towner is a member of the Business law group. He frequently collaborates in matters involving corporate reorganizations and business transactions. Mr. Towner also drafts contracts such as commercial leases, service agreements, and supply agreements. This cohort of new partners plays a crucial role in the growth of the firm and our desire to be a growth partner for companies doing business in Quebec. They successfully embody Lavery’s culture and values: Excellence, Collaboration, Audacity and Entrepreneurship. Congratulations to our new partners!

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  45. Lavery Lavery strengthens its Business Law group

    Lavery is delighted to welcome Mélanie Meunier as a Senior Lawyer Knowledge Management and a member of Lavery’s Business Law group. Drawing on her expertise and experience, she works alongside our professional staff devising and implementing strategies and initiatives relating to knowledge management and new legal technologies. In addition, she develops continuing education content designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of the group’s client service delivery. "Lavery is a renowned Quebec firm that offers me the opportunity to contribute to its success. It was the frank and open discussions that I had with the various members of the team that convinced me that my expertise and experience would be invaluable assets for the firm with a view to setting up the “Knowledge Management” function within the Business Law team."

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  46. Lavery Welcomes a New Partner in the Business Law Group

    Lavery is delighted to welcome a new partner, Véronik Bonneville-Pesant, to the Business Law Group to the Montréal office. Her practice is focused mainly on mergers and acquisitions, commercial law and corporate law. She brings a cutting-edge expertise and a practice approach  in the energy sector. More specifically, she brings experience in infrastructure projects and renewable energy investments. Before joining Lavery, Me Bonneville-Pesant was Vice-President of Legal Affairs at a pioneering company in the Canadian wind industry that is very active in the development of renewable energy projects. She has also developed an extensive expertise in corporate governance. Because of her experience, she plays a central role in negotiating and drafting agreements related to the inception and implementation of private investment funds, especially in the wind energy sector, as well as agreements related to the development, acquisition and financing of renewable energy projects.

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  47. Three new members join Lavery’s ranks

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of Victoria Cohene, Fanny Poulin and Souad Berrada to the firm. Victoria Cohene – Senior AssociateVictoria Cohene joins the firm's Litigation group, specifically in Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law. Her practice covers all matters relating to family, personal and estate law, in particular divorce, legal separation, separation of de facto couples, child custody, child and spousal support, partition of property, name changes, grandparents' rights of access to their grandchildren, institution of protective supervision, homologation of mandates and estate litigation. "I was fortunate to have begun my law career at Lavery, and after 5 years developing experience as an independent lawyer, I am excited to be rejoining the "Dream Team". I look forward to learning and collaborating with lawyers having such integrity, empathy, commitment and high standards, and know that I will also have the support of so many other dedicated and kind individuals." Fanny Poulin - AssociateFanny Poulin joins our Labour and Employment Law Group. She joined Lavery after completing her bar association internship at a private firm specializing in family law. "I'm very excited to join the Lavery team! What attracted me to the firm was the passion exhibited by my colleagues and the intellectual challenges that await me." Souad Berrada - ParalegalSouad Berrada joins our Business Law Group. She will provide her experience to our corporate law professionals by assisting in the drafting of legal documentation for corporate transactions. "I decided to join the Lavery team is because of the firm's strong reputation and the fact that it remains one of the most qualified firms in Canada. It is also a wonderful challenge that will undoubtedly allow me to grow and develop within a team of outstanding professionals."

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  48. Lavery helps NorthStar to close an investment round worth approximately CA$ 47 million

    On December 23, 2022, NorthStar Earth & Space Inc. closed a Series C investment round worth approximately CA$ 47 million, with Cartesian Capital Group, LLC, as lead investor through its fund, Pangaea Three Acquisition Holdings III, LLC, Telesystem Space Inc., Luxembourg Future Fund – Co-Investments SA, the Québec Government through its mandatary Investissement Québec, and the Luxembourg Space Sector Development SCSp funded by the world’s leading connectivity solutions provider, SES, and the Luxembourg Government. With this investment, NorthStar will be able to fully finance its Space Situational Awareness (SSA) development project and the launch of its first three monitoring satellites scheduled for mid-2023. Lavery was privileged to represent NorthStar in this important mandate. Our partner, Ms. France Camille De Mers, led the transaction with the support of Mr. Philippe Brassard and Ms. Pamela Cifola, in particular. Our partners Mr. Ali El Haskouri and Mr. André Vautour also helped make the transaction a success. — NorthStar Earth & Space Inc. is the first commercial enterprise to monitor all near-Earth orbits from space and combine data from a variety of ground-based sensors to provide more extensive coverage. Its suite of high-speed information services accurately tracks and predicts the position of space objects to enable safety in spaceflight. With a head office in Montréal, Canada, European subsidiary in Luxembourg and an American subsidiary in McLean, Virginia, NorthStar is solving the ever-growing threat of space collisions, and, ultimately empowering humanity to preserve our planet.

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  49. A new associate joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to welcome Alexandre Turcotte to its Montréal office. He works primarily in corporate finance law, mergers and acquisitions and securities. Alexandre is joining the Business Law group. He works primarily in mergers and acquisitions, securities and corporate finance law. In his practice, he has represented and advised private companies and public institutions for significant business transactions and operations. "I decided to join Lavery to specialize my practice in business law and to develop my skills at a firm of excellence that offers great opportunities to young lawyers. But it was really the enthusiasm and passion of my future colleagues that really sealed the deal for me."

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  50. Litigation: Lexpert Recognizes Two Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada

    Lavery is proud to announce that Lexpert recognized the expertise of two of our partners in its 2022 Lexpert Special Edition: Litigation. Laurence Bich-Carrière et Myriam Brixi now rank among Canada’s leaders in Litigation. The Lexpert Special Edition profiles Lexpert-ranked litigators who have distinguished themselves by participating in some of the most significant litigation cases and by their reputation among their peers and clients. This recognition is a testament to Laurence and Myriam's talent and expertise as well as their influence in the legal market.

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  51. Selena Lu: a rising star of Canada’s legal community

    Lavery is proud to announce that on November 22, Selena Lu received the Rising Stars Leading Lawyers Under 40 award from Lexpert. This prestigious award honours lawyers under the age of 40 who distinguish themselves in the legal profession. The winners are selected by a jury of law firm managing partners and recognized corporate counsels, based on rigorously studied criteria like leadership, outstanding professional achievement and the services provided to clients. As a partner in the Business Law group, Selena focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions. She frequently advises clients abroad on commercial law, investment and expansion in Canada.  Over the years, Selena has acquired significant experience in supporting customers in their technological change. On a day-to-day basis, she advises clients on the legal impacts of the introduction of new technologies.  Selena is also actively involved in her community. She has held several leadership roles, including President of the Young Chinese Professionals Association (YCPA), Chair of the organizing committee of the Montreal Chinese Hospital Foundation Ball and President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal. She currently sits on several boards, including the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.  “It’s an honour for me to receive this award—I’m truly touched! I would like to thank my clients for their trust and for the privilege of being their growth partner. Working with them motivates me to invest in the projects and ideas that are shaping the legal and business world, and hopefully to make more stars shine, both now and in the future” says Selena. Congratulations to Selena for this distinction that is a testament to her talent and expertise. For more information, read the article :  https://risingstarscanada.com/winners-finalists/2022

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  52. Lavery recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada's Best Law Firms 2023

    On November 15, 2022, the Globe and Mail released the results of its inaugural edition of Canada's Best Law Firm for 2023 and we are pleased to announce that Lavery was included. The ranking for Canada’s Best Law Firms was created based on recommendations from lawyers and clients (corporate legal departments). The final list ranks law firms in 28 specialties. Out of the thousands of law firms analyzed, only 200 are recognized.

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  53. André Vautour joins the board of World Services Group (WSG)

    Lavery is pleased to announce that André Vautour, Partner of the firm, has been elected Secretary of the World Services Group (WSG) 2022-2023 Board of Directors. Mr. Vautour will serve as Secretary a one-year term where he will work collaboratively with WSG leadership in assessing the strategic future and progress of the WSG mission and objectives."World Services Group is one of the largest networks of professionals in the world and has benefited greatly from the work of its leaders over the past several years. I am very pleased to serve as secretary of this organization, as are its members. WSG is an important part of our strategy in that it allows Lavery's clients to benefit from valuable legal services not only in Quebec, but in more than 150 countries and territories around the world through the leading firms that are World Services Group members." Says André Vautour. About World Services Group (WSG)World Services Group is the most prominent global network of independent firms that provides an exclusive setting and platform to connect its members to the most elite legal firms and their multinational clients worldwide. WSG provides cross industry access to a select few investment banking and accounting firms creating more expansive opportunities to service clients. The network is comprised of over 120 firms worldwide. Members act in over 150 jurisdictions with over 23,000 professionals globally.

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  54. Anik Trudel appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM)

    On Tuesday, October 18, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM) announced the appointment of Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery, as Chair of its Board of Directors. A staple in the Montréal business community, the CCMM has been strengthening the city’s business environment and prosperity and providing support to Montréal businesses for nearly 200 years. The Chamber invests in key sectors of economic development through an action-oriented approach based on commitment, credibility, proactivity, collaboration and forward-thinking. Our CEO has been involved with the CCMM since 2018. Her appointment as Chair of the Board aligns perfectly with Lavery’s vision and positioning as a partner of economic development in the greater Montréal area and the province, which the firm has expressed by supporting the growth of both SMEs and the largest companies and institutions doing business in Quebec. “I am honoured by the confidence the Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors have placed in me. It is with pride, humility and a sense of responsibility that I accept the mandate of Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal in its pivotal 200th anniversary year. I will do my utmost to listen and respond to the needs of our members and the challenges facing our city,” says Anik Trudel. To see all the members of the CCMM Board of Directors, click here.

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  55. Béatrice Ngatcha joins the board of IPIC - Intellectual Property Institute of Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Beatrice Ngatcha, a partner in the Intellectual Property group, has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors for 2022-2023 by the IPIC Annual General Meeting. IPIC is the professional association for patent agents, trademark agents and lawyers specializing in all areas of intellectual property law. Beatrice has been involved in IPIC's development and outreach since 2003, and this appointment is a reflection and recognition of the strength of her expertise in the field of intellectual property. For more information, see IPIC's website: Here

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  56. Lavery to present the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal’s Lunchtime Conferences

    On Tuesday, October 4, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM) officially announced that Lavery will now be the presenter of the organization's Lunchtime Conferences. Lavery is pleased to collaborate with the CCMM for these upcoming events and to be part of the organization's efforts to strengthen Montréal's business environment and prosperity and to provide support to businesses in the city over nearly 200 years. "It is only natural for our firm to support initiatives like the CCMM's Lunchtime Conferences, whose objective is to ensure the dynamism of the business community in the Greater Montréal area. This new partnership is in line with Lavery's ambition and desire to drive the growth of organizations doing business in Quebec," said Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery.

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  57. Mining: Lexpert Recognizes Three Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada

    On October 5, 2022, Lexpert recognized the expertise of three of our partners in its 2022 Lexpert Special Edition: Mining. Josianne Beaudry, René Branchaud and Sébastien Vézina now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of Mining. Josianne Beaudry is a partner and leader of the Business law group at Lavery. Her practice is primarily focused on securities law. She advises financial sector participants on the application of regulations relating to securities and corporate governance. René Branchaud practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. Sébastien Vézina is a partner in the firm’s Business Law group. Over the years, he has refined his practice and developed a particular interest in negotiating commercial agreements with companies in the mining and renewable energy sources, financial services and sports and entertainment industries. Generally, Sébastien's practice in these different industries includes public and private mergers and acquisitions, public and private financing, private sector investments and company buyouts, in particular cross-border transactions between Canada and the United States and international transactions, and the negotiation of various commercial agreements.

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  58. Energy: Lexpert Recognizes Three Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada

    On October 5, 2022, Lexpert recognized the expertise of three of our partners in its 2022 Lexpert Special Edition: Energy. Daniel Bouchard, René Branchaud and Edith Jacques now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of energy. Daniel Bouchard specializes in the areas of municipal, environmental and administrative law. He has developed particular expertise in land-use and urban planning, agricultural zoning, environmental authorizations, municipal administration and ethics in public administration. René Branchaud practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. Edith Jacques is a partner in Montréal's Business law group. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law, as well as international law and acts as business and strategic consultant to mid- and large-size companies.

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  59. A new associate joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to welcome Stéphanie Girard, Senior Associate and Trademark agent to its Montréal office. Stéphanie joins our Intellectual Property group. As part of her practice, she advises businesses in various areas, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, advertising law and the Charter of the French language. Her expertise also includes drafting agreements involving intellectual property matters and due diligence. "I was looking for a team that I could identify with, a team I could see myself growing with as a lawyer. When I met my future colleagues at Lavery, we hit it off. I felt that they really wanted to get to know me, that they had a vision for me and for us, that they were going to support me through the various stages of my career and that they already cared about my well-being and growth. In short, I felt that I was going to be part of a great team and that our relationship was going to be brimming not only with accomplishments, but also with beautiful moments."

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  60. Lavery's expertise recognized by Chambers Canada 2023

    Lavery has been recognized in the following fields as a leader in the 2023 edition of the Chambers Canada guide: Corporate/Commercial (Québec Band 1, Highly Regarded) Employment and Labour (Québec Band 2) Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 4) Intellectual Property (Nationwide, Band 4) Our professionals demonstrate once again they are leaders in Chambers Canada guide 2023. René Branchaud, Nicolas Gagnon, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, Guy Lavoie and Sébastien Vézina have been recognized as leaders in their respective areas of practice in the 2023 edition of the Chambers Canada guide. Areas of expertise in which they are recognized: René Branchaud: Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 5) Nicolas Gagnon : Construction (Nationwide, Band 4) Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Labour and Employment Law (Québec, Up and Coming) Guy Lavoie: Labour and Employment Law (Québec, Band 2) Sébastien Vézina: Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide, Band 5) The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness.

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  61. Two new members join Lavery’s ranks

    Lavery is pleased to welcome two new members to its Trois-Rivières and Québec offices: Justine Chaput and Kevin Desjardins. Justine ChaputJustine joins our Labour and Employment Law group. She assists employers in all areas of labour and employment law, in particular hiring and termination, labour standards, disciplinary measures and human rights and freedoms in the workplace. She also develops and reviews employment contracts, company policies and various documents related to the employment relationship. "I chose to join Lavery because of the firm's values and its corporate culture where community involvement and teamwork are prized. From the first time I spoke with members of the firm, I felt an undeniable concordance between my values and theirs. I saw open-mindedness and positive and human leadership. I'm very excited to join a firm that successfully combines excellence, passion and professionalism while taking the growth and well-being of its employees to heart. I'm confident that I've found excellent mentors, and I look forward to working with them." Kevin Desjardins Kevin joins our Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. He works mainly in civil and commercial litigation. Prior to joining the firm, he articled with the public service, where he represented various ministries before civil and administrative tribunals. "By choosing Lavery, I am joining an organization renowned for its litigation expertise, the high quality of its mandates and the support offered to young lawyers. The dynamism of the team makes Lavery an ideal firm for professional growth. Having said that, it is the great cordiality of the partners and members of the firm that quickly convinced me that this was the place of choice to develop my practice. "

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  62. Lavery recruits two partners and expands its expertise in business law and intellectual property

    Lavery is delighted to welcome two new partners, David Tournier and Benoit Yelle, to the Business Law and Intellectual Property groups respectively. They bring cutting-edge expertise in these fast-growing sectors and a practice approach based on technological innovation. David Tournier joins the Business Law group and will focus on corporate financing. His extensive experience in private practice, in particular, bank financing, infrastructure projects, insolvency and private equity, has led him to deal with lenders and borrowers in the context of syndicated and cross-border loans, acquisition and project financings (including PPPs). David has a wide-ranging portfolio, having represented both start-ups and multinationals, as well as investors involved in engineering, green industrial projects and new technology, which is one of his passions. "Lavery has a reputation for excellence in the provincial and national markets. When combined with its independence, this reputation puts it in a good position to serve a wide range of clients in different areas of business law. The lawyers from the firm that I already knew showed me the human side of this great organization, and easily convinced me to join their wonderful team," said David Tournier. His experience in well-known law firms and as a company director will undoubtedly benefit our clients. Benoit Yelle joins the Intellectual Property group. A registered patent agent in Canada and the United States with a background in computer engineering, Benoit has developed an expertise over the years in everything from mechanical inventions to quantum technologies, hand tools, medical devices, network protocols, telecommunications, mobile applications and quantum computing. Within the Lavery network, he will focus his practice on drafting and prosecuting patent and industrial design applications. Thanks to his considerable experience in analyzing the patentability and commercial potential of invention disclosures, Benoît worked as a patent engineer and agent for a multinational telecommunications company. "Lavery's Intellectual Property group needs no introduction. We share a common vision on how best to practice IP. It also seemed to me that Lavery was the most innovative and best-suited platform to leverage current and future changes to the practice of law. I think I found the right place to harness my passion for innovation!" said Benoit Yelle. By becoming a partner and patent agent at Lavery, Benoit will be able to adapt his approach and provide services that help achieve his clients' objectives.

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  63. A new brand image that reflects Lavery’s ambition

    Today, Lavery is proud to unveil its new brand image. This significant transformation embodies our firm’s desire to drive the growth of organizations that do business in Quebec. Both warm and accessible, the result of this initiative attests to the firm’s uniqueness and its desire to break industry norms by adopting a human and innovative approach based on personalized support. The new visual platform, created by BrandBourg in collaboration with the internal team, was designed to communicate Lavery’s mission, which focuses on partnership with its clients and its closeness to the business community. It combines its current distinctive colours with the contemporary imagery of renowned Quebec illustrator Sébastien Thibault, whose work is featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist. “Our completely renewed signature is both a more accurate reflection of what our firm is today and what it aspires to embody even more in the coming years,” says Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. “This reaffirms our commitment to our clients’ success, which is based on the personalized approach of a competent team that is integrated in a 360-degree approach and is truly attentive to their needs.” Visually expressing the Lavery promise Lavery’s colour palette now plays with the shades of green that already distinguish the firm in the industry. The coral colour brings contrast, originality and warmth. The updated logo retains the friendly, approachable feel of the brand and creates a timeless, strong character.  The green line that accompanies the name Lavery recalls the line on which we affix a signature and thus symbolizes our commitment. The new handwritten signature “Signed Lavery” refers to Lavery’s human side and the personalization of its service.  Furthermore, the removal of the descriptor “Lawyers” that was a part of the previous logo reflects both the presence of a growing number of legal professionals complementary to the practice of law, and the firm’s confidence in its positioning in the business community. “Our visual identity reflects the dynamic nature of our firm and the uniqueness of our positioning. It will help us to leverage digital codes even more effectively, in addition to offering us new options for communicating in an engaging and visual way with our target audiences, both internally and externally,” says Joanne Lajeunesse, Director, Communications and Marketing. The clients surveyed in the course of the project emphasized the innovative, professional, artistic and sophisticated nature of the final result.  A positioning reflecting the image of today’s Lavery Our brand image is based on commitment, experience, added value and growth, the four main pillars that guide our actions and give meaning to each of the firm’s interventions. Lavery’s promise is a guarantee of loyalty and excellence that is shared for the benefit of our clients, key players in the economy. It is a promise to leverage our talent for their benefit.

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  64. Six new members join Lavery’s ranks

    Chanel CalabroChanel is a member of the Business Law group. She works primarily in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law."Lavery is at the centre of developing companies in Quebec. It is for me an excellent opportunity to work with inspiring professionals in a work environment that encourages development and initiative. I am very enthusiastic about working in a practice that offers me the opportunity to use my past experiences to provide added value to our clients." Simon Gagné-CarrierSimon is joining our Labour and Employment Law group. He also practices in Municipal Law. He joined the Lavery team as a student in 2022. He completed his bachelor's degree in civil law and a master's degree in business administration at the Université de Sherbrooke. "The team of professionals who make up the firm and who have guided me are committed to strong and important values such as mentoring, professional development and collaboration between peers. It is an ideal environment for a young lawyer." Ghiles HelliGhiles is joining our Business Law Group. He is a member of our mergers and acquisitions team. He assists our partners in advising clients on the legal impacts of the implementation of new technologies and on cybersecurity. "I chose to do my internship at Lavery because of their expertise in technology law and in mergers and acquisitions law, my two legal passions. It is also a great opportunity for me to pursue my professional development with mentoring that is second to none." Kabrina PéronKabrina is joining our Labor and Employment Law group. She joined the Lavery team as a student in the winter of 2021. "Throughout my experience at Lavery, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with passionate and highly experienced professionals on various cases, who were especially committed to ensuring my professional development. It is ideal guidance at the beginning of my career." Daphné Pomerleau-NormandinDaphné is a member of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and focuses her practice on commercial and civil litigation. "Joining Lavery involves being part of an environment that is an ideal combination of autonomy and team spirit." Jean-Vincent Prévost-BérubéJean-Vincent is joining our Business Law Group and practises mainly in transactional and commercial law. He has joined the Lavery team for his articling term in the winter of 2022. "Team collaboration and unity are definitely the firm’s strengths. For me, Lavery was the choice of a firm, but above all of a team. I appreciate being able to collaborate on challenging cases as well as the trust and confidence that we are quickly given in the management of these cases."  

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  65. The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023 recognize 67 lawyers of Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 67 of its lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields of expertise by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023. The following lawyers also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada: René Branchaud : Natural Resources Law Chantal Desjardins : Intellectual Property Law Bernard Larocque : Legal Malpractice Law Patrick A. Molinari : Health Care Law   Consult the complete list of Lavery's lawyers and their fields of expertise: Josianne Beaudry : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Mining Law Laurence Bich-Carrière : Class Action Litigation / Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Product Liability Law Dominic Boivert : Insurance Law (Ones To Watch) Luc R. Borduas : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Daniel Bouchard : Environmental Law Laurence Bourgeois-Hatto : Workers' Compensation Law René Branchaud : Mining Law / Natural Resources Law / Securities Law Étienne Brassard : Equipment Finance Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Real Estate Law Jules Brière : Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice / Administrative and Public Law / Health Care Law Myriam Brixi : Class Action Litigation Benoit Brouillette : Labour and Employment Law Richard Burgos : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Corporate Law Marie-Claude Cantin : Insurance Law / Construction Law Brittany Carson : Labour and Employment Law Eugene Czolij : Corporate and Commercial Litigation France Camille De Mers : Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Ones To Watch) Chantal Desjardins : Intellectual Property Law Jean-Sébastien Desroches : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Raymond Doray : Privacy and Data Security Law / Administrative and Public Law / Defamation and Media Law Christian Dumoulin : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Alain Y. Dussault : Intellectual Property Law Isabelle Duval : Family Law Chloé Fauchon : Municipal Law (Ones To Watch) Philippe Frère : Administrative and Public Law Simon Gagné : Labour and Employment Law Nicolas Gagnon : Construction Law Richard Gaudreault : Labour and Employment Law Danielle Gauthier : Labour and Employment Law Julie Gauvreau : Intellectual Property Law Michel Gélinas : Labour and Employment Law Caroline Harnois : Family Law / Family Law Mediation / Trusts and Estates Marie-Josée Hétu : Labour and Employment Law Alain Heyne : Banking and Finance Law Édith Jacques : Energy Law / Corporate Law Pierre Marc Johnson, Ad. E.  : International Arbitration Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Labour and Employment Law Isabelle Jomphe : Intellectual Property Law Guillaume Laberge : Administrative and Public Law Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin : Insurance Law Awatif Lakhdar : Family Law Bernard Larocque : Professional Malpractice Law / Class Action Litigation / Insurance Law / Legal Malpractice Law Myriam Lavallée : Labour and Employment Law Guy Lavoie : Labour and Employment Law / Workers' Compensation Law Jean Legault : Banking and Finance Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Carl Lessard : Workers' Compensation Law / Labour and Employment Law Josiane L'Heureux : Labour and Employment Law Despina Mandilaras : Construction Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation (Ones To Watch) Hugh Mansfield : Intellectual Property Law Zeïneb Mellouli : Labour and Employment Law Patrick A. Molinari : Health Care Law André Paquette : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Luc Pariseau : Tax Law Ariane Pasquier : Labour and Employment Law Jacques Paul-Hus : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Hubert Pepin : Labour and Employment Law Martin Pichette : Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law Élisabeth Pinard : Family Law François Renaud : Banking and Finance Law / Structured Finance Law Judith Rochette : Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law Ian Rose FCIArb : Director and Officer Liability Practice / Insurance Law Chantal Saint-Onge : Corporate and Commercial Litigation (Ones To Watch) Éric Thibaudeau : Workers' Compensation Law André Vautour : Corporate Governance Practice / Corporate Law / Information Technology Law / Intellectual Property Law / Technology Law Bruno Verdon : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Sébastien Vézina : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Yanick Vlasak : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Jonathan Warin : Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery’s professionals.

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  66. Five Lavery lawyers named as rising stars in the legal profession by Best Lawyers in 2023

    On August 25, 2022, Best Lawyers in Canada released the results of a new initiative to recognize the rising stars in the Canadian legal profession. The results of the Ones to Watch survey that was held among the Canadian legal community identified four Lavery lawyers as rising stars in their respective fields of expertise: Dominic Boisvert : Insurance Law France Camille De Mers : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Chloé Fauchon : Municipal Law Despina Mandilaras : Construction Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation Chantal Saint Onge : Corporate and Commercial Litigation These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery's professionals.

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  67. René Branchaud named Lawyer of the Year in Natural Resources Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023

    Lavery is pleased to announce that René Branchaud's expertise in Natural Resources Law was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023. René Branchaud, partner and member of the Board of Directors of the firm, practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years' experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. His services are in demand with European entrepreneurs and investors, primarily in France, wishing to set up companies in Canada. René has acquired extensive experience in this area and the specific challenges facing companies moving to Québec. He advises businesses in all sectors of economic activity on the legal and regulatory aspects of doing business in Québec and Canada, identifying the business services they will need and assembling multidisciplinary teams to facilitate their efforts. Over the years, he has built a strong business network (bankers, financial advisers, tax experts, and accountants) that he calls upon when carrying out the mandates entrusted to him. René sits on the boards of directors and acts as secretary of several publicly traded companies; he also serves on corporate governance committees and special committees established to address specific issues (mergers, takeovers).

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  68. Chantal Desjardins named Lawyer of the Year in Intellectual Property Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Chantal Desjardins's expertise in Intellectual Property Law was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023. Chantal Desjardins is a partner, lawyer and trade-mark agent in Lavery's intellectual property group. She contributes actively to the development of her clients' rights in this field, which includes the protection of trade-marks, industrial designs, copyright, trade secrets, domain names and other related forms of intellectual property, in order to promote her clients' business goals. Me Desjardins provides legal advice and expertise with respect to protecting and managing IP assets, represents her clients in the examination of applications, opposition proceedings, and litigation in Canada and in other countries. She negotiates IP licences, various contracts in the field, and technology transfers, advises and defends clients' rights in the field of advertising and labelling and other topics such as the Charter of the French language. She regularly provides guidance to clients on IP issues implicated in new and existing products and services. She is involved in the IP due diligence review of transactions. She regularly gives conferences, seminars and courses and publishes articles on intellectual property matters and participated on the advisory board of the Trademarks Office regarding the reform in trademark law and its implementation.

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  69. Bernard Larocque named Lawyer of the Year in Professional Malpractice by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Bernard Larocque's expertise in Professional Malpractice was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023.Bernard Larocque is a partner in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group whose practice focuses primarily on civil litigation, including defamation law, insurance law, class actions, professional liability, and administrative disputes. He frequently appears before the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada and the Quebec Court of Appeal. Mr. Larocque regularly speaks at conferences on various subjects such as insurance law, liability, and civil procedure. In addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, his expertise is also recognized by The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory in the field of Litigation and Commercial insurance since 2018.

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  70. Patrick A. Molinari named Lawyer of the Year in Health Care Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Patrick A. Molinari's expertise in Health Care Law was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023.Patrick A. Molinari is counsel with the firm and brings to his health law and regulatory law practice the experience of an exceptional career in academia. He is particularly interested in the development of health care systems and the emergence of new public and private structures for the provision of health care and related services. He has an in-depth understanding of the normative framework of health care services, whether they involve regulatory, contractual, or commercial issues. Mr. Molinari advises numerous health care organizations and facilities as well as corporations on the strategic and legal aspects of their activities.

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  71. Myriam Brixi named one of Canada’s Top 100 Women in Litigation 2022 by Benchmark Litigation

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Benchmark Litigation has recognized Myriam Brixi in its 2022 edition of Canada’s Top 100 Women in Litigation. The prestigious Benchmark Litigation recognizes the top 100 women lawyers in Canada who have distinguished themselves by participating in some of the most significant litigation cases in recent years and by their reputation among their peers and clients. Myriam Brixi is a member of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. She focuses her practice primarily in the areas of class actions, product liability, consumer law, franchising and distribution and insurance law. She has participated in complex class actions raising important legal issues, including a wide range of multi-jurisdictional class actions. Ms. Brixi is also actively involved in her community. In particular, she was appointed by the Barreau du Québec to sit on the Access to Justice Committee. She is Chair of the Executive Committee of the Class Action Section and Co-Chair of the Citizenship and Charters Committee, both of the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec Division, and she sits on the Board of Directors of Factry. Congratulations to Myriam for this distinction that is a testament to her talent and expertise.

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  72. Lavery assists Agile MV Inc. in the sale of all of its shares to Resonetics

    On June 13, 2022, Resonetics announced the purchase of the entirety of the shares of Agile MV, a Montréal-based medical device design and development contract manufacturing company. The transaction was motivated by the quality of expertise that Agile MV's team of engineers, scientists, and technicians possess throughout the entire production cycle, from initial concept consolidation to mass production. Our partner, Audrey Gibeault, had the privilege of representing the company in this major transaction that involved complex tax planning, among other things. In business law, this transaction was led by our partner Étienne Brassard. Ms. Gibeault and Mr. Étienne Brassard were mainly assisted in this transaction by Gabrielle Ahélo. They were assisted by Luc Pariseau, Sonia Guérin, France Camille De Mers, Brittany Carson, Éric Gélinas, André Vautour, Michael Pageau, Maxime Chabot and Charles-Hugo Gagné. —Agile MV is a Quebec-based medical device design and development contract manufacturing company. It specializes in the development of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices in the following areas: cardiac electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, interventional pulmonology, interventional gastroenterology, interventional pain management and interventional neurology.Resonetics specializes in advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions for the life sciences industry, laser cutting, centerless grinding, nitinol processing, thin-wall stainless steel and precious metal tubing, photochemical machining, microfluidics, sensor solutions and medical energy.

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  73. Four new members join Lavery's ranks

    Lavery is pleased to welcome three new associates to the Quebec City, Montreal and Sherbrooke offices: Philippe Brassard, Michaël Deslauriers and Anne-Philippe Pelchat. As well as a senior notary, Julie Doan, in the Montreal office. Anne-Philippe Pelchat Anne-Philippe is joining the Business Law group. She supports our partners and experienced members mainly in corporate reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions of private companies and the drafting of joint venture agreements. "I chose to join the Lavery family to have the opportunity to work with and learn from top-notch professionals who are passionate about their work. Business law has always been my field of choice and Lavery is, in my opinion, the ideal firm for young lawyers such as myself to achieve their ambitions and get professional development support. I also found the firms' values, the collaboration between colleagues and the constant willingness to improve very appealing." Julie Doan Julie Doan is part of Lavery’s Business Law group, where she practices real estate law. "The world of notaries is constantly evolving and I am very grateful to continue to be part of this dynamic and rewarding community with Lavery. I am confident that the expertise I have developed over the years in real estate law, combined with Lavery's, will be beneficial in serving our clients." Michaël Deslauriers Michaël is joining the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. He is mainly involved in class actions and civil liability lawsuits. "Lavery is a firm that combines excellence, passion and modernity.It is therefore the perfect opportunity for me to continue to develop my expertise in civil law by getting involved in large-scale mandates and having experienced experts in the area as mentors. I was pleasantly surprised by the human face of the firm, which stands out by its involvement in the community and the attention it gives to its team." Philippe Brassard Philippe is joining the Business Law group. He supports our partners and experienced members mainly in matters involving early-stage companies, the technology sector and institutional investor financing. "It is first and foremost Lavery's culture of excellence, which can be seen through the quality of expertise of the firm's professionals, that led me to join the team. I was also impressed by the approachability of each member whom I met during my hiring process. The firm is dynamic and composed of passionate professionals. All in all, it is an ideal firm for a young lawyer to develop professionally."

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  74. Lavery assists Premier Parks LLC in the purchase of Calypso-Valcartier Group’s shares

    On June 2, 2022, Calypso-Valcartier Group announced the sale of all of the shares of its two amusement parks, Village Vacances Valcartier located near Quebec City and Calypso, near Ottawa, and more specifically of the shares of the two parks’ operating corporations and their  asset holding corporations. The assets of the two parks are now indirectly owned by EPR Properties, and they are operated by a Canadian subsidiary of Premier Parks, LLC. Our partners, André Vautour and France Camille De Mers, and their team assisted Premier Parks LLC in the due diligence of the parks’ assets and operations. They participated in structuring the new parks’ operating corporations, in the drafting of the share acquisition documentation of both the asset holding and operating corporations, and in the negotiation of all associated terms. The transaction was realized in collaboration with the Tennessee-based law firm Waller, a member, as is Lavery, of World Services Group, a worldwide network of premier law and other professional firms.

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  75. Catherine Deslauriers, Guy Lavoie, Éric Thibaudeau and Lavery named as a reference by the 2022 Canadian Occupational Safety – 5-Star Safety Lawyers & Law Firms

    July 12, 2022 – Catherine Deslauriers, Guy Lavoie, Eric Thibaudeau and Lavery have been named as a reference in Occupational Health and Safety by Canadian Occupational Safety – 5-Star Safety Lawyers & Law Firms. To determine the best lawyers and law firms catering to the safety industry, Canadian Occupational Safety sourced feedback from safety leaders over a period of 15 weeks. COS’s research team began by conducting a survey with a wide range of safety officers to determine what companies value in the law firms they collaborate with.

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  76. Lavery supports the development of local e-commerce

    On June 20, 2022, the Government of Québec and Plateforme Agora (now doing business as Le Panier Bleu) announced that Le Panier Bleu is transitioning to a private enterprise with the support of Quebec industry leaders. During the announcement, it was also confirmed that Le Panier Bleu will soon develop a transactional e-commerce platform making it possible to buy products from local merchants online. Lavery had the privilege of assisting Plateforme Agora in this round of financing and in Le Panier Bleu’s transition by providing advice on corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, intellectual property, commercial law in the field of technology and labour law. The Lavery team led by Étienne Brassard was composed of Jean-François Maurice, Isabelle Jomphe, Guillaume Laberge, Jessica Parent, Béatrice Bull, Isabelle Normand and Pamela Cifola.

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  77. Lexpert Recognizes Two Partners as Leading Infrastructures Lawyers in Canada

    On June 16, 2022, Lexpert recognized the expertise of two of our partners in its 2022 Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure. Nicolas Gagnon and André Vautour now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of infrastructure law. Nicolas Gagnon specializes in construction law and surety law. He counsels public and private sector clients, professional services firms and contractors as well as surety companies at every stage of construction projects. He advises clients with respect to the public bidding and procurement process, and is involved in the drafting of contract documents and the management of the work and any claims resulting therefrom. André Vautour practices in the fields of corporate and commercial law and is particularly interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds and mergers and acquisitions of private corporations. He practises also in the field of technology law (drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce agreements).

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  78. Lexpert Recognizes Two Partners as Leading Technology Lawyers in Canada

    On June 16, 2022, Lexpert recognized the expertise of two of our partners in its 2022 Lexpert Special Edition: Technology. Chantal Desjardins and André Vautour now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of technology law. Chantal Desjardins is a partner, lawyer and trade-mark agent in Lavery’s intellectual property group. She contributes actively to the development of her clients’ rights in this field, which includes the protection of trade-marks, industrial designs, copyright, trade secrets, domain names and other related forms of intellectual property, in order to promote her clients’ business goals. André Vautour practices in the fields of corporate and commercial law and is particularly interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds and mergers and acquisitions of private corporations. He practises also in the field of technology law (drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce agreements).

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  79. Lavery supports Domain Therapeutics in obtaining US $42M in financing

    On May 10, 2022, Domain Therapeutics, a Franco-Canadian biopharmaceutical corporation specializing in research and development of innovative immuno-oncology treatments, announced the close of a US $42 million Series A financing round. This investment is a major step in the Franco-Canadian firm’s growth that aims to provide cancer patients with treatment solutions to overcome GPCR-mediated immunosuppression mechanisms. Mr. Alain Dumont, a partner at Lavery, had the privilege of supporting the corporation through this important transaction. Throughout his long-standing relationship with Domain Therapeutics, Mr. Dumont has lent his expertise to protect the company’s technologies and innovations by answering questions from investors, in particular. Lavery is immensely proud of Mr. Dumont’s work in securing this funding. — Domain Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, based in France and Canada, is dedicated to discovering and developing novel medicine candidates targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a key drug target class. The company focuses on producing high value-added immuno-oncology drug candidates.

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  80. Two new members join Lavery’s ranks

    Lavery is pleased to welcome two new members to its Montréal office and Business Law group: Christian Chidiac and Pamela Cifola. Christian Chidiac Christian joins the Business Law group. He will be supporting our partners and experienced members, working primarily in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and commercial law. “From a professional standpoint, I wanted to work on major and complex cases, and the firm’s Business Law group seems to be very diverse. From a more personal and relational standpoint, my exchanges with each member of the firm have always been very cordial, and it seems to me that Lavery values the well-being of its employees. I think it’s a great place to learn and work” says Christian Chidiac, lawyer. Pamela Cifola Pamela was recently sworn in after completing her articling program at the firm. She joins the Business Law group. Pamela practices primarily in securities law and will be providing our clients and business partners with her expertise. Prior to joining Lavery, Pamela also completed an internship with the judiciary of the Superior Court of Québec. “As soon as I joined Lavery, I had the opportunity to work with passionate and competent professionals on all kinds of cases! During my articling program, I was fortunate to have outstanding mentors who took the time to share their knowledge with me and who invested in my professional development, including my articling supervisor Jean-Sébastien Desroches and my mentor Jean-François Maurice. I'm blessed to be part of the Lavery family and I couldn’t be in a better place to start my business law practice,” says Pamela Cifola, lawyer.

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  81. Lavery named once again Quebec Firm of the Year at Canadian Law Awards

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it has been named Quebec Law Firm of the Year for a third consecutive year at the Canadian Law Awards. The winners of the Canadian Law Awards are determined by a panel of independent judges composed of lawyers working in private practice and as in-house counsel. This recognition is a testament to the service we provide to our clients and the exceptional talent of our lawyers.

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  82. Lavery strengthens its Litigation and Dispute Resolution group with the arrival of two new lawyers

    Lavery strengthens its Litigation and Dispute Resolution group with the arrival of two new lawyers  Ms. Catherine Cloutier and Ms. Eve-Lyne Morin are joining the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. Catherine Cloutier’s practice will focus on insurance litigation, and in particular on construction law and civil liability cases. Prior to joining Lavery, Catherine gained extensive experience in law, having worked as a student in Legal Affairs at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, at CDPQ Infra (Réseau Express Métropolitain project), in commercial property at a law firm in England and as a court clerk in commercial arbitration. Her expertise extends beyond the legal practice: In addition to being a registered nutritionist-dietitian, Catherine is socially involved in the community. Mindful of the importance of making a collective effort during the pandemic, she volunteered for the government’s 2021 COVID-19 vaccination campaign. “I showed an interest in Lavery from the moment I started my law studies at Université de Montréal. I had the pleasure of being invited to the firm’s offices during one of the phases of the Course aux stages recruitment process, and I was instantly charmed. I was also impressed with how approachable and enthusiastic the many professionals I met were about their areas of practice. I always knew that after passing the bar exam, I wanted to pursue a career with Lavery.” In her new position, Ms. Eve-Lyne Morin will focus her practice on commercial litigation. Previously, she worked for Lavery and at a major international business law firm where she participated in a wide variety of cases involving product liability, construction law, securities, allegations of price-fixing, civil liability class actions and negligence. Her previous experience advising Canadian and multinational corporations will be a great asset in cases involving consumer protection law, protection of personal information, language requirements and other legal requirements for doing business in Quebec.  “I chose Lavery for its entrepreneurial spirit and company culture that values teamwork in order to provide comprehensive and practical solutions to its clients. I have no doubt that, at Lavery, I will find brilliant colleagues and inspiring mentors, and make valuable friends.” The arrival of these two lawyers will bring the firm a wealth of experience to help our business clients deal with the many issues they face.

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  83. Two new members join Lavery’s ranks

    Lavery is pleased to welcome two new members to its Montréal office. Mathias Rancourt joins as a partner in the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, while lawyer Maxime Chabot rounds out the Business Law group, more specifically the Tax Law team. Mathias Rancourt With over 20 years of experience in the legal sector, Mathias Rancourt has developed specific expertise in risk management and ethical issues in professional law. An experienced litigator, Mr. Rancourt will represent entrepreneurs, professionals and institutions in commercial litigation, construction law and real estate law. “For me, Lavery is a firm with a great tradition and an enviable reputation in the market. It is a dynamic, progressive office that offers an environment where its members can reach their full potential,” says Mathias Rancourt, partner. Maxime Chabot Maxime joins the Business Law group as a member of the firm’s tax law team. He will provide our clients and business partners with his expertise in tax reorganization. Before joining Lavery, Mr. Chabot started as a law clerk with the Tax Court of Canada and then practiced with a private law firm.   “I joined Lavery for the excellence of the tax team. What I love about my job is supporting our clients through the major stages of their personal and professional lives,” says Maxime Chabot, lawyer.

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  84. Lavery represents ImmunoPrecise Antibodies as it acquires BioStrand

    On March 29, 2022, ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd (IPA) announced that it acquired BioStrand BV, BioKey BV, and BioClue BV (together, “BioStrand”), a group of Belgian entities pioneers in the field of bioinformatics and biotechnology. With this €20 million acquisition, IPA will be able to leverage BioStrand’s revolutionary AI-powered methodology to accelerate the development of therapeutic antibody solutions. In addition to creating synergies with its subsidiaries, IPA expects to develop new markets with this revolutionary technology and strengthen its position as a world leader in biotherapeutics. Lavery was privileged to support IPA in this cross-border transaction by providing specialized expertise in cybersecurity, intellectual property, securities and mergers and acquisitions. The Lavery team was led by Selena Lu (transactional) and included Eric Lavallée (technology and intellectual property), Serge Shahinian (intellectual property), Sébastien Vézina (securities), Catherine Méthot (transactional), Jean-Paul Timothée (securities and transactional), Siddhartha Borissov-Beausoleil (transactional), Mylène Vallières (securities) and Marie-Claude Côté (securities). ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. is a biotherapeutic, innovation-powered company that supports its business partners in their quest to discover and develop novel antibodies against a broad range of target classes and diseases.

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  85. Lavery hires a new lawyer and paralegal

    Olivier Boileau – Associate Lavery is pleased to announce that an associate and a paralegal have joined the firm Olivier Boileau is an associate and member of the firm’s Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, and his practice focuses primarily on civil, commercial and corporate litigation. « What convinced me to join the Lavery team was the organic opportunity to continue my practice in commercial law within a team of experienced lawyers. Working at Lavery means joining a team that wants to provide the best practical solutions to their clients without ever compromising the excellence of their legal advice. » Emile Goethals – Paralegal Emilie is a paralegal in the Business Law group. She assists notaries and lawyers with the start-up, reorganization, transfer and financing of companies. “Lavery has a modern and fresh identity. Coming from a corporate background that included multinational corporations, and having recently moved to another province, it was important for me to find a solid foundation and a foothold to feel like I was in somewhat familiar territory. A gentle balance between precision, thoroughness, high standards and customer satisfaction. I think I found these values when I joined the teams at this major firm.”

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  86. Lavery hires two new lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that two recently sworn-in lawyers are joining Lavery following the completion of their articling within the firm. Siddhartha Borissov-Beausoleil Siddhartha is joining our Business Law group and practices mainly in transactional and commercial law. He obtained his law degree at McGill University with a major in Commercial Negotiation and Dispute Resolution. « I joined Lavery's team in 2019 and my team members have proven to be welcoming, competent and driven by a strong spirit of collaboration. I begin my business law practice with confidence, knowing that I am surrounded by polyvalent experts, all ready to support me in my development. Indeed, I am well equipped to pursue my professional growth! » Béatrice Bull Béatrice is joining our Business Law group and practices primarily in the area of transactional law, particularly in the area of venture capital. Béatrice obtained a dual degree in civil and common law at McGill University. « My team members have been the most determining element in my decision to join the firm. Being surrounded by passionate, determined and friendly professionals is also being in a stimulating work environment and this is definitely what motivates me to give my 100% in what I undertake! »

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  87. Number One in Quebec

    Once again, Lavery is ranked number one in Canadian Lawyer magazine’s list of the Top 10 Quebec Regional Law Firms. Lavery remains the benchmark in Quebec when it comes to delivering legal services, according to the many private practice and in-house lawyers who responded to this Canada-wide survey. The firm’s professionals stood out among their peers for their analytical minds, business savvy, and solution-oriented approach. This distinction highlights the excellent services and deep expertise that our firm has built its reputation on. Additionally, Lavery’s presence in the province’s four main business centres reflects our commitment to serving businesses of all sizes that contribute to Quebec’s economic development. This recognition is a testament to our ability to adapt to the serious challenges that our clients have faced over the past two years. It shows that we are continuing to distinguish ourselves by offering 360° legal services that meet the expectations and requirements of key players in the Quebec economy. For more information on the survey results, please visit the Canadian Lawyer website https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/rankings/top-10-quebec-regional-firms/364636

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  88. Lavery celebrates International Women’s Day

    This March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day. This is an opportunity for Lavery to not only spotlight the women who make us shine daily but also the actions we take in favour of equality and diversity. International Women’s Day is a time to recognize and promote unity and defend women’s rights around the world and, especially, to collectively honour the progress we made for gender equality in the workplace to inspire future generations. Here's a breakdown of the number of women who work and lead in our firm. Despite the progress, we still have much to do and we must never give up!

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  89. 40 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2022 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is proud to announce that 40 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2022 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2022 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory:   Asset and Equipment Finance Étienne Brassard Class Actions Myriam Brixi Construction Law Nicolas Gagnon Corporate Commercial Law Étienne Brassard Jean-Sébastien Desroches Christian Dumoulin Édith Jacques André Vautour Corporate Finance & Securities René Branchaud Employment Law Richard Gaudreault Marie-Josée Hétu, CRIA Guy Lavoie Environmental Law Daniel Bouchard Family Law Caroline Harnois Awatif Lakhdar Intellectual Property Chantal Desjardins Isabelle Jomphe Alain Y. Dussault Insolvency Litigation Jean Legault Yanick Vlasak Jonathan Warin Insolvency & Financial Restructuring Yanick Vlasak Labour Relations Benoit Brouillette Michel Desrosiers Simon Gagné Richard Gaudreault Danielle Gauthier, CRHA Michel Gélinas Marie-Josée Hétu, CRIA Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur Myriam Lavallée Guy Lavoie Zeïneb Mellouli Litigation - Corporate Commercial Laurence Bich-Carrière Litigation - Commercial Insurance Marie-Claude Cantin Bernard Larocque Martin Pichette Judith Rochette Litigation - Product Liability Laurence Bich-Carrière Mergers & Acquisitions Jean-Sébastien Desroches André Vautour Mining Josianne Beaudry René Branchaud Sébastien Vézina Occupational Health & Safety Josiane L’Heureux Éric Thibaudeau Property Leasing Richard Burgos Workers' Compensation Laurence Bourgeois-Hatto Marie-Josée Hétu, CRIA Guy Lavoie Carl Lessard Éric Thibaudeau The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country and it identifies leading practitioners in over 60 separate practice areas and leading law firms in over 40 practice areas. It is a reference guide for Canadian and foreign corporate counsels and law firms in need of specialized legal services in Canada. For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: http://www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  90. Lavery announces the hiring of two new lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that two lawyers are joining the firm, in the Montreal office. Charles-Hugo Gagné Charles-Hugo is a lawyer in the Business Law group and a member of the firm’s tax law team. In the course of his practice, Charles-Hugo participates in planning, analyzing and implementing tax structures and strategies as part of major commercial transactions, both in Canada and abroad. “Both local businesses and international companies turn to Lavery when they need solutions to their most complex issues. For a young lawyer, this translates into a remarkable diversity of mandates and makes it possible to work on major cases while staying grounded in the business reality of entrepreneurs. It is this plurality of exposure combined with the partners’ commitment to the advancement of their junior peers that convinced me to join Lavery. Such proximity to exceptional mentors fosters better transmission of knowledge, forges more competent lawyers and ultimately makes the firm stronger.” When I joined this team, which places great emphasis on competence and excellence but values collegiality and collaboration just as much, I immediately knew that I was in the right place and that I aspired to grow within Lavery. When starting a career, it’s important to surround yourself with accomplished professionals, but also with people who inspire you. That’s what I found at Lavery.   Stephanie-Ann Morgan Stephanie-Ann is a member of the firm’s Business Law Group, and her practice focuses primarily on real estate, transactional and financing law. She represents owners, financial institutions, government entities, landlords and tenants in purchasing and selling, real estate financing and leasing transactions. “I was looking for a stimulating professional environment that values collaborative work and individual initiative. Working at Lavery Lawyers will be an opportunity to contribute to a large firm with a long-standing reputation in the legal industry and to be able to serve a diverse and prominent client base.”

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  91. Nicolas Gagnon appointed to the board of directors of CEGQ

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Nicolas Gagnon, a partner in construction law and surety law, was elected to the board of directors of the Corporation des entrepreneurs généraux du Québec for a second term at its 25th annual general meeting held on January 27, 2022. CEGQ is a corporation that defends the interests of general contractors and the construction industry by contributing to Quebec’s development, particularly as regards the economy and sustainability. For more information, please visit CEGQ’s board of directors page: https://www.cegq.com/fr/conseil-dadministration

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  92. Lavery appoints six new partners

    Lavery is pleased to welcome the following professionals as partners in the firm: Dominic Boisvert France Camille De Mers Catherine Deslauriers Chloé Fauchon Pier-Olivier Fradette Marie-Eve Pomerleau These talented lawyers who are rising to the rank of partner have shown a strong commitment to the firm and the profession in recent years, and they brilliantly embody Lavery’s values: Excellence, Collaboration, Audacity and Entrepreneurship. “We offer them our congratulations on this significant achievement in their legal careers. The diversity in background of our new partners is a testament to the depth of our 360° service offering and our desire to be a growth partner for companies doing business in Quebec”, said Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer.

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  93. The Court of Appeal upholds the dismissal of the class action against Bel-Air Laurentien Aviation

    The Court of Appeal upheld the dismissal of the class action against our client Bel-Air Laurentien Aviation. In a lengthy judgment rendered in 2019, the Superior Court had found no fault on the part of Bel-Air Laurentien Aviation and no neighborhood disturbance to speak of. The Court of Appeal upheld this conclusion. Myriam Brixi and Laurence Bich-Carrière, who led the defence of the appeal, are relieved for their client who was facing a class action estimated at several tens of millions of dollars. This case was named one of the cases to watch in 2018 by l'Actualité magazine.

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  94. Lavery welcomes three new associates and two paralegals

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of three new lawyers and two new paralegals who will bring their wide-ranging expertise to the firm. Gabrielle Ahélo  – Associate Gabrielle Ahélo is joining the firm’s Business Law group, and her practice focuses mainly on corporate, commercial and tax law. Before becoming a lawyer, She spent the first nine years of her career as a paralegal in the corporate and tax sectors. “I see Lavery as a high-quality multidisciplinary firm, close to the Quebec business community and local entrepreneurs. It’s what I liked about it right away. The firm is brimming with quality professionals who stand out and work with their clients to help them achieve their goals and grow their business. I decided to join Lavery after meeting with two partners, Étienne Brassard and Audrey Gibeault. I felt a great affinity between my values and theirs. I am a firm believer in mentoring and I truly feel that I have found great mentors in them. I am very much looking forward to working with them and, more importantly, learning from them. I have a deep appreciation for business law and entrepreneurs. I strive to support them in their daily business, to help them think strategically from a legal standpoint and all other standpoints, and Lavery will help me achieve this goal.” - Gabrielle Ahélo Joseph Gualdieri – Associate Joseph Gualdieri is joining our Business Law group. He supports our partners and experienced members, working primarily in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and commercial law. “What attracted me to Lavery was the emphasis on know-how, the excellence of the firm’s services and the lawyers who work there, which makes Lavery one of the most prominent firms in Quebec. Joining an experienced team with in-depth knowledge of a wide range of industries is very appealing to me, and I want to continue the tradition of offering our clients the best strategies and legal advice to help them achieve their business goals.” - Joseph Gualdieri Catherine Méthot – Associate Catherine Methot is joining our Business Law group and her practice focuses mainly on mergers and acquisitions and commercial law. “As I had started my career as a student to then do my articling and become a lawyer at Lavery, it was just natural as a next step in my career to return to my roots. I am very happy to be back in the great Lavery family, providing high quality services under positive and human-centric leadership and guidance. I am confident that the expertise I have developed as an in-house legal counsel combined with Lavery’s expertise will be put to good use for our clients.” - Catherine Méthot   Lysa Laramée – Paralegal Lysa Laramée is joining our Business Law group. She began her career as a paralegal intern at Lavery and practices mainly in the field of mergers and acquisitions. “As a recent paralegal graduate, it was important for me to join a team focused on mentoring, teamwork, and mutual support to fully develop my skills. Even during my final internship program at Lavery, I felt welcomed and was encouraged to take part in the firm’s professional and social activities. At Lavery, you are welcomed as if you were already part of the family, and everyone is happy to share their knowledge with you. So, it made total sense for me to officially join this caring and driven team when I completed my internship.” - Lysa Laramée   Belinda Rigon – Paralegal Belinda Rigon is joining our Litigation group.Belinda supports lawyers practising in insurance litigation, ranging from professional and civil liability to other related sectors. She plays a key role in managing litigation cases and preparing legal documentation. “I see Lavery as a renowned firm that has evolved over time. It is the perfect place for someone ambitious to prove themselves and take their professional career to the next level. What persuaded me to make the leap and join the Lavery team was the energy I felt during my first visit to the firm. I was welcomed warmly and had enriching discussions with those who would soon become my co-workers. I was convinced in no time.” - Belinda Rigon

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  95. Éric Goulet, Érika Beaudoin and Francis Lavigne join Lavery’s Sherbrooke office

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of Éric Goulet as a partner and Érika Beaudoin and Francis Lavigne as notaries in the Business Law group. All three will be based in the Sherbrooke office and will serve the Lavery network. International experience in business law for businesses  Working in Lavery’s Sherbrooke office, Éric Goulet will help businesses achieve growth using his vast experience in financing, mergers and acquisitions and in public contracts in Canada, in the United States and elsewhere in the world. As part of his duties, he will continue to provide consulting services to international organizations by relying on the expertise of professionals in the Sherbrooke office and, through the Lavery network, that of professionals in the Montréal, Québec City and Trois-Rivières offices. Prior to working in a law firm, he served for five years as legal counsel and corporate secretary for a Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listed company active in the energy sector (power transmission systems), in the manufacturing, sale and distribution of continuously variable transmissions (recreational products and unlicensed vehicles) with operations primarily in the United States, France, China and India. Strategic growth of SMEs  Over his 25 years of experience in the legal field, Éric Goulet also developed expertise in contract negotiation, cross-border transactions, litigation management, corporate governance and regulation, and compliance for public contracts. With his strategic business vision based on his clients’ goals, he stands out, among other things, for his strong ability to quickly grasp opportunities for business growth and related issues.  Working with the Sherbrooke firm’s seasoned business law team, Éric Goulet will support organizations to ensure their longevity and solidify their assets, thereby contributing to the region’s economic vitality.  Solid local expertise in business law  In complement to Éric Goulet’s recognized expertise in the market, both Érika Beaudoin and Francis Lavigne will support the Sherbrooke office team in meeting the needs of the firm’s clients in terms of business start-ups, reorganizations, sales, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate financing.

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  96. Valérie Belle-Isle appointed to the Board of Directors of the Corporation de la Salle Albert-Rousseau, Théâtre Petit Champlain and Productions d'Albert

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Valérie Belle-Isle, a partner in the Administrative Law Group, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Salle Albert-Rousseau Corporation as well as of Théâtre Petit Champlain and Productions d'Albert. Salle Albert-Rousseau in Quebec City presents professional variety shows, comedy, song, theater and film conferences. The mission of Groupe Salle Albert-Rousseau (G.S.A.R) is to develop, promote and make accessible a diversified cultural and artistic offer that contributes to the well-being of communities and to the development of the Quebec City region.

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  97. Myriam Brixi one of Lexpert’s Rising Stars: Leading lawyers under 40

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Myriam Brixi was recognized by Lexpert as a Rising Stars Leading Lawyers Under 40 on November 25. This prestigious distinction honours lawyers under 40 who stand out in the legal profession. The winners are selected by a jury of law firm managing partners and corporate legal executives based on rigorously studied criteria such as leadership, outstanding professional achievements and service to clients. As a litigation partner, Myriam's practice focuses primarily on class actions, product liability, consumer law and insurance law. Myriam has been involved in complex class actions raising important legal issues. Her experience in these actions has allowed her to develop a thorough understanding of the procedural and strategic aspects of class actions in Canada. Myriam is also actively involved in the community. She was appointed by the Quebec Bar to sit on the Access to Justice Committee. She is Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Class Action Section, Co-Chair of the Citizenship and Charters Committee of the Quebec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and sits on the Board of Directors of the Factry. Congratulations to Myriam for this recognition of her talent and expertise. For more information, we invite you to read the following article.

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  98. Lavery recognized by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada's Best Law Firms 2022

    On November 16, 2021, the Globe and Mail released the results of its inaugural edition of Canada's Best Law Firm for 2022 and we are pleased to announce that Lavery Avocats was included. The ranking for Canada’s Best Law Firms was created based on recommendations from lawyers and clients (corporate legal departments). The final list ranks law firms in 28 specialties. Out of the thousands of law firms analyzed, only 200 are recognized.

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  99. Lavery announces the hiring of four new lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that four recently sworn-in lawyers are joining Lavery following the completion of their articling within the firm.   Maude Colpron Maude Colpron is joining our Business Law group and practices primarily in the area of financing law. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Master in Business Administration from the Université de Sherbrooke.   Lindsay Jean Lindsay Jean is joining the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and practices primarily in the area of insurance law. She completed her Bachelor of Civil Law, cooperative program, at the Université de Sherbrooke. She was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal in recognition of her strong sense of commitment.   Marianne Khairi-Arancibia Marianne Khairi-Arancibia is joining our Business Law group and practices primarily in the area of transaction law. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Juris Doctor in Common Law from the Université de Montréal.   Pierre-Olivier Tremblay-Simard Pierre-Olivier Tremblay-Simard is joining the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Pierre-Olivier graduated from Université Laval in May 2020 and volunteered with Épilepsie Québec through Pro Bono Students Canada, work for which he received the Hommage du Lieutenant-Gouverneur award.

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  100. A partnership with Lavery Lawyers allows the CTAQ to offer its members top-notch legal services

    Through its new partnership with Lavery Lawyers, the Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ) is pleased to be adding high-quality legal services to the range of benefits offered to its members. Lavery Lawyers has developed expertise in the agri-food sector over the years and is now strengthening its position in the sector by offering an exclusive service to CTAQ members, who will benefit from a free bank of hours for consultation purposes. The firm is pleased to contribute to the growth of businesses in the Quebec agri-food industry by providing its legal and strategic expertise to CTAQ members, particularly in matters relating to: Commercial law and franchising Intellectual property (trademarks, patents, copyright, industrial designs, confidential information) E-commerce and the protection of personal information Cybersecurity Product labelling Publicity and promotional contests The Charter of the French Language We invite you to visit the web page dedicated to this new service. The Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ) unites the industry’s strengths by representing 13 associations and more than 600 member companies. Its mission is to represent, promote and defend the interests of its members and to support them in reaching their full potential to ensure that Quebec’s food industry remains active.

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  101. Anik Trudel appointed Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM)

    On October 25, 2021, Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery Lawyers, was appointed Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM). The CCMM, a staple in the Montréal business community, offers specialized services to businesses of all sizes and participates in projects crucial for the city. Ms. Trudel’s appointment aligns perfectly with Lavery’s vision and its positioning as a growth partner for key players in the Quebec economy. “Montréal is playing a significant role in the ongoing economic recovery, in concert with all other Quebec regions. For businesses to thrive, we need to work hard to stimulate the city’s business environment, both in our own operations and in our role as leader. As Vice-Chair of the CCMM’s Board of Directors, I am pleased to contribute to its efforts to channel the city’s strengths into a successful economic recovery,” says Anik Trudel. 

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  102. Lavery welcomes a new associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of a new associate to the firm. François Rizcallah François Rizcallah is joining the Business Law group and will practise primarily in the area of taxation in the Sherbrooke office. François began his legal career by completing several internships and was involved in numerous committees and events. “I was drawn by the human side of the firm, its involvement in the community and the high caliber of its lawyers. From what I’ve seen, not only is Lavery a firm that encourages its members to keep learning, it offers its clients quality legal services and collaborators for their businesses’ futures. It’s this relationship of trust and collaboration with clients and the community that I look for and find important. I’ve always been drawn by debates and arguments, whether it’s developing them or using them to convince someone. I like the logic and framework of the law and the challenge of having to communicate as clearly as possible legal concepts that are sometimes complex.” – François Rizcallah

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  103. Eric Thibaudeau and Lavery named as a reference by Canadian Occupational Safety – 5-Star Safety Lawyers & Law Firms

    October 18, 2021 – Eric Thibaudeau and Lavery have been named as a reference in Occupational Health and Safety by Canadian Occupational Safety – 5-Star Safety Lawyers & Law Firms. To determine the best lawyers and law firms catering to the safety industry, Canadian Occupational Safety sourced feedback from safety leaders over a period of 15 weeks. COS’s research team began by conducting a survey with a wide range of safety officers to determine what companies value in the law firms they collaborate with.

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  104. Simon Clément appointed President of the Board of Pyro Creations

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Simon Clément, managing partner of the Québec City office practising in Business Law and Litigation, has been elected President of the board of Les Créations Pyro. Les Créations Pyro is the producer of the Grands Feux Loto-Québec. Created in 1995, this event offers large-scale pyromusical shows from the St. Lawrence River and has been free since 2012. These world-class performances create a bridge between Québec City and Lévis and attract hundreds of thousands of people along both shores every year. “After a two-year forced break, this series of firework events on the magnificent St. Lawrence River will return in force, to the delight of tourists and residents of Quebec’s National Capital Region. The entertainment industry’s contribution to the economic vitality of the region is obvious to me and I feel privileged to be able to contribute to it through Les Créations Pyro, accompanied by expert board members and people of action,” says Simon Clément. This appointment will be an opportunity to contribute to the upcoming Grands Feux Loto-Québec in 2022, which will be held against the backdrop of the tourism industry’s recovery. For more information, visit les Créations Pyro website:Here

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  105. Béatrice Ngatcha joins the board of IPIC - Intellectual Property Institute of Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Beatrice Ngatcha, a partner in the Intellectual Property group, has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors for 2021-2022 by the IPIC Annual General Meeting. IPIC is the professional association for patent agents, trademark agents and lawyers specializing in all areas of intellectual property law. Beatrice has been involved in IPIC's development and outreach since 2003, and this appointment is a reflection and recognition of the strength of her expertise in the field of intellectual property. For more information, see IPIC's Board of Directors page: Read here

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  106. Lavery welcomes one new associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of one new associate to the firm.  Debbie Thibodeau Debbie Thibodeau joined our Business Law group and will practise mainly in the fields of corporate finance and corporate reorganizations. Debbie began her career in corporate and commercial law and corporate financing. Prior to that, she practised as a paralegal. " It’s important to me to work in a healthy environment where the person behind the professional is just as important and where mutual support and collaboration are a given. At Lavery, I was instantly charmed by the firm’s human values. Right from the start, I felt everyone’s collaborative spirit and a business culture that really speak to me and that will certainly help me to grow both professionally and personally within this beautiful and great new professional family." – Debbie Thibodeau

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  107. Energy: Lexpert Recognizes Two Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada

    On October 1, 2021, Lexpert recognized the expertise of two of our partners in its 2021 Lexpert Special Edition: Energy. René Branchaud and André Vautour now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of energy René Branchaud practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate law. With more than thirty years’ experience, he advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions, and takeovers. André Vautour practises in the fields of corporate and commercial law and is particularly interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds and mergers and acquisitions of private corporations. He frequently advises various clients on major infrastructure construction projects. He practises in the field of technology law (drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce agreements).

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  108. Sébastien Vézina participated in the 2022 Memorial Cup site selection committee

    On September 22, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced Saint John as the host city for the 2022 Memorial Cup. At the CHL’s request, Sébastien Vézina, partner in the Business Law group, sat on the selection committee tasked with analyzing the cities’ applications to host the tournament alongside: Dan MacKenzie, President, CHL Colin Campbell, Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, NHL Nathalie Cook, Vice President, TSN/RDS at Bell Media Nancy Orr, Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Prince Edward Island Sébastien Vézina is a partner in Lavery Lawyers’ Business Law group and has extensive experience in the sports and entertainment industry. He provides business and regulatory advice to sports teams, players, agents, owners, senior managers, sponsors, agencies, event promoters, team members and athletes. He frequently assists league operators and team owners with strategic issues relating to their governance.

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  109. Lavery welcomes two new associates

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of two new associates who will bring their wide-ranging expertise to the firm.   Marie-Diane Ngom Marie-Diane Ngom joins our Labour and Employment as well as our Litigation and Dispute Resolution groups. Marie-Diane began her career practising mainly in insurance law and civil and commercial litigation.  During her studies, Marie-Diane was very socially involved and was awarded a leadership and sustainable development scholarship two years in a row.  “I consider Lavery to be a big family where you feel at home and where you can grow both professionally and personally. What convinced me was the professional quality of the lawyers, the firm’s values, and the human approach.” – Marie-Diane Ngom   Vivianne Pierre-Sigouin Vivianne Pierre-Sigouin joins our Health Law Group. Vivianne has completed several mandates representing syndics and professionals before the disciplinary and appeal bodies of various professional orders and other regulatory organizations. Previously, Vivianne also acted as legal counsel and as an investigator, mainly in the financial field. “What convinced me to join Lavery was the possibility of pursuing my practice in professional liability and disciplinary law, in a field that has always especially attracted me, which is health care. Not only that, but the fact that I can offer clients a full range of services in a multitude of areas of law is also one of the factors that convinced me to join Lavery.” - Vivianne Pierre-Sigouin

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  110. Lavery announces return of Carole Gélinas as partner

    Lavery is pleased to announce the return of Carole Gélinas as a partner. Carole, who practiced law at Lavery from 2012 to 2019 on the real estate team, is returning to her roots. She has more than 30 years of experience in this field and is known for assisting corporations with mandates relating to the leasing, acquisition, sale and financing of real estate assets. She also has extensive experience in mining law. “I am delighted to be back with the Lavery family. The firm’s strength lies in its ability to offer a complete range of services, to manage major cases and to maintain a proximity to the business reality of its clients. I am pleased to once again be able to put my expertise in real estate and mining law,” says Carole Gélinas.

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  111. Lavery's expertise recognized by Chambers Canada 2022

    Lavery has been recognized in the following fields as a leader in the 2022 edition of the Chambers Canada guide: Corporate/Commercial (Québec Band 1, Highly Regarded) Employment and Labour (Québec Band 2) Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide Band 4) Intellectual Property (Nationwide Band 4) Our Professionals Demonstrate Once Again They Are Leaders in Chambers Canada Guide 2022 René Branchaud, Guy Lavoie, Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Sébastien Vézina have been recognized as leaders in their respective areas of practice in the 2022 edition of the Chambers Canada guide. Areas of expertise in which they are recognized: René Branchaud: Energy and Natural Resources: Mining Guy Lavoie: Labour and Employment Law Jean-Philippe Turgeon: Franchising Sébastien Vézina: Energy and Natural Resources: Mining The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness.

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  112. Caroline Harnois named Lawyer of the Year in Family Law Mediation by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2022

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Caroline Harnois’s expertise in Family Law Mediation was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2022. Ms. Caroline Harnois is a member of the Family law, Personal law and Estate law team. Her practice is focused on all aspects of family and estate law, which comprises private international family law, including international child abduction. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Harnois worked as a lawyer with the Children, Person and Family Law team at The Hague Conference on Private International Law in the Netherlands, where she developed an expertise in extraterritorial conflicts and the application of international conventions, in particular regarding international child abduction, recovery of maintenance abroad, intercountry adoption and international protection of children and vulnerable adults. During her last years with this international organization, Ms. Harnois took part in international negotiations meetings, organized and conducted training sessions for lawyers, judges, civil servants and representatives of other international organizations, and worked towards the implementation of conventions. She was also invited in several countries as a guest lecturer in her areas of practice. Ms. Harnois has written several articles on family law including La Convention de La Haye du 25 octobre 1980 sur l’enlèvement international d’enfants : la nécessité d’agir de façon rapide et efficace and Débiteurs alimentaires récalcitrants à vos gardes, la planète rétrécit respectively published in Les Développement récents en droit familial of 2008 and 2010. Ms. Harnois also written an article in the Canadian Family Law Quarterly entitled 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction : the Impact of a Refugee Claim or the Grant of Refugee Status on a Hague Return Application. She has also appeared as a guest lecturer at the Quebec Bar Continuing Education Workshops.

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  113. Bernard Larocque named Lawyer of the Year in Professional Malpractice by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2022

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Bernard Larocque’s expertise in Professional Malpractice was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2022. Bernard Larocque is a partner in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group whose practice focuses primarily on civil litigation, including defamation law, insurance law, class actions, professional liability, and administrative disputes. He frequently appears before the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada and the Quebec Court of Appeal. Mr. Larocque regularly speaks at conferences on various subjects such as insurance law, liability, and civil procedure. In addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, his expertise is also recognized by The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory in the field of Litigation and Commercial insurance.

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  114. Three Lavery lawyers named as rising stars in the legal profession by Best Lawyers

    On August 26, 2021, Best Lawyers in Canada released the results of a new initiative to recognize the rising stars in the Canadian legal profession. The results of the Ones to Watch survey that was held among the Canadian legal community identified three Lavery lawyers as rising stars in their respective fields of expertise: Dominic Boisvert: Insurance Law Charles Ceelen-Brasseur: Corporate Law Chloé Fauchon: Municipal Law These recognitions are further demonstration of the expertise and quality of legal services that characterize Lavery’s professionals.

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  115. The Best Lawyers in Canada 2022 recognize 68 lawyers of Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 68 of its lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields of expertise by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2022. Lawyer of the Year   The following lawyers also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada: Caroline Harnois: Family Law Mediation Bernard Larocque: Professional Malpractice Law   Consult the complete list of Lavery's lawyers and their fields of expertise: Josianne Beaudry : Mining Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Dominique Bélisle : Energy Law Laurence Bich-Carrière : Class Action Litigation René Branchaud : Mining Law / Natural Resources Law / Securities Law Étienne Brassard : Mergers and Acquisitions Law / Real Estate Law / Equipment Finance Law Dominic Boisvert: Insurance Law (Ones To Watch) Luc R. Borduas : Corporate Law Daniel Bouchard : Environmental Law Jules Brière : Administrative and Public Law / Health Care Law Myriam Brixi : Class Action Litigation Benoit Brouillette : Labour and Employment Law Richard Burgos : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Marie-Claude Cantin : Construction Law / Insurance Law Charles Ceelen-Brasseur : Corporate Law (Ones To Watch) Eugène Czolij : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Chantal Desjardins : Intellectual Property Law Jean-Sébastien Desroches : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Michel Desrosiers : Labour and Employment Law Raymond Doray, Ad. E : Administrative and Public Law / Defamation and Media Law / Privacy and Data Security Law Christian Dumoulin : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Alain Y. Dussault : Intellectual Property Law Isabelle Duval : Family Law Chloé Fauchon: Municipal Law (Ones To Watch) Philippe Frère : Administrative and Public Law Simon Gagné : Labour and Employment Law Nicolas Gagnon : Construction Law Richard Gaudreault : Labour and Employment Law Danielle Gauthier : Labour and Employment Law Julie Gauvreau : Intellectual Property Law Michel Gélinas : Labour and Employment Law Caroline Harnois : Family Law / Family Law Mediation / Trusts and Estates Marie-Josée Hétu : Labour and Employment Law Alain Heyne : Banking and Finance Law Édith Jacques : Corporate Law / Energy Law Pierre Marc Johnson, Ad. E., G.O.Q., MSRC : International Arbitration Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Labour and Employment Law Isabelle Jomphe : Intellectual Property Law Guillaume Laberge: Administrative and Public Law Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin: Insurance Law Awatif Lakhdar: Family Law Bernard Larocque: Class Action Litigation / Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law Myriam Lavallée: Labour and Employment Law Guy Lavoie: Labour and Employment Law / Workers’ Compensation Law Jean Legault: Banking and Finance Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Carl Lessard: Labour and Employment Law / Workers' Compensation Law Josiane L'Heureux: Labour and Employment Law Hugh Mansfield : Intellectual Property Law Zeïneb Mellouli : Labour and Employment Law Patrick A. Molinari, Ad.E., MSRC : Health Care Law André Paquette: Mergers and Acquisitions Law Luc Pariseau : Tax Law Jacques Paul-Hus : Mergers & Acquisitions Law Ariane Pasquier : Labour and Employment Law Hubert Pepin : Labour and Employment Law Martin Pichette : Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law Élisabeth Pinard : Family Law François Renaud : Banking and Finance Law Marc Rochefort : Securities Law Judith Rochette : Professional Malpractice Law Ian Rose : Director and Officer Liability Practice / Insurance Law Éric Thibaudeau: Workers' Compensation Law Philippe Tremblay : Construction Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation Jean-Philippe Turgeon : Franchise Law André Vautour : Corporate Law / Energy Law / Information Technology Law / Intellectual Property Law / Private Funds Law / Technology Law Bruno Verdon : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Sébastien Vézina : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Yanick Vlasak : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Jonathan Warin : Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law

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  116. Infrastructure projects: Lexpert Recognizes Four Partners as Leading Lawyers in Canada

    On August 5, 2021, Lexpert recognized the expertise of four of our partners in its 2021 Lexpert Special Edition: Infrustructure. The partners, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Nicolas Gagnon, Éric Thibaudeau and André Vautour now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of infrastructure law. Jean-Sébastien Desroches practices business law and focuses primarily on mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure and project development as well as strategic partnerships. He frequently steers major transactions—complex legal operations, cross-border transactions, reorganizations, and investments—in Canada and at an international level on behalf of Canadian, American, and European clients and international corporations in the manufacturing, transportation, pharmaceutical, financial, and energy sectors. Nicolas Gagnon specializes in construction law and surety law. He counsels public and private sector clients, professional services firms and contractors as well as surety companies at every stage of construction projects. He advises clients with respect to the public bidding and procurement process, and is involved in the drafting of contract documents and the management of the work and any claims resulting therefrom. Éric Thibaudeau is a member of the Labour and Employment Group. He has special expertise in the area of occupational health and safety, regarding issues within the jurisdiction of the Administrative Labour Tribunal (ALT) as well as penal infractions prosecuted by the CNESST that are heard in the Court of Québec’s Criminal and Penal Division. He also acts for employers in grievance arbitrations, labour-relations matters and collective agreement decrees. In addition, he advises construction contractors and project owners on all matters within the jurisdiction of the construction industry regulatory authorities, such as the Commission de la construction du Québec and the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. André Vautour practises in the fields of corporate and commercial law and is particularly interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds and mergers and acquisitions of private corporations. He frequently advises various clients on major infrastructure construction projects. He practises in the field of technology law (drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce agreements).

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  117. Lavery welcomes five new associates

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of five new associates to the firm with diverse expertise. Romeo Aguilar Perez, CIRC Romeo Aguilar Perez joins our Labour and Employment Group. As part of his practice, he advises employers in the public, parapublic and private sectors on all aspects of employment relations and human capital management. He specializes in employment litigation, grievance arbitration, labour relations, labour standards, human rights, administrative investigations and occupational health and safety.   Frédéric Bolduc Frédéric Bolduc joins our Labour and Employment Group. During his studies at the Université de Montréal, He acted as a mentor and was involved with the Mobile Legal Clinic as a student clinician. The excellence of his academic results earned him a place on the undergraduate honour list at the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law and the Bar of Montréal Award for Excellence in Business Law (2019).   Frédéric Bolduc Frédéric Bolduc se joint à notre groupe Droit du travail et de l’emploi. Au cours de ses études à l’Université de Montréal, il a agi à titre de mentor et s’est impliqué à titre d’étudiant clinicien auprès de la Clinique juridique itinérante. L’excellence de ses résultats académiques lui a valu de figurer sur la liste d’honneur des étudiants du 1er cycle de la Faculté de droit de l’Université de Montréal et de se faire décerner le prix Barreau de Montréal pour excellence en droit des affaires (2019). Louis Lafleur, CIRC Louis Lafleur joins our Labour and Employment Group. In his practice, he advises employers in all areas of labour and employment law on matters concerning both individual and collective reports for employment-related disputes. Jinnie Liu Jinnie Liu joins our Business Law Group and focuses her practice on tax law. Jinnie Liu began her career in an international professional services firm’s corporate taxation group, where she played a key role by assisting clients in all aspects of the corporate life of businesses, no matter their size, including mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, financing and cross-border mandates. Adnana Zbona Adnana Zbona joins our Family law, Personal law, and Estate law group. Her practice covers every aspect of family, personal and estate law, including negotiating out-of-court settlements, reviewing and drafting proceedings and representing clients before the courts.  

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  118. Serge Shahinian is recognized as a leading patent practitioner in the 2021 IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals

    Serge Shahinian, partner and patent agent in the firm’s Intellectual Property Group, has been recognized as a leading patent practitioner in the 2021 edition of the directory IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. This distinction was determined, among other things, through exhaustive peer-reviewed surveys. The professionals are ranked in the directory based on a recognition of market share, exceptional skills, and in-depth knowledge of patent matters.

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  119. Lavery represents Avril Supermarché in obtaining financing from Desjardins Capital

    On June 18, 2021, Avril Supermarché, an independent, Quebec-based health food store chain, announced the closing of a transaction under which Desjardins Capital became a minority shareholder in order to support the chain’s growth in Quebec. The financing obtained will support Avril’s development plan, which includes opening a dozen more supermarkets over the next five years. The transaction was preceded by a major corporate reorganization. Lavery Lawyers feels privileged that Avril Supermarché, a long-standing client, reaffirmed its confidence in the firm by allowing it to contribute to Avril’s growth and support its founders and managers, Sylvie Senay and Rolland Tanguay, in all stages of the transaction. The Lavery team that worked with Avril Supermarché was led by Christian Dumoulin and composed of Jean-François Bilodeau, Dave Bouchard, Sophie Goulet, Katy Pelletier and Catherine Voyer.

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  120. Learn more about our client Jimmy Pham

    Jimmy Pham, pharmacist-owner of three pharmacies, stands out for his well-developed entrepreneurial spirit and his approach to medicine. Placing the well-being and health of his patients at the core of his practice, he offers pharmacological treatments in the form of compounded drugs. Among others, he prepares medicines in the form of analgesic creams, the composition of which can be adapted to his patients’ specific needs. He cares about his businesses’ environmental footprint, and so he decided to offer bulk eco-responsible products and is part of the Circuit Zéro Déchet (zero waste network). We are very proud to support him in the expansion of his network of pharmacies, but especially in making his innovative vision of the pharmaceutical industry a reality. Watch the video (In French only)

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  121. Lavery Lawyers welcomes 4 new professionals

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of four new professionals.   Laura Bassal, paralegal Laura Bassal is a paralegal member of the civil Litigation team where she specializes in the fields of insurance and construction litigation.   Marie-Claude Côté, associate Marie-Claude Côté is a member of the firm’s Business Law Group and focuses her practice on transactional and commercial law, and more specifically on securities law.   Marc-Étienne Lauzon-Joset, associate Marc-Étienne Lauzon-Joset is a member of the Business Law Group and focuses his practice on commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law and real estate law.   Brandon Yin, paralegal Brandon Yin is a paralegal member of the Business Law team where he assists lawyers practising in corporate law and helps prepare legal documents required for various business transactions.

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  122. Learn more about our client Logient

    Logient is a Quebec-based company that offers a diversified range of business software services under one roof. Its development, integration, consulting and management services can be adapted to the needs of each and any client. Thanks to a team of seasoned professionals and its CEO, Vincent Godcharles, Logient has experienced meteoric growth of more than 30% year after year for the past six years. It is a privilege for Lavery to have Logient as a client. We are proud to support Logient in its growth strategy, achieved through the many acquisitions it has made in the past few years, and ensure that Logient’s business objectives are met with all legal bases covered. Watch the video (in french only)

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  123. Sébastien Vézina – Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers Finalist

    Lavery is happy to announce that Sébastien Vézina, a partner in the Business Law group, is a finalist in Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in the Business category. For this Top 25, the entire Canadian legal community is invited to vote to identify the five winners in each of the following categories: Human Rights, Advocacy and Criminal Business In-house Changemakers Government/Non-profits/Associations Being named to the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers is not a recognition of lifetime achievement, but rather an acknowledgment of the significance of the work done over the last 18 months. You can complete the survey by clicking here. (Deadline: June 25, 2021)

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  124. Stéphanie Destrempes appointed to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Conseil québécois de la franchise becomes head of the Franchising and Distribution Group

    Lavery is happy to announce that Stéphanie Destrempes has been appointed to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Conseil québécois de la franchise (CQF). Stéphanie’s appointment leaves no doubt as to the depth of her expertise in serving franchisors, distributors, retailers and manufacturers. In the wake of this appointment, Lavery also announces that Stéphanie will now be in charge of the firm's Franchise and Distribution Group.

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  125. Lavery represents Evolution Insurance in its merger with GroupAssur

    On April 20, 2021, GroupAssur, a managing general agent (MGA) offering specialty insurance products across Canada, announced its merger with our client Evolution Insurance, a wholesaler specializing in the underwriting of complex liability and construction risks. The merger makes GroupAssur Canada’s largest independent managing general agent in property and casualty insurance. Evolution Insurance’s expertise will enable GroupAssur to expand its product offering into target markets across Canada. A Lavery team led by Martin Pichette and Sébastien Vézina and composed of Jean-Paul Timothée, Gabriella Settino, Isabelle Normand and Florence Fournier (transactional) and Ali El Haskouri, Bernard Trang and Ana Nascimento (financing) played a significant role in representing Evolution Insurance’s interests throughout the transaction.

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  126. Lavery named once again Quebec Firm of the Year again at Canadian Law Awards

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it has been named Quebec Law Firm of the Year for a second consecutive year at the Canadian Law Awards. The winners of the Canadian Law Awards are determined by a panel of independent judges composed of lawyers working in private practice and as in-house counsel.  This recognition is a testament to the service we provide to our clients and the exceptional talent of our lawyers.

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  127. The restructuring of Cirque du Soleil named Insolvency & Restructuring Deal of the Year at the Canadian Law Awards

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Cirque du Soleil’s restructuring transaction was named Insolvency & Restructuring Deal of the Year at the Canadian Law Awards. Lavery represented the ad hoc committee of first lien lenders to Cirque du Soleil in connection with the acquisition of Cirque du Soleil pursuant to a credit bid under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”) for $1.2 billion. This transaction involved one of the most well-known Canadian corporation and brand world-wide.  Lavery advised and assisted the group of creditors in the CCAA proceedings, the sale of Cirque du Soleil’s Canadian assets to its creditors and the organization of the new corporate and legal structure, including the governance structure. The transaction took place primarily in Canada and the United States, but also involved work in Luxembourg, Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Australia, among other jurisdictions. The Lavery team was led by Sébastien Vézina and included Éric Gélinas, Guy Lavoie, Jonathan Warin, Josianne Beaudry, Stéphanie Dubois, Ali El Haskouri, Florence Fournier, Annie Groleau, Emma-Sophie Hall, Chantal Lefebvre, Jean-François Maurice, Joëlle Montpetit, Martin Pichette, Jean-Paul Timothée, Bernard Trang, André Vautour. 

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  128. Two new professionals join the Lavery team

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of two new professionals.   Sophie Gauvin-Sasseville, associate  Sophie Gauvin-Sasseville is a lawyer in our Litigation group, specializing in insurance law, civil liability and professional liability. She represents, among others, insurers, financial institutions, contractors and pre-purchase inspectors. Her experience and practice have led her to assist clients throughout the judicial process and plead regularly before the civil courts of law.   Joanie Hébert, notary Joanie Hébert is a notary member of the Business Law group. She focuses her practice primarily in the areas of financing, commercial law and real estate law. She regularly works with financial institutions on the establishment of security interests and the preparation of credit documents. She is also involved in real estate transactions and corporate reorganizations, as part of which she is called upon to draft numerous commercial agreements.

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  129. Lavery helps to establish an affordable housing fund worth $151 million

    On May 4, 2021, the Government of Canada, the Government of Québec, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Ivanhoé Cambridge announced the formation of a consortium of investors that will make $120 million available to co-ops, non-profit organizations (NPOs) and housing agencies for the construction or renovation of affordable housing. The Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, Fondaction, the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation and the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation collectively added $31 million to the sum. The strategic partnership will be managed by the Association des groupes de ressources techniques du Québec (AGRTQ) starting in the fall of 2021.  Lavery Lawyers advised and assisted the project partners with the drafting and implementation of the legal structure and documentation necessary to create and start up the consortium of investors. Lavery is pleased to have put its expertise and professional and financial resources to work for the project, and to thereby contribute to an initiative that benefits both families and the economic vitality of Quebec. The Lavery team, led by Brigitte Gauthier, was composed of Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Jean-François Maurice, François Renaud, Bernard Trang and André Vautour.

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  130. 29 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2021 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is proud to announce that 29 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2021 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2021 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Asset Securitization Brigitte Gauthier Aviation (Regulation & Liability) Louis Charette Class Actions Myriam Brixi Louis Charette Construction law Nicolas Gagnon Corporate Commercial law Jean-Sébastien Desroches Yves Rocheleau André Vautour Corporate Finance & Securities Josianne Beaudry René Branchaud Corporate Tax Audrey Gibeault Employment Law Marie-Josée Hétu, CIRC Guy Lavoie Family Law Elisabeth Pinard Infrastructure Law Jean-Sébastien Desroches Intellectual Property Chantal Desjardins Isabelle Jomphe Alain Y. Dussault Insolvency & Financial Restructuring Yanick Vlasak Labour Relations Michel Desrosiers Richard Gaudreault Simon Gagné Danielle Gauthier, CHRP Michel Gélinas Marie-Josée Hétu, CIRC Guy Lavoie Zeïneb Mellouli Litigation - Commercial Insurance Bernard Larocque Judith Rochette Litigation - Product Liability Louis Charette Mergers & Acquisitions Jean-Sébastien Desroches Mining Josianne Beaudry René Branchaud Sébastien Vézina Occupational Health & Safety Éric Thibaudeau Property Leasing Richard Burgos Workers' Compensation Guy Lavoie Carl Lessard Éric Thibaudeau The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country and it identifies leading practitioners in over 60 separate practice areas and leading law firms in over 40 practice areas. It is a reference guide for Canadian and foreign corporate counsels and law firms in need of specialized legal services in Canada. For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: http://www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  131. A new associate joins the Lavery team

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of Béatrice Bilodeau.   Béatrice Bilodeau Béatrice Bilodeau is a member of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group and her practice focuses primarily in real estate and commercial litigation. She regularly pleads before all Quebec civil and administrative tribunals, particularly in the context of injunctive remedies.

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  132. Lavery finalist in two 2021 Canadian Law Awards categories

    On March 16, Lexpert announced the Excellence Awardees for this year’s edition of the Canadian Law Awards, recognizing the leadership and expertise of law firms and legal professionals.  After being named Quebec Law Firm of the Year in 2020, Lavery is a finalist in the following two categories for the second year in a row: Quebec Law Firm of the Year Managing Partner of the Year, Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer Once again, these nominations, along with the hard work that went into earning them, further strengthen Lavery’s position as a leader in the Quebec legal services industry.

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  133. Simon Gagné appointed to the QMJHL Players Help Committee

    On October 30, 2020, Simon Gagné, Head of practice of our Labour and Employment Law group, was appointed to the committee that the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) has created to update and improve its Players Help Program. As a former QMJHL player, Simon will use his expertise to develop lasting solutions that will not only help players, but also parents, coaches, and general managers with the daily challenges that come with the sport. The other committee members are: -          François Bernier, retired SPVM police officer, resource person for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada -          Patrice Bernier, TVA Sports soccer analyst and former Montreal CF assistant coach -          François Boisvert, special education teacher at Clinique Syna-Psy, resource person for the Shawinigan Cataractes -          Sylvain Croteau, General Manager of Sport’Aide -          Sylvain Guimond, sports psychologist, speaker and author of many books -          Isabelle Leclaire, head of sport d’excellence and head coach of Carabins women’s hockey at Université de Montréal.

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  134. Lexpert Recognizes Two Partners as Leading Technology Lawyers in Canada

    On February 19, 2021, Lexpert recognized the expertise of two of our partners in its 2021 Lexpert Special Edition: Technology. Chantal Desjardins and André Vautour now rank among Canada’s leaders in the area of technology law. Chantal Desjardins is a partner, lawyer and trade-mark agent in Lavery’s intellectual property group. She contributes actively to the development of her clients’ rights in this field, which includes the protection of trade-marks, industrial designs, copyright, trade secrets, domain names and other related forms of intellectual property, in order to promote her clients’ business goals.   André Vautour practices in the fields of corporate and commercial law and is particularly interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds and mergers and acquisitions of private corporations. He practises also in the field of technology law (drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements, and e-commerce agreements).

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  135. Lexpert recognizes Louis Charette’s expertise in aviation

    On February 12, 2021, Lexpert named Louis Charette as one of the leading lawyers working with the aviation industry in Canada. Louis Charette is a partner and practises in civil and professional liability litigation, product liability, transportation law and infrastructure as well as aviation law. Mr. Charette defends manufacturers, distributors, and vendors. He also advises manufacturers in the implementation and management of recalls and on strategic and risk management issues. His expertise is sought after in complex litigation involving multiple defendants and jurisdictions and in class actions defence.

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  136. Lavery hires five articling students as lawyers

    We are pleased to welcome Justine Beauchesne in Quebec City, Stéphanie Dubois, Gabrielle Mathieu, Gabriella Settino and Clémence Trudeau as associates on the Lavery team.   Justine Beauchesne joins the Business Law group. Before beginning her law studies, Justine completed two years of studies at Université Laval in Public Affairs and International Relations. During her Bachelor of Laws, she did a semester at the University of Strasbourg, where she was able to study international law and become familiar with French law.   Stéphanie Dubois joins the Business Law group. Stéphanie Dubois joined the Lavery team as a student in May 2019. She has completed her Bachelor of Civil Law at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) with honors and also holds a certificate in labour law.   Gabrielle Mathieu joins the Conflict and Resolution group. She holds a bachelor degree in law from the Université de Montréal. During her studies, she was involved in the Women and Law Committee as well as in the Mediation Clinic of the Université de Montréal. She also assisted two judges of the Superior Court during a one-year internship completed in her senior year of the bachelor degree.   Gabriella Settino joins the Business Law group. During her legal studies, Gabriella has volunteered for Pro Bono Students Canada as a researcher for a project about family law and as a vice-president for the organization’s McGill Chapter. She was also involved in health and wellness initiatives at the Faculty through her work with Healthy Legal Minds | Juristes en santé, where she was co-leading a project that provides peer-to-peer support to students in the faculty.   Clémence Trudeau joins the Conflict and Resolution group. During her law studies, Clémence became involved in various committees, including the sports law committee, where she organized several talks for her peers given by influential professionals in the field. She also participated in the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition, where she ranked as the 8th best litigant in the competition. In addition, she participated in a clinic.

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  137. Lexpert recognizes two partners as leading workers’ compensation lawyers in Quebec

    On February 10, 2021, Lexpert unveiled the identity of Québec’s leading lawyers in the field of workers’ compensation. Two Lavery partners, Guy Lavoie and Éric Thibaudeau, appear among the top lawyers in this area of practice. Guy Lavoie is a partner with the Labour and employment law group. His clients’ business concerns are always a priority when he proposes strategies and alternatives designed to resolve their problems. With over 30 years’ experience in labour relations, employment law, and occupational health and safety, he appears regularly before various administrative tribunals. He also works with the firm’s Business law group on the labour and employment law aspects of mergers and acquisitions. Éric Thibaudeau is a partner and a member of the Labour and Employment Group. He has special expertise in the area of occupational health and safety, regarding issues within the jurisdiction of the Administrative Labour Tribunal (ALT) as well as penal infractions prosecuted by the CNESST that are heard in the Court of Québec’s Criminal and Penal Division. He also acts for employers in grievance arbitrations, labour-relations matters and collective agreement decrees. In addition, he advises construction contractors and project owners on all matters within the jurisdiction of the construction industry regulatory authorities, such as the Commission de la construction du Québec and the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.

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  138. Two new professionals join the Lavery team

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of two new professionals.   Alexandra Langevin, associate Alexandra Langevin is a member of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. She focuses her practice on professional law, insurance law and civil and commercial litigation. She began practising in various areas of law, including construction law, police ethics, labour and employment law, administrative law and civil liability.   Cavaline Corine Madimba, associate Cavaline Corine Madimba is a lawyer in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. She focuses her practice on insurance law and general civil liability, and in particular on matters involving product liability, construction law and latent defects. In the course of her practice, Ms. Madimba frequently represents insurance companies and their insureds, both as plaintiffs and defendants, before the Administrative Housing Tribunal, the Court of Québec and the Superior Court.

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  139. Lavery appoints five new partners

    Lavery is pleased to welcome the following professionals as partners in the firm: Dave Bouchard, Labour and Employment Law Brittany Carson, Labour and Employment Law Stéphanie Destrempes, Franchising and Distribution Ali El Haskouri, Corporate Law Marie-Nancy Paquet, Litigation and Dispute Resolution These talented lawyers who are rising to the rank of partner have shown a strong commitment to the firm and the profession in recent years, and they brilliantly embody Lavery’s values: Excellence, Collaboration, Audacity and Entrepreneurship. We offer them our congratulations on this significant achievement in their legal careers. The diversity in background of these new partners is a testament to the depth of our 360° service offering and our desire to be a growth partner for companies doing business in Quebec.

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  140. Lavery Continues Forging Ahead: A Team of Five Labour Law Professionals is Joining the Firm

    A team composed of Éric Thibaudeau, Laurence Bourgeois-Hatto, Catherine Deslauriers, Mélanie Desjardins and Cinthia Gauvreau is joining Lavery Lawyers in the Labour and Employment Law group in Montréal and Quebec City. The integration of Éric Thibaudeau and his team will further consolidate the firm’s leadership in labour law. This latest recruitment is part of our comprehensive approach to providing 360-degree client service and solidifying our position as a growth partner for key players in the Quebec economy. Nine other professionals joined our ranks during the last quarter, for a total of ten salaried professionals and four partners. This strengthens our legal teams in corporate law, litigation, intellectual property and labour law. Expertise at the service of our 360° approach, the key to our firm’s growth The pandemic has shown us that the labour law issues faced by employers affect all sectors of the Quebec economy. The addition of five seasoned professionals will enhance our employer advisory services, help our clients manage the legal and strategic aspects of employment and expand our firm’s comprehensive service offering in two of our four business centres. Their cutting-edge expertise, in the field of construction in particular, will help to address the many challenges facing an industry that is foundational to Quebec’s economic recovery, especially where workforce management is involved. Our firm’s attractiveness and reputation confirmed by the acquisition of exceptional talent “Lavery’s reputation in labour law is well established. The excellent reputation of its integrated service offer within the business community and its leadership position in a changing industry were determining factors in our decision to join the firm,” says Éric Thibaudeau, partner at Lavery. “The arrival of Éric, Laurence, Catherine, Mélanie and Cinthia in the extended Lavery family is a testament to the attractiveness of our platform, whose reputation, both in Quebec and outside our local market, rests above all on the acumen of our professionals and the quality of the mandates that our clients entrust to us. We are delighted that they chose Lavery to pursue their careers,” concludes Anik Trudel, CEO of Lavery.

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  141. Four new professionals join the Lavery team

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of four new professionals. Jérémie Beltrame, associate Jérémie Beltrame is a lawyer with the Labour and Employment Law group. His main area of practice is occupational health and safety. He has particular experience in matters relating to the funding of compensation plans. David Chun, Associate David Chun is a lawyer with the Family, Personal and Estate Law group. He focuses his practice on family law, particularly divorce, separation, child custody, provision for costs, division of property, and child and spousal support. Charlotte Dangoisse, Notary Charlotte Dangoisse is a notary in Lavery’s Business Law group, where she practises real estate law. She focuses her practice on the search and review of real estate and mining titles.   Janet Dell'Orto, Trademark Agent Janet Dell’Orto trademark agent in Lavery’s Intellectual Property group. She focuses her practice on management and protection of trademarks, copyrights and industrial designs.

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  142. Stéphane Martin joins Lavery’s Quebec City office

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Stéphane Martin is joining its Quebec City office as a partner in the Business Law group. This most recent appointment is part of the firm’s efforts to cement its position in business law and contribute to the growth of the region’s businesses and partners. “His recognized expertise of commercial law, financing and banking law, and real estate law in the Quebec City market will add further quality to the Quebec City office’s service offering to private and institutional clients and give it greater depth," said Simon Clément, Managing Partner of Lavery Lawyers’s Quebec City office. Stéphane’s arrival comes on the heels of the recent arrival of Laurie Vandal-Fortin and Anne-Sophie Paquet in our Quebec City Business Law team.

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  143. Lavery supports the growth of 01 Studio Inc.

    On October 30, 2020, 01 Studio Inc., an enterprising, indie gaming studio, confirmed the closing of a financing with Skymoons Technology Inc., the video game division of Chinese multimedia giant iQIYI, to accelerate its growth and the development of its flagship game, Citywars Savage. In addition to the financing, the parties have agreed on the distribution of Citywars Savage in China and neighboring countries. A Lavery team composed of Jean-François Maurice, Étienne Brassard, Sébastien Vézina, Éric Lavallée, Florence Fournier and Stéphanie Dubois played a significant role in representing the interests of 01 Studio Inc. throughout the transaction, from negotiating the term sheet to the closing the transaction.

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  144. Four Partners Recognized as Leading Litigation Lawyers in Canada by Lexpert

    On November 27, 2020, Lexpert recognized the expertise of four of our partners in its 2020 Lexpert Special Edition: Litigation 2020. Myriam Brixi, Louis Charette, Bernard Larocque and Jean-Philippe Turgeon are among Canada’s leading litigation lawyers. This recognition once again demonstrates the firm’s ability to be a 360° partner for our clients and to contribute to the growth of organizations that drive the economy.

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  145. Death of Pierre L. Baribeau, former partner of Lavery Lawyers

    Lavery Lawyers was greatly saddened to learn that Pierre L. Baribeau, a former partner of the firm, passed away on November 17, 2020. Pierre joined Lavery Lawyers in 1982 and left at the end of August of this year. For nearly 40 years, he was actively involved with the firm, in particular as leader of our Labour and Employment Law group and as a member of our Board of Directors. Throughout his prolific career, Pierre’s expertise in labour and employment law, administrative law and Aboriginal law was recognized on numerous occasions. Lavery wishes to offer its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, 2020, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Centre Funéraire Côte-des-Neiges, 4525 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, QC H3V 1E7. Due to the pandemic, a memorial service will be held privately on Saturday, November 28, 2020. A Zoom link will be available shortly by clicking here. In his memory, donations to Héma-Québec would be greatly appreciated.  

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  146. Audrey Gibeault one of Lexpert’s Rising Stars: Leading lawyers under 40

    On November 16, 2020, Audrey Gibeault, a partner in the firm’s Business Law group, received the Rising Stars Leading Lawyers Under 40 award from Lexpert, in recognition of her contribution to the growth of key players in the economy. This award pays tribute to lawyers under 40 who are considered rising stars in Canada’s legal community. The winners are selected based on rigorous and well-defined criteria: professional achievements, leadership, contribution to the profitability of the firm, keen business sense, vision, training and team work. In addition to being a lawyer and having a Master’s degree in Taxation, she is also a chartered accountant, giving her a much broader perspective as a multi-disciplinary advisor. As a legal partner and trusted business advisor, she assists clients in planning and implementing complex and innovative commercial, corporate and tax structures. Her clients are loyal to her and entrust her with their most important transactions, including acquisitions, the sale of their businesses, implementation of profit-sharing plans for their employees, creation of discretionary family trusts and estate planning.

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  147. Étienne Brassard wins the M&A Club's Deal of the Year award

    On November 10, the M&A Club of Quebec announced that Étienne Brassard and his team had won the Deal of the Year award in recognition of the strategic role they played in the acquisition of the Molson property by Selection Group. In the video of the award presentation, he highlighted the exceptional work of his team, particularly Bernard Trang and Dolaine Béland as well as Helen Bougas, Vice President, Legal Affairs of Selection Group and her team. The M&A Awards, which were presented virtually this year, are intended to honour the outstanding work of mergers and acquisitions professionals in Quebec and more broadly to recognize the mergers and acquisitions industry and its contribution to the economy. For the second year consecutively, the Lavery team won one of the prestigious M&A awards, following the cross-border transaction of the year in 2019 for the sale of Camso Inc. to Michelin.

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  148. Lavery Lawyers welcomes 4 new professionals

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of four new professionals.   Ouassim Tadlaoui, partner Ouassim Tadlaoui is a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. He focuses his practice on banking litigation, restructuring, bankruptcy, insolvency and construction surety bonds.   Eva Fog, associate Eva Fog is a member of the Family, Personal and Estate Law group. She focuses her practice on family law, particularly divorce, separation, child custody, relocation, property division, and child and spousal support.   Anne-Sophie Paquet, associate Anne-Sophie Paquet is a member of the Business Law Group and focuses her practice on transactional law and mergers and acquisitions.   Laurie Vandal-Fortin, associate Laurie Vandal-Fortin is a member of the Business Law Group and her practice focuses in the areas of transactional law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganization and corporate law.

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  149. Lavery named Quebec Law Firm of the Year at the Canadian Law Awards

    Lavery is proud to announce that it was named Quebec Law Firm of the Year at this year’s Canadian Law Awards. The winners of the Canadian Law Awards are determined by a panel of independent judges composed of lawyers working in private practice and as in-house counsel.  This recognition is a testament to the service we provide to our clients and the exceptional talent of our lawyers.

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  150. Myriam Brixi joins the Board of La Factry

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Myriam Brixi, a partner in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of La Factry. Our firm has partnered with La Factry since its founding and is proud to renew its commitment, through Myriam Brixi’s engagement, to the organization's mission: forging creative minds capable of finding innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Based on the principle that creativity can be learned, La Factry is a world-class training campus offering programs focused on the development of creative skills. It also offers custom training for professionals and companies who want to revolutionize their practices by leveraging creativity.

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  151. Lavery's expertise recognized by Chambers Canada 2021

    Lavery has been recognized in the following fields as a leader in the 2021 edition of the Chambers Canada guide: Corporate/Commercial (Québec Band 1, Highly Regarded) Employment and Labour (Québec Band 2) Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide Band 5) The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness. Learn more about our professionals who have once again been recognized in Chambers Canada Guide 2021.. 

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  152. Our Professionals Demonstrate Once Again They Are Leaders in Chambers Canada Guide 2021

    René Branchaud, Guy Lavoie, Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Sébastien Vézina have been recognized as leaders in their respective areas of practice in the 2021 edition of the Chambers Canada guide. Areas of expertise in which they are recognized: René Branchaud: Energy and Natural Resources: Mining Guy Lavoie: Labour and Employment Law Jean-Philippe Turgeon: Franchising Sébastien Vézina: Energy and Natural Resources: Mining The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness. Learn more about the areas of expertise that Lavery has been recognized by Chambers Canada 2021.. 

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  153. André Vautour named Lawyer of the Year in Technology Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021

    Lavery is pleased to announce that André Vautour’s expertise in Technology Law was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021. André Vautour practices in the fields of corporate and commercial law and is particularly interested in corporate governance, strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds and mergers and acquisitions of private corporations. He also serves as honorary consul of Denmark in Montreal and was Chair of Lavery’s Board of Directors from 2012 to 2016. Mr. Vautour specializes in Technology Law, drafting technology development and transfer agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, outsourcing agreements and e-commerce agreements. He has had the opportunity to work regularly with companies in the financial, printing, pharmaceutical, railway, computer and energy sectors. Learn more about our 64 talents recognized as leaders by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021.

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  154. Raymond Doray named Lawyer of the Year in Administrative and Public Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Raymond Doray’s expertise in Administrative and Public Law was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021. Raymond Doray heads the Information Law practice and, more particularly, is involved in issues pertaining to access to information, privacy and defamation, and the application of the Canadian and Québec charters of rights and freedoms. He is also specialized in constitutional law. Over the past few years, Mr. Doray has represented many public, private and media organizations before the courts in cases involving the confidentiality of documents, the validity of government decisions, and respect for reputation and privacy. In addition, he serves as legal counsel for a number of major corporations, professional orders, public bodies and media organizations in matters relating to administrative and constitutional law. He is regularly called upon to represent them in the courts when governmental decisions are challenged. He also represents various clients in proceedings pertaining to defamation, slander, invasion of privacy and professional confidentiality, and has represented the Québec Bar in constitutional matters before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Learn more about our 64 talents recognized as leaders by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021.

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  155. René Branchaud named Lawyer of the Year in Natural Resources Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021

    Lavery is pleased to announce that René Branchaud’s expertise in Natural Resources Law was recognized with the Lawyer of the Year award as part of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021. René Branchaud, partner and member of the Board of Directors of the firm, practises in the fields of securities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as in corporate law. He advises companies on matters such as incorporation and organization, the drafting of shareholder agreements, private placements, public issues, going public, dispositions and takeovers. Mr. Branchaud is the head of the firm’s Mining group. With more than 30 years of experience in this field, he has greatly contributed to Lavery’s reputation in this sector. He sits on the Board of Directors of several publicly traded mining companies, serving as secretary. Learn more about our 64 talents recognized as leaders by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021.

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  156. Édith Jacques named Lawyer of the Year in Energy Law by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Édith Jacques' expertise was recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada, in which she is named a Lawyer of the Year in Energy Law. Édith Jacques is a partner in our Montréal’s Business Law Group. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions, commercial law, as well as international law and acts as business and strategic consultant to mid- and large-size companies. Her expertise and knowledge in energy is well diverse and she has developed a well-recognized expertise in wind, biogas and biomethanization projects. She helps her clients in the management and implementation of their projects, as well as in the development of new markets. Moreover, in the field of energy Ms. Jacques regularly represents private companies in a wide range of transactions including the acquisition and sale of businesses, the negotiation of distribution, supply, and manufacturing agreements for both domestic and international markets. She also represents businesses in the implementation of structures and commercial agreements enabling them to expand into other countries. She acts as strategic advisor to companies helping them implement business structures supporting their growth while managing and controlling risk. Her comprehensive vision of her clients’ corporate and commercial structure, business risks, and objectives enables her to offer strategic advice adapted to their specific needs. Learn more about our 64 talents recognized as leaders by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021.

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  157. The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021 recognize 64 lawyers of Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 64 of its lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields of expertise by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021. The following lawyers also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada: René Branchaud : Natural Resources Law Raymond Doray, Ad. E : Administrative and Public Law  Édith Jacques : Energy Law André Vautour : Technology Law Consult the complete list of Lavery's lawyers and their fields of expertise : Pierre-L. Baribeau : Labour and Employment Law Josianne Beaudry : Mining Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Dominique Bélisle : Energy Law Laurence Bich-Carrière : Class Action Litigation René Branchaud : Mining Law / Natural Resources Law / Securities Law Étienne Brassard : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Luc R. Borduas : Corporate Law Daniel Bouchard : Environmental Law Jules Brière : Administrative and Public Law / Health Care Law Myriam Brixi : Class Action Litigation Benoit Brouillette : Labour and Employment Law Richard Burgos : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Marie-Claude Cantin : Construction Law / Insurance Law Louis Charette : Aviation Law / Insurance Law / Product Liability Law / Transportation Law Eugène Czolij : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Chantal Desjardins : Intellectual Property Law Jean-Sébastien Desroches : Corporate Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Michel Desrosiers : Labour and Employment Law Raymond Doray, Ad. E : Administrative and Public Law / Defamation and Media Law / Privacy and Data Security Law Christian Dumoulin : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Alain Y. Dussault : Intellectual Property Law Philippe Frère : Administrative and Public Law Nicolas Gagnon : Construction Law Richard Gaudreault : Labour and Employment Law Danielle Gauthier : Labour and Employment Law Julie Gauvreau : Intellectual Property Law Michel Gélinas : Labour and Employment Law Caroline Harnois : Family Law / Family Law Mediation / Trusts and Estates Jean Hébert : Insurance Law Alain Heyne : Banking and Finance Law Édith Jacques : Corporate Law / Energy Law Pierre Marc Johnson, Ad. E., G.O.Q., MSRC : International Arbitration Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Labour and Employment Law Isabelle Jomphe : Intellectual Property Law Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin : Insurance Law Awatif Lakhdar : Family Law Bernard Larocque : Class Action Litigation / Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law Guy Lavoie, CRIA : Labour and Employment Law / Workers’ Compensation Law Jean Legault : Banking and Finance Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Guy Lemay, CRIA : Class Action Litigation / Labour and Employment Law Carl Lessard : Labour and Employment Law / Workers' Compensation Law Hugh Mansfield : Intellectual Property Law Zeïneb Mellouli : Labour and Employment Law Patrick A. Molinari, Ad.E., MSRC : Health Care Law Luc Pariseau : Tax Law Jacques Paul-Hus : Mergers & Acquisitions Law Ariane Pasquier : Labour and Employment Law Louis Payette, Ad. E. : Banking and Finance Law Hubert Pepin : Labour and Employment Law Martin Pichette : Insurance Law / Professional Malpractice Law Élisabeth Pinard : Family Law François Renaud : Banking and Finance Law Marc Rochefort : Securities Law Judith Rochette : Professional Malpractice Law Ian Rose : Director and Officer Liability Practice / Insurance Law Raphaël H. Schachter , c.r., Ad. E. : Criminal Defence Gerald Stotland : Family Law / Family Law Mediation Philippe Tremblay : Construction Law / Corporate and Commercial Litigation Jean-Philippe Turgeon : Franchise Law André Vautour : Corporate Law / Energy Law / Information Technology Law / Intellectual Property Law / Private Funds Law / Technology Law Bruno Verdon : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Sébastien Vézina : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Yanick Vlasak : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Jonathan Warin : Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law

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  158. Lavery hires nine of its articling students

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it has hired nine of its articling students as lawyers.   Marc-Antoine Bigras joins the Administrative Law group. Before beginning his legal studies, Marc-Antoine completed a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Certificate in German, which allowed him to study in Germany and Austria. During his legal studies, Marc-Antoine developed a passion for constitutional and administrative law. As part of his professional training, Marc-Antoine had the opportunity to work at the Mile End Legal Clinic as an articling student.   Frédéric Boivin Couillard joins the Business Law group. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Finance from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University. Upon completing this degree, he participated in an academic exchange at the University of New South Wales in Australia. As a student, he worked in portfolio management for an independent firm in Montréal. Frédéric passed all three levels of the CFA Program and may be awarded the charter upon completion of the required work experience.   Laurence Clavet joins the Business Law group. During her law studies, Laurence was involved as an articling student at the Mile End Legal Clinic. Prior to her legal studies, Laurence developed expertise in communication and worked in a post-production studio specializing in advertising, dubbing and original music composition.   Renaud Gravel joins the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. During these studies, he also worked as a clinician at the Clinique juridique corporative de l’UQAM. Being committed to diversity and inclusion, Renaud served for over two years on the executive committee of Fier Départ/Start Proud as chair of the Montréal chapter.   Emma-Sophie Hall joins the Labour and Employment Law group. Concurrently with her university studies, Emma-Sophie was coordinator of the Centre d’entraide à l'étude in the Sherbrooke law faculty. In the fall of 2017, she conducted a clinical activity at the Court of Québec in Sherbrooke with the Honourable Justice Aubé.   Étienne Laplante joins our Taxation group. The research he participated in during his studies and the passion he developed for tax policy issues have led him to give a lecture at the graduate level in law, since 2018, on the Quebec refundable tax credit system.   Solveig Ménard-Castonguay joins the Administrative Law group. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in international relations and foreign policy from Université Laval. During her law studies, she had the opportunity to volunteer with the national Pro Bono Network. Solveig has also been a speaker for the SEUR project, which promotes student retention among high school students.   Louis Morin joins the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Before beginning his legal studies, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Political Studies, which allowed him to complete a semester of study at the University of Vilnius in Lithuania.   Catherine Voyer joins the Business Law group. She joined Lavery’s team in 2018 for her second co-op placement. In the fall of 2019, she conducted a clinical activity at the Court of Québec in Sherbrooke with the Honourable Justice Gagnon.

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  159. Lavery is a Chambers Canada Awards 2020 finalist in the Regional Law Firm of the Year category

    After being named "Regional Law Firm of the Year" in 2017, we are honoured to return as a finalist in this same category for the Chambers Canada Awards 2020. The fruit of a rigorous research process conducted by a team of 200 researchers, this prestigious award recognizes the regional firm that has stood out the most in Canada in the last year. It recognizes the following criteria: Notable achievements Impressive strategic growth Distinguished client service The award ceremony and the launch of the 2021 Chambers Canada Guide will take place virtually on September 9.

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  160. Lavery is representing Walter Innovations Inc. in its acquisition by Golo Mobile Inc.

    On July 7, 2020, Golo Mobile Inc., a company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange that specializes in eco-delivery in large business centres, announced the acquisition of Walter Innovations Inc., a building automation technology start-up that has created a solution to connect property managers and residents of condominiums and apartment buildings. A Lavery team composed of Étienne Brassard, Éric Lavallée and Jean-François Maurice represented the selling shareholders of Walter Innovations Inc. in an exit context, allowing Walter's initial investors and entrepreneurs to successfully sell the company and its underlying technology. More concretely, the Lavery team assisted the sellers in negotiating and implementing a transaction structure adapted to their objectives and to the consideration offered by the buyer, i.e. publicly traded shares. Through a holdback of a portion of the shares and an alignment between the duration of the holdback and the obligations of the sellers, our team enabled the seed investors to make a profitable exit and the selling shareholders involved in the direct management of Walter Innovations Inc. to transition as key employees of Golo Mobile Inc. while aligning the interests of the buyer and the sellers in order to achieve a result that is beneficial to all parties.

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  161. Selena Lu joins the Board of the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau

    Lavery is pleased to announce that the Executive Committee of the Ville de Montréal recently ratified the appointment of Selena Lu, a partner in the Business Law group, to the Board of Directors of the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau. A seasoned strategist who has served on many boards, Selena Lu will contribute her expertise to the formulation and implementation of the organization’s strategic directions to ensure its prosperity and development.

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  162. Lavery supports Chronometriq in its acquisition of Health Myself Innovations Inc.

    On June 29, Chronometriq, a North American leader in healthcare management, announced its acquisition of Health Myself Innovations Inc. A Lavery team represented and advised Chronometriq to help them succeed in this acquisition, which will enrich their platform and service offering as well as contribute to the growth of their operations in the United States. Lavery supported Chronometriq for their Series A (financing by a Silicon Valley venture capital fund) and for their Series B (financing by a New York venture capital fund). It is a privilege for us to work towards the expansion of Chronometriq and to contribute to a fast-growing Quebec success story in the field of health technologies. To read the press release, click here.

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  163. Serge Shahinian is recognized as a leading patent practitioner by IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals

    Serge Shahinian, partner and patent agent in the firm’s Intellectual Property Group, has been recognized as a leading patent practitioner in the 2020 edition of the directory IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. This distinction was determined, among other things, through exhaustive peer-reviewed surveys. The professionals are ranked in the directory based on a recognition of market share, exceptional skills, and in-depth knowledge of patent matters.

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  164. Zeïneb Mellouli appointed to the Board of the Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Zeïneb Mellouli, a partner in its Labour and Employment Law group, recently joined the Board of Directors of the Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec [Quebec Manufacturers and Exporters].  This appointment is based on the appreciation that representatives of Quebec’s major manufacturing companies have for her experience. It supports the role we play for a strategic partner and demonstrates our engagement and our desire to accelerate the growth of the manufacturing industry.

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  165. Bernard Larocque becomes Chair of the Board of Justice Pro Bono

    At Justice Pro Bono’s annual general meeting on June 4, Bernard Larocque, a partner in Lavery’s Litigation group, was made Chair of the Board. The organization, an essential one for Quebec, has benefitted from his commitment for over ten years. After joining the Board in 2010, he held the position of Treasurer from 2011 to 2014 and became Vice-Chair in 2015.

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  166. François Bélanger appointed to the Board of Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR)

    On May 26, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec appointed François Bélanger, a partner in Lavery’s Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, to the Board of Directors of Garantie de construction résidentielle, a neutral, independent nonprofit organization mandated to administer Quebec’s Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings. His understanding of the complex, technical issues that arise in construction enables him to effectively support his clients in the industry by establishing sound risk management for their building projects.

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  167. Nominations for Lavery in three categories of the Canadian Law Awards 2020

    We are honoured to be finalists in three categories of the first Canadian Law Awards, presented by Lexpert. Our firm is one of four finalists in the category Quebec Law Firm of the Year. Our Chief Executive Officer, Anik Trudel, is in the running for Managing Partner of the Year and our partner Awatif Lakhdar is nominated for Litigator of the Year. These nominations confirm our leading position in the Quebec legal services industry.

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  168. 26 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2020 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is proud to announce that 26 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2020 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2020 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Pierre Denis Aviation (Regulation & Liability) Louis Charette Banking & Financial Institutions Louis Payette, Ad.E. Class Actions *Myriam Brixi Louis Charette Construction law Nicolas Gagnon Corporate Commercial law André Vautour Corporate Finance & Securities Josianne Beaudry René Branchaud Employment Law Marie-Josée Hétu, CIRC Guy Lavoie, CIRC Family Law Caroline Harnois Elisabeth Pinard Franchise law Jean-Philippe Turgeon Intellectual Property Chantal Desjardins *Isabelle Jomphe Labour Relations Pierre-L. Baribeau Michel Desrosiers Richard Gaudreault Danielle Gauthier, CHRP Michel Gélinas Marie-Josée Hétu, CIRC *Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur Guy Lavoie, CIRC Litigation - Corporate Commercial *Emil Vidrascu Litigation - Commercial Insurance Marie-Claude Cantin Bernard Larocque Litigation - Product Liability Louis Charette Mining Josianne Beaudry René Branchaud Sébastien Vézina Property Leasing Richard Burgos Workers' Compensation Guy Lavoie, CIRC *New posting The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country and it identifies leading practitioners in over 60 separate practice areas and leading law firms in over 40 practice areas. It is a reference guide for Canadian and foreign corporate counsels and law firms in need of specialized legal services in Canada. For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: http://www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  169. COVID-19 – Update on our preventive measures to protect all Lavery team members, clients and business partners

    Dear clients and business partners, In light of recent recommendations from Canadian and Québec authorities, and the progression of the coronavirus epidemic to the pandemic stage, Lavery wishes to inform you of the measures that we have implemented to ensure the safety of our members, limit the spread of the virus within and outside the Lavery network, comply with the official recommendations of the authorities, and ensure the continuity of our business. The safety of our team members, our clients and business partners, as well as that of their families and loved ones, remains our top priority. We would like to offer our thoughts and support to all those who have to deal with the impacts of contamination within their own organizations or among their relations. We would like to assure all of our clients and business partners that we have been monitoring the situation for several weeks, and that a business continuity plan has rapidly been put in place in order to ensure that we maintain the level of service that you expect, particularly in terms of managing the impacts of the spread on your own organization. Lavery’s four offices (Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières) remain open and our team members are able to continue operations, whether on site with reinforced sanitary measures or remotely in a secure manner. In summary, here are the preventive measures that we have implemented and will continue to adjust as the situation progresses: All business travel outside Québec, regardless of destination, has been cancelled or postponed until further notice. This includes travel for client meetings or for participation in conferences or other professional events. All personal travel outside Québec, regardless of destination, is subject to the usual recommendations of the official authorities and is subject to precautionary measures (self-isolation or other) before any return to work. All internal events, including training sessions, conferences and any other events organized at the firm, are cancelled until further notice, and participation in events of a professional nature outside the firm (training sessions, symposiums, meetings, receptions, sports and social events, etc.) is not recommended. Participation in events involving more than 25 people is not permitted until further notice.  We have asked our team members to conduct all meetings with clients or business partners by telephone or virtual meeting. Should a client meeting truly need to be held in person on an exceptional basis, our receptionists have been instructed to ask visitors to register so that we can follow up as required. The measures described above are part of a collective prevention effort. Rest assured that we are continuously assessing the adequacy of these measures, that we remain at your service for all your legal needs, including those required to manage this pandemic, and that we will keep you informed as the situation evolves at Lavery. Anik TrudelChief Executive Officer

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  170. Bernard Larocque becomes Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL)

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Bernard Larocque, a partner of the firm, was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) during a ceremony held on March 7, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 1950, ACTL is a professional association of the best trial Lawyers in the United States and Canada and one of the most prestigious legal organizations in North America. The College is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the profession. Click here for more information on the College.

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  171. A team of five professionals joins Lavery’s Labour Law group

    Lavery is pleased to announce that a team of five new professionals is joining its Labour and Employment Law group. Richard Gaudreault, Partner Richard Gaudreault’s practice focuses on the negotiation of collective agreements and strategy advising in human resources planning and reorganization for private companies and public institutions.   Benoit Brouillette, Partner Benoit Brouillette serves a clientele that includes private, public and parapublic organizations and assists them in their daily and strategic management of human resources and labour relations.   Ariane Pasquier, Partner Ariane Pasquier regularly represents her clients in court. Thanks to her negotiating skills, she also represents parties in collective agreement negotiations, particularly in municipal matters. In addition, she has specific expertise in public safety for police forces and fire services.   Elizabeth Bourgeois, Associate Elizabeth Bourgeois has gained experience in conflict prevention and resolution, and frequently advises public and private organizations regarding problematic situations that arise in the workplace.   Camille Rioux, Associate Camille Rioux advises employers in the public, parapublic and private sectors on issues related to human resources and the development of good labour relations.

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  172. Lavery facilitates a partnership between Soccer Québec and the Montreal Impact

    On January 16, Soccer Québec and the Montreal Impact announced a partnership to boost the popularity and quality of Quebec soccer. Lavery had the opportunity to support Soccer Québec in reaching this agreement, which is the first in Canada between a professional soccer club and a provincial sporting federation. The main subject of this agreement is the long-term acquisition of Soccer Québec’s commercial and marketing rights by the Montreal club until the FIFA World Cup in 2026 in North America. This will allow Soccer Québec and the Impact to join forces to promote and support the continued growth of soccer in the province. The Lavery sports law team that counselled Soccer Québec was made up of Sébastien Vézina and Andrée-Anne Perras-Fortin. Click here to learn more.

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  173. Lavery announces appointment of Simon Clément as managing partner of its Québec City office

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Clément as managing partner of Lavery’s Québec City office. In addition to managing Lavery’s Québec City office, comprised of 44 professionals and employees,Mr. Clément will be responsible for the overall growth of the firm’s activities and the firm’s position in the Québec City area. As such, he will be joining the firm’s Management Committee. A professional known in the business community for his expertise and drive Mr. Clément’s practice extends to commercial litigation, including shareholder conflicts, corporate reorganizations and insolvency, breach of contract and urgent proceedings. He also offers legal counsel to long-term clients for acquisitions as well as sales of businesses and assets, in particular. In keeping with this, he chairs the Québec City division of the M&A Club, founded in 2012 to facilitate deal making and financing in the mid-market private sector between M&A professionals. “Lavery is more than a century old and has strong roots in Québec City. With its reputation well established, the firm has reinvented itself over time through bold decisions. Not only am I pleased to join the Lavery network and the entire Québec City team, but I am also eager to put my network and energy to work for the benefit of the firm’s clients and its strategic plan,” says Mr. Clément. An appointment in keeping with Lavery’s vision This arrival coincides with the start of major work aimed at expanding our Québec City office. “I am pleased to pass the torch on to Simon, as our Québec City office redefines itself in new premises and as the region is offering great opportunities for economic growth,” says Daniel Bouchard. “With his excellent legal reputation, entrepreneurial skills, notoriety and strong connections in the Québec City business community, Simon Clément has emerged as the best candidate to take over the management of Lavery’s Québec City office and to drive its development. Although he is not leaving, but simply returning to active practice, I would like to thank Daniel Bouchard for his exceptional contribution. His ongoing commitment throughout the years, the projects and the challenges has been expressed through motivating leadership,” says Anik Trudel, CEO of Lavery.

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  174. Lavery contributes to the international expansion of the entertainment industry

    On December 2, Montreux Comedy and Groupe Juste pour rire (JPR) announced the establishment of an alliance between the two organizations. The aim of this historic collaboration between the two largest French-language comedy festivals in the world is to create original products and content on both sides of the Atlantic and to enable the co-production and co-promotion of an international French-language gala in Montréal and in Montreux, Switzerland. Lavery advised and represented Montreux Comedy in the drafting and negotiation of the agreement for this bold project, particularly on aspects related to the creation of content for digital and traditional broadcasting platforms. Sébastien Vézina, a partner in the Business Law group, handled the negotiations to reach the agreement, with the support of Andrée-Anne Perras-Fortin, a lawyer in the same group. "Lavery is proud to have contributed to finalizing the collaboration between two major players in the entertainment industry in Quebec and abroad. In a context where this industry is taking a major digital shift, this collaboration will increase the positioning and availability of French-language content on the market," says Sébastien Vézina.

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  175. Béatrice Ngatcha appointed editor-in-chief of the Canadian Intellectual Property Review

    We are pleased to announce that our professional, Béatrice Ngatcha, was appointed to the position of editor-in-chief of the Canadian Intellectual Property Review (CIPR) last September at the annual general meeting of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC).  For a tenure of two years, her role as editor-in-chief will be to coordinate the review process and ensure that only high-quality articles are published. The CIPR is a journal for professionals working in intellectual property law. All submissions undergo a double-blind peer review process: the reviewers are not given the authors' identities and the reviewers' identities are shielded from the authors.

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  176. Lavery assists La Granaudière in obtaining more than $50M in financing

    Last October 28, La Granaudière announced that it has obtained more than $50M in financing from Ressources Québec, Investissement Québec and the Caisse Desjardins du Nord de Lanaudière. A team from Lavery represented the three lenders involved in the transaction and with respect to the relations between the various stakeholders in order to successfully complete this project, which will be a showcase for the renewable energy industry in Québec. This financing will enable La Granaudière, a plant producing wood pellets from forest biomass, to complete the construction of its plant by the summer of 2020 and to start producing wood pellets and exporting them to Europe by the end of 2020. The plant will produce nearly 200,000 tonnes of pellets annually, and should create about 180 direct and indirect jobs, including roughly 50 at the production plant in Saint-Michel-des-Saints. This mandate was successfully completed thanks to the extensive expertise of the Lavery team composed mainly by Étienne Brassard, Ali El Haskouri, Katerina Kostopoulos et Bernard Trang.

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  177. Lavery Lawyers welcome 6 professionals in Business Law

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of six new professionals in Business Law. Marie-Josée Desjardins Marie-Josée Desjardins has joined the firm as a notary, whose practice is focused on real estate law. Pierre-André Hamel Pierre-André Hamel has joined the firm as an associate, practising primarily in commercial and transactional law, particularly in the areas of bank financing and real estate. Anne-Julie Loiselle Anne-Julie Loiselle has joined the firm as an associate and works mainly in transactional law, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate law. Selena Lu Selena Lu has joined the firm as a partner. Her practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and the drafting of standard contracts, including leases, franchise agreements, distribution agreements and financing agreements.  Wiam Mahroug Wiam Mahroug has joined the firm as an associate, concentrating her practice in securities law and mergers and acquisitions. Vicky Trépanier Vicky Trépanier has joined the firm as counsel and advises medium and large privately held companies and entrepreneurs regarding mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate finance and governance issues.

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  178. Alain M. Leclerc and Serge Shahinian are recognized as leading patent agents by IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals

    Alain M. Leclerc and Serge Shahinian, partners in the firm’s Intellectual Property Group, have been recognized as leading patent agents in the eighth edition of the directory IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals. This distinction was determined, among other things, through exhaustive peer-reviewed surveys. The professionals are ranked in the directory based on a recognition of market share, exceptional skills, and in-depth knowledge of patent matters.

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  179. Josianne Beaudry appointed to the board of directors of the Québec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA)

    At the annual meeting of QMEA members held during the Xplor 2019 convention, our professional, Josianne Beaudry, was appointed to the board of directors of the organization. The Québec Mineral Exploration Association is a non-profit organization representing the stakeholders in Québec’s mining sector. Its mission is to promote sustainable and responsible mining exploration and demonstrate its contribution to Québec’s economy. This appointment not only testifies to the expertise of Josianne Beaudry in Mining Law, but, more generally, recognizes her involvement in the industry.

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  180. Lavery helps Chronometriq obtain $20 million in funding

    On October 1, Chronometriq, a Montréal-based supplier of technology that facilitates healthcare access and patient communications, announced that it had received more than $20 million in funding from Full In Partners. This funding will enable our client Chronometriq to strengthen its leadership position in Canada and drive its growth in the United States. Lavery played a significant role in representing Chronometriq’s interests throughout this transaction and helped it take on the kinds of challenges high-growth startups face when negotiating major funding. Chronometriq, founded in 2012, was named one of the 25 most innovative companies by C2 Montréal. It is now a leader in digital healthcare management, thanks to its range of comprehensive appointment management products suited to both clinics and patients. In the past year alone, Chronometriq has served 12 million users through the network of North American clinics that use its products. This mandate was successfully completed thanks to the extensive expertise of the Lavery team led by Jean-François Maurice and made up of Éric Gélinas, Felicia-Yifan Jin, Ali El Haskouri, Tina Basile, Guillaume Laberge, Florence Fournier, Shereen Cook and Pierre-Olivier Valiquette.

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  181. Lavery Lawyers announces arrival of Selena Lu as partner

    Lavery is very proud to announce the arrival of Selena Lu as a partner at the firm. Selena has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 2010. Her practice focuses on commercial law and mergers and acquisitions. She frequently advises clients abroad on investment and expansion in Canada. “Selena is dynamic and committed. We’re proud of her undeniable leadership qualities and strong reputation in the business community. Her arrival strengthens our corporate law team and expands our client base,” said Anik Trudel, CEO of Lavery. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Selena for several years, most recently on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, where she demonstrates a strong character that aligns perfectly with our firm’s vision of being a leader in the legal services industry.” In addition to her practice, Selena Lu is President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal (JCCM) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés and the Musée National des beaux-arts du Québec. Her noteworthy involvement in the Chinese community has earned her several distinctions, including being named an Eminent Young Overseas Chinese by the Chinese Consulate in Montréal in 2015.

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  182. Lavery supports Neuvoo in obtaining $53M in financing from the CDPQ

    On September 19, 2019, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) announced a $53 million investment in Neuvoo, a company operating in 77 countries that is experiencing rapid growth in the field of job searches. This investment will allow it to continue its expansion into new markets and improve its online platform through artificial intelligence. Lavery is proud to have assisted Neuvoo with its legal and commercial needs since the company's very beginning, when it was a member of its Lavery GO Inc. program. This is a concrete example of Lavery GO Inc.'s raison d'être: to drive the success of emerging companies and help them move from start-up to growth.

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  183. Judith Rochette made a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL)

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Judith Rochette, a partner in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, has been awarded the title of Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL). "I receive this honour with pride, but also with gratitude to those who have been a part of my work over the past 30 years. I feel extremely privileged to join the ranks of this prestigious association of trial lawyers, and in doing so, to be affiliated with colleagues and partners for whom I have the greatest respect," says Ms. Rochette. The receipt of this award is a testament to Ms. Rochette's expertise and recognizes her impeccable professionalism and the reputation she has built in her practice. She is entering an organization made up of the top internationally recognized trial lawyers, which is dedicated to preserving the highest standards of trial practice, administration of justice and ethics in the profession.

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  184. Alain M. Leclerc appointed President of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Alain M. Leclerc as President of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada, the largest association of IP professionals in the country. His appointment is a testament to his expertise in intellectual property and a recognition of his excellent reputation in the Canadian market. His commitment to many IP organizations and his experience in advising clients on how to leverage intellectual property for growth are sure to make him greatly successful in his new role. The mission of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada is to enhance the expertise of intellectual property professionals and shape a policy and business environment that encourages the development, use, and value of intellectual property.

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  185. Lavery Gold level Parity certified

    Lavery was awarded Gold level Parity Certification for 2019 at the annual Women in Governance Recognition Gala. Lavery has been committed from day one to Women in Governance as a Pioneer in Parity Certification. This recognition is a testament to the effort and collaboration that the Lavery team put into setting concrete goals and achieving them. We would also like to congratulate the groundbreaking newly certified companies that are committed to taking real action within their organizations in order to achieve parity. The Women in Governance Parity Certification is a one-of-a-kind initiative that recognizes the courage of the thousands of inspiring women who take risks to transform the business environment every day.

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  186. Lavery's expertise recognized by Chambers Canada 2020

    René Branchaud, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Guy Lavoie, Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Sébastien Vézina have been recognized as leaders in their respective areas of practice in the 2020 edition of the Chambers Canada guide. Lavery has been recognized in the following fields as a leader in the 2020 edition of the Chambers Canada guide:  Corporate/Commercial (Québec Band 1, Highly Regarded) Labour and Employment Law (Québec Band 2, Nationwide Band 5) Energy and Natural Resources: Mining (Nationwide Band 5) Areas of expertise in which they are recognized: René Branchaud: Energy and Natural Resources: Mining Jean-Sébastien Desroches: Corporate/Commercial Guy Lavoie: Labour and Employment Law Jean-Philippe Turgeon: Franchising Sébastien Vézina: Energy and Natural Resources: Mining The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness.

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  187. The Best Lawyers in Canada 2020 recognize 51 lawyers of Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 51 of its lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields of expertise by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2020. The following lawyers also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada : Josianne Beaudry : Mining Law Jules Brière : Administrative and Public Law Louis Charette : Transportation Law Chantal Desjardins : Intellectual Property Law Raymond Doray, Ad. E : Privacy and Data Security Law Caroline Harnois : Family Law Guy Lavoie, CRIA : Workers' Compensation Law Raymond Doray, a partner at Lavery, also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. --> Consult the complete list of Lavery's lawyers and their fields of expertise : Pierre-L. Baribeau : Labour and Employment Law Josianne Beaudry : Mining Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Dominique Bélisle : Energy Law René Branchaud : Mining Law / Natural Resources Law / Securities Law Luc R. Borduas : Corporate Law Daniel Bouchard : Environmental Law Jules Brière : Administrative and Public Law / Health Care Law Richard Burgos : Corporate Law Marie-Claude Cantin : Construction Law / Insurance Law Louis Charette : Aviation Law / Product Liability Law / Transportation Law Eugène Czolij : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Pierre Denis : Equipment Finance Law Chantal Desjardins : Intellectual Property Law Jean-Sébastien Desroches : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Michel Desrosiers : Labour and Employment Law Raymond Doray, Ad. E : Administrative and Public Law / Privacy and Data Security Law Christian Dumoulin : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Alain Y. Dussault : Intellectual Property Law Nicolas Gagnon : Construction Law Michel Gélinas : Labour and Employment Law Caroline Harnois : Family Law Jean Hébert : Insurance Law Édith Jacques : Corporate Law Pierre Marc Johnson, Ad. E., G.O.Q., MSRC : International Arbitration Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur : Labour and Employment Law Isabelle Jomphe : Intellectual Property Law Awatif Lakhdar : Family Law Bernard Larocque : Class Action Litigation / Insurance Law Guillaume Lavoie : Mergers & Acquisitions Law Guy Lavoie, CRIA : Labour and Employment Law / Workers’ Compensation Law Alain M Leclerc : Intellectual Property Law Jean Legault : Banking and Finance Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Guy Lemay, CRIA : Class Action Litigation / Labour and Employment Law Patrick A. Molinari, Ad.E., MSRC : Health Care Law Philip Nolan : Tax Law Luc Pariseau : Tax Law Jacques Paul-Hus : Mergers & Acquisitions Law Louis Payette, Ad. E. : Banking and Finance Law Martin Pichette : Insurance Law Élisabeth Pinard : Family Law François Renaud : Banking and Finance Law Marc Rochefort : Securities Law Ian Rose : Director and Officer Liability Practice / Insurance Law Raphaël H. Schachter , c.r., Ad. E. : Criminal Defence Jean-Yves Simard : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Gerald Stotland : Family Law Philippe Tremblay : Construction Law Jean-Philippe Turgeon : Franchise Law André Vautour : Corporate Law / Information Technology Law / Intellectual Property Law / Private Funds Law / Technology Law Bruno Verdon : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Yanick Vlasak : Corporate and Commercial Litigation

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  188. Anik Trudel appointed to the Montréal Port Authority’s Board of Directors

    Our Chief Executive Officer, Anik Trudel, was appointed on August 12, by the Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, Mr. François Bonnardel, to the Board of Directors of the Montréal Port Authority (MPA) as representative for the Government of Québec. The Montréal Port Authority represents a major pole of business activity in Québec and Canada, in addition to being the gateway for business between Québec and Ontario. In recent years, the Port has distinguished itself and found a prominent position among the world’s most innovative ports. Several major projects are underway, including its expansion in Contrecoeur. “After serving on the MPA’s Board of Directors for 9 years, and my being the first woman to hold the position of Chair, I am honoured by this renewed opportunity. The Port of Montréal is a major engine of our economy and a flagship for the Montréal metropolitan region. I am privileged to join the board team. Board members complement one another through their individual experiences and thereby build a strong team, guiding and supporting a remarkable management team,” said Anik Trudel. The MPA has experienced a spectacular increase in freight tonnage handled in the past few years, despite fiercer competition, not to mention its enviable location as a tourist port with its new Grand Quay. According to the Chairman of the Lavery Board of Directors, Philippe Frère, “this appointment reflects Anik’s strategic thinking and management skills. The role that she will play on this board is fully in keeping with the firm’s vision, namely that of being a partner in growth for the key players in Québec’s economy.”

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  189. Édith Jacques: One of the 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada

    Édith Jacques has been recognized as one of Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in 2019 by Canadian Lawyer magazine. She is listed in the Businesscategory with four of her peers. This recognition is a testament to the client-oriented approach that characterizes Édith Jacques. In particular, at the end of 2018, she was central to the closing of the sale of our client Camso Inc. to Michelin, a US $1.7 billion transaction.

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  190. Lavery Lawyers represents MTY in the acquisition of the Yuzu Sushi franchise network

    On July 16, MTY formalized the acquisition of Yuzu Sushi, a fast-growing franchise network with more than 100 sushi restaurants and counters in Quebec and New Brunswick. Representing our franchise expertise, a Lavery team spearheaded by Guillaume Synnott, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Pierre-Olivier Valiquette and Chantal Desjardins was pleased to support MTY in this transaction by proposing a multi-service offer that included our business law and intellectual property groups. MTY owns a large number of restaurant chains including Scores, Mikes, Ben & Florentine, Thaï Express, Sushi Shop and Giorgio Ristorante. In total, these chains have approximately 6,000 franchised and corporate restaurants, mainly in Canada and the United States. 

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  191. Lavery hires five of its articling students

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it has hired five of its articling students as associates. Rosemarie Bhérer Bouffard has joined the Labour and Employment Law group. During her studies, she volunteered with the legal information clinic at Université Laval and the Quebec association for the defence of the rights of retired and pre-retired persons. Shereen Cook has joined the Business Law group. During her studies, she assumed the position of director of the law moot court program: Les simulations de procès - Travaille en Cour, which led her to cooperate with jurists and other legal professionals to draft legal cases. Katerina Kostopoulos has joined the Business Law group. Prior to law school, Katerina obtained a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University with a major in Political Science and a double minor in Philosophy and Neo-Hellenic Studies. Élizabeth Martin-Chartrand has joined the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. While a law student, Élizabeth served on the executive committees of the University of Ottawa’s Canadian Student Association for Children’s Rights and the Criminal Law Association, and as columnist for the student newspaper.   Jean-François Maurice has joined the Business Law group. During his university studies, Jean-François was involved in various student organizations, often as treasurer of the club or organization. While attending Peking University, he also served as a research assistant in connection with several publications in corporate and business law.

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  192. Lavery Lawyers pays tribute to Anne-Marie Trahan, former Superior Court judge

    We were very sad to learn of the death of our former colleague Anne-Marie Trahan, also formerly a judge of the Superior Court of Québec. She was a leading figure in the fight for women's advancement, not only within our profession, but more broadly in all spheres of society. The Barreau du Québec had just awarded her the Christine Tourigny Award of Merit, a fitting distinction to recognize her social commitment and her special contribution to the advancement of women in the profession. She was involved in many organizations, including as a patron of the Faculty of Music of the Université de Montréal. We wish to pay our respects to the person and to her legacy, both forever a source of inspiration for all of us.

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  193. Lavery Lawyers contributes to the creation of Espace Montmorency

    On June 11, construction began on Espace Montmorency, Laval's largest mixed-use real estate project, worth nearly $500 million. Lavery had the opportunity to play a key role in this major transaction by representing Groupe Sélection in the creation of the consortium for the construction, development and ownership of Espace Montmorency. The organization of such a consortium raised complex issues related to corporate, construction, real estate and labour law all at once. In addition to having been mandated to develop several important project agreements, including the consortium agreement governing the rights and obligations of Espace Montmorency's builders, the lawyers involved in the deal represented Groupe Sélection in the negotiation of the terms of all the agreements ancillary to the project. Espace Montmorency is a sustainable, mixed-use urban development project combining residential, commercial, cultural and community spaces. This human-scale project, located near Place Bell and Laval's main thoroughfares and directly linked to Montréal's subway system, is sure to become a popular destination. Montoni and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ will now rely on the recognized expertise of our client Groupe Sélection, a Canadian leader in the creation of intergenerational living environments, for the design and construction of the residential portion of the project. The work of Lavery's team, led by Étienne Brassard and composed mainly of Bernard Trang, Carole Gélinas, France Camille De Mers, André Vautour, Nicole Messier, Guy Lavoie, Élodie Brunet, Chantal Tremblay, Dolaine Béland and Joëlle Montpetit, helped launch this flagship project for Laval.

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  194. Lavery Lawyers representing Groupe Sélection in the acquisition of the Molson brewery site in Montréal

    On June 28, a consortium made up of Groupe Sélection, Montoni and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ announced that it had officially acquired the Molson brewery land on Notre-Dame St. in Montréal. Lavery Lawyers, which has advised Groupe Sélection for many years, had the opportunity to play a significant role by representing Groupe Sélection’s interests in this $126 million transaction. "We are pleased to honour the trust that Groupe Sélection has placed in our firm’s expertise for more than 15 years, through the completion of the purchase of the Molson property. Through our business relationship, Groupe Sélection has also given us the privilege of contributing to the transformation and development of this part of the city of Montréal, which is so rich in historical and symbolic value," says Étienne Brassard, Business Law Partner at Lavery Lawyers.

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  195. The Lavery AI Grant offered with Montréal inc. awarded to Arthur Intelligence Inc.

    On June 6, Charles Ceelen-Brasseur, head of the Lavery GO inc program, awarded the AI grant that Lavery provides in partnership with Montréal inc. to the start-up Arthur Intelligence Inc. The company offers a cloud-based, SaaS solution to make management and decision-making easier for dental clinics. The Lavery AI Grant is meant for artificial intelligence start-ups. In addition to $15,000, it gives winners access to all the services offered by Montréal inc. as well as legal advising services appropriate for new businesses in the industry.

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  196. Luc Thibaudeau appointed Court of Québec judge

    We are very proud to have received the Minister of Justice's announcement confirming the appointment of our partner Luc Thibaudeau as a judgein the Civil Division of the Court of Québec for the district of Longueuil. Throughout his career, Luc has demonstrated that it is possible to combine the defence of the interests of businesses and merchants with the promotion of consumer rights protection, in the name of a responsible and balanced consumer society. "Luc will leave an indelible mark on the firm. As a devoted saxophone player, he instills a good dose of creativity around him, notably through his close involvement with Éducaloi and his network as a member of the Board of Directors of the La Factry school of creativity,” says Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer at Lavery Lawyers. “Luc's judicial appointment confirms the firm's long tradition of recruiting and training a large number of litigators who have joined the bench. It is an honour for us, it testifies to the rigour of his legal mind, and it reflects on the entire firm."

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  197. Closing of the sale of Camso Inc. to Michelin | The key project management role played by lawyers

    On December 18, 2018, Michelin completed the acquisition of Camso, a world leader in the manufacture of tires and tracks for off-road vehicles. Apart from its value of US$1.7 billion, what distinguishes this transaction from others is its complexity and the role played by the lawyers involved in the legal management of the project. Lavery had an opportunity to play a dual role in this major transaction: we assisted our long-time client, Camso Inc., in selling all the shares of its share capital, and we also represented the two majority shareholders: the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and the Fonds FTQ. Camso owns nearly 50 companies, which include manufacturing and distribution companies, as well as investment and trading companies in 26 different countries. Managing the integration of the different legal realities of the jurisdictions in which the companies operate was crucial in order to complete Michelin’s acquisition of Camso. Acting as much more than legal advisers, the lawyers involved were called on to coordinate the different aspects of the deal, brief the various parties and adapt to their cultural differences, and manage the different features and particular needs of Camso’s 50 companies on a case-by-case basis to ensure that they complied with Michelin's legal and administrative structure. The transaction also stood out due to the integrated approach of the legal services provided by our team. It coordinated issues related to commercial law, labour and employment law, and dispute resolution. In collaboration with the firm Baker McKenzie, the depth of expertise of the Lavery team, led by Édith Jacques and mainly involving Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Judith Houle-Couture, Pierre-Olivier Valiquette and Felicia Yifan Jin, made it possible to successfully carry out this complex mandate that brought together two world leaders in their industry.

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  198. 25 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2019 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is proud to announce that 25 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2019 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2019 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Pierre Denis Aviation (Regulation & Liability) Louis Charette Banking & Financial Institutions Louis Payette, Ad.E. Computer & IT Law André Vautour Construction law Nicolas Gagnon Corporate Commercial law *Étienne Brassard Corporate Finance & Securities *Josianne Beaudry René Branchaud Employment Law *Marie-Josée Hétu, CIRC *Zeïneb Mellouli Family Law Caroline Harnois Elisabeth Pinard Gerald Stotland Franchise law Jean-Philippe Turgeon Intellectual Property Chantal Desjardins Alain Y. Dussault Alain M. Leclerc Labour Relations Pierre-L. Baribeau Michel Desrosiers *Danielle Gauthier, CHRP Michel Gélinas *Marie-Josée Hétu Guy Lavoie, CIRC Litigation - Product Liability Louis Charette Mining *Josianne Beaudry René Branchaud Sébastien Vézina Occupational Health & Safety Josiane L’Heureux Property Leasing Richard Burgos Workers' Compensation Guy Lavoie, CIRC *New posting The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country and it identifies leading practitioners in over 60 separate practice areas and leading law firms in over 40 practice areas. It is a reference guide for Canadian and foreign corporate counsels and law firms in need of specialized legal services in Canada. For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: http://www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  199. Lavery Lawyers announces the return of Me Patrick Buchholz, former Vice-President, Legal Affairs of Gesca and La Presse, as a Partner in its Business Law group

    Lavery Lawyers is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Buchholz as a partner in its Corporate Law group in Montréal. His practice will focus mainly on mergers and acquisitions, competition law and intellectual property. This is a return to roots for Me Buchholz, as he spent all of his career in private practice at Lavery before joining La Presse. Legal agility at the heart of business: a legal practice focused on client solutions Until recently, Me Buchholz was Vice-President, Legal Affairs and Company Secretary at La Presse, a position he held for 11 years. He played a key role in the media company’s digital transformation by providing legal representation in media and business law and protecting and managing the company’s intellectual property portfolio. Me Buchholz will continue to assist La Presse, remaining as Secretary to its Board of Directors. While at La Presse, Me Buchholz was also Vice-President, Legal Affairs and Company Secretary of Square Victoria Communications Group, Gesca and Square Victoria Digital Properties. In these capacities, he managed the legal aspects of acquisitions and divestitures of equity interests in numerous digital and communications companies, including Du Proprio, Workopolis, Gesca Regional Newspapers and La Presse Télé. In addition, Me Buchholz served as a member of the boards of directors of The Canadian Press and Workopolis. “Today, legal services must adapt to the new business contexts of clients, many of which are still in the midst of organizational and digital transformation. I am very pleased to be returning to private practice to share the experience I have gained over the past few years in helping to fully transform one of Canada's leading media companies with our current and future clients,” says Me Buchholz. “I truly believe that the time is ripe for the legal industry to reinvent its services through the judicious use of digital advancements and plain language in law. In my opinion, this means being able to communicate relevant and precise strategic advice with added value to our clients, using the platforms of their choice. This vision lines up with the approach Lavery is implementing with its clients.” A new member that consolidates Lavery Lawyers's 360° legal approach “We are proud that Patrick Buchholz has chosen Lavery for his return to the professional services community. His arrival as a partner consolidates our commitment to offer our clients a 360° legal approach perfectly aligned with the particularities of their businesses. He will bring unique and relevant experience to the table, as well as his extensive legal knowledge for which he is already known. His return among us is a testament to the lasting relationships we build with our alumni and our firm's attractiveness to exceptional professionals. It demonstrates, once again, our commitment to being a leader in the transformation of legal services in Québec,” says Anik Trudel, Lavery's Chief Executive Officer.

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  200. Lavery welcomes five new lawyers at its Montréal office

    Lavery is pleased to announce that five new lawyers have joined its Montréal office.   Mandy Alessandrini joins the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, exercising mainly in family law. Prior to joining Lavery, she was a lawyer with the Attorney General of Quebec’s litigation section. Mandy Alessandrini was in private practice for many years acting as counsel, co-counsel as well as mediator; her practice covered family law and contract law.   Pierre Bazinet joins the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group as a partner and practises primarily in the areas of insurance law. He acts for numerous retailers, grocers and manufacturers, helping them with all aspects of the claims that they face as well as with risk management issues. Predominantly as defence counsel, he represents his clients in various litigation situations, such as claims for personal injury, general negligence and product liability.   Marie-France Dompierre joins the Business Law group as a partner and practises primarily in the area of tax litigation and tax dispute resolution. Her practice is concentrated on working with clients across a variety of industries to prevent, manage and resolve tax disputes involving the provincial and federal tax authorities. Marie-France has experience resolving disputes involving a broad range of tax issues and as such, has represented both individuals and corporations at every stage of a dispute from the audit and appeals level to litigating the proceeding before the Courts.   Eve-Lyne Morin joins the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation and insurance law. Before joining Lavery, Ms. Morin worked in the Montréal office of a major international business law firm where she has been involved in a wide range of actions in various areas including product liability, construction, securities, price fixing allegations, mass tort and negligence.    Marie-Eve Pomerleau joins the Business Law group specializing in transactional and commercial law. In her practice, Ms. Pomerleau drafts and negotiates legal documents relating to commercial transactions (mergers/acquisitions, purchases/sales of assets and shares, tax reorganizations, corporate restructurings and financings) and various other types of contracts.

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  201. Great Victory of UQAM at the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition: Lavery leads Quebec's future litigators towards excellence

    On February 15 and 16, 2019, the 41st Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition was held between students from six Canadian civil law faculties. Once again this year, the UQAM team of law students (Dana Farès, Étienne C. Laplante, David Létourneau, Frédéric Comeau, Véronique Faucher-Lefebvre, and Gabriel Langelier), supervised by Myriam Brixi and Dominique Vallières, won five prizes, namely: The Bâtonnier du Québec Cup for best team; The Association des professeurs de droit du Québec Cup for best factum (respondent's factum); The SOQUIJ Cup for 2nd best factum (appellant's factum); The Yvon Blais Cup - tandem finalist (appellants - Frédéric Comeau and David Létourneau); The Canadian Bar Association Cup for 2nd best litigator (David Létourneau). For more information on the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition, click here.

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  202. Sports law: Sébastien Vézina and Sonia Rasquinha negotiate a partnership with Top Rank on behalf of Groupe Yvon Michel

    A rematch between ex-champion Sergey Kovalev and Colombian-born Montrealer Eleider Alvarez will take place on February 2, 2019. This will be the first fight following a series of agreements entered into in December 2018 between Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Top Rank to co-promote WBO light heavyweight world titleholder Eleider “Storm” Alvarez. These multi-year co-promotional agreements will cover multiple fights. Our client, GYM, is one of the most respected organizations in Canada for organizing international boxing events and managing high-level boxers. Throughout its history, GYM has promoted champions who won world titles, including Joachim Alcine and Jean Pascal. Top Rank is a well-known boxing promotions company affiliated with the American sports television channel ESPN. Top Rank has promoted many world-class fighters, including Muhammad Ali and Oscar De La Hoya. Sébastien Vézina, a partner in the Business Law group, handled negotiations to reach the agreements, with the support of Sonia Rasquinha, a lawyer in the same group. Sébastien Vézina frequently provides businesses in the sports industry with advice on anything related to the business and legal aspects of their activities.

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  203. Myriam Brixi appointed to the Barreau du Québec’s committee on access to justice

    Myriam Brixi, a lawyer with the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, has been appointed to the Barreau du Québec’s committee on access to justice for a four-year term. The members of the committee are tasked with: -      Suggesting measures to improve access to justice in Quebec; -      Promoting dialogue on access to justice between the Barreau du Québec’s committees; -      Developing the Barreau du Québec’s general view on access to justice; -      Establishing a justice summit.

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  204. Étienne Brassard one of Lexpert’s Rising Stars: leading lawyers under 40

    Étienne Brassard, a partner in the Business Law Group, received the Rising Stars Award from Lexpert during a gala held in Toronto on November 8. This award pays tribute to lawyers under 40 who are considered rising stars in Canada’s legal community. The winners are selected based on rigorous and well-defined criteria: professional achievements, leadership, contribution to the profitability of the firm, keen business sense, vision, training and teamwork. Étienne Brassard’s practice is focused on private financing, mergers and acquisitions as well as corporate law. He advises local and international businesses in relation to all forms of private financing, from traditional or convertible debt to equity investments. Mr. Brassard has acquired specific experience in this area and can identify the challenges facing businesses interested in entering the Quebec market, regardless of their preferred route (acquisition, joint venture, creating a subsidiary, distribution agreement, etc.). In his work, he can call on the help of his vast business network (bankers, financial advisors, tax specialists and accountants) that he has built as a result of his previous mandates.

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  205. Anik Trudel appointed to the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM)

    Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery Lawyers, was appointed yesterday to the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM). The CCMM, recognized as a key player in the Montréal business community, offers specialized services to companies of all sizes and intervenes on issues that are crucial to the city's prosperity. Her appointment is in line with the firm's vision and positioning which contributes, through the expertise of its 250 professionals, to the economic development of the greater metropolitan region by acting with the largest companies and institutions in Québec, both drivers and leaders in their sectors and industries. The firm is also involved in industrial clusters and sector-based ecosystems while implementing concrete initiatives to meet the business challenges of companies in Montréal and in the Province of Québec. This is the case of the L³IA Legal Lab on Artificial Intelligence, a unique initiative created to analyze recent and anticipated developments in AI from a legal perspective. "The CCMM has always risen to the challenge of bringing the entire business community together to build a prosperous metropolis for the benefit of all. Thanks to its content approach connected to the needs of businesses, as well as its extensive background work to advance the issues that are important to the region's economic stakeholders, the CCMM is a pillar of Montréal’s economic development. " says Anik Trudel. "I am honored to join the CCMM Board of Directors and would also like to congratulate the new appointees and Mélanie Dunn, President and CEO of Cossette, who is becoming Chair of the Board for 2018-2019. ", concludes Anik Trudel.  Visit the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal’s website to find out about their programs and interventions.

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  206. Lavery welcomes four new professionals at its Montréal office

    Lavery is pleased to announce that four new professionals have joined its Montréal office. Marjolaine Arès joins the Business Law group as a partner. She has over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate law, and also specializes in lobbying law, mining and energy law, and telecommunications law. As a notary, Mrs. Arès undertakes the steps required for certifying and legalizing documentation in an effort to ensure their validity when intended for various foreign countries. Check out her LinkedIn profile France Camille De Mers joins the Business Law group as an associate. She practises mainly in commercial law and corporate law. During her law school at Université de Montréal, she participated in a summer program at the China University of Political Science and Law (Beijing, China) as well as an exchange program at the Wien Universität (Vienna, Austria). Check out her LinkedIn profile Marilyn Jourdain joins the Tax Law group as an associate. During her practice, she has acquired expertise with multinational companies and SMEs wishing to expand their operations abroad. She has also completed several complex mandates in corporate reorganizations, acquisitions and sales in a domestic and cross-border context. Check out her LinkedIn profile Timothé R. Huot joins the Tax Law group as a partner. Since his admission to the bar, Timothé is active in most areas of taxation, including tax litigation and he has appeared before all Quebec Courts and before the Supreme Court of Canada in tax and pension plan cases. Timothé is also specialized in the area of tax planning for refundable tax credits for scientific research. Check out his LinkedIn profile

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  207. The expertise of four partners recognized by Chambers Canada

    René Branchaud, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Raymond Doray and Guy Lavoie have been recognized as leaders in their areas of practice in the 2019 edition of the Chambers Canada guide. René Branchaud’s expertise was recognized in Energy and Natural Resources: Mining, Jean-Sébastien Desroches in Corporate Commercial, Raymond Doray in Privacy and Data Protection and Guy Lavoie in Labour and Employment Law. The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following through a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria such as the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness. For more information, click on the following link: Lavery Lawyers in Chambers Canada 2019

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  208. Parity certification: Lavery celebrates the commitment of new parity certified companies

    As a Business Pioneer in Parity Certification, Lavery is proud of the commitment made by law firms and newly certified companies to help increase the representation of women in leadership positions. "Undertaking the Gender Parity Certification process means committing to establishing adequate mechanisms to advance women's careers and promote the fulfillment of women in leadership positions," commented Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery. Lavery would also like to congratulate its business partners who received the Parity Certification for the first time at the September 11, 2018 Women in Governance Gala, in particular Air Canada, the Autorité des marchés financiers, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Loto-Québec, the National Film Board of Canada, Schneider Electric and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Two other law firms, Miller Thomson LLP and Norton Rose FulBright, also joined Lavery Lawyers as certified companies. "I want to acknowledge the contributions of our clients who are taking part in this great movement as well as highlight the involvement of our peers, who are contributing to change in the legal industry. We wish to continue our involvement and promote the progress already made, which motivated our decision to participate in the certification process for a second consecutive year," concluded Anik Trudel.

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  209. Lavery welcomes three new lawyers at its Quebec City office

    Lavery is pleased to announce that three new lawyers have joined its Québec City office.   Martin St-Amant (Barreau 1989, Corporate Law) completed his civil law degree at the University of Ottawa and holds a diploma from the Institute of Higher International Studies in Paris and a doctorate from the Université de Paris Sorbonne in international commercial law. He was part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiating team. His clients include corporations of all sizes that he advises on business immigration and on both national and international commercial law and intellectual property matters. Antoine Motulsky-Falardeau (Barreau 2003, Litigation Group) practises civil and commercial litigation and private international law. He advises and represents public and private corporations, shareholders, entrepreneurs and organizations in relation to their business and disputes in the areas of transportation, energy, franchising, construction, insurance, the garment trade, and the arts, in particular. He also teaches private international law at the Laval University Faculty of Law. Renalda Ponari (Barreau 2018, Litigation Group) joined the Lavery team in the winter of 2018. She completed her civil law degree at the University of Ottawa and the Barreau du Québec’s professional training program en 2017. Renalda was a constitutional law research assistant and worked for a law firm in the Gatineau region and for the Department of Justice Canada while she was a law student.  

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  210. The 2019 Best Lawyers in Canada recognize 46 lawyers of Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 46 of its lawyers have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields of expertise by The Best Lawyers in Canada 2019.  « Lavery is very proud of the rigour and expertise shown by all our professionals. The ranking of 46 of our lawyers among the most influential in their field confirms our leading role as the largest independent law firm in Québec. Congratulations to all! » said Anik Trudel, Lavery's CEO.  Raymond Doray, a partner at Lavery, also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada.  Raymond Doray, a partner at Lavery, also received the Lawyer of the Year award in the 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada.  --> Consult the complete list of Lavery's lawyers and their fields of expertise :  Pierre-L. Baribeau : Labour and Employment Law Josianne Beaudry : Mining Law / Mergers and Acquisitions Law Jean Boulet : Labour and Employment Law René Branchaud : Mining Law / Natural Resources Law / Securities Law Jules Brière : Administrative and Public Law / Health Care Law Richard Burgos : Corporate Law Marie-Claude Cantin : Construction Law / Insurance Law Louis Charette : Aviation Law / Product Liability Law / Transportation Law Eugène Czolij : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Pierre Denis : Equipment Finance Law Jean-Sébastien Desroches : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Michel Desrosiers : Labour and Employment Law Norman A. Dionne : Entertainment Law Raymond Doray, Ad. E : Administrative and Public Law / Privacy and Data Security Law Louis-Martin Dubé : Real Estate Law Christian Dumoulin : Mergers and Acquisitions Law Nicolas Gagnon : Construction Law Michel Gélinas : Labour and Employment Law Caroline Harnois : Family Law Jean Hébert : Insurance Law Richard A. Hinse : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Édith Jacques : Corporate Law Pierre Marc Johnson, Ad. E., G.O.Q., MSRC : International Arbitration Bernard Larocque : Class Action Litigation / Insurance Law Guy Lavoie, CRIA : Labour and Employment Law / Workers’ Compensation Law Jean Legault : Banking and Finance Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Guy Lemay, CRIA : Class Action Litigation / Labour and Employment Law Jean Martel, Ad. E. : Corporate Governance Practice / Private Funds Law Patrick A. Molinari, Ad.E., MSRC : Health Care Law Philip Nolan : Tax Law Luc Pariseau : Tax Law Jacques Paul-Hus : Mergers & Acquisitions Law Louis Payette, Ad. E. : Banking and Finance Law Élisabeth Pinard : Family Law Sylvain Poirier : Health Care Law François Renaud : Banking and Finance Law Marc Rochefort : Securities Law Ian Rose : Director and Officer Liability Practice / Insurance Law Raphaël  H. Schachter , c.r., Ad. E. : Criminal Defence Jean-Yves Simard : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Gerald Stotland : Family Law Philippe Tremblay : Construction Law Jean-Philippe Turgeon : Franchise Law André Vautour : Corporate Law / Information Technology Law / Intellectual Property Law / Private Funds Law / Technology Law Bruno Verdon : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Yanick Vlasak : Corporate and Commercial Litigation

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  211. Guillaume Lavoie, one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers

    Guillaume Lavoie has been recognized by Canadian Lawyer as one of the 25 most influential lawyers in Canada in 2018 (Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, 2018). He is listed in the Young Influencer category. Guillaume Lavoie is a partner and head of the private equity and venture capital (Lavery CAPITAL) group and coordinates the mergers & acquisitions team. He is also a member of Lavery’s board of directors. In 2015, Guillaume was recognized by Lexpert as one of the leading lawyers under 40 in Canada. Also that year, he won the Young Bar of Montreal (YBM) lawyer of the year award in the Corporate Law category. In 2017, he was one of the finalists in the Quebec Young Professional category in the Arista competition held by the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal.

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  212. Lavery represents EBI in a $70 million transaction

    On June 26, 2018, the QFL Solidarity Fund announced a $70 million investment in EBI, a leading Quebec and Canadian firm active in the integrated residual materials sector, including the collection and transport of waste matter, recyclables and residual materials, the transformation, recovery and disposal of residual materials as well as the production of natural gas. A Lavery client for the past two decades, EBI has been represented by the firm in connection with every legal aspect of this investment initiative. The Lavery team, spearheaded by André Paquette, with the assistance of Jacques Paul-Hus, was composed of Nadia Hanine (Mergers & Acquisitions), Éric Gélinas (Taxation), Pierre Denis (Financial Services), Audrey-Julie Dallaire (Environment), Carolle Vaudry and Isabelle Normand (Corporate).

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  213. Lavery hires three of its articling students

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it has hired three of its articling students as associates.   Camille Côté has joined the Business Law group of our Trois-Rivières office. While a law student at the Université de Montréal law faculty, Camille volunteered with Pro Bono Québec on a project to prepare small claims court hearings, organize conferences and mentored students during the articling recruiting process. Blanche Fournier has joined the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group of our Sherbrooke office. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree, internship program, from the Université de Sherbrooke. During her legal studies, Blanche had the opportunity to take part in two professional internships in major financial institutions and in a law firm practising in civil litigation. She has also tutored new law students.    William Lacoste has joined the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group of our Montréal office. He obtained his Bachelor’s in both Civil and Common Law from McGill University. During his studies, he worked as the Director of human and material resources at the Legal Information Clinic at McGill, where he was responsible for training and supervising more than 150 student volunteers.     “We are very proud to welcome talent like Camille, Blanche and William into the Lavery family. They have distinguished themselves by their quality of work, dedication and ongoing pursuit of excellence,” commented Loïc Berdnikoff, Director of Professional Development.

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  214. Patrick A. Molinari appointed Ethics Commissioner at VIA Rail

    On June 18, Patrick A. Molinari, attorney-legal counsel with the firm’s Health Law division, was appointed to the position of Ethics Commissioner for VIA-Rail’s entire program for modernizing its Quebec-Windsor corridor fleet, from the procurement stages up until the final delivery. The role of Commissioner will hear and manage complaints from employees or third parties regarding reprehensible acts and presumed ethical issues (including financial irregularities, misuse of public funds, allegations of legal or Code of Ethics breaches, etc.) and will see to the swift and fair resolution of any disputes.

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  215. A 360-degree offering for innovative businesses: Goudreau Gage Dubuc, one of the leading intellectual property firms in Canada, joins Lavery Lawyers

    Lavery Lawyers and Goudreau Gage Dubuc (GGD) are integrating their operations in order to offer their clients a complete range of legal services. The two firms will combine their teams, all of whom are recognized experts in their fields. To learn more, visit www.YourIPLawyers.ca. The GGD team with over 40 members, including 16 professionals, will join Lavery Lawyers September 4 th. A combination that consolidates the services offered by Lavery to companies operating in the knowledge and innovation industries “This business decision was made in the context of expanding issues relating to the digital revolution, the knowledge economy, and innovation, all of which are key factors in the economic prosperity of Canadian and foreign companies with operations in Canada. Protecting intellectual property, may it be through patents and trademarks, industrial designs and copyright, is central to the promising business strategies adopted by innovative industries and companies,” said Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. The integration consolidates Lavery’s multidisciplinary approach. As the largest independent law firm in Quebec, Lavery is continuing to grow by adding the expertise brought by lawyers, patent agents and trademark agents specializing in intellectual property law, who belong to one of the most respected teams in the country. GGD ranks among the firms that file the most patent and trademark applications in Canada and its clients operate in over 100 countries. The firm serves numerous industries, including aerospace, new materials, energy storage, biotechnology, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, computer science, and telecommunications. “Companies recognize that innovation is an important driver of growth, which must be properly managed, particularly when it comes to intellectual property and especially trade and industrial secrets, and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. The issues are increasingly complex and our clients count on us,” added Alain Leclerc, senior partner at Goudreau Gage Dubuc. “Our clients will now have access to services provided by a single integrated, well-respected team that brings 360-degree legal solutions tailored to their concerns allowing them to grow their businesses on a solid foundation.” Deep common roots in a culture of excellence and recognized depth of expertise The culture of excellence, depth of expertise, and distinctive approach to client service that characterize both firms ensure that GGD’s professionals will generate impressive synergy in the Lavery team. “Our decision to join forces with Lavery is based on the firm’s excellent reputation and its business vision and on our cultural compatibility and complementary expertise. This is the key to the success that will benefit our broad spectrum of clients who need complete and pragmatic solutions to the challenges they face,” said Chantal Desjardins, senior partner at Goudreau Gage Dubuc. A transaction in synch with Lavery’s business vision “This combination consolidates the status of the firm as a leader in the legal industry in Quebec, while at the same time raising its profile abroad. The transaction aligns with our business vision: to be a leader in the transformation of legal services in Quebec. Integrating our firms will benefit our clients tremendously, our goal always being to ensure that our services respond to their business reality and to offer them a memorable service experience,” Anik Trudel concluded.

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  216. Lavery appoints five new Partners

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Audrey Gibeaut, Justin Gravel, Myriam Lavallée, Marilyn Paré and Virginie Simard have been appointed Partners of the firm.   Audrey Gibeault is a member of the firm’s Business Law group and practices tax law. From family-owned businesses to multinationals, she provides companies with advice in connection with reorganizations, corporate acquisitions and sales, but also in regards to developing several private investment funds, including the legal structures to be put in place in order to welcome investors to Canada who are residents and non-residents alike.   Justin Gravel is part of the firm’s Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and he practices primarily in the bankruptcy and insolvency, bank law and construction law sectors. He is frequently called on to represent bankruptcy trustees, financial institutions and various construction sector stakeholders before all of the province’s law courts.   Myriam Lavallée focuses her practice on labour and employment law, administrative law as well as human rights law. She advises and represents numerous companies in a variety of sectors in connection with individual working relations and collective labour relations. She has specific expertise in the childcare services sector.   Marilyn Paré is a member of Lavery’s Business Law group and practices in the areas of transactional law, commercial law, financing as well as corporate reorganizations. She frequently advises companies in drafting and negotiating numerous types of commercial or corporate agreements, such as sales agreements and shareholder agreements.   Virginie Simard works with Lavery’s Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Virginie focuses her practice primarily in the areas of hospital liability, civil and professional liability, director and officer liability, as well as insurance law. Virginie represents insurers, hospital centres, clinics and youth centres before civil courts, in arbitration matters, as well as in connection with coroners’ inquests.

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  217. Lavery – the first law firm to receive ICI ON RECYCLE! Program’s Level 3 Gold Achievement Certification

    Lavery is the first law firm to receive the ICI ON RECYCLE! Program’s highest honour, which is the Level 3 Gold Achievement Certification. This award received by the Montréal office is a testament to Lavery's commitment to developing best practices in sustainability and social responsibility. Established by RECYC-QUÉBEC, this recognition highlights the remarkable efforts of industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) organizations that have implemented measures to manage their residual materials responsibly. The Level 3 certification is an impressive recognition to receive considering that the organization must clearly demonstrate the implementation of source reduction, reuse, recycling, energy recovery and disposal processes (4R-D) of residual materials targeted by the Québec Residual Materials Management Policy. The organization must also illustrate its awareness-raising efforts, in particular by organizing information activities with its employees regarding waste management.

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  218. 21 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2018 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is proud to announce that 21 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2018 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. “The fact that they are ranked amongst some of the most influential lawyers simply confirms their leading role in a competitive market. This distinction recognizes the depth of their expertise and the fact that they put their clients and partners at the forefront of their practice. Congratulations to all!”, stated Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2018 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Pierre Denis Benjamin David Gross Aviation (Regulation & Liability) Louis Charette Banking & Financial Institutions Louis Payette, Ad.E. Computer & IT Law André Vautour Construction law Nicolas Gagnon Corporate Commercial law André Vautour Corporate Finance & Securities René Branchaud Family Law *Caroline Harnois Elisabeth Pinard *Gerald Stotland Franchise law Jean-Philippe Turgeon Labour Relations *Pierre-L. Baribeau Michel Desrosiers Norman A. Dionne Michel Gélinas Guy Lavoie, CIRC Litigation - Commercial Insurance *Bernard Larocque Litigation - Product Liability Louis Charrette Mining René Branchaud Benjamin David Gross Sébastien Vézina Occupational Health & Safety Josiane L’Heureux Property Development *Louis-Martin Dubé Property Leasing *Richard Burgos *Louis-Martin Dubé Technology Transactions André Vautour Workers' Compensation Guy Lavoie, CIRC Workplace Human Rights Michel Gélinas *New posting The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country and it identifies leading practitioners in over 60 separate practice areas and leading law firms in over 40 practice areas. It is a reference guide for Canadian and foreign corporate counsels and law firms in need of specialized legal services in Canada. For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: http://www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  219. Luc Thibaudeau publishes the 2nd volume of the Guide pratique de la société de la consommation – Les Garanties

    On March 28, 2018, Luc Thibaudeau, a partner of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, launched the second volume of his Guide pratique de la société de la consommation on warranties. The event, which took place at the Lavery Conference Centre, welcomed more than 100 guests. The publication is not only intended for lawyers working in consumer law in Quebec, but also for the general public. Mr. Thibaudeau addresses the different types of warranties that apply to goods and services intended for consumption, while drawing many parallels with the warranties of common law. The author's analysis captures both the rationale and the limits of consumer protection as regards warranties. His expertise in this field has been recently recognized by his nomination to the Consumer Protection Advisory Committee. Members will provide input on the evolving nature of the financial sector and consumer needs by sharing their perspectives on marketplace trends and emerging issues, concerns regarding the delivery of financial services, and how changes in the financial services sector are impacting Canadians.  For more information or to buy the book, click here.

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  220. Lavery welcomes Valérie Dufour, ex-senior securities analyst at the AMF to its Business Law group

    Lavery is pleased to welcome Valérie Dufour to its Business Law group at its Montréal office. For the last twelve years, Ms. Dufour worked for the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Until just recently, she was a senior securities analyst with the AMF where she served as a key advisor, both internally and externally, on complex issues relating to prospectus financing, takeover bids and issuer bids, reorganizations, and discretionary exemptions from a requirement in securities legislation. During her tenure at the AMF, Ms. Dufour also sat on various committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) responsible for the application and modernization of securities regulation, including the Committee on takeover bids and issuer bids as well as the Committee on reducing the regulatory burden for reporting issuers. “In addition to the recent arrival of Eric Stevenson, the arrival of Ms. Dufour continues to solidify our positioning as a key consulting resource for our clients and stakeholders in the financial sector in Quebec,” said Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer."

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  221. Lavery hires five of its articling students

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it has hired five of its articling students as associates.  Alexandra Belley-McKinnon has joined the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. She holds degrees in common law and civil law from McGill University as well as an LL.M. in International Law at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.   Céleste Brouillard-Ross has joined the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Prior to law school, Céleste studied History and Women’s Studies at McGill University.  Félix Germek-Michaud has joined the Labour and Employment Law group. He completed a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Law with honours from the Université du Québec à Montréal.   Pierre-Olivier Valiquette has joined the Business Law group. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) and a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) from McGill University.   Felicia Yifan Jin has joined the Business Law group. She completed her bachelor’s degree in civil law at the Université de Montréal and two internships in the Chinese legal system, one within the firm Tiantong & Partners, and the other at Guangdong International Business Law Firm.  “We are very proud to welcome talent like Daphnée, Charles, Chantal, Yaoqi and Andrée-Anne into the Lavery family. They have distinguished themselves by their quality of work, dedication and ongoing pursuit of excellence,” commented Loïc Berdnikoff, Director of Professional Development.

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  222. The Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition: five prizes for a team supervised by Lavery

    On February 16 and 17, 2018, the 40th edition of the Pierre-Basile-Mignault moot court competition was held between students from six Canadian civil law faculties. Lavery has been involved for several years, alongside students of the competition. This year, Justin Gravel supervised students of the Université de Sherbrooke, while Myriam Brixi and Dominique Vallières supervised students of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).  The UQAM team, which included Valérie Dupont, Vincent Grondin, Emmanuelle Arcand and Gabriel Sévigny-Ferland, set themselves apart by winning five of the nine prizes awarded in the competition: best team, best factum, tandem finalist of the finale (2nd best tandem), 2nd best litigator and best tandem of non-finalist litigators. The Lavery Cup for the 3rd best litigator was presented by Loïc Berdnikoff to Chloé Boisvenue of the University of Ottawa. For more information on the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition, click here.

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  223. Myriam Brixi spoke at the Congrès des Services de Première Ligne

      The Congrès des Services de Première Ligne was held on February 22, 2018, at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. Over 300 participants, including medical clinic managers, physicians, residents, nursing personnel and other healthcare professionals who work on the front line of the system came together for the occasion. Myriam Brixi, a lawyer with the Lavery litigation group, spoke at the conference. Her presentation dealt with class actions relating to accessory costs, which were abolished on January 26, 2017, when the Regulation abolishing accessory costs related to the provision of insured services and governing transportation costs for biological samples came into force. In her presentation, she reviewed the class actions then underway and clarified the situation as it relates to front-line professionals affected by the regulatory change.

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  224. Lavery, still leading the pack

    For the fifth consecutive edition, Lavery ranked first among regional law firms in the Top 10 Québec Regional Law Firms survey published by Canadian Lawyer magazine. The results of this survey, which is conducted across Canada with lawyers in private practice and in-house legal advisors, are testament to the reputation and breadth of our firm’s expertise. Our client service and the remarkable skills of our lawyers have contributed to keeping Lavery poised at the top of the rankings for the past decade. The legal services reference in Québec Lavery also earned the Regional Law Firm of the Year Award from Chambers Canada. The Chambers award is proof of the exceptional confidence members of the Canadian legal community have expressed for our firm. Moreover, our presence in the major business centres of Quebec combined with our ability to provide services to businesses of all sizes makes Lavery a business partner of choice for our clients. Our vision—being an agent of change in the transformation of legal services  “The vision of our firm provides us with the agility needed to adapt to the changing needs of our clients, whether they are in Quebec, the rest of Canada or abroad. We have remained at the head of these rankings since their inception due to the comprehensive range of legal services that we provide, which is always rooted in a client experience that is adapted to their business reality”, said Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer.

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  225. A new partnership between Lavery and La Factry

    Lavery is proud to launch a new partnership with La Factry, following the official inauguration of their new campus. This collaboration between Lavery and La Factry is a concrete step in order to accelerate our firm’s efforts in realizing the vision of being a force leading the transformation of our industry and of the way legal services are provided in Quebec. La Factry is an international calibre school of creativity sciences that forges creative minds capable of finding innovative solutions to contemporary problems. With the conviction that creativity can be taught, La Factry offers training programs focused on developing creative competencies. The campus also offers training tailored specifically to professionals and companies that are looking to transform their business creatively. Click on the following link to learn more about what unites Lavery and La Factry.  

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  226. Lavery takes part in the 5th edition of Pro Bono Québec’s Grands Vins, Grands Noms benefit evening

    On February 8, 2018, several partners and lawyers represented Lavery at Pro Bono Québec’s Grands Vins, Grands Noms benefit evening for access to justice for all. The cocktail dinner, hosted at the McCord Museum, brought together some 250 VIPs who helped collect more than $131 600 during a silent auction. Lavery, an ambassador and sponsor of this charity dinner since its very beginnings, also contributes to Pro Bono Québec’s mission through Bernard Larocque, a partner who serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, Luc Thibaudeau and Maude Adam-Joly, respectively a partner and an associate with the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Proceeds from the Pro Bono Québec benefit evening will help with the renewal of its programs and the creation of new ones. Founded in 2008 at the behest of the Barreau du Québec, Pro Bono Québec is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to mobilize the legal community in providing expertise and offering their time to individuals and Quebec NPOs who lack the resources required for legal services.

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  227. Brigitte Gauthier and Luc Thibaudeau provide training for counsel at the NBC

    Brigitte Gauthier and Luc Thibaudeau, associates in the Business Law and Litigation groups, respectively, are providing a series of three training sessions for counsel at the National Bank of Canada on the impact of the Act mainly to modernize rules relating to consumer credit and to regulate debt settlement service contracts, high-cost credit contracts and loyalty programs (the “Bill”). At the sessions, Ms. Gauthier and Mr. Thibaudeau work with National Bank of Canada lawyers on analyzing the various issues that arise under the new provisions of the Consumer Protection Act in relation to consumer credit, and other amendments to the Act proposed in the Bill. The first two sessions were held this past December and January, and the next will take place on March 1. Other meetings are planned to take place after the Government publishes the new regulations that will be put in place once the Bill comes into force.

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  228. Marie-Josée Hétu is appointed Managing Partner of Lavery's Trois-Rivières office

        Lavery is proud to announce that Marie-Josée Hétu has been appointed managing partner of the Trois-Rivières office. As part of her new duties, she will also be a member of the firm’s Management Committee. Mtre Hétu joined Lavery in 2014 and has been practising in Trois-Rivières for close to 25 years. She knows the region extremely well and works with clients from the municipal, institutional and entrepreneurial sectors in Mauricie and the Centre-du-Québec. A woman connected to her region whose expertise is recognized by the business community Over the course of her career, Mtre Hétu has focused on labour law, labour relations and occupational health and safety. She also handled matters involving human rights, the protection of personal information and workers’ compensation. As part of her new role, Mtre Hétu wants to create winning conditions so that every member of her team can continue to offer impeccable client service. Her actions will be defined by openness, creativity, energy and thoroughness.  “I undertake this new challenge among the Lavery team with pride and determination”, noted Mtre Hétu. “My practice, which I will continue in addition to these new duties, is based namely on my capacity to adapt to the changing realities of clients and act as their strategic advisor. The knowledge I’ve gained over the years will certainly serve me during this next step. Lavery, based 100% in Quebec, is known for its excellent services. This identity speaks to me and is one that our Trois-Rivières team proudly embodies each day.” In addition to her professional activities, Mtre Hétu is very active in a number of organizations. She has been chair of the regional committee of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés in Mauricie for several years. This committee is responsible for promoting the role of human resource management professionals in the region and advocating on behalf of regional interests to the Ordre.  Leadership that is both visionary and anchored in our clients’ business reality  “Marie-Josée is a seasoned lawyer with an impressive track record. She is known for her collaborative approach based on an in-depth knowledge of her clients and their needs. Her positive leadership, expertise and extensive understanding of the market in Trois-Rivières, Mauricie and the Centre-du-Québec are undeniable assets for Lavery. We are very proud and pleased that she is taking this next step in her career with us,” remarked Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery Lawyers.

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  229. Lavery welcomes Eric Stevenson, ex-superintendent, client services and distribution oversight at the AMF to its Business Law group

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of a new partner, Eric Stevenson, who is joining the Business Law group at our Québec office. Eric’s leading expertise will increase the quality and depth of Lavery’s consulting and representation service offering, in particular with its financial sector clients and stakeholders. For Eric Stevenson, this represents a return to his roots, given that he worked for the firm prior to joining the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). A professional who has an outstanding reputation and whose leading expertise and keen knowledge are renowned in Québec, Canada and abroad Until just recently, Eric Stevenson was the superintendent, client services and distribution oversight at the AMF.He lead a team of 150 employees with the mandate of overseeing the activities relating to the distribution of financial services and products in Québec all in the while establishing the regulatory framework governing this sector of activities. His role also included issuing exercise rights to insurance and securities operators. Eric was also in charge of the AMF team tasked with evaluating the integrity of companies and their directors who were seeking to conclude agreements with the Québec government and granting the requested authorization, when applicable. Eric Stevenson has represented the AMF before several key organisations in particular by serving as a member of the market intermediaries’ commission of the International Organization of Securities Commissions. He also presided or took part in numerous committees of the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators as well as served on several committees of the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. “Coming back to Lavery was an evident choice considering that the firm benefits from an outstanding reputation and the financial sector’s stakeholders regularly recognize the excellence of its integrated legal services offering”, says Eric Stevenson. “I am delighted to rejoin a consulting team that is devoted to offering a memorable client-based approach that is well-rooted in a deep understanding of the client’s actual business reality. I am also eager to help Lavery’s current and future clients benefit from my knowledge andvast network of contacts that I had the privilege to develop over the past years.” A leadership connected to the client’s business reality coinciding with Lavery’s vision “As a seasoned attorney, experienced manager and a proven strategist, Eric’s profile, rooted in the realities of the financial industry, is well suited to meet our client’s expectations. With a unique career path, Eric will leverage his leadership and know-how to play an active part in Lavery’s role as a leader of transformation in Québec’s legal market. We are especially proud of the fact that he has chosen Lavery and our Québec City office as a re-entry point into the professional services sector. Eric’s return to Lavery is a testament to the firm’s power to attract exceptional talents”, concludes Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Office.

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  230. Lavery welcomes two new lawyers at its Québec City office

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of two new lawyers at its Québec City office. Florence Forest joins the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group where she will practise in the areas of civil, professional and hospital liability and insurance law. She represents members of various professions against whom allegations of malpractice are made, and also represents insurance companies in major litigation cases. Florence is actively involved in her community, as a member of a circle of young leaders who work to promote the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde and to make the theatre more accessible, to ensure that it is carried on by the next generation. She graduated in the second cohort of “l’Effet A” and proudly carries the standard for increasing the numbers of ambitious women in all spheres of society, particularly in business and law.    Marc-André Bouchard joined the Lavery team as a student in May 2016 and began his articles in July 2017. He was admitted to the Bar on January 22 of this year and joins our Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Marc-André is active in his community, primarily through his work as a volunteer football and basketball coach with secondary school students at Séminaire Saint-François. He has also given his time to a not-for-profit organization in the Québec City region to promote sports among elementary school students. 

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  231. A Lavery team to train members of the COMBEQ in 2018 on wetland issues

    Throughout 2018, Daniel Bouchard, a partner, along with Valérie Belle-Isle, Chloé Fauchon and Pier-Olivier Fradette, associates of the Public and Administrative Law group, will train members of the Corporation des officiers municipaux en bâtiment et en environnement du Québec (COMBEQ). The seminar is entitled “Milieux humides et hydriques et certificat d’autorisation : quel rôle pour les municipalités ?” and is intended primarily for environmental municipal officers, as well as other municipal workers. It deals with the practical impact of Bills 102 and 132 adopted in 2017 respecting the conservation of wetlands and bodies of water. The training will be offered to all municipalities in the province and will be delivered in 24 cities over the course of the year.

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  232. Charles Olivier Thibeault delivers training for the Association des centres d’urgence du Québec

    On November 22 and 29, Charles Olivier Thibeault provided training to emergency call centre operators and dispatchers at the request of the Association des centres d’urgence du Québec (ACUQ). The seminar was entitled “Le rôle et les responsabilités des préposés des centres d’appels d’urgence” and Charles Olivier discussed the legislative and regulatory framework governing emergency call centres, and the different cases resulting in disciplinary measures imposed on operators/dispatchers or civil lawsuits against emergency call centres.

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  233. Lavery represents Lexis Média during the acquisition of 12 regional newspapers from Transcontinental

             A Lavery team advised the Groupe Lexis Media in connection with the acquisition of 12 regional newspapers from Transcontinental. The Groupe Lexis Media, which already publishes Homme, Mieux-Être, Moi Parent and  Maternité, now owns the following newspapers:  Le Citoyen Rouyn-Noranda, Le Citoyen de la Vallée-de-l'Or, L'Écho Abitibien and La Frontière, distributed in Abitibi Témiscamingue; L’Action d'Autray, L’Action - édition de mercredi, L’Action - édition du week-end, L’Express Montcalm and Hebdo Rive-Nord, in Lanaudière; and Le Bulletin, La Petite-Nation and La Revue, in Outaouais. The Lavery team was led by Eric Lavallée and included Laurent Bellemare-Proulx, Mylène Boisvert and Justin Gravel.

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  234. Éric Gélinas and Audrey Gibeault speak at the Colloque en droit des sociétés

    On November 23, Éric Gélinas and Audrey Gibeault, respectively a partner and an associate of the Business Law group, spoke during the Colloque en droit des sociétés held in the Conference Centre at the Intercontinental Hotel. Over 60 people attended and listened to a presentation on tax pitfalls to avoid entitled “Pièges à éviter en matière fiscale pour un avocat en droit des affaires”.

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  235. Chloé Fauchon and Sylvain Pierrard deliver a seminar on copyright

    On November 21, Chloé Fauchon, an associate of the Public and Administrative Law group, and Sylvain Pierrard, an associate of the Business Law group, delivered a seminar on copyright to professionals working in the film and television industry. Organized by the Table de concertation de l’industrie du cinéma et de la télévision de la Capitale-Nationale, the seminar was held at Le Camp in Québec City. Ms. Fauchon and Mr. Pierrard introduced participants to the different intellectual property rights, the exceptions to copyright protection of a work, copyright ownership, copyright assignment and the moral rights in the works.

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  236. Lavery’s expertise in energy and corporate law recognized by Legal 500 Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that its expertise has been recognized in the most recent edition of Legal 500 Canada in the practice areas of corporate/mergers and acquisitions and energy: power. We are extremely proud of this accomplishment considering that Lavery is competing against every national firm in Canada. The fact that we are listed in these Legal 500 Canada categories clearly demonstrates the complexity and importance of the mandates handled by our lawyers.

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  237. Pierre Marc Johnson appointed Chair of the MCFR Board of Directors

    Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for the Government of Québec for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), was appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations (MCFR) during the organization’s 33rd annual general meeting held on December 13.  In a press release announcing the appointment, MCFR President and CEO Pierre Lemonde commented that Me Johnson is well-suited to handle this new challenge because of “his experience and knowledge of the business community, international organizations, local and international governments and his extensive network of contacts throughout the world”.  Me Johnson acts as special advisor to the Government of Québec on trade agreements, is a member of the Government of Canada’s NAFTA Advisory Council on the Environment and, since 2009, has acted as chief negotiator for Québec in the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement negotiations (CETA). “As with the Médaille du Barreau and the Paul-André-Crépeau Medal, two prestigious awards received by Me Johnson earlier this year, this appointment recognizes his expertise and important contribution to the areas of law and international trade, negotiations and international partnerships,” stated Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. The MCFR’s mission is to promote greater knowledge of international affairs and, through its events and partnerships, to encourage closer cooperation between the various entities that share an interest in international matters. 

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  238. Lavery hosts the Annual General Meeting of the Hellenic Jurists Association of Québec.

    Lavery hosted the 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Hellenic Jurists Association of Québec at its Montréal office on November 14. Me. Brian R. Mitchell, Bâtonnier of Montréal, delivered the keynote speech and the Honourable Dionysia Zerbisias was inducted as the first honorary member of the HJAQ. This event was made possible thanks to Despina Mandilaras, an associate of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group.

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  239. Lavery applauds the appointment of the Hon. Richard Wagner as Chief Justice of Canada

    We are enormously proud to learn of the appointment today of our former partner, the Hon. Richard Wagner, to the position of Chief Justice at the highest court in Canada. Justice Wagner practised at Lavery from 1980 to 2004 before being appointed to the bench, first of the Superior Court of Quebec and then of the Court of Appeal of Quebec and the Supreme Court of Canada. We at Lavery knew Richard as a hard worker, a conscientious lawyer and a man with a passion for his profession, dedicated to giving the best of himself. He made his name as an accomplished litigator in the fields of commercial litigation, professional liability and construction law. A number of our lawyers were fortunate to have the benefit of his talents as a mentor and trainer, and it is thanks to his generosity that they have successful practices today, both with the firm and in the private sector. “For Lavery, the appointment of Justice Richard Wagner to the head of the Supreme Court of Canada is an honour that reflects on the entire firm. It speaks to a long tradition of litigation practitioners whose intellectual rigour and top-flight professional skills are at the heart of the services offered by Lavery,” said Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. Lavery now has 29 alumni and alumnae who sit as judges on both provincial and federal courts.

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  240. Amélie Journet joins Lavery as Chief of Human Resources and Organizational Transformation

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Amélie Journet has been appointed to the newly created position of Chief of Human Resources and Organizational Transformation. Ms. Journet will be responsible for spearheading the development and implementation of the Talent strategy throughout the firm. As a member of management, she will also play a key role in transforming Lavery’s business model.  Ms. Journet has over fifteen years’ experience in change management and human resources in companies active in the entertainment, creativity, commerce and technology industries. She will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Anik Trudel and will sit on the firm’s management committee. Lavery is counting on the acquisition and mobilization of highly qualified creative talent in order to implement the actions needed to achieve its business vision, which is to be recognized for transforming legal services in Quebec. “Throughout my career, I have worked in industries in transformation and I witnessed the extent to which the link between business objectives and human behaviour is based on successful change management,” remarked Amélie Journet.” “Lavery has all the elements needed to position itself as an employer of choice and an actor in transforming the delivery of legal services in Quebec. Joining the firm gives me a unique opportunity to play a key role in implementing a daring vision underpinned by talent and the next generation as a privileged vector for transformation.” Lavery plans to adapt to the generational transition and feminization of the legal industry by overcoming the challenges related to retaining its professionals. Women make up 64% of firm members and 86% of salaried lawyers at Lavery are millenials, a generation with clear expectations and different needs when it comes to work.  The firm therefore wants to revise its vision of human resources by drawing on proven practices from industries outside the law in order to introduce an innovative approach within the legal community. “Ms. Journet will oversee the implementation of best practices for talent, mobilization and leadership for all employees, regardless of status, and will work closely with the different firm teams and committees to implement an approach to managing talent that is both engaging and transformative,” commented Anik Trudel. “Due to her extensive expertise in change management, Ms. Journet will be extremely instrumental in integrating our vision into our operations. Her arrival marks an increase in the steps taken by Lavery’s management to transform the legal industry by doing things differently.”

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  241. Stéphanie Destrempes speaks at the Strategic Days on Financial Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy On November 21, Stéphanie Destrempes, an associate of the Franchising and Distribution group, presented a seminar entitled Gérer l’insolvabilité/la fa

    On November 21, Stéphanie Destrempes, an associate of the Franchising and Distribution group, presented a seminar entitled Gérer l’insolvabilité/la faillite d’un débiteur-franchisé as part of the Strategic Days on Financial Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy presented by OpenForumOuvert and attended by over thirty participants.

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  242. Lavery hires five of its articling students

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it has hired five of its articling students as associates. Daphnée Anctil and Charles Ceelen-Brasseur have joined the Business Law group with the Montréal office; Chantal Saint-Onge and Yaoqi Wang have joined the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group with the Montréal office; Andrée-Anne Perras-Fortin has joined the Business Law group with the Sherbrooke office and will also practise with the Lavery Legal Lab on Artificial Intelligence (L3AI); “We are very proud to welcome talent like Daphnée, Charles, Chantal, Yaoqi and Andrée-Anne into the Lavery family. They have distinguished themselves by their quality of work, dedication and ongoing pursuit of excellence,” commented Loïc Berdnikoff, Director of Professional Development.

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  243. Charles Olivier Thibeault meets with the Regroupement des médecins examinateurs du Québec

    Charles Olivier Thibeault, a partner of the Health Law group, participated in a meeting held by the Regroupement des médecins examineurs du Québec at the CHUM on November 16.  During the meeting, Mr. Thibeault discussed with medical examiners, responsible for reviewing complaints concerning hospital physicians, a number of problems often encountered when complaints are handled. Mr. Thibeault also suggested several solutions to address these problems as well as other issues raised by the medical examiners. 

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  244. Lavery’s Sherbrooke office participates in the 2017 edition of Défi à l’Entreprise

    On November 18, a Lavery team from the Sherbrooke office participated for the third consecutive year in the Défi à l’Entreprise, organized by Les Volontaires of the Cégep de Sherbrooke. The theme this year was the Défis d’Astérix. The Défi à l’Entreprise is a sporting event that brings together 50 of the most dynamic teams in Estrie. Teams are composed of 10 competitors for a total of 500 participants, selected from among the different companies participating.  Over 100 volunteers work to make the event a success, supported by a number of brand sponsors.   Participating companies come from throughout the greater Estrie region. The event raises funds for the Les Volontaires college sports teams so that they can compete in major sports tournaments in Quebec and Canada, and also promotes health and quality of life for workers through physical activity.    Front row : Kay-Sandra Boyer, Mylène Boisvert, Marie-Claude Lacaille et Marika Couture-Houle Back row : Miriane Paquin, Annie Pouliot, Jean-François Bilodeau, Dzenan Zulji, Letta Wellinger, Katy Pelletier

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  245. Lavery awards two $500 scholarships to Université de Montréal law students

    Loïc Berdnikoff, Director of Professional Development, presented two Université de Montréal law students with a Lavery scholarship on November 6 and 8. The first scholarship was awarded to Gabriel Pichette for excellence and interest in the area of labour law.   The second scholarship was awarded to Mayssa Bibi for excellence and interest in the area of environmental law.

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  246. Chloé Fauchon chairs a seminar on cooperative federalism

    As co-chair of the Administrative, Constitutional and Human Rights section of the Canadian Bar Association – Québec Branch, Chloé Fauchon, an associate of the Public and Administrative Law group, chaired a seminar given by the Honourable Justice Clément Gascon of the Supreme Court of Canada, Professor Noura Karazivan of the Université de Montréal Faculty of Law and Mtre Alexander Pless of the Department of Justice Canada, held at the Lavery Conference Centre in Montréal. The seminar was entitled Fédéralisme coopératif – perspective historique et développements récents and was moderated by Mtre Olga Redko of Irving Mitchell Kalichman. Speakers discussed the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments by reviewing historical developments regarding cooperative federalism in the case law, recent decisions and cases currently before the courts.

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  247. Me Nathalie Roy, Lawyer Emeritus and former executive director of Éducaloi, chooses Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Nathalie Roy, Ad. E., has been named Project Manager, Training and Skills Development effective December 18. Under the direction of Loïc Berdnikoff, Director of Professional Development, Me Roy will be responsible for developing and implementing training programs within the firm. The core of Lavery’s success is based on retaining exceptional, engaged talent and recruiting highly qualified individuals. Under the leadership of the new chief executive officer and supported by the management team, Lavery aims to become a talent incubator, with a team of experts dedicated to developing its professionals. “Me Roy is a seasoned manager and an engaged leader. She has developed a keen understanding of the skills development needs in our industry”, commented Loïc Berdnikoff. “We are privileged to benefit from her long career to consolidate our offer. Her knowledge of the legal community and its transformation makes her a highly qualified player to define and implement programs to train the talent of today and tomorrow.” Me Roy co-founded Éducaloi, a pioneer in the communication of legal content in Quebec, and is known for her innovative vision and deep desire to do things differently. “A talent-based approach is entirely in keeping with the perception I have of my role and I am delighted to be working with an ambitious team to implement an audacious action plan,” remarked Me Roy. “Professional development is a key condition for ensuring that our resources, at every level, are both happy at work and equipped to be business partners with clients. I am very happy to be using my expertise and past experience to play a key role in developing skills and knowledge transfer at Lavery.” The strategic role that Me Roy will play in professional development is directly in line with the firm’s commitment to support its talent by implementing clear and sustained actions. “To embody its vision of being a key actor in the transformation of legal services in Quebec, Lavery has made it a point of honour to place talent at the core of its business strategy,” stated Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. “The arrival of Me Roy at Lavery is proof that the firm is giving itself the means to implement a concrete action plan to respond to the challenges of today, while planning for the future.”

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  248. Pierre Marc Johnson receives the Paul-André-Crépeau Medal from CBA-Quebec

    On November 28, the Quebec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association presented the prestigious Paul-André-Crépeau Medal for 2017 to Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec regarding the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), at their holiday season cocktail party. Acting as chief negotiator for Quebec, since 2009, in the negotiations of the proposed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, Mr. Johnson has been responsible for relations with and making representations to the responsible authorities of the federal government (of Canada) and the European Union on behalf of a dozen departments of the Quebec government. Moreover, he will continue making his submissions to the national European governments in order to ensure the full ratification of CETA. Recently, in connection with the NAFTA negotiations, Mr. Johnson was appointed special counsel to the Quebec government for the trade agreements and a member of the NAFTA Advisory Council on the Environment by the Government of Canada. "Just like the Barreau du Quebec Medal he received last spring, this distinction rightfully highlights Mr. Johnson's contribution and work in advancing the international dimension of Canadian private and commercial law. It is a privilege for us to be able to count on his expertise, his spirit of collegiality, and the positive influence he has on our younger lawyers", stated Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer. Additional information: list of previous medal recipients Marie-Christine Hivon,  chairwoman of the board of directors, CBA-Québec and Me Pierre Marc Johnson.

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  249. Justin Trudel speaks at a dinner seminar at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières

    On October 24, Justin Trudel, an associate of the Business Law group, spoke during a dinner seminar organized by the Social Sciences Department at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières. Each year, the Department organizes meetings between students and various professionals working in diverse settings in order to demystify certain myths about trades and answer questions. This is the second consecutive year that Mr. Trudel participated and shared with students his career path, the reality of practising law in a large law firm and the different general practice areas.

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  250. Isabelle Duval Named YBM Lawyer of the Year in Family Law

    On November 23, Isabelle Duval, an associate in the firm's Family Law Group, was named as YBM lawyer of the year in the category of family law at the 11th edition of the YBM "Leaders of Tomorrow" Gala, held at the St-James Theater. "The naming of Isabelle Duval as YBM lawyer of the year for 2017 reflects the expertise and talent of the firm's next generation of lawyers", said Loïc Berdnikoff, Lavery's Director of Professional Development. "The firm is privileged to be able to count on exceptional professionals such as Isabelle. I would like to congratulate her, both on my own and on the firm's behalf, for this well-deserved distinction!" Note that in choosing the winners, the YBM relies on its Governors Council, consisting, among others, of the deans of three law faculties in Quebec, the Bâtonnier of the Montreal Bar, Brian Mitchell, and the Honourable Justices Nicole Duval Hesler, Lucie Rondeau, Ann-Marie Jones and Bernard Mandeville.

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  251. Lavery donates $12,910 raised during the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie to Versant Sainte-Geneviève school in Québec City

    A Lavery team composed of firm members participated in the 1,000 km Grand défi Pierre Lavoie between June 15 and 18. The challenge was to cycle from the Saguenay to Montréal, by way of Mont-Tremblant and Gatineau, to raise money and to promote healthy lifestyles and the benefits of sports for youth and the not-so-young. Each team registered for the challenge had to sponsor an elementary school. Funds raised will be used to create or improve the facilities used by students for physical activity. An amount of $12,910 was officially donated to Versant Sainte-Geneviève on November 3. The school will use the funds to renovate a multi-functional room for physical activity.

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  252. Audrey Gibeault and Luc Pariseau speak to the M&A Club

    Audrey Gibeault and Luc Pariseau, respectively an associate and a partner of the Business Law group, spoke to the M&A Club about what’s new in tax law. The seminar was held on October 31 at the Lavery Conference Centre and was attended by over 50 people.

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  253. Felicia Yifan Jin participates in the 47th CIOFF World Congress

    Felicia Yifan Jan, articling student, participated as recording secretary during the 47th World Congress of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF), held in Tenggarong, Indonesia from October 21 to 27, 2017. The CIOFF is a UNESCO advisory body whose purpose is to preserve, promote and spread traditional culture and folklore. Click here for more information about the CIOFF. Ms. Jan was mentored by Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for the Government of Québec in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in the preparation of this event.

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  254. Evelyne Verrier panelist at the 2017 Insurance and Investment Convention

    Evelyne Verrier, a partner and head of the Distribution of Financial Products and Services group, served as a panelist during the 2017 Insurance and Investment Convention organized by The Insurance & Investment Journal. The Convention was held on November 14 at the Palais des congrès in Montréal. Entitled Robots-conseillers et conseillers: ennemis jurés ou partenaires?, the purpose of the panel was to discuss the evolving role of advisors in an age when FinTech and accelerated technological developments are becoming increasingly prevalent in the insurance industry. Accompanied by Alex Veilleux, Co-Owner, Chief Innovation Officer and Product Strategist at VOOBAN and Michel Bergeron, a partner in EY, Ms. Verrier took the opportunity to share her view of the future for insurance advisors, the types of high value-added activities that advisors can use to distinguish themselves and the liability issues associated with various technological tools available to advisors.

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  255. Lavery holds a seminar on the impact of recent amendments to the Environment Quality Act on the work of environmental consultants

    Lavery held a seminar on the impact and extent of recent amendments to the Environment Quality Act (EQA) on the work of consultants. The seminar was held on November 8 at the Lavery Conference Centre in Montréal. Environmental consultants listened to presentations by Daniel Bouchard and Chloé Fauchon, respectively a partner and a lawyer of the Public and Administrative law group, on amendments to the EQA that expanded the right to access authorization certificates granting the Minister the power to stop an activity without compensation and immunity from liability, except in cases of gross or intentional fault. They discussed these themes in light of the recent case law on the state’s liability in environment matters and offered practical suggestions to consultants on how to protect themselves given the changes.

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  256. Jean-Philippe Turgeon moderates the Lavery Franchisor Round Table

    Jean-Philippe Turgeon, a partner and head of the Franchising and Distribution group, moderated a round table for franchisors organized by Lavery and held on November 3 at the Lavery Conference Centre in Montréal. The round table was entitled Les enjeux les plus importants dans l’exploitation d’un réseau de franchises and included Julie Bergevin, Vice President, Groupe Adèle inc., Gaétan Migneault, President and Founder, Group Adèle inc. and Steve Morency, President and Owner, Gestion Yuzu inc. Franchisors present learned about the most significant challenges and problems facing franchise networks as well as various possible solutions.  

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  257. Lavery welcomes the Minister of State of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for a discussion on CETA opportunities

    On October 30, Lavery organized, in collaboration with the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie française au Canada, a luncheon seminar at its Montréal office on trade relations under CETA, attended by Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Minister of State of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Entitled Comment développer et approfondir nos relations bilatérales à travers l’AECG, Quebec and French businesses listened to Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne and Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for the Government of Québec in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) discuss the importance of implementing an ongoing dialogue between the economic actors in our respective territories in order to promote successful business exchanges.

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  258. Pierre Marc Johnson receives the AAC’s 2017 Christian-Van-Houtte Award

    On October 12, Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and lead negotiator for the Government of Quebec for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), received the 2017 Christian-Van-Houtte Award from the Aluminium Association of Canada at its annual meeting. The award highlights Mr. Johnson’s outstanding contribution to the signing of the CETA between Canada and the European Union and recognizes his efforts in mobilizing exporters here at home to ensure that they are able to benefit from the full potential of the CETA. Pierre Marc Johnson and Gervais Jacques, chariman of the board, AAC, managing director, atlantic operations, Aluminium Rio Tinto.

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  259. Frédéric Bélanger and Benjamin Poirier speak on recent developments in insurance law

    On October 27, Frédéric Bélanger and Benjamin Poirier, lawyers in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, spoke at an educational event on the topic of recent developments in insurance law organized by the Barreau du Québec and held at the InterContinental Hotel in Montreal. Their presentation, entitled La recherche de la vérité a ses limites [there are limits to the search for truth], addressed the principles of confidentiality in an effort to find a balance between the search for truth and the integrity of the justice system. It also attempted to identify the sometimes elusive structure of the legal framework that governs the privileges of confidentiality for insurance litigation practitioners, as those privileges have evolved in recent decisions. Their presentation was prepared with the close collaboration of Bernard Trang, a student in the Montreal office. They also addressed this topic in Développements récents en droit des assurances 2017, published by the continuing education service of the Barreau du Québec.

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  260. Lavery welcomes Marie-Lou Beaumont, a new lawyer in the Business Law group

    Lavery is pleased to announce that a new lawyer, Marie-Lou Beaumont, has joined the Business Law group. Marie-Lou was admitted to the bar in 2013 and has focused her practice on real estate law in the Quebec City region. One of the fields that Ms. Beaumont has been particularly active in is energy. She has worked on a number of wind projects, by examining property titles, drafting documents, and determining the legislative characterization of the work done when wind parks are created. She has also represented clients in a number of major cases involving the interpretation of affiliation agreements, corporate finance, and the sale of woodlots. Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The strength of Marie-Lou’s profile and the qualities she has demonstrated are in part the result of her seven years working as a paralegal, from which she gained unique expertise in real estate law. Having Marie-Lou join us will consolidate the real estate services we offer.”

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  261. Chloé Fauchon and Charlotte Fortin comment on the Act to amend the Environment Quality Act

    In an article published by Éditions Yvon Blais in La Référence, Chloé Fauchon and Charlotte Fortin, lawyers of the Public and Administrative Law group, analyze and comment on the main amendments to the Environment Quality Act under the Act to amend the Environment Quality Act to modernize the environmental authorization scheme and to amend other legislative provisions, in particular to reform the governance of the Green Fund (Bill 102). Click here to consult the article (in french only).

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  262. Lavery holds its annual conference on recent developments in property & casualty (damage) insurance

    On October 25, in conjunction with Déry Barrette, a claims adjustment firm, Lavery held its annual conference on recent developments in damage insurance at the Delta Sherbrooke Hotel. Frédérick Breton and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, respectively a lawyer and a partner in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, summarized significant decisions handed down over the past year in property and casualty insurance.

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  263. Maude St-Georges facilitated Éducaloi workshops on the law and the judicial system

    On October 11 and 12, 2017, Maude St-Georges, a lawyer in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group facilitated Éducaloi workshops held in the Secondary IV classes at the comprehensive high school of Polyvalente La Samare. Entitled Choisis ton camp! (Choose Your Side!), these workshops were meant to introduce young people to the law and to deconstruct certain persistent myths and preconceived notions about the law and the judicial system. Éducaloi affords high schools the opportunity of hosting a legal professional free of charge as part of introductory workshops on justice.

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  264. Lavery represents Bestar inc. in a transaction with Novacap

    On July 20, 2017, Novacap, a Canadian leader in private equity, has acquired an important stake in Bestar Inc. (“Bestar“), a leading designer and manufacturer of ready-to-assemble home and office furniture primarily sold online in Canada and the United States. Bestar Inc. was represented by a team at Lavery including Hubert Pépin (Mergers and acquisitions), Isabelle Mercure (Mergers and acquisitions) and Marilyn Paré (Mergers and acquisitions), Éric Lavallée (Intellectual property), Dave Bouchard (Labour and Employment) and Mylène Boisvert (Financing).

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  265. Maude Lafortune-Bélair speaks at the 3rd edition of the Éditions Yvon Blais conference on insurance law

    Maude Lafortune-Bélair, a lawyer of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, spoke during the 3rd edition of the conference on insurance law organized by Éditions Yvon Blais, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Montréal on October 18. Entitled L’exclusion pour actes criminels, her presentation addressed the specific elements to include when drafting and enforcing an exclusion clause for criminal acts. Me Lafortune-Bélair also discussed parallels that could be drawn between similar exclusions, such as those regarding intentional fault.

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  266. Patrick A. Molinari elected president of the CIAJ

    On October 12, Patrick A. Molinari, counsel to the Health Law group, was elected president of the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (CIAJ) for a two-year term. Founded in 1974, the mission of the CIAJ is to promote excellence and leadership in the administration of justice by fostering the acquisition of knowledge, training and the exchange of ideas. The CIAJ has over 1300 members from the judiciary, provincial law societies and professions or organizations involved in the administration of justice in Canada. Each year it offers seminars, conferences and training programs to a varied audience. Click here for more information on the CIAJ.

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  267. Chloé Fauchon hosts Projection Libre on MATV for the second consecutive year

    This fall, Chloé Fauchon, a lawyer of the Public and Administrative Law group, is hosting Projection Libre for the second year. The show is broadcast on MATV. Projection libre presents all kinds of short films (fiction, documentary, etc.) produced by Quebec filmmakers. Chloé Fauchon and her guests discuss different themes, which vary from show to show. Most of the works presented are produced by members of Spira, an artists’ cooperative dedicated to independent cinema. 

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  268. Guillaume Lavoie to participate in a McGill-HEC EMBA panel on mergers and acquisitions

    On October 30, Guillaume Lavoie, a partner and head of the Mergers & Acquisitions and Lavery CAPITAL groups, is participating in a panel on mergers and acquisitions organized by the McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA, to be held at HEC Montréal. Entitled The before and after of mergers & acquisitions, the panel will address the various issues and challenges involved in mergers and acquisitions faced by different industries and types of organizations to encourage thought, questions and discussion about the topic using examples drawn from the panelists personal experiences. Moderated by Louis Hébert, strategy professor at HEC Montréal, mergers and acquisitions expert and co-director of the EMBA McGill-HEC Montréal, the panel will also include: Rémi Fournier, Vice President, Sales and Engineering, Fibrenoire Rita-Rose Gagné, President, Growth Markets, Ivanhoé Cambridge Pascal Lépine, President and Founder, ATYPIC Click here to register.

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  269. Karine Joizil moderates a panel at the Conference on Canadian Stewardship

    On September 27, Karine Joizil, a partner of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, moderated a panel of business people during the Conference on Canadian Stewardship, held at the Sheraton Centre in Montréal. The purpose of the panel was to take an objective look at the state of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the circular economy in Canada.

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  270. Judith Rochette hosts a benefit gala for Violons du Roy

    As Vice President of the Board of Directors, Judith Rochette, a partner of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, hosted the Portées par la musique benefit gala to raise funds for the Violons du Roy chamber orchestra, held on September 19 at the Musée de l’Amérique Française in Québec City. Click here for more information about the orchestra.

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  271. Marie Cossette to speak at the APCHQ Annual Conference

    On October 21, Marie Cossette, a partner and head of the Business Integrity and Public and Administrative Law groups for the Québec City office, will speak at the 56th Annual Conference of the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ), being held at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau. In her presentation entitled La résiliation unilatérale d’un contrat de construction par le client : les enjeux pour chaque partie, she will address different issues such as determining the fair compensation owed to the contractor while protecting the work provider’s right to terminate the contract, the aspects to include in the contractor’s claim and the obligations of the parties when negotiating any such claim. Click here for more information or to register. 

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  272. Pierre Marc Johnson panelist during the World Services Group Annual Meeting

    Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), participated as a panelist during the World Services Group (WSG) 2017 Annual Meeting held in Rome from September 13 to 15, 2017. The theme of the panel was Canada, the United States, Asia and Brexit. Oceans Apart? and panelists discussed recent developments in free trade agreements and new trends and initiatives in bilateral trade between different countries. Click here for more information on World Services Group.

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  273. A Lavery team participates in the 5th edition of Juritour

    On September 17, a team of four firm members participated in the 5th edition of the Juritour bike-a-thon that started and finished at the Les Trois Tilleuls inn in Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu. Composed of Daphnée Anctil, Loïc Berdnikoff, Charles Ceelen-Brasseur and Sonia Rasquinha, the Lavery team pedalled 45 km along the Richelieu shores for the benefit of Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Fondation l’air d’Aller. The event raised a grand total of over $142,000 for the two organizations that conduct research and offer care to people suffering from cystic fibrosis. Daphnée Anctil and Sonia Rasquinha

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  274. Lavery and the Fondation Montréal inc. launch a $15,000 grant for artificial intelligence

    Lavery and Fondation Montréal inc. are pleased to announce the creation of the Lavery AI Grant offered to start-ups in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Valued at $15,000, grant winners will also have access to the full range of services provided by Fondation Montréal inc., as well as legal coaching by Lavery, tailored to the needs of young businesses in the artificial intelligence industry. The Lavery AI Grant is an annual grant and will be awarded each spring by Fondation Montréal inc. and Lavery to the start-up that has made the biggest impact in the area of artificial intelligence and that demonstrates great potential for growth. “With each passing day, Montréal is becoming the world city for artificial intelligence and six months ago, Lavery created an AI legal laboratory to analyze and predict the impact of AI in specific areas of the law, from intellectual property to the protection of personal information, including corporate governance and every aspect of business law. Our intention in creating this grant was to resolutely propel start-ups working in this activity sector and offer them legal guidance using the knowledge we developed in our laboratory,” stated Guillaume Lavoie, a partner and head of the Lavery CAPITAL group. “Young entrepreneurs are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence into the core of their business model. We are happy that we can offer, in addition to the grant, services specific to this industry, thereby strengthening the role of Fondation Montréal inc. as a super connector with the business community,” remarked Liette Lamonde, Executive Director of Fondation Montréal inc.  Applicants can submit an application starting today through the Fondation Montréal inc. website (http://www.montrealinc.ca/en/lavery-ai-grant)

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  275. Jean-Yves Simard panelist at the 13th edition of the CBA National Insolvency Law Conference

    On September 15, Jean-Yves Simard, a partner of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, served as a panelist during the 13th edition of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Insolvency Law Conference, held in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The panel entitled Annual Cross-Canada Update reviewed Canadian insolvency case law from the past year. Mr. Simard discussed recent developments in insolvency law in the province of Quebec. Mr. Simard currently serves as secretary for the CBA National Insolvency Law Section.

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  276. Two Lavery teams from Sherbrooke participate in the Relais du Lac Memphrémagog

    On September 23, two teams from the Sherbrooke office participated in the Relais du Lac Memphrémagog to raise money for the Fondation Christian Vachon, whose mission is to support school perseverance by helping children at risk. The two teams overcame the challenge, running 122.4 km and raising a combined total of $4,500, despite the sweltering heat. Participation in this activity confirms Lavery’s deep commitment to community engagement and the quality of its role as a corporate citizen. From left to right : Vincent Towner, Alain Heyne, Marie-Claude Lacaille, Angela Véronneau, Jordy Philippe Bernier, Isabelle P. Mercure and Dave Bouchard From left to right : Kay-Sandra Boyer, Yanick Vlasak, Nicolas Thibault-Bernier, Dzenan Zulji, Marika Couture-Houle et Frédérick Breton

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  277. Lavery named Regional Law Firm of the Year by Chambers Canada

    Lavery is proud to announce that it has won the Chambers Canada Regional Law Firm of the Year award at the launch of the 2018 edition of its guide. Shortlisted alongside the country's largest regional firms, this national recognition is awarded to the one that stands out the most throughout Canada. The expertise of Guy Lavoie as a leader in the field of labour and employment law in Quebec was also recognized at the event, which was held in Toronto. “The awards given to Lavery and Guy speak to the quality of the work done by our lawyers, the excellence of our strong client-focused approach, and our firm’s reputation throughout Canada,” said Anik Trudel, CEO of Lavery. The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following a rigorous process of research and interviews with a broad spectrum of lawyers and their clients. The final selection is based on clearly defined criteria that include the quality of client service, legal expertise, and commercial astuteness.

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  278. Lavery holds a seminar on business integrity

    On September 21, Lavery organized a breakfast seminar at its Montréal office entitled Une enquête vous concerne : êtes-vous prêt ? toidentify the internal and external risks facing businesses and the tools to put in place to manage these risks. The event was moderated by Nicolas Gagnon and businesses attending heard Marie Cossette, Raymond Doray and Philippe Frère, all partners and members of the Integrity group, discuss various subjects including corporate criminal and penal liability, investigatory powers of public bodies, and whistleblowers. Click here to learn more about the Business Integrity group.

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  279. Caroline Harnois speaker at the Annual Meeting of the IAFL in Reykjavik, Iceland

    During the Annual Meeting of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) which took place at Reykjavik, Iceland, from September 13 to September 17, 2017, Caroline Harnois, a partner in the Family Law, Personal and Estate Group has delivered a conference on the interplay between return applications filed under the The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction and claims for refugee status. Click here for more information about the IAFL.

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  280. Josiane L’Heureux elected at the Board of Directors of CACE

    Josiane L’Heureux, a partner of the Labour and Employment Law group, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE) during CACE’s annual conference that took place in Calgary from September 14 to 16, 2017. Once again, Lavery was well represented at the Conference, as Brittany Carson, Zeïneb Mellouli and Guy Lavoie were in attendance. Guy Lavoie was a member of the organizing committee of the Conference, and he chaired the very last panel of the Conference. CACE regroups approximately 1,300 management-side lawyers in Labour and Employment Law from all Canadian provinces.

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  281. René Branchaud and Sébastien Vézina recognized as leading lawyers in mining law by Lexpert

    René Branchaud and Sébastien Vézina, partners of the Business Law group, have been recognized as leading lawyers in mining law in the 2017-2018 edition of Lexpert Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining. This recognition is the product of an extensive peer survey process conducted in Canada and throughout the world.   Please click here to access the electronic version of this publication.

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  282. Lavery ranked in Canada's Top 10 Infrastructure Firms

    According to the Inframation Deals’ quarterly report (global infrastructure transaction database), Lavery ranked 10th in terms of the value of transactions. This internationally renowned database regularly publishes reports that position the various players involved in infrastructure transactions. This year, Lavery is the only Quebec law firm to be included in this national report. Click here for more information on Inframation Group.

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  283. Lavery represents Aspen Skiing Company and KSL Capital Partners in a US$1.5 billion acquisition

    As legal advisors for the Quebec portion of the transaction, Lavery represented the affiliates of Aspen Skiing Company, LLC and KSL Capital Partners, LLC during the acquisition of Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc., a ski resort operator and adventure company in North America that owns Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec. The transaction closed on July 31, 2017, for an approximate aggregate value of US$1.5 billion and created a new entity with a property portfolio of 12 four-season mountain resorts, 20,000 skiable acres, significant land available for real estate development, and Canadian Mountain Holidays, a leading heli-ski operator. The Lavery team was headed by Sébastien Vézina and François Arseneault (Corporate) and included Carole Gélinas and Mathieu Cantin (Real Estate), Audrey-Julie Dallaire and Daniel Bouchard (Environment), Zeïneb Mellouli (Labour), Eric Lavallée (Intellectual Property) and Maxime Rousseau-Turenne and Luc Thibaudeau (Litigation).

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  284. Marie Cossette becomes ambassador for the CCIQ Leadership au féminin program

    Lavery is proud to announce that Marie Cossette, the partner responsible for Business Integrity and the Public and Administrative Law group for the Québec City office, has been named ambassador for the Leadership au féminin program of the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Québec (CCIQ). Mme Cossette is already considerably involved in supporting women in the Québec City business network, namely as leader of the first group of participants in the Québec City A Effect challenge, and continues to be committed to driving the professional success of women in the large Québec City business community. The program is aimed at women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs, who hope to leave a lasting personal mark on their profession and in their community, who seek a greater public presence, and who wish to get involved and make a difference. Click here for more information on the program or to participate.

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  285. Louis Charette becomes Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Louis Charette, a partner of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (College) during a ceremony held on September 16, 2017. Mr. Charette is the only Québec lawyer in this cohort to be inducted as a Fellow of the College. Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers is an invitation only fellowship of exceptional trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds from the United States and Canada. The College is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, and the ethics of the profession. Click here for more information on the College.   Following the induction of the new Fellows, Mr. Charette responded on their behalf.

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  286. Lavery first ever law firm Parity Certified Bronze 2017

    During the Annual Recognition Gala organized by Women in Governance, Lavery was designated “Business Pioneer in Parity Certification” and received “Parity Certified Bronze 2017”. Lavery is the first law firm to undertake the Parity Certification process, launched on June 22, 2017. This initiative of Women in Governance aims to increase the number of women in senior management positions. “Our participation in this initiative is based on Lavery’s vision of being a vehicle for fulfillment and advancement for the women in our organization,” commented Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery. “In addition to sending a clear message about our leadership in this area within the legal and business communities, the certification process will allow us to set clear objectives and structure the steps needed to support women in the advancement of their career.” The Parity Certification offered by Women in Governance is a unique initiative that acknowledges the courage of the thousands of inspiring women who take risks every day to transform the business world. Lavery invites its peers and Quebec’s large corporations to join this movement and launch the Parity Certification process so that they too can contribute to building a diversified business community. 

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  287. A hat trick for Sébastien Vézina, appointed independent arbitrator for the QMJHL

    On August 25, Sébastien Vézina, a partner of the Business Law group, was selected for the third consecutive year to sit as an independent arbitrator for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), one of the three major junior leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The three QMJHL independent arbitrators sit on a rotating basis and review official decisions of the QMJHL, the Commissioner, or the Board of Governors, that may be appealed. This appointment contributes to the sound governance and integrity of the league by having an independent party intervene in decisions subject to an appeal. Only individuals with the recognized expertise and reputation in sports and governance are invited to take on this role.

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  288. Lavery welcomes Karine Joizil, new partner in the litigation group

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of a new partner, Karine Joizil, who is joining the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. Over the years, Ms. Joizil has developed an expertise in commercial and administrative law litigation as well as impressive experience in the areas of class actions, access to information and the protection of personal information. She also has in-depth knowledge of the legislation governing the health sector and regularly advises health professionals and organizations. Ms. Joizil believes that it is important to invest in the legal community and in view of this has been lecturing on public and administrative law at the École du Barreau for over ten years.  Ms. Joizil has also been very involved in the community throughout her career. She is currently chair of the board of directors for Recyc-Québec. “Lavery is always on the lookout for opportunities to grow, and Karine’s arrival among us confirms our firm intention to acquire exceptional talent in order to better serve our clients’ needs and contribute to advancing the practice. By hiring Karine, we have consolidated our offer of litigation and class action services”, remarked Anik Trudel, Lavery Chief Executive Officer.

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  289. Lavery represents athlete and former Olympian in athletics Bruny Surin in a dispute

    Sébastien Vézina, a partner of the Business Law group, together with Martin Pichette and Frédéric Laflamme, respectively a partner and a lawyer of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, are representing Bruny Surin in a dispute instituted against a sporting goods manufacturer. Mr. Surin alleges that the business used his name on a brand of running shoes without his consent. Thanks to Lavery, Bruny Surin won the first step in the proceeding as the Superior Court dismissed the defendant’s motion for dismissal on the ground that the Quebec courts lack jurisdiction to hear the dispute. The defendants were also ordered to disclose information to Bruny Surin on the proceeds from the sale of the shoes in Canada.

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  290. Lavery a proud partner of Pride at Work

    On September 1, 2017, Lavery officially became a partner of the Pride at Work initiative. Lavery has committed to provide a work environment favourable to diversity in which each member of the firm can realize his or her full potential.  Inclusion and tolerance are core values to Lavery which apply to all decisions regarding employment, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance evaluations, compensation and promotions, but also to all aspects of the client relationship. Through dialogue, education and thought leadership, Pride at Work empowers employers to foster workplace cultures that recognize LGBTQ+ employees as an important part of a diverse and effective workforce. Since 2008, the organization’s benchmarking, training, and consulting services help Canadian employers to create safer, more inclusive work spaces, realize the full potential of their staff teams and bring down barriers to employment for Canada’s LGBTQ+ community.

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  291. Élodie Brunet and Zeïneb Mellouli speakers at the 2017 Ordre des CRHA HR convention

    On September 27, Élodie Brunet and Zeïneb Mellouli, respectively a lawyer and a partner of the Labour and Employment Law group, will speak at the 2017 Ordre des CRHA HR convention being held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Together with Dr. Yves Lamontagne, they will participate in a multidisciplinary panel entitled Gestion de la santé mentale : entretien avec un psychiatre. Various subjects related to managing disability and psychological injuries will be discussed and practical solutions proposed. Click here to register for the seminar.

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  292. Judith Rochette takes part in the Marathon SSQ in Quebec City

    On August 27, Judith Rochette, a partner in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, took part in the 20th annual Marathon SSQ, completing the half-marathon event. The race consisted of running a 21.1 km course that started in Saint-Romuald and ended in the Old Port of Quebec City. Ms. Rochette completed her race in 1 hour, 56 minutes and 17 seconds.

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  293. A new team joins Lavery’s Litigation group in Québec City

    Lavery is pleased to announce that a new team composed of two partners has joined its Litigation and Conflict Resolution group in the Québec City office. Judith Rochette, who joins the firm as a partner, is returning to her roots because she previously worked with Lavery for twelve years. Called to the Barreau du Québec in 1988, she holds a Master in Health Law from the Université de Sherbrooke and has extensive experience in civil and professional liability and insurance law. Me Rochette is familiar with the business community and will actively contribute to developing the firm’s presence in the health, insurance, financial services and educational sectors which are her core practice areas. With forty years of practice behind him, Errol Payne is joining the firm as a partner. He practises primarily civil and professional liability, general insurance, life and disability insurance, and media law in loss of reputation and privacy matters. He is actively involved with the Barreau du Québec, where, as counsel for the Professional Liability Insurance Fund, he defends lawyers being sued for professional liability. He has also been a member of the Barreau’s Professional Inspection Committee since 1999 and has served as chair since 2008, and as such, is a top reference on ethics, disciplinary law and professional liability. “The arrival of Judith and Errol at our Québec City office will definitely enable us to better serve our ever-growing clientele in the national capital and will enhance our presence in the surrounding important business centres. Their reputation within the Quebec business community and their expertise correspond with the highest standards of the profession. We are honoured that they accepted our offer to join our large family,” commented Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer.

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  294. The 2018 The Best Lawyers in Canada recognize 42 lawyers of Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 42 of the firm’s lawyers have been recognized as leading lawyers in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. "The ranking of our partners among the most influential lawyers in their fields confirms our leadership role as the largest independent law firm in Quebec. The fact that they put their clients and partners at the heart of their practice gives them the necessary agility and audacity to excel in our market. Congratulations to all!", stated Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer. Five lawyers among the Lavery lawyers recommended in this edition have been honoured for the first time: Josianne Beaudry, Norman A. Dionne, Nadine Landry, François Renaud and Yanick Vlasak. Below is a complete list of Lavery lawyers and their field(s) of expertise. Note that the practice areas reflect those in Best Lawyers. Pierre-L. Baribeau : Labour and Employment Law Josianne Beaudry : Mining Law René Branchaud : Mining Law / Natural Resources Law / Securities Law Jules Brière, Ad. E.. :  Administrative and Public Law / Health Care Law Richard Burgos : Corporate Law Marie-Claude Cantin : Construction Law / Insurance Law Louis Charette : Aviation Law / Product Liability Law / Transportation Law Eugène Czolij : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Pierre Denis : Equipment Finance Law Norman A. Dionne : Entertainment Law Raymond Doray, Ad. E. : Administrative and Public Law Louis-Martin Dubé : Real Estate Law Nicolas Gagnon : Construction Law Michel Gélinas : Labour and Employment Law Caroline Harnois : Family Law Jean Hébert : Insurance Law Richard A. Hinse : Corporate and Commercial Litigation Pierre Marc Johnson, Ad. E, G.O.Q., MSRC : International Arbitration Bernard Larocque : Class Action Litigation / Insurance Law Nadine Landry : Immigration Law Guy Lavoie, CIRC : Labour and Employment Law / Workers’ Compensation Law Jean Legault : Banking and Finance Law / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Guy Lemay, CIRC : Class Action Litigation / Labour and Employment Law Jean Martel, Ad. E. : Corporate Governance Practice / Private Funds Law Patrick A. Molinari, Ad.E., MSRC : Health Care Law Philip Nolan : Tax Law François Parent : Employee Benefits Law Luc Pariseau : Tax Law Jacques Paul-Hus : Mergers & Acquisitions Law Louis Payette, Ad. E. : Banking and Finance Law Élisabeth Pinard : Family Law Sylvain Poirier : Health Care Law François Renaud : Banking and Finance Law Marc Rochefort : Securities Law Ian Rose : Director and Officer Liability Practice / Insurance Law Raphaël  H. Schachter , c.r., Ad. E. : Criminal Defence Jean-Yves Simard : Corporate and Commercial Litigation / Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law Gerald Stotland : Family Law Philippe Tremblay : Construction Law Jean-Philippe Turgeon : Franchise Law André Vautour : Corporate Law / Information Technology Law / Intellectual Property Law / Private Funds Law / Technology Law Yanick Vlasak : Corporate and Commercial Litigation For more information, please consult the Best Lawyers website.

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  295. The Best Lawyers in Canada names five partners as Lawyer of the Year 2018

    Lavery is proud to announce that five of the firm’s partners have been named in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada as Lawyer of the Year in their respective area of practice. Listed below are the Lavery lawyers recognized and their field of expertise. Note that the practice areas are those listed in The Best Lawyers René Branchaud, Mining Law Jules Brière, Ad. E., Administrative and Public Law François Parent, Employee Benefits Law Jean-Philippe Turgeon, Franchise Law André Vautour, Private Funds Law “Given that this distinction is based on peer review and is awarded to lawyers who received the top score in their respective area, there is no doubt that the reputation, expertise, professionalism and quality of services of our colleagues are appreciated not only by each and every one of their clients, but by the legal community in general. Congratulations to our nominees!,” states Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. For more information, consult the Best Lawyers web site.

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  296. Élisabeth Pinard and Pierre Marc Johnson named Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) by the Barreau du Québec

    In a press release issued August 3, the Barreau du Québec published the list of those named Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the profession and exceptional career. Lavery is proud to announce that Élisabeth Pinard, coordinating partner of the Family, Personal and Estates Law group and Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec have been awarded this distinction. This recognition confirms Élisabeth’s expertise in family law and the reputation she enjoys in Quebec and internationally among a number of institutions, businesses and organizations. She was also recently inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. “Her sharp legal mind, strong sense of justice, fairness and integrity, but above all, that dose of humanity that she injects into everything she undertakes bring honour to the profession”, commented Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer. The title Advocatus Emeritus will be officially awarded at a ceremony to be held on November 21 in Montréal. Pierre Marc Johnson will be awarded the distinction Lawyer Emeritus, after having received the Barreau du Québec Medal earlier this year. Click here to consult the list of recipients who have received the distinction since its inception in 2007.

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  297. Audrey Gibeault speaks at the AFFQ

    Audrey Gibeault, an associate of the Business Law group and a member of the Professional Development Committee of the Association of Quebec Women in Finance (AFFQ), spoke about Start with why: How great leaders inspire action during a breakfast seminar held on July 7 as part of the Les lectures incontournables series. A second seminar on the same subject will be offered in August.

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  298. Pier-Olivier Fradette published in La référence by Éditions Yvon Blais

    On July 5, an article analyzing a decision on access to information and written by Pier-Olivier Fradette, an associate of the Public and Administrative Law group, appeared in La Référence, a specialized publication by Éditions Yvon Blais. The article is a commentary on Aréna Marcel Dutil inc. c. Succession de Gagnon, 2017 QCCQ 278426, a decision on whether organizations and committees that gravitate around municipalities are subject to the Act respecting access to documents held by public bodies and the protection of personal information. Click here to read the article (in French only).

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  299. Jean Martel member of the IIAC Hall of Fame Selection Committee

    On June 27, the Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) announced the names of the 2017 Hall of Fame inductees: Catherine (Kiki) Delaney – Founder and President, Delaney Capital Management Ltd. Ned Goodman – Co-founder, Beutel, Goodman & Company; Founder, Dundee Corporation Stephen Jarislowsky – Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Jarislowsky, Fraser Limited William (Bill) Wilder – Former President, Wood Gundy Inc. John Pearce Bunting – Former President and CEO, Toronto Stock Exchange (posthumous) Peter Cundill – Founder, Peter Cundill & Associates Ltd.; Founder, Cundill Value Fund (posthumous) Jean Martel, a partner of the Business Law group, served on the IIAC Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The committee is composed exclusively of distinguished Canadian who have made their mark in various communities, from investments to politics, including the business, legal and academic communities. The 2017 Hall of Fame inductees will be enshrined at a Gala Dinner on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at the Delta Toronto Hotel.

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  300. Guy Lavoie elected Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers

    Guy Lavoie, a partner of the Labour and Employment Law group, was elected a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers during a meeting held on June 10 by the governors of this prestigious association. He will be officially inducted on November 11, 2017, in Washington. This distinction is awarded to Labour lawyers who distinguish themselves through their sustained contributions and performances in this area of practice and meet the highest standards of integrity, professional and excellence.

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  301. Valérie Belle-Isle and Pier-Olivier Fradette speak at the ADMQ convention

    Valérie Belle-Isle and Pier-Olivier Fradette, lawyers of the Public and Administrative Law group, presented seminars during the Association des directeurs municipaux du Québec (ADMQ) annual convention, held June 14 – 16, 2017 at the Québec City Convention Centre. Me. Fradette spoke on June 15 about the work that a municipality could perform internally. The purpose of the seminar was to analyze the main construction laws and identify situations where a municipality could carry out the work using its own employees without having to hire professionals such as engineers, architects, electricians, plumbers, contractors with an RBQ permit or employees with a CCQ competency certificate. Both Me. Belle-Isle and Me. Fradette spoke during the second seminar, entitled Les zones grises des pouvoirs du conseil municipal (Grey areas in municipal council powers) presented on June 16, which identified situations where the municipal council has been granted broad powers under the Act and offered guidelines to general directors on assisting municipal councils in their decision-making. The three situations discussed were emergency work in the event of superior force, powers of the municipal council during the 30-day period preceding an election and requests to amend by-laws.

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  302. Audrey Gibeault and Luc Pariseau present to the M&A Club

    Audrey Gibeault and Luc Pariseau, respectively an associate and a partner of the Business Law group, presented a seminar to the M&A Club on Nouveautés fiscales en matière d’achat/vente d’entreprise (The latest developments in taxation when buying or selling a business) on June 13. The seminar washeldatthe Lavery Conference Centre and was attended by over fifty people.

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  303. Étienne Brassard and Guillaume Synnott mentors at the Parcours Entrepreneurial Rémi-Marcoux

    Once again this year, Étienne Brassard and Guillaume Synnott, respectively a partner and a lawyer of the Business Law group, delivered two workshops on May 16 and June 19 to students participating in the Parcours Entrepreneurial Remi-Marcoux of the HEC Montréal on governance, financing, corporate law, and other issues for young entrepreneurs. Students were also offered one-on-one consulting time to discuss their specific cases and establish a solid legal base for both their business model and the future of their company.

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  304. Marie-Josée Hétu speaks at the 2017 RQSISQ Symposium

    On June 16, Marie-Josée Hétu, a partner of the Labour and Employment Law group, spoke at the 2017 Symposium of the Regroupement des directeurs des services d’incendies et de secours du Québec (RQSISQ), held at the Hotel Le Dauphin in Drummondville on June 15-16. Approximately twenty directors, officers, and managers working in various fire and rescue services across the province attended the conference, at which employee behaviour outside work, the duty of loyalty, and the use of social media were discussed.

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  305. Jean-Philippe Turgeon appointed to the CQF Executive Board

    On May 26, Jean-Philippe Turgeon, a partner and head of the Franchising and Distribution group, was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Conseil québécois de la franchise (CQF) as well as Vice President of Legal Affairs. As such, his role will be to promote and represent franchising in Quebec while ensuring the good governance of the organization. Mr. Turgeon will remain a member of the board of directors. Lavery’s Franchising and Distribution group provides local or international franchisors, buying groups, distributors, retailers and manufacturers with the legal services they need to improve their business model, optimize supply, grow their network, improve their product and services distribution, and strengthen their brand identity.

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  306. An impressive participation by Lavery at the 30th edition of the St-Lambert Triathlon

    Nearly thirty representatives from Lavery participated in  the 30th edition of the St-Lambert triathlon that was held last Sunday, on July 9th. Welcoming nearly 800 athletes, the event was a great success once again this year.  Lavery not only enjoyed exceptional visibility but also the presence of several of its representatives on the podiums! The firm would like to congratulate the athletes who excelled and reminded everyone about the importance of teamwork. We would like to also note the great participation of many of our colleagues from our Quebec City and Sherbrooke offices. Congratulations to our athletes, notably: Jean-Benoît Thivierge (swimming), René Branchaud (cycling) and Pier-Luc Girard (running) who won first place above all the teams and the first place in the "Men’s Team" category. Zila Savary (swimming), François Nolet-Lévesque (cycling) and Judith Houle-Couture (running) ranked 3rd in the "Mixed Team" category. Nicolas Joubert won the silver medal in his M35-39 category. François Arseneault arrived in 1st place (Men) in the 10 km. Marie-Aude Thérien placed second (Women) in the 10 km.

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  307. Lavery welcomes four new lawyers

          Lavery is pleased to welcome four new lawyers, Shan Jiang, Jean-Sébastien Massol, Gabrielle Tétrault and Ariane Villemaire. Ariane Villemaire and Jean-Sébastien Massol will join the Labour and Employment Law group. Gabrielle Tétrault will join the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group and Shan Jiang will join the Corporate Law group.  “Hiring these four new lawyers is a testament to the quality of their work as articling students. We are proud to be keeping the students we trained among our ranks,” said Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer.

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  308. Guillaume Lavoie participates in Rendez-vous Montréal inc.

    On June 14, Guillaume Lavoie, a partner and head of the Lavery CAPITAL group, presented the LAVERY grant to Les matériaux Redwood inc., represented by its founder Marc Elliott, during the Rendez-vous Montréal inc. The event, organized by Fondation Montréal Inc. and presented by the National Bank, was held in the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec Parquet.   Fondation Montréal inc. is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to encourage the success of a new generation of Montréal entrepreneurs with the help of donors and experienced volunteer business people. Guillaume Lavoie has volunteered with Fondation Montréal inc. for many years.

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  309. Laurence Bich-Carrière publishes an article in Cahiers de propriété intellectuelle

    Laurence Bich-Carrière, a lawyer of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, wrote an article entitled “Quelques décisions d’intérêt en matière de cyberdiffamation 2016” that was published in the most recent issue of Cahiers de propriété intellectuelle.   In her case comment, she reviews a number of cyber defamation decisions rendered in 2016 and recommends the cases to follow in 2017. The article discusses various topical subjects such as private international defamation law, the right to be forgotten, and the liability of search engines, Internet archives, or Facebook friends for defamatory comments made by third party, addressed by decisions such as Goldhar v. Haaretz, 2016 ONCA 515, A.B. c. Google inc., 2016 QCCS 4913, Chiara c Vigile Québec, 2016 QCCS 5167 and others.

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  310. Louis Rochette (1957-2017) - Homage to a professional dedicated to Québec City’s business community

    It was with great sadness that Lavery de Billy recently learned of the death of its partner Louis Rochette. “Louis Rochette, who worked for our firm since 1995 was a vital force in Québec City’s business community. His skills, passion and vast knowledge of the law which he shared with all members of the firm, especially the junior lawyers, was appreciated by all. We have lost not only a partner but a friend”, said Daniel Bouchard, managing partner of Lavery’s Québec City office. Mr. Rochette practiced primarily in the areas of business law, life sciences and health establishments, focussing on financing, corporate and contractual transactions, high technology, intellectual property and the marketing of university research results. He represented large financial institutions and many public and private companies in both Montréal and Québec City. Mr. Rochette was listed since 2012 in The Best Lawyers in Canada as a leading practitioner in the field of health care law. Since 2008, he also served as Belgium’s Honorary Consul in Québec City and was managing partner of the Québec City office from 2004 to 2012. His commitment to Québec’s business milieu and his active involvement in cultural and charitable organizations was recognized by his peers. He held the following Board positions: President of the Société du Grand théâtre de Québec (since 2015) Director of the Centre de recherche informatique de Montréal (since 2010) Co-Chair of the 2015 edition of Leucan’s Shaved Head fundraising campaign President of the Association des consuls honoraires for the Québec City area (2013-2016) Director of the Société du 400e anniversaire de la ville de Québec (2006-2010) Director of the executive committee of the Québec City Port Authority (2005-2008) President of the Pôle Québec-Chaudière-Appalaches audit committee (now Québec International) (2002-2009) President of the Corporation de la Salle Albert-Rousseau inc. (1996-2015) President of the Québec City Summer Festival (1994-1995) Director of the Québec City Summer Festival (1992-1997) “Other than his professional duties, he was first and foremost a man devoted to his family. His wife, four children and grandson meant everything to him. He was also a sincere and faithful colleague who developed strong and unwavering friendships during his life”, Daniel Bouchard concluded. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, his friends and those who knew him, whether at the firm, in cultural organizations or Québec City’s business community in which he was actively involved.

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  311. Jean-Philippe Turgeon moderates the franchisors’ round table

    Jean-Philippe Turgeon, the partner responsible for the Franchising and Distribution group, moderated a round table of franchisors organized by Lavery in collaboration with the Conseil québécois de la franchise held on June 9 at the Lavery Conference Centre in Montréal. The round table theme was Investissez-vous votre budget marketing national auprès des bons médias publicitaires ? The event brought together Véronique Desrosiers, co-president of communication and marketing companyÉcorce and Marc-André Rivard, owner ofCommunications Récréation, and franchisors learned about the best media placement marketing strategies.

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  312. Gérard Mounier appointed to the board of directors of the Infrastructure Council

    On May 31, Gérard Mounier, a strategic advisor with the Business Law group and co-chair of the Infrastructure group, was appointed to the board of directors of the Infrastructure Council. Part of his mandate will be to further the three main principles of the Council, which are to i) promote advantageous partnerships for the community, ii) intervene objectively with public organizations and iii) foster technological innovation and sustainable economic development while ensuring the good governance of the organization.

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  313. Lavery commits to healthy living by participating in the 1,000 km event of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie

    From June 15 to 18, a team made up of firm members participated in the 1,000 km event of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie. The challenge was to cycle from Saguenay to Montréal, via Mont Tremblant and Gatineau, to raise funds and promote healthy living and the benefits of sport for the young and the not-so-young. Funds raised will be used to support initiatives for students at the Versant Sainte-Geneviève school in Québec City. This participation confirms Lavery’s deep commitment to community engagement and the quality of its role as a corporate citizen.

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  314. Lavery rides for the fight against prostate cancer

    On June 18, a Lavery team participated in the 8th edition of the Tour du Courage PROCURE to raise funds to fight prostate cancer through research, awareness, information, and support for men afflicted by this disease and their families. The Lavery team biked up Mount Royal 12 times in 2 h 36 and raised $5,250, in recognition of the 12 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every day in Quebec.

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  315. Over one hundred participants attend Lavery construction law conferences

    Lavery held two conferences, at its Montréal and Québec City offices respectively on June 1 and 8, 2017, on the latest developments, trends, and issues in construction law. Over one hundred participants attended the conferences. Marie-Claude Cantin moderated the Montréal conference, during which construction arbitration (Emil Vidrascu), the principle of fair treatment of bidders (Julie Grondin), and certain types of construction project financing (Étienne Brassard) were discussed. Marie Cossette moderated the Québec City conference, during which the legal distinction between the principal contract and sub-contract (François Bélanger), the decision in Buesco c. Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosement (Simon Rainville), and the essential due diligence principles with respect to licences, regulations, and authorization certificates (Pier-Olivier Fradette) were addressed.

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  316. Lavery holds a labour and employment symposium in Drummondville

    The Drummondville edition of Lavery’s Major Symposium on Labour and Employment Law was held on June 15 at the Centrexpo Cogeco Drummondville. Participants attended various workshops facilitated by Jean Boulet, Danielle Gauthier and Carl Lessard. The speakers discussed a variety of subjects, including recent developments in labour law, managing employees with difficult behaviour or in psychological distress, and renegotiating collective agreements.

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  317. Daniel Bouchard and Chloé Fauchon speak at a conference on recent developments in environment law

    Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Québec City office and Chloé Fauchon, a lawyer of the Public and Administrative Law group, spoke at Les développements récents en droit de l’environnement, a conference on recent developments in environment law organized by the Barreau du Québec and held on June 2, 2017, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. They reviewed the recent jurisprudence on environment law and commented on the effects and scope of Bills 102 and 132, in particular the notion of watercourse, the civil liability of the Minister of the Environment in the exercise of his duties, and the procedure for obtaining an authorization certificate in an emergency. 

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  318. Lavery holds a labour and employment symposium in Sherbrooke

    The Sherbrooke edition of Lavery’s Major Symposium on Labour and Employment Law was held on June 14 at the Delta Hotel. Participants attended various workshops facilitated by Dave Bouchard, Geneviève Chamberland and Danielle Gauthier. The speakers discussed a variety of subjects, including how to successfully terminate an employment, recent developments in labour law, and managing violent behaviour and threats in the workplace.

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  319. Luc Thibaudeau receives an award for engagement from Éducaloi

    Luc Thibaudeau, a partner of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, received an award for his engagement from Éducaloi during their annual meeting held on June 6 at the Maison du Barreau. The award recognizes Mr. Thibaudeau’s involvement with the organization, in particular the many times he has delivered Éducaloi workshops in high schools. Éducaloi is a registered Quebec charity that has been playing a leading role in improving access to justice since it was founded in 2000. Its mission is to inform the public about the law and their rights and obligations. To achieve this, it carries out activities in three areas: legal information, legal education and developing an expertise in explaining the law in plain and simple language.

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  320. Lavery holds a labour and employment law symposium in Trois-Rivières

             The Trois-Rivières edition of Lavery’s Major Symposium on Labour and Employment Law was held on June 13 at the Hôtel Gouverneur. Participants attended various workshops facilitated by Jean Boulet, Nicolas Courcy, Myriam Lavallée and Carl Lessard. The speakers discussed a variety of subjects, including best practices when hiring and terminating an employment, managing employees with difficult behaviour or in psychological distress, and renegotiating collective agreements.

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  321. Awatif Lakhdar speaks at a CBA-Québec mini-seminar

    On June 7, Awatif Lakhdar, a partner of the Family, Personal and Estate Law group, spoke at a mini-seminar organized by the Wills, Estates and Trusts section of the Canadian Bar Association - Québec Division, held at the Lavery Conference Centre in Montréal and attended by over 45 lawyers. Entitled “Planification successorale et droits matrimoniaux : Avez-vous vraiment tout prévu ?”, Ms. Lakhdar addressed the challenges with foreign-born spouses. She specifically discussed the international jurisdiction of Quebec courts, the doctrine of international litispendence, the application of the rules on family patrimony and the qualification of the matrimonial regime.

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  322. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur speaks at the ACUQ

    This spring, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, a partner of the Labour and Employment Law group, delivered four four-hour training sessions for close to one hundred emergency call centre workers in Québec. These sessions were delivered as part of a skills improvement program created by the Association des centres d’urgence du Québec (ACUQ). Entitled Médias sociaux et confidentialité de l’information, the training reviewed the legal obligations by which emergency call centre workers are bound and analyzed the employment impact of disclosing confidential or other information obtained in the course of employment on social media.

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  323. Pierre Marc Johnson speaks at the 8th edition of the Québec Industrial Barometer

    On May 12, Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and lead negotiator for the Quebec government on the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), commented on the results of the 8th edition of the Québec Industrial Barometer during an event organized by Sous-Traitance Industrielle Québec (STIQ). At the same time, he informed the manufacturers present that it was important to put in place a European Union export strategy and action plan given the CETA’s imminent provisional entry into force. Since 2009 STIQ has been publishing the Québec Industrial Barometer, which draws an annual portrait of the manufacturing sector using a series of measurable indicators and provides an overview of the situation in Quebec.

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  324. Lavery’s Montréal 2017 Major Symposium on Labour and Employment Law an unqualified success

    Lavery’s 2017 Major Symposium on Labour and Employment Law held in Montréal was an unqualified success. About 500 people attended the event held June 7 at the Centre Mont-Royal to learn about recent developments in this area. The symposium was hosted by Nicolas Joubert and Guy Lavoie, partners of the Labour and Employment Law group. Participants also attended a number of workshops facilitated by Dave Bouchard, Élodie Brunet, Nicolas Courcy, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, Carl Lessard, Josiane L’Heureux, Zeïneb Mellouli and Véronique Morin. The speakers addressed a variety of subjects, including best practices when hiring and terminating employment, managing employees with difficult behaviour or in psychological distress, telework and renegotiating a collective agreement.

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  325. Marie-Josée Hétu speaks to the Réseau RH de Drummondville

    On May 10, Marie-Josée Hétu, a partner of the Labour and Employment Law group, spoke at an event organized by the RH Réseau de Drummondville (HR network). Approximately thirty human resources managers attended the breakfast seminar, where key labour and employment law cases from the past year and recent legislative developments were reviewed.

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  326. Marie Cossette and Chloé Fauchon speak at the 2017 AÉECQ Convention

    On May 25, Marie Cossette, partner and head of the Business Integrity practice and the Quebec City Public and Administrative Law group, and Chloé Fauchon, an associate with the same group, spoke at the 2017 Convention of the Association des estimateurs et des économistes de la construction du Québec (AEÉCQ), which was held May 25-26 at the Loews Hôtel Vogue in Montreal. Entitled Bill 108: highlights of the new rules on public contracting and the powers of the Autorité des marchés publics, the presentation answered many questions about the newly created Autorité des marchés publics (AMP) introduced in Bill 108, in particular the amendments tabled by the Minister subjecting municipalities to the AMP.   To learn more about Bill 108, click here to consult our bulletin Need to Know.

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  327. Guillaume Lavoie participates in a McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA panel on governance

    On June 13, Guillaume Lavoie, partner and head of the Lavery CAPITAL and Mergers and Acquisitions groups, will participate in a panel on governance organized by McGill-HEC Montréal EMBA being held at the HEC Montréal. Entitled Les défis et enjeux de la gouvernance, the panel will address the various issues and challenges faced by different industries and types of organizations to stimulate a discussion on governance based on concrete examples experienced by the panelists. The panel will also include Louise St-Pierre, former CEO of Cogeco Connexion, Josée Duplessis, Chief of Staff for the Federal Minister of Family, Children and Social Development and Ginette Mailhot, founder of Capital Humain Plus and a director of Anges Québec. All profits will be donated to Women in Governance and its president and co-founder, Caroline Codsi, will moderate. Click here to register.

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  328. Pierre Marc Johnson, recipient of the Médaille du Barreau du Québec

    This year the Barreau du Québec will award its highest honour, the Médaille du Barreau to Pierre Marc Johnson, Counsel at Lavery and former Premier of Quebec. This greatly deserved honour recognizes his career as a jurist and a politician and more particularly his contribution to the advancement of law and the public interest.  Acting as chief negotiator for Quebec since 2009 during the negotiations of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Me Johnson was responsible for relations and representations with Canadian and European Union representatives, on behalf of a dozen Quebec government ministries. The negotiations culminated on February 15th of this year when the European Parliament approved the CETA. The signing of this agreement is an unprecedented event for Quebec as it is the first time in its history that the province has fully participated in the negotiation of an international trade agreement. "The immense pleasure and great pride we felt upon learning the news is equal to the privilege we enjoy of being able to count on a lawyer of Pierre Marc Johnson’s calibre among our ranks", stated Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer. Me Johnson will receive his award on June 15th at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, during the opening dinner of the Journées du Barreau du Québec. For more information, consult the Barreau du Québec press release (available in French only) and a list of previous Médaille recipients.

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  329. Daniel Bouchard speaks about the new Environment Quality Act

    Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Quebec City office, spoke at a meeting of the Réseaux Experts/Développement durable organized by the Manufacturers and Exporters of Quebec (MEQ), held on April 21 at the Agropur head office in St-Hubert. He pointed out to MEQ members the repercussions for Quebec businesses of Bill 102, An Act to amend the Environment Quality Act to modernize the environmental authorization scheme and to amend other legislative provisions, in particular to reform the governance of the Green Fund.

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  330. André Vautour elected to the board of directors of the Fondation de l’Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec

    On April 27, André Vautour, a partner of the Business Law group, was elected to the board of directors of the Fondation de l'Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec. The Fondation’s mission is to promote the interests and advancement of nursing for the benefit of patients. It encourages recognition of the instrumental role played by the nursing profession in Quebec’s healthcare system.

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  331. Nicolas Joubert speaks at the Éditions Yvon Blais Colloque Santé et sécurité du travail

    Nicolas Joubert, a partner of the Labour and Employment Law group, spoke at the Colloque Santé et sécurité du travail (Occupational Health and Safety Colloquium) organized by Éditions Yvon Blais and held on May 11 in Québec City. Entitled La surveillance et la filature des travailleurs absents à la suite d’un accident de travail : les bonnes pratiques et les pièges à éviter, the presentation addressed the legal framework surrounding these sensitive issues. Me Joubert also reviewed recent jurisprudence and highlighted best practices and pitfalls to avoid. A second edition of the colloquium will be held in Montréal this coming December 7. Click here to register.

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  332. Benjamin Poirier pens an article in Cheval Québec Magazine

    Benjamin Poirier, a lawyer with the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, penned an article entitled L’inspection vétérinaire préachat :l’amour n’est plus aveugle in the Spring 2017 edition of Cheval Québec Magazine. With a view to improving practices for the benefit of members of the equestrian community, Mr. Poirier discusses the importance of a pre-purchase veterinary examination during a purchase-sale transaction and its legal implications. Click here for more information on Cheval Québec Magazine.

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  333. Simon Rainville appointed to the Disciplinary Committee of the Barreau du Québec

    On May 4, Simon Rainville, an associate of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, was appointed to the Disciplinary Committee of the Barreau du Québec. As a member of the Committee, Me. Rainville will actively participate in hearing complaints filed against lawyers who breach the law or the regulations of the Barreau. He will also rule on and impose sanctions for any such breaches.

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  334. Léonie Gagné and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin presented a conference intitled “Practical advice to claim adjusters : from the loss to the trial”

    On May 11, Léonie Gagné and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, respectively an associate and a partner from our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group presented a seminar to claim adjusters from Cuierrier & Associés and select clients at the Le Mirage Golf Club in Terrebonne. Entitled “Practical advice to claim adjusters: from the loss to the trial”, the seminar provided claim adjusters with advice to assist them when investigating and recovering indemnities paid by the insurer as well as with the insured’s defense. The conference covered among other subjects the drafting a reservation of rights letter, notices that can be sent by claim adjusters, a review of the new Code of Civil Procedure, and an overview of related decisions.

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  335. Benjamin Gross panelist at the ELFA Legal Forum

    On May 7, Benjamin Gross, a partner of the Business Law group and the co-chair of the Infrastructure Law group, participated as a panelist during the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) Legal Forum held May 7 to 9 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Entitled Canada and Mexico – What You Need to Know, Mr. Gross highlighted similarities in United States, Canada and Québec laws and demonstrated how typical transactions elsewhere can be structured simply in Québec, while reviewing recent case law that had an impact on Canadian transactions.

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  336. Valérie Belle-Isle speaks at the Strategic Day on Administrative Law

    Valérie Belle-Isle, an associate of the Public and Administrative Law group, spoke at the Strategic Day on Administrative Law, held on April 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Montréal. Entitled Les 5 incontournables de la Cour suprême du Canada en droit administratif, Ms. Belle-Isle reviewed the top 5 administrative law decisions rendered last year by the Supreme Court, and highlighted the approaches adopted by the different Supreme Court judges with respect to the judicial review of decisions by administrative tribunals.

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  337. Frédéric Laflamme hosts the 7th edition of Toute la ville parle PME

    Frédéric Laflamme, an associate in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, hosted the 7th edition of Toute la ville parle PME, organized by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Shawinigan and held on May 11 at the Maison de la culture Francis-Brisson. Similar in concept to the Francophone talk show Tout le monde en parle, the event follows the path and experiences of nine Shawinigan entrepreneurs as they start-up, consolidate or expand.  

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  338. Lavery GO inc. partners with Startup Salad MTL 2017

    Concordia University hosted Startup Salad x MTL 2017, a competition organized by the Asian-Pacific Youth Entrepreneurship Foundation (“APYEF”) and held May 5 to 7, 2017. This year’s winning team was awarded the services of the Lavery GO inc. Program. Martin Bédard, Shan Jiang, Felicia Jin and Sonia Rasquinha attended to listen to the teams’ presentations and award the prize to the winner. Startup Salad is a competition banner that hosts events in over 50 cities worldwide. This year’s competition took place in Montréal thanks to the APYEF, a Montréal-based association that seeks to establish an Asia-Pacific sharing platform for young entrepreneurs. Competitors had 52 hours to form teams and prepare a business plan. Each team then had to present their plan to a panel of professionals who selected the winning team.

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  339. Justin Trudel elected to the Board of Supervision of the Caisse Desjardins de l’Est de Trois-Rivières

    Justin Trudel, an associate with the Business Law group, was elected to the Board of Supervision of the Caisse Desjardins de l’Est de Trois-Rivières during the annual general meeting held on April 24. As a board member, Mr. Trudel will be responsible for overseeing the Caisse operations and activities from the perspective of ethics, professional conduct and cooperation. In the course of his duties, he will also participate in drafting opinions and recommendations to the Board of Directors in order to optimize oversight mechanisms and ensure the good governance of the Caisse.

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  340. 20 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2017 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is proud to announce that 20 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2017 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. "These rankings of our partners among the most influential lawyers in their fields confirm our leadership role as the largest independent law firm in Quebec. The fact that they put their clients and partners at the heart of their practice gives them the necessary agility and audacity to excel in our market. Congratulations to all!", stated Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2017 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory : René Branchaud, Mining Louis Charette, Aviation/Litigation—Product Liability Marie Cossette, Ad. E., Litigation—Public Law Pierre Denis, Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing *Michel Desrosiers, Labour Relations (Management) *Norman A. Dionne, Labour Relations (Management) Nicolas Gagnon, Construction Law Michel Gélinas, Workplace Human Rights (Employer) Benjamin David Gross, Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Josiane L’Heureux, Occupational Health & Safety Guy Lavoie, CIRC, Labour Relations (Management), Workers’ Compensation (Employer) *Jean Legault, Insolvency & Financial Restructuring Guy Lemay, Class Actions François Parent, Pensions & Employee Benefits (Employer) Louis Payette, Ad. E., Banking & Financial Institutions Élisabeth Pinard, Family Law Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., Class Actions/Litigation—Product Liability *Jean-Philippe Turgeon, Franchise Law (Franchisor) André Vautour, Corporate Commercial Law/Technology Transactions Sébastien Vézina, Mining *New posting The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country and it identifies leading practitioners in over 60 separate practice areas and leading law firms in over 40 practice areas. It is a reference guide for Canadian and foreign corporate counsels and law firms in need of specialized legal services in Canada. For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: http://lexpert.ca/directory.

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  341. Lavery welcomes two new lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce the arrival of two new lawyers, Sophie Roy and Isabel Valenta. Sophie Roy is joining the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. Her practice focuses on insurance law, product liability, and professional liability. Isabel Valenta is joining the Business Law group. Her practice focuses on corporate financing, reorganizations and mergers and acquisitions. Isabel has experience representing start-ups and works closely with companies from the technology, e-commerce, renewable energy, manufacturing and textile industries.

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  342. Lavery welcomes the “Québec, porte d'entrée de l'Amérique du Nord” tour

    On April 26, Lavery welcomed a delegation of French business leaders during the Québec, porte d'entrée de l'Amérique du Nord (Quebec, the gateway to North America) tour organized by International Mission and held from April 25 to 27. Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for Quebec for the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), discussed the different business opportunities available in Quebec, particularly in light of the European Parliament’s recent ratification of the CETA.

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  343. Charles Olivier Thibeault speaks at the Annual Interdisciplinary Conference 2017

    Charles Olivier Thibeault, an associate with the Health and Social Services group, spoke at the 4th edition of the Annual Interdisciplinary Conference 2017, held April 20 and 21 at the Faculty of Law of the Université de Montréal. His presentation was entitled D’avocat à conseiller: sortir de la pratique conventionnelle pour faire du droit autrement and discussed how having two degrees (law and health administration) has a positive influence on the way in which he practises law. Mr. Thibeault also pointed out the advantages and obstacles that arise when handling files involving professionals from different fields.

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  344. Marie Cossette and Charlotte Fortin participate in the Strategic Day on Disciplinary Law

    Marie Cossette, the partner responsible for the Corporate and Business Integrity and Public and Administrative Law groups for the Québec City office, and Charlotte Fortin, a lawyer in the Public and Administrative Law group, participated in the Strategic Day on Disciplinary Law organized by Open Forum and held at the Hyatt Regency in Montréal on April 25. Marie Cossette, honorary chair, discussed the role of the board of directors of a professional order in light of Bill 98, while Charlotte Fortin spoke about “The “Top 10” Decisions in Disciplinary Law in 2016”.

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  345. Valérie Belle-Isle publishes an article in Quorum

    In the February 2017 issue of Quorum, published quarterly by the Fédération québécoise des municipalités,Valérie Belle-Isle, an associate with the Public and Administrative Law group, analyzes the evolution of a municipality’s obligation to maintain public roads. Click here to read the article on page 44.

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  346. François Bélanger and Zeïneb Mellouli named partners at Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that François Bélanger and Zeïneb Mellouli have been named partners of the firm. François Bélanger works with the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group. He appears before the courts in commercial, real estate and construction matters. Due to his expertise in these converging fields of law, Me Bélanger acts as advisor to a large variety of small and medium sized companies in order to ensure their legal affairs are effectively managed. Zeïneb Mellouli’s practice is focused on labour and employment law, the application of the Canadian and Quebec Charters and pay equity. She advises and represents small, medium and large private and public companies and regularly appears before both the administrative and civil courts. Me Mellouli has been actively involved in the legal community since the start of her career. She received the L’Expert Zenith Award in June 2016and was appointed to a labour standards, equity and health and safety advisory board in 2017. “The expertise and competence demonstrated over the years by François and Zeïneb in their respective practices has not only helped the firm develop, but has consolidated their position as major assets in its strategic positioning. Their appointments as partners rightfully acknowledge the quality of their work,” commented Anik Trudel, Lavery’s Chief Executive Officer.

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  347. Associate Laurence Bich-Carrière and partner Luc Thibaudeau, of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution group, wrapped up the Cycle de conférences 2016-2017 organized by the Fondation Claude-Masse with a presentation on “Le mythe de Sisyphe et le consommateur heureux: la nécessité d'une législation efficace en matière de crédit à la consummation”. Held at the Université de Montréal Faculty of Law on April 12, the conference cycle discussed the myths and mysteries surrounding consumer law. Ms. Bich-Carrière and Mr. Thibaudeau reviewed the bases and functioning of modern consumer credit mechanisms measured against the statistical reality of Canadian consumer debt level, and sought to identify avenues to allow access to responsible consumer credit while ensuring that the consumer goods and services sector remains financially healthy and functions effectively.

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  348. Richard Burgos publishes an article on Canadian real estate law

    Richard Burgos, a partner of our Business Law Group, penned a doing business in Canada guide in real estate law in Practical Law, published by Thomson Reuters. The document is part of a global guide as to real estate law and provides a high-level overview of the real estate market in Canada, with a focus on investment, financing structures and the sale and lease of real estate. Click here to read the full document.

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  349. Awatif Lakhdar speaks at an information session for owner-pharmacists

    On March 29, Awatif Lakhdar, a partner of the Family, Personal and Estate Law Group, spoke to owner-pharmacists at an information session held at Lavery’s Conference Centre. Me Lakhdar discussed the legal tools and general considerations required to protect the patrimony and business of owner-pharmacists during the seminar, entitled Pharmaciens-propriétaires : soyez à l’affût des meilleures pratiques pour la gestion de votre patrimoine.

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  350. Lavery appoints Anik Trudel as Chief Executive Officer

    Lavery is proud to announce that Ms. Anik Trudel has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the firm, effective immediately. Ms. Trudel has 30 years of experience in the professional services industry, including twenty as a lawyer in a prominent Canadian law firm and ten in public relations for major international firms. Lavery will benefit from her exceptional experience related to management issues and organizational transformation. ”I am pleased to be joining the largest independent law firm in Québec. I am particularly drawn by the push for transformation that has been occurring in the profession over the last few years and the possibilities to seize in this context. Lavery has the full potential and entrepreneurship needed to establish itself, alongside with our clients, as an innovator and instigator of the evolution of the business model and the way services are rendered. I intend to apply all the experience developed throughout my career, in collaboration with the board of directors, the partners and all firm members in order to contribute to the firm’s growth and unique positioning in the Québec market,” comments Anik Trudel, Chief Executive Officer of Lavery. ”This appointment is directly in line with our desire to consolidate the client-based approach favoured by our firm. We can count on an experienced and passionate leader to participate in the firm’s development and actively direct her efforts to overcome the considerable challenges faced by professional service firms. I would also like to thank Jean-Yves Simard, acting Chief Executive Officer, for his excellent work during the interim,” added René Branchaud, Chairman of the Lavery Board of Directors.

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  351. Gerald Stotland speaks at an ABC-Québec mini-seminar

    On April 13, Gerald Stotland, a partner of the Family, Personal and Estate Law Group, spoke at a mini-seminar organized by the section of children's rights of the Canadian Bar Association, Québec Division, which Caroline Harnois, partner, is Vice-president. This mini-seminar was held at Lavery’s Conference Centre in Montréal. The mini-seminar, entitled Tout ce que vous avez toujours voulu savoir, mais n’avez jamais osé demander quant aux rapports psychologiques soumis en preuve dans vos dossiers, offered participants the opportunity to ask experts questions pertaining to different areas of law, including family, youth, immigration, estate, and criminal law.

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  352. Julie Cousineau and Emil Vidrascu review the recent jurisprudence on civil procedure with corporate in-house counsel

    On March 30, Julie Cousineau and Emil Vidrascu, partners of the Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, discussed the jurisprudential trends since the coming into force of the new Code of Civil Procedure with corporate counsel. The seminar was held in Lavery’s Conference Centre in Montréal. Entitled Le nouveau code de procédure civile a un an : album de jurisprudence de sa première année de vie, the seminar was intended to inform in-house counsel about the impact of the new Code of Civil Procedure on their practice.

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  353. Lavery holds a seminar on employee addiction problems

    On April 5, in collaboration with Cyclone Santé, Lavery held a seminar entitled Les problèmes de toxicomanie chez les employés : agir pour éviter le pire ! (Employee Addition Problems: Act to Avoid The Worst-Case Scenario) which took place at Lavery’s Conference Centre in Montréal. During this seminar, which was attended by close to one hundred participants, Christiane Legault, Vice-President, Corporate Health at Cyclone Santé, spoke to the participants about various drugs and their effects. Zeïneb Mellouli, a lawyer in our Labour and Employment Law Group, also discussed the practical and legal aspects of managing employees with alcohol and drug abuse problems.

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  354. Léonie Gagné moderates a seminar at the Insurtech QC 2017 Day

    On April 3, Léonie Gagné, a lawyer in our Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, moderated a seminar during the Insurtech QC 2017 Day, which was held at the Quebec City port terminal as part of the Semaine numérique (Digital Week) in Quebec City. The seminar, entitled Répondre aux besoins des nouveaux consommateurs : l'assurance de l'économie collaborative (Responding to the Needs of the New Consumer: Insurance of Collaborative Economics), the two speakers Emmanuelle Mury, co-founder of InsPeer, a French peer-to-peer insurance platform, and Tim Attia, CEO of Slice Labs, an American on-demand insurance platform, discussed the topic of the transformation of the insurance industry and the emergence of insurance platforms in this new era of Insurance 2.0.

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  355. Louis-Martin Dubé, speaker at the Advanced Forum on Commercial Leasing

    On May 3, Louis-Martin Dubé, a partner in the Business Law Group, spoke at the Advanced Forum on the legal, financial and business aspects of commercial leasing, which will be held at the Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, in Montreal. The lecture, entitled: "The relevance of recent decisions on commercial leases," sought to review the landmark decisions on commercial leases to help stakeholders in this field identify trends and issues that may have an impact on their activities or on the advice they offer to their clients.

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  356. Élodie Brunet and Nicolas Gagnon spoke at the Bitume Québec Annual Conference

    Élodie Brunet and Nicolas Gagnon spoke at the 13th Annual Conference of Bitume Québec that was held at the Grand Times Hotel in Drummondville on April 5. Élodie Brunet, a lawyer in the Labour and Employment Law Group, gave a presentation on the management of workplace health and safety, discussing, in particular, prevention and some practical elements of a due diligence defence and the management of workplace injuries. Nicolas Gagnon, a partner in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, discussed in his presentation the limits of the protection afforded by a stipulation for another included in a construction contract, and reviewed the case law in 2016 regarding calls for tender.

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  357. Guillaume Lavoie selected as finalist at the ARISTA 2017 Provincial Contest

    On March 30, the ARISTA Provincial Contest announced that Guillaume Lavoie, a partner and head of the Lavery CAPITAL and mergers and acquisitions groups, has been selected as one of three finalists in the Quebec Young Professional category. The name of the winner will be revealed at the ARISTA Gala on May 29, 2017, to be held at the Marché Bonsecours. As a finalist, Guillaume Lavoie will also be eligible for the Hydro-Québec "Coup de cœur”, which is awarded to the finalist who receives the most votes from the public. The public can vote by clicking “Like” under the finalist’s picture (to visit the page, click here). The ARISTA Provincial Contest is organized by the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. ARISTA rewards and showcases young business leaders from Quebec who stand out and demonstrate leadership and innovation, whether by their professional success or by their contribution to the community. For more information about this contest, click here.

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  358. André Vautour, panelist at the World Services Group Meeting of the Americas

    On March 2–3, 2017, Business Law Group partner André Vautour served as a panelist at the World Services Group Meeting of the Americas in Dallas. The panel was made up of Patrick Kelly from Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. in Minnesota, Juan Jose Lopez de Silanes Molina from Basham, Ringe y Correa, S.C. in Mexico, and Mr. Vautour. Entitled The Northern American Market in 2017 – Comparing the US, Canadian, and Mexican Perspectives, the panel gave stakeholders an opportunity to share their views on the upcoming challenges facing trade between North American countries and to identify possible solutions. For more information about the World Services Group, click here.

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  359. Jean-Philippe Turgeon, speaker at Funding Meet-and-Greet – Franchise Special

    On March 30, 2017, Jean-Philippe Turgeon, partner and head of the Franchising and Distribution group, was a speaker at the Funding Meet-and-Greet – Franchise Special held by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. More specifically, he led the discussion on the topic of Franchise rules and legal aspects in a roundtable panel that gave several franchisors and franchisees an opportunity to learn more about the legal aspects of various funding options.

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  360. Lavery welcomes three new lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to welcome three new lawyers, Katherine Athanasopoulos, Nadia Hanine and Sonia Rasquinha, to the firm. They bring with them the knowledge and experience they gained as articling students with the firm and will be joining the Business Law group. “Hiring these three new lawyers is a testament to the quality of their work as articling students. We are proud to be keeping the students we trained among our ranks,” said Jean-Yves Simard, Lavery’s Interim Managing Partner.

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  361. Pierre Marc Johnson participates in the “Québec, porte d'entrée de l'Amérique du Nord” conference in Toulouse

    On March 9, Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), spoke at an event held at the head office of the Banque Courtois in Toulouse and organized by International Mission. Mr. Johnson’s subject was Québec, porte d'entrée de l'Amérique du Nord (Quebec, the gateway to North America), and he shared the platform with Yves Grimard, Europe director atInvestissement Québec, and David Kassar, President of International Mission. The speakers discussed the various business opportunities in Quebec for firms from the region, in particular in connection with the recent ratification of the CETA by the European Parliament. For more information about International Mission, click here.

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  362. Bernard Larocque speaks to the National Conference on Class Actions

    On March 23, Bernard Larocque, a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, was a panel member at the 14th annual National Conference on Class Actions held by the Barreau du Québec at the Palais des Congrès in Montréal. The purpose of the presentation, entitled Action collective en matière environnementale (class actions in environmental law), was to discuss various issues that arise in hearings on the merits of class actions relating to environmental problems. 

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  363. “Défi 100 jours L’Effet A”: Marie Cossette discusses how she achieved personal growth

    As the 5th group of participants is about to begin the “Défi 100 jours L’effet A” (the 100-day challenge, the “A Effect”), Marie Cossette talks about her experience. Marie, who is a partner and heads the Business Integrity group, participated as a leader in the fourth edition of “l’Effet A”, which took place from September 9 to December 16, 2016. The challenge she set for herself was to encourage meetings and dialogue between business and cultural communities, all in the while emphasizing the importance of communication for professional advancement. She strongly believes that culture contributes significantly to economic development and is also a vector for enriching both our personal and our professional lives. Much to the delight of the participants in the fourth edition of the challenge, Marie also set herself the goal of guiding them on how to improve the way they express their opinions by encouraging them to communicate authentically and confidently. Marie Cossette spoke positively about her experience and confesses to having achieved personal growth through it. “The workshops and discussions we had with the participants made us think about things we had pushed aside; we dive back into them, we look at the concepts and ideas anew. These events also give us an opportunity to ask ourselves questions we had never thought about before. It is very unsettling! Ultimately, it is an experience that forces you to get off the beaten track,” she said. She will continue to be involved with the movement over the coming year. “L’effet A” is an initiative whose aim is to inspire women to get involved professionally and give them the courage to get out of their comfort zones and take concrete action for themselves. This is accomplished by presenting inspirational leaders who provide a new perspective on women’s ambition by offering practical tools that are suited to the new realities of women’s lives. For more information on “l’Effet A”, click here (in French only).

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  364. Pier-Olivier Fradette and Charlotte Fortin present recent developments in municipal law

    On March 17, Pier-Olivier Fradette and Charlotte Fortin, lawyers in the Administrative Law group, gave a presentation at the 26th annual conference on recent developments in municipal law organized by the Barreau du Québec. The presentation dealt with the new Act to improve the legal situation of animals and analyzed the novel features of that Act, the standards it maintains from previous legislation, and its impact on the treatment of animals and on municipalities’ powers in the management of domestic animals and stray animals.

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  365. Lavery supports the Université de Sherbrooke’s Faculty of Law and its students

    On March 9, 2017, several members of the firm attended the official opening of the new library of the Faculty of Law at the Université de Sherbrooke. The rebuilding of the Faculty library was made possible by a substantial financial contribution by Lavery and other partners. With the upgrading completed, the library will now provide law students with high quality work spaces, equipped with cutting edge technology and arranged to facilitate teamwork. We would note that on March 22, 2016, following Lavery’s financial contribution, the Faculty named a new multimedia room after the firm. Upper row : Marie-Claude Lacaille,  Nicolas Thibault-Bernier, Marilyn Paré, Christian Dumoulin, Loïc Berdnikoff, Cynthia Fortin, Isabelle P. Mercure Middle row : Jean Hébert, Alain Heyne, Danielle Gauthier, Letta Wellinger, Marika Couture-Houle, Justin Gravel, Laurent Bellemare-Proulx Bottom row : Kay-Sandra Boyer, Mylène Boisvert

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  366. Chloé Fauchon leads panel discussion for the CBA-Quebec

    On March 16, Chloé Fauchon led a panel discussion entitled “La cohérence décisionnelle - pourquoi ? par qui ? – débat sur les suites de l’arrêt Wilson de la Cour suprême du Canada” (consistency in decision-making: why? by whom? – discussion on the aftermath of the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Wilson), organized by the Administrative Law Section of the Quebec Chapter of the Canadian Bar Association. Using the recent divided opinion in Wilson as an example, this panel discussion sought primarily to define the respective roles of the courts and administrative tribunals when they are faced with conflicting decisions by an administrative tribunal on the same legal issue. The panelists, Denis Lemieux, professor of administrative law in the Université Laval’s Faculty of Law, and Lucie Nadeau, vice-president for quality and consistency at the Tribunal administratif du travail, also attempted to identify concrete solutions that dispel the legal uncertainty caused by inconsistency in decision-making.

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  367. Léonie Gagné leads a discussion at the Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2017

    On March 14, Léonie Gagné, a lawyer in the Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, led a discussion as part of the sixth annual Journée de l’assurance de dommages (damage insurance conference) at the Montréal Convention Centre organized by the Journal de l’assurance, this year’s theme being “Connectés à l’assurance réinventée” (Connected to reinvented insurance). Over the years, the Journée de l’assurance has become an event not to be missed in the insurance industry. The panel discussion, entitled L’économie collaborative change la société : l’assurance en fera-t-elle partie ? (the sharing economy is changing society: will insurance be part of that change?), saw panelists examine the business potential for insurers and insurance brokers in the emergence of the sharing economy.

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  368. A Lavery team meets the Leucan Ski Challenge

    On March 11, five members from Lavery’s Sherbrooke office participated in the Leucan Ski Challenge held at Bromont. Justin Gravel, Jordy-Philippe Bernier, Geneviève Chamberland, Nicolas Thibault-Bernier and Marie-Claude Lacaille raised $1,900 to be donated to Leucan in support of children with cancer and their families. Click here for more information on Leucan.

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  369. Élisabeth Pinard becomes Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Élisabeth Pinard, the coordinating partner of our Family, Personal and Estate Law Group, was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (College) during a ceremony held on March 4, 2017. Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers is a professional association of the best trial lawyers in the United States and Canada. The College is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, and the ethics of the profession. Click here for more information on the College.  

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  370. A start-up supported by the Lavery GO inc. Program appears on Dragon’s Den

    On February 22, representatives from Bonnie & Clyde, a start-up supported by the Lavery GO inc. Program, appeared on the television show Dragon’s Den and presented their new Bonnie & Clyde pet nutritional supplement to the five dragons. The nutritional supplement for dogs and cats is already available in nearly 200 stores across Canada, including five pet stores in Québec City and Lévis. Click here for more information on the Lavery GO inc. Program.

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  371. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur discusses the “Five Things I Would Have Liked to Have Known as a Young Lawyer” at a CBA-Québec seminar

    On March 1, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, a partner of our Labour and Employment Law Group, spoke at a luncheon seminar organized by the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec division (ABC-Québec) and shared five pieces of advice she would have liked to have known when she was starting out as a young lawyer. In a warm and welcoming environment, she discussed issues related to building a career, balancing work and personal life, managing a practice, as well as relationships with clients, coworkers and fellow lawyers.

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  372. The Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition: three prizes for a team supervised by Lavery

    On February 17th and 18th, 2017, the 39th edition of the Pierre-Basile-Mignault pleading competition was held between students from six civil law faculties in Canada. Lavery has been involved in this competition for several years. This year, students from two teams were supervised by four lawyers from the Litigation group: Laurence Bich-Carrière and Maude Lafortune-Bélair for the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) Justin Gravel and Audrey-Julie Dallaire for the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) UQAM’s appellant team won the Yvon Blais Cup, which is awarded to the finalist team. Two members of the UQAM team were awarded prizes for best speaker: Laurence Landry-Plouffe received the Canadian Bar Association Cup, Quebec Division (2nd best) and Mélissa Desgroseillers was the recipient of the Lavery Cup (3rd best). Click here for more information on the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition.

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  373. Zeïneb Mellouli appointed to the CNESST pay equity and labour standards advisory committee

    Zeïneb Mellouli, a lawyer with the Labour and Employment Law group, was appointed to the pay equity and labour standards advisory committee during a December 15, 2016, meeting of the board of directors of the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). The committee’s role is to advise the CNESST Board of Directors and the minister responsible for labour. Click here for more information on the CNESST.

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  374. Richard Burgos and Louis-Martin Dubé present the 2016 Annual Review of jurisprudence in real estate law

    Richard Burgos and Louis-Martin Dubé, partners with the Business Law group, presented the 2016 Annual Review of jurisprudence in real estate law held on February 22, 2017. Over 100 people attended this luncheon seminar organized by the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec Branch, where they listened to the two partners discuss key elements of jurisprudence in real estate law from 2016.

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  375. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Bernard Larocque present a review of 2016 insurance law jurisprudence at the ChAD and at the CICMA

    Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin et Bernard Larocque, partners of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, presented the 2016 review of insurance law jurisprudence at the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages (ChAD) on February 21 and at the Canadian Insurance Claims Manager Association (CICMA)on February 23. These two events, which brought together more than 60 attendees, highlighted the 2016 key decisions in the field of insurance law.

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  376. Nicolas Gagnon speaks at ACRGTQ’s 73rd annual convention

    Nicolas Gagnon, a partner with the Litigation and Dispute Resolution group, spoke at the 73rd annual convention of the Association des constructeurs de routes et grands travaux du Québec (ACRGTQ) held on January 19th. The presentation, entitled Êtes-vous autant protégés que vous le croyez ?, analyzed the recent jurisprudence on the scope of the stipulation for another in construction industry contracts and reviewed the measures to implement to ensure various industry workers are legally protected. Click here for more information on the ACRGTQ.

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  377. Marie Cossette participates in the RJCCQ’s panel on La force du réseau en gouvernance

    Marie Cossette, a partner and head of the Corporate and Business Integrity group, participated in La force du réseau en gouvernance panel organized by the Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce (RJCCQ) held on February 20th. The purpose of the panel was to inform and interest young professionals in “Administrateurs de la Relève”, a training program on the roles and responsibilities of a director, offered in collaboration with the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés. Me Cossette shared her experience and views on subjects including parity on boards of directors (BD), the Act to amend the Act respecting the governance of state-owned enterprises to promote the presence of young people on the boards of directors of such enterprises and the benefits of getting involved in governance to build a network and become a person of influence. Click here for more information about the “Administrateurs de la Relève” training program. Justine Audy, présidente de la jeune chambre de commerce de Québec (JCCQ), Sophie-Emmanuelle Chebin, associée chez Solutions Keyboard et présidente du conseil d'administration de la Tablée des chefs, Marie Cossette, associée chez Lavery et Julie Bédard, directrice du développement des partenariats d'affaires et vice-présidente au développement des affaires à La Capitale Assurances Générales Inc.

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  378. Marie Cossette, Josiane L'Heureux and Philippe Tremblay speakers at the 20th annual convention of the CEGQ

    The 20th annual convention of the Corporation des entrepreneurs généraux du Québec (CEGQ) was held on February 15 to 17, 2017, at the Château Frontenac. Marie Cossette, Josiane L’Heureux and Philippe Tremblay were guest speakers at the convention. Marie Cossette, partner and Head of Lavery’s Business Integrity Group, spoke about key issues of the parties involved in the case of unilateral termination of a construction contract by the client. Josiane L’Heureux, partner of our Labor and Employment Law Group, presented the legislative components of criminal negligence and the principles applicable in the workplace. Philippe Tremblay, partner of our Litigation and Conflict Resolution Group, discussed on the subject of the obligations of the client to act transparently, fairly and in good faith when exercising a reservation clause allowing it to cancel a call for tenders. For more information about the CEGQ, click here.

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  379. Julie Cousineau Lecturer at the 2016 Annual Review of the Commercial Litigation Case Law of the ABC-Quebec

    On February 17, 2017, Julie Cousineau, a partner of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, was the guest speaker at the 2016 Annual Review of Commercial Litigation Jurisprudence organized by the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec Branch (CBA-Quebec). This event gathered over 50 attendees, to hear speakers exchanged on last year’s case law and various subjects of commercial litigation.

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  380. Étienne Brassard and Édith Jacques speak at the Colloque Export Mauricie Rive-Sud

    On February 3, Étienne Brassard and Édith Jacques, partners of our Business Law Group, were invited speakers at the Colloque Export Mauricie Rive-Sud held in Trois-Rivières. Myriam Lavallée, a lawyer of our Labor and Employment Law Group, initiated this partnership between Lavery and the Colloque, which gathered over 150 attendees to hear Mr. Brassard's and Ms Jacques’ presentations covering the legal aspects pertaining to export and risk management as well international trade, respectively. Click here to read the article in the Courrier Sud for more information on the Colloque Export Mauricie Rive-Sud.

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  381. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Bernard Larocque present the 2016 annual review of insurance law decisions

    On February 8 and 9, 2017, Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Bernard Larocque, partners and members of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, presented the 2016 annual review of insurance law jurisprudence. The presentation took place in our Montreal office as our Québec City and Sherbrooke offices joined through video-conference. This event brought together over 150 attendees where our speakers summarized and exchanged on the main judgments rendered in Quebec during the year 2016.

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  382. Élodie Brunet speaks about labour and employment law at the Université de Montréal

    Élodie Brunet, a lawyer of our Labour and Employment Law Group, spoke during a luncheon seminar held at Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law held on February 1, 2017. Organized by Bernard Trang, a student at Lavery, this event allowed more than 65 students to learn about labour and employment law within a law firm. Ms. Brunet presented the main legal aspects of her practice, the different types of mandates received and the examples of cases she dealt with.

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  383. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Bernard Larocque present a review of 2016 insurance law jurisprudence to the ABC-Québec

    On January 31, 2017, Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Bernard Larocque, partners of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, presented the 2016 review of insurance law jurisprudence at the Jean Bélanger Conference of the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec division (ABC-Quebec). This event, which brought together more than 75 attendees, highlighted the 2016 key decisions in the field of insurance law.

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  384. Lavery takes part in the 4th edition of Pro Bono Québec’s Grands Vins, Grands Noms benefit evening

    On February 9, 2017, several partners and lawyers represented Lavery at Pro Bono Québec's Grands Vins, Grands Noms benefit evening for access to justice, which took place at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The event brought together some 200 people and raised more than $77 750. Ambassador and sponsor of this benefit evening since its inception, Lavery also contributes to Pro Bono Québec's mission through Bernard Larocque, partner of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group who serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. Funds raised during the evening will provide legal services to the Montreal Children's Hospital; To organize legal information sessions for newcomers, including Syrian refugees, and to hold a legal clinic in Quebec's Far North in March 2017. Click here for more information on Pro Bono Québec.

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  385. Ambassadors Club awards the 2016 Event of the Year distinction led by Jean-Simon Deschênes

    The 2017 Homage to the Ambassadors event was held on January 13, , where he Ambassadors Club awarded the Event of the Year distinction for an organization to the 2016 Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress. The Congress Director was Jean-Simon Deschênes, partner and member of the Business Law Group. The Congress won the award because it generated the most tourist spending in the Quebec City region. As Congress Director and Chief Executive Officer of the 2016 JCI World Congress, Mr. Deschênes was responsible for organizing the event.  The opening ceremony included its touch of the Olympic Games, the first ever World Elevator Pitch Competition inspiring speeches by the Molson brothers, Alexandre Bilodeau and Chris Hadfield, as well as coordinating visits to local companies. JCI oversees close to 5,000 Junior Chambers around the world and brings together more than 175,000 young business people, professionals and active citizens aged 18 to 40 in nearly 125 countries. For more information about the Ambassadors Club, click here. Pierre-Yves Dubois, directeur de congrès adjoint, Jean-Simon Deschênes, associé chez Lavery et P.-Michel Bouchard, président-directeur général, société du Centre des congrès de Québec

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  386. Sébastien Vézina, Guillaume Synnott and Guillaume Lavoie represent Quebec Silicon in signing an agreement with the Government of Quebec

    Sébastien Vézina, Guillaume Synnott and Guillaume Lavoie, members of the Business Law Group, represented Quebec Silicon Limited Partnership in the signing of an agreement with the Government of Quebec that was announced on January 17, 2017. The agreement provides for shared risk energy pricing for Quebec Silicon in consideration of a commitment to operate its silicon production plant at maximum capacity and an investment of a minimum of $12.6 million over the next four years. This will enable Quebec Silicon to preserve 175 jobs in the Centre-du-Québec region. For more information, click here to read the Government of Quebec news release relating to this announcement.

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  387. Pierre Marc Johnson speaks at Université de Montréal’s Rendez-vous juridiques

    Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and lead negotiator for the Quebec government on the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), spoke about free trade agreements during the Rendez-vous juridiques organized by the Université de Montréal Faculty of Law. He discussed how Canada should position itself in order to benefit from the new free trade agreements and the new US trade policy. At the same time, he analyzed the repercussions of Donald Trump’s election on Canada-US trade relations. Click here for more information on this event.

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  388. Véronique Morin discusses the various considerations that arise during a psychological harassment investigation

    Véronique Morin, a lawyer with the Labour and Employment Law Group and a certified mediator,authored an article appearing in the January 24, 2017 issue of Le coin de l’expert, published by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (CRHA). The article entitled Comment préparer la voie à une enquête en matière de harcèlement psychologique highlights the steps that should be taken to ensure that a complaint is thoroughly and properly handled. More particularly it examines who to assign to investigate and what measures should be imposed on the parties concerned and whether or not psychological harassment is proven. Click here to read the article.

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  389. Lavery welcomes two new notaries to its Québec City team

    Lavery is proud to announce that notaries Pier-Luc Girard and Laurence Martineau have joined its team in Québec City. Pier-Luc Girard and Laurence Martineau work with the Business Law Group where they already contribute their talent to the family, real estate and commercial law practices. “This addition consolidates our existing team of notaries, both in Québec City and Lavery’s other offices and will enable the firm to continue effectively supporting its clients”, commented Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Québec City office. In addition to planning and managing estate files, Lavery notaries provide a broad range of services including the drafting of civil and commercial real estate contracts such as mortgage deeds, offers to purchase, deeds of sale, servitudes, deeds of superficies and commercial leases. 

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  390. Étienne Brassard and Mylène Vallières speak about crowdfunding

    Étienne Brassard, and Mylène Vallières, both members of Lavery’s Business Law Group spoke about crowdfunding to Université de Montreal’s Faculty of law on January 11th. This  initiative was coordinated by Michaëlle Guilbault, a student with the firm. The event offered Faculty students an opportunity to learn more about the different aspects of this emerging method of financing. Please click here to consult the article in Need to Know to learn more about crowdfunding, in particular the new financing opportunities for start-ups.

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  391. Valérie Boucher and Judith Houle-Couture to present at STIQ Matin Conférence

    Partner Valérie Boucher and lawyer Judith Houle-Couture, members of the Business Law Group, will be speaking about SME partnerships at a seminar organized by Sous-Traitance Industrielle Québec (STIQ) this coming February 1. They will be reviewing the legal implications of SME partnerships as well as showcasing key components that partners should consider while negotiating and addressing legal documents. Click here to register or to obtain further information about the seminar. Partner Valérie Boucherand lawyer Judith Houle-Couture, members of the Business Law Group, will be speaking about SME partnerships at a seminar organized by Sous-Traitance Industrielle Québec (STIQ) this coming February 1. They will be reviewing the legal implications of SME partnerships as well as showcasing key components that partners should consider while negotiating and addressing legal documents. Click here to register or to obtain further information about the seminar.

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  392. Lavery appoints Loïc Berdnikoff as Director of Professional Development

    Lavery is proud to announce that Loïc Berdnikoff has been appointed to the position of Director of Professional Development. Me Berdnikoff has been interim director of this key role in the firm since August 2016. “It is with enthusiasm that I decided to devote myself to the duties of Director of Professional Development for the firm. I intend to pursue Lavery’s vision to develop and advance our young lawyers. I will contribute my experience as a lawyer and a partner to support them and offer quality training that corresponds to their expectations and aspirations,” stated Loïc Berdnikoff. “As acting director, Loïc was already successfully handling the position and actively carrying out the various responsibilities associated with the role, so this is a natural progression for both him and the firm. We can count on the expertise and experience of a colleague who knows the workings of the profession and our organization,” commented Jean-Yves Simard, Lavery’s Interim Managing Partner.

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  393. Ian Rose listed in the 2016 edition of Who’s Who Legal Canada

    In its 2016 edition, the prestigious Who’s Who Legal Canada directory has recognized Ian Rose, a member of the Lavery Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, as an expert in the area of insurance and reinsurance, for a fifth consecutive year. Since 1996 Who’s Who Legal Canada has been identifying lawyers who are leaders in their respective practice area. The nomination process relies on comprehensive, independent research involving thousands of interview hours with leading lawyers and their clients. Click here for more information.

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  394. Pier-Olivier Fradette analyzes the impact of animals’ new legal situation on municipalities

    Pier-Olivier Fradette, a municipal affairs lawyer, analyzes the potential impact of the Act to improve the legal situation of animals on municipalities in the December 2016 edition of Magazine Quorum, published quarterly by the Fédération québécoise des municipalités. Me Fradette identifies the major provisions affecting municipalities and discusses how they should address these legislative amendments. He explains that the Act is two-fold: The first part establishes that animals are no longer things within the meaning of the Civil Code of Québec, and the second part introduces new provisions regarding the welfare and safety of animals. Click here to read the full analysis (in French only).

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  395. Martin Bédard participates in the 10th edition of the Asian Financial Forum

    Martin Bédard, a lawyer with the Business Law Group, took part in the 10th edition of the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) that was held January 16 and 17, 2017 in Hong Kong. The AFF brings together some of the most influential members of the business and financial community to discuss economic trends in the Asian market. Click here to learn more about the AFF.

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  396. During the 35th anniversary of the Conseil Économique et Tourisme Haut-Richelieu (CETHR), André Vautour, Édith Jacques and Étienne Brassard discussed the different aspects of CETA

    On December 8, 2016, during the CETHR’s 35th anniversary event, André Vautour, Édith Jacques, and Étienne Brassard, all partners from the Business law group, discussed the different aspects of the Canada-EU free-trade agreement (CETA). Among other things, they highlighted the agreement’s huge economic potential for Quebec businesses since it provides access to a new market with very few tariff constraints. Mr. Vautour also addressed the topic of Canada’s strategic geographical position: “This agreement, combined with NAFTA, could turn the Canadian territory into a portal for U.S. businesses that want to reach the European market as well as European businesses that want to access the U.S. market. It’s a significant competitive advantage that we must make the most of to fully benefit from CETA.”

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  397. André Vautour and Guillaume Lavoie publish two articles on the marketing rules for Canadian investment funds in Europe in the International Journal for Financial Services

    André Vautour and Guillaume Lavoie, two partners from Lavery, co-authored  two articles published in the November 2016 issue of the International Journal for Financial Services in collaboration with lawyers from the French firm Jeantet Associés (a fellow member of the World Services Group). The articles were respectively titled “Impact of the Possible Extension of the European Passport Regime on Canadian Fund Managers” and “Options Available to Canadian Managers under the European AIF Marketing Rules”. The articles discuss the impact of European Union Directive 2011/61/EU on Canadian investment fund managers who want to raise funds from investors in EU member states. The authors, more specifically, address the conditions of a possible extension of the European passport regime to Canada, the obligations of Canadian managers who would like to take advantage of any such regime, and the options currently available to Canadian managers under private placement regimes in EU member states.

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  398. The 2016 edition of Opération Père Noël was a great success at Lavery!

    Lavery team’s participation in the 2016 Edition of Opération Père Noël provided gifts to some 228 children from low-income families this past Christmas holiday. Spearheaded in Montréal by Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a partner from the firm’s Litigation Group, this annual activity confirms both Lavery's commitment to the community as well as its role as a corporate citizen. Founded in 1995, Opération Père Noël is a not-for-profit organization which allows deprived children to receive gifts during the holiday season. Opération Père Noël has acknowledged Lavery’s continued presence in the community by recognizing the firm as a “collaborateur corporatif”.

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  399. Pier-Olivier Fradette of Lavery gives COMBEQ training sessions in partnership with the MMQ

    For a third year running, Pier-Olivier Fradette, a lawyer whose practice focuses on municipal law, land use planning, and municipal contract management,, will be giving a COMBEQ (Corporation des officiers municipaux en bâtiment et en environnement du Québec)  and MMQ (Mutuelle des Municipalités du Québec) training session in several Quebec cities. The session, which is entitled “Permit, certificate or attestation issuance: an inventory of rules to be followed” (“Émission des permis, certificats ou attestations : inventaire des règles à respecter”) will allow participants to broaden their knowledge regarding the latest changes in legislative and jurisprudential orientation in this field. This training is accredited to contribute to obtain the title of municipal officer in building and environment. For more information or to register for the session, please click here (link to French-only registration page).

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  400. Guillaume Synnott and Marie Catherine Ducharme act as coaches at Startup Weekend Montreal 2016’s FinTech edition

    Guillaume Synnott, lawyer, and Marie Catherine Ducharme, articling student, in Lavery’s Business Law Group acted as coaches at the Startup Weekend Montreal 2016 - FinTech an entrepreneurship competition that was held in November. Participants had 54 hours to develop a viable FinTech business proposal, which they then presented to a panel made up of industry professionals. In their role as coaches, Guillaume and Marie Catherine advised participating entrepreneurs on legal issues regarding their business concepts. Lavery also handed out a prize to the winning team.

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  401. Louis Charette, Guillaume Lavoie, Judith Houle-Couture and Guillaume Synnott participate in the Fondation Montréal Inc.’s speed-coaching event

    Louis Charette, Guillaume Lavoie, Judith Houle-Couture and Guillaume Synnott participated in a speed-coaching event on December 8 during which volunteers provided quick consultations to entrepreneurs.  During the evening, our lawyers acted as coaches to answer questions related to business financing, commercial law, insurance law, commercial litigation and franchise law. This approach, suggested by the Fondation Montréal Inc., is greatly appreciated by all participants as it is tailored to their specific needs. The goal is to match the questions of one person with the relevant expertise of the other. Louis Charette Guillaume Lavoie Judith Houle-Couture Guillaume Synnott

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  402. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Léonie Gagné publish an article in La ChADPresse

    Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, partner, and Léonie Gagné, lawyer, have published an article entitled “Une cueillette d’information approfondie peut porter ses fruits” (“Thorough information gathering can bear fruit”) in the Winter 2016 edition of La ChADPresse. In the article, they discuss the key elements that can justify the ab initio cancellation of an insurance policy. A recent Superior Court decision in Laporte c. Intact, compagnie d’assurances shows that an in-depth investigation by the claims adjuster can be necessary and useful in obtaining the information required for such an argument.

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  403. Gérard Mounier joins Lavery as Strategic Advisor for Infrastructure, Energy and Natural Resources

    We are delighted to announce that Gérard Mounier has joined the firm as Strategic Advisor for Infrastructure, Energy and Natural Resources and Co-Chair of the Infrastructure Group. Mr. Mounier’s mandate is to promote Lavery’s services, lend his expertise to the firm’s clientele and support its legal professionals in matters of project financing. Mr. Mounier has held senior management positions at major financial institutions and companies for over 25 years. He specializes in project finance in the infrastructure, energy as well as industrial and mining asset fields. Mr. Mounier is recognized for his high-level technical knowledge, his masterful understanding of the business stakes in the industries in which he works and his ability to find solutions that meet the needs of all the players involved in projects (operators, suppliers, etc.). His expertise will make it possible for the firm to consolidate its position as a leader in Quebec where large-scale projects are concerned. “It is with great pride that we welcome Gérard Mounier to our team. His arrival is entirely in line with our strategic plan, which aims for clear and distinctive positioning within the legal services market and offers our clients a practical business approach at every stage of their projects” says Jean-Sébastien Desroches, the chair of Lavery’s Business Law Group.

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  404. Jean Saint-Onge profiled in Lexpert’s 2016 US-Canada Litigation Guide

    Once again this year, Jean Saint-Onge, partner, is featured in the Class Action section of the Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers. Mr. Saint-Onge’s expertise and negotiating skills are in great demand in class actions before the courts to assist in finding a satisfactory solution for all parties, generally in complex cases with multiple defendants. To more information or to purchase the guide, please click here.   

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  405. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur and Judith Houle-Couture attend the Fondation Montréal Inc. benefit soirée

    Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, partner and Judith Houle-Couture, lawyer, attended this annual celebration of entrepreneurship in Montréal. Thanks to participants, the Soirée Montréal Inc. raised $200,000 that will be redistributed in grants and services in the form of advice to young Montréal entrepreneurs. Martin Roldan of Phazon also received the Prix Montréal Inc., awarded to the most outstanding entrepreneur. Fondation Montréal Inc. is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to encourage the success of a new generation of Montréal entrepreneurs through donations and volunteers from the business community. Lavery is very active in this organization and has contributed $25,000 ($5,000 annually for five years) in addition to providing the services of seven lawyers who volunteer as coaches (Louis Charrette, Judith Houle-Couture, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, Nicolas Joubert, Tereza Kristic, Guillaume Lavoie and Guillaume Synnott). Tom Little, President of Bell Business Markets, and Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, a partner with Lavery, at the Fondation Montréal Inc. benefit soirée.

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  406. Jules Brière awarded the 2016 prix Justitia

    Jules Brière has received Université Laval’s 2016 prix Justitia. The Université Laval Faculty of Law awards the prix Justitia to honour certain alumni who have actively promoted  both the Faculty and the University over the years in addition to having set themselves apart thanks to their exceptional career paths and social or university commitment. Jules Brière has received his prize at the Faculty’s Gala Reconnaissance et Distinction, held on 28 November, 2016. For more details, click here.

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  407. Awatif Lakhdar speaks at the Cours de perfectionnement du notariat

    On November 25th 2016, Awatif Lakhdar, partner with the Family Law Group, gave a conference before 1300 notaries at the 90th session of the Cours de perfectionnement du notariat, which was held the last November 24-26 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. During this conference, she spoke about the implications of the February 21, 2017, enactment of section 303(7) of the New Code of Civil Procedure, which will enable notaries to submit simultaneous requests based on draft agreements within the scope of a legal separation, a divorce or the dissolution of a civil union. These requests will be added to the list of non-contentious proceedings.

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  408. Pier-Olivier Fradette and Charlotte Fortin comment on the Superior Court’s decision dealing with the City of Montreal’s by-law concerning pitbull-type dogs

    In a paper published in La Référence, Pier-Olivier Fradette and Charlotte Fortin, lawyers, summarized and commented the Lours v. Ville de Montréal decision regarding the Superior Court’s decision to prohibit pitbull-type dog rendered on October 5, 2016. In this decision, which has significant impacts on municipal law, Quebec Superior Court suspended the entry into force of several provisions of the Règlement sur le contrôle des animaux de la Ville de Montréal. This suspension was applicable until the merit hearing regarding the validity of the application initiated by Mrs. Lours and the SPCA. On December 1, 2016, the Quebec Court of Appeal received Ville de Montréal’s appeal of this by-law suspension. In their comments on the original decision, Ms. Fortin and M. Fradette raised several of the grounds cited by the Court of Appeal to reverse the suspension.

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  409. Simon Lemay gives a conference on recent developments in trademarks

    On November 18, 2016, Simon Lemay, partner and coordinator of the Intellectual Property group, gave a conference entitled “Developments in trademarks – Descriptive trademarks” (“Développements en matière de marques de commerce – La marque descriptive” during a Barreau du Québec training session, Recent developments in intellectual property law (2016) (Les développements récents en droit de la propriété intellectuelle (2016)).

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  410. Alain Heyne participates in the Barreau’s Rendez-vous de la formation continue « Les nouveaux modèles d'affaires — Pour mieux servir vos clients »

    On December 1, 2016, Alain Heyne, partner at the Sherbrooke office, participated in the Barreau du Québec’s Rendez-vous de la formation continue “New business models to better serve your clients” (“Les nouveaux modèles d'affaires — Pour mieux servir vos clients”).Alongside participants from various spheres of interest, he took part in a round table whose theme was “What will tomorrow’s law practice be like” (“De quoi sera faite la pratique du droit de demain?”). The training day was aimed at private practice lawyers who wanted to perfect the management of their practice, learn about diversified fee structures and adapt to the new realities of the clientele. 

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  411. A team from Lavery’s Sherbrooke office participates in the Défi à l’entreprise competition

    For the second year running, a team from Lavery’s Sherbrooke office participated in the Défi à l’entreprise competition, whose 30th edition was held on November 19, 2016. The purpose of this friendly competition between various local businesses is to raise money for CEGEP de Sherbrooke sports teams (les Volontaires). The Sherbrooke team finished seventh out of 32 participating teams. From left to right: Dzenan Zulji, Sylvie Stang-Chaput, Mylène Boisvert, Geneviève Chamberland, Justin Gravel, Marika Couture-Houle. Bottom row: Nicolas Thibault-Bernier, Sophie Goulet, Kay-Sandra Boyer, Katy Pelletier et Annie Pouliot

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  412. Marie Cossette and Chloé Fauchon participated to a debate on the lawyers’ freedom of expression

    On November 23, 2016, Marie Cossette, partner and Chloé Fauchon, lawyer, participated to ABC-Quebec debate entitled “The limits of professional freedom of expression”.  Several topics were covered and Marie Cossette, partner, acted as moderator., Chloé Fauchon encouraged the invited speakers to discuss the balance between the obligation of courtesy,  the obligation to encourage respect for the courts of law and the judicial system, together with one’s duty to criticize them when necessary. 

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  413. Passing of the Honourable J. Fraser Martin, former Lavery partner

    It is with great sadness that Lavery announces the passing of the Honourable J. Fraser Martin, a former partner of the firm, on November 26, 2016, at the age of 77. Mr. Martin was appointed to the Superior Court in 1983, where he served for 31 years before retiring. Prior to this, he practised at Lavery for 16 years, from 1967 to 1983. Lavery extends its sincerest condolences to Mr. Martin’s  family and friends. The family will receive condolences on Thursday, December 1, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Résidences Funéraires F. Aubry et Fils (434 Main Street, Hudson), where a brief commemorative service will be held. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation, the Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence Foundation, or any other organization of your choice is preferred. 

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  414. Marie Cossette shares her 7 key tips to master the art of listening

    Marie Cossette, partner and L’effet A leader, shared her “7 key tips to master the art of listening” (“7 clés pour devenir une pro de l’écoute”) in an interview published on the L’effet A website November 9, 2016. She stressed that learning to listen is a fundamental skill to master to progress in one’s career. Listening makes it possible to get a better understanding of our professional environment and create trust-based relationships with colleagues and teammates. L’effet A’s mission is “to drive women’s professional commitment to give them the courage to excel and take concrete actions by showcasing inspiring leaders who offer a new perspective on female ambition as well as offering practical tools adapted to the new realities women face.”

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  415. Lavery and Marie Cossette inspire professional ambition in women

    Marie Cossette, a partner at the firm and one of the leaders of the first cohort in the L’effet A initiative in Quebec City, has set up a challenge for participants who have chosen her as a leader. She has recruited participants from both the culturaland corporate world thus  creating interesting networking opportunities. Four Lavery lawyers (Paméla Kelly-Nadeau, Chloé Fauchon,Sarah Leclerc and Anthonie Vézina-Crawford) have taken the Défi 100 jours L’effet A (link to French-only website): a unique professional training program with an innovative approach that identifies talent and encourages women to adopt a more ambitious attitude that will help boost their careers. The experience is based on three pillars: 1) inspiration- the implication of well-known leaders and coaches, 2) action- by taking up challenges and completing exercises and 3) sharing,-through interaction with women from all professional spheres.

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  416. Les Vergers Leahy wins its case vs. UPA and CPTAQ

    Les Vergers Leahy, represented by Daniel Bouchard, have won a major victory after a 14-year legal saga against the Fédération de l’UPA and the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ).  The Tribunal administratif du Québec authorizes a water drawing project for bottling in an agricultural zone.  

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  417. Fer & Métaux Garand avoids administrative monetary penalty (AMP)

    Daniel Bouchard and Chloé Fauchon have convinced theministère de l’Environnement (MDDELCC) to waive a planned administrative monetary penalty (AMP) against Fer & Métaux Garand . The transmission through the air of an unregulated contaminant (noise) cannot lead to a neighbourhood disturbance penalty.  

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  418. Lavery acts on behalf of Vert Médical within the scope of its acquisition by Canopy Growth Corporation

    On November 1, 2016, Canopy Growth Corporation acquired Vert médical, a Quebec-based producer of medical marijuana. Lavery represented Vert médical in this file. Vert médical is a company that’s currently awaiting an authorized producer permit from Health Canada that will allow it to legally grow medical marijuana in its ultramodern plant in Saint-Lucien. In return for Vert médical’s shares, Canopy Growth assumed a debt of approximately $500,000 and acquired the lease and the right of purchase on 90 acres of land and a 7,000-sq.-ft. administrative center and indoor growing plant. Moreover, it will issue Canopy shares – close to 300,000, to be issued progressively as a function of reaching certain milestones – to former shareholders. Canopy also simultaneously acquired 75 % of the issued and circulating shares of Groupe H.E.M.P.ca, in return for a payment $300,000, the issuance of close to 260,000 capital shares and the assumption of certain debt obligations. Lavery’s team consisted of Marilyn Paré and Alicia De Praeter, lawyers in the Business law group. Over the course of the mandate, they were supported by Vincent Towner and Mylène Boisvert (Real estate), Dave Bouchard (Employment law) and Guillaume Synnott and Josianne Beaudry (Securities).

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  419. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Stéphanie Destrempes publish an article in the Franchise Law Journal

    Jean-Philippe Turgeon a partner and the head of Lavery’s Franchising and distribution group, and Stéphanie Destrempes, a lawyer from the same group, have written an article entitled “The Franchisor’s Duty to Police the Franchise System” in the Franchise Law Journal published by the American Bar Association (ABA) [Volume 36-1 (Summer 2016)] in collaboration with Craig Tractenberg, partner at Nixon Peabody LLP (in New York). This article provides a comparison analysis (Canada and U.S.A.) of the franchisor’s implied duty, in correlation with the long term nature of the franchise agreement to protect its brand and maintain sustainable franchise system operations. The article also discusses the application of the business judgment rule.

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  420. François Parent and Guillaume Lavoie present a conference on “Investing in a private equity fund: Review of key issues and rules for defined benefit pension plans”

    On October 19, 2016, François Parent and Guillaume Lavoie, partners, gave a conference hosted by the Lavery Capital group entitled “Investir dans un fonds d'investissement privé” (“Investing in a private equity fund”). The conference aimed at presenting certain important principles that defined benefit pension plan administrators must keep in mind before investing in a private equity fund, real estate fund or hedge fund. 

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  421. Awatif Lakhdar speaks at the 3rd Colloque Liquidation des successions

    Awatif Lakhdar, a partner with the Family Law Group, spoke about the survival of the support obligation and the family residence during the 3rd edition of the Colloque Liquidation des successions, held on October 5th in Montréal and October 27th in Québec City. Me Lakhdar reviewed some of the successions law notions specific to the survival of the support obligation and the criteria for determining support. She also provided details about the limits imposed by law and discussed the reduction of liberalities. Last, she raised various difficulties regarding the family residence, in particular the legislative priority in favour of the surviving spouse.

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  422. Léonie Gagné interviewed on the “Airbnb Act” by the Journal de l’assurance

    Léonie Gagné, a lawyer in the Litigation group, was interviewed for an article on the “Airbnb Act”published in the Journal de l’assurance on September 29, 2016. In the article, she gives an overview of the main obligations and issues that stem from the Act mainly to improve the regulation of tourist accommodation and to define a new system of governance as regards international promotion, which modifies the Regulation respecting tourist accommodation establishments. She also outlines the responsibilities of renters and owners, as well as the challenges insurers face since the Act came into force in April 2016. 

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  423. Pierre Marc Johnson speaker at the UMQ forum on economic development via international positioning

    Pierre Marc Johnson, counsel and chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), was one of the speakers at a UMQ training forum whose theme was “Municipal economic development via international positioning”. Mr. Johnson gave a speech in front of fifty mayors who are members of UMQ executive. on the importance of international positioning on municipal economic development. For more information about this event, click here. 

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  424. Jean-Yves Simard explains oppression remedies on ICI Radio-Canada

    On October 25, 2016, Jean-Yves Simard, presented oppression remedies during a report presented on ICI Radio-Canada regarding proceedings initiated by Ernst & Young, the court-appointed Monitor in the restructuring of Essar Steel Algoma. E&Y is suing Essar Global Fund Limited claiming that the latter had compromised the ability of its subsidiary, Essar Steel Algoma, to meet its financial obligations to numerous suppliers as well as its pension funds.  To listen to the interview:http://ici.radio-canada.ca/util/postier/suggerer-go.asp?nID=1699914

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  425. Almost 100 participants at the 2016 edition of Lavery’s Symposium in Labour and Employment Law in Sherbrooke

    Lavery’s Sherbrooke office held the 2016 edition of its Conference in Labour and Employment Law and it was a great success. About 100 people made their way to the Delta Sherbrooke Hotel on September 27, 2016 where the event was held.  On this occasion, attendees assisted to several presentations from Geneviève Chamberland, Danielle Gauthier and Dave Bouchard. on the subjects of Experts testimony, Recent case law in labour and employment law and psychological harassment.

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  426. The 2016 edition of Lavery’s Symposium in Labour and Employment Law in Quebec City was a great success

    Lavery’s Québec office held the 2016 edition of its Symposium in Labour and Employment Law on September 28, 2016, at hotel Quartier, and it was a great success. On this occasion, attendees got to participate in various workshops presented by Marie-Hélène Riverin, Brittany Carson and Charlotte Fortin. Speakers addressed many different subjects, such as best practices in recruiting, employment termination and disability management.

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  427. Marie Cossette leads an “Effet A” workshop on self-confidence

    On Saturday, October 15, 2017, Marie Cossette, a partner at the firm and head of the Business Integrity group as well as the Quebec City office’s Administrative law group, led the first L’effet A (the A Effect) workshop on the topic of self-confidence during which she presented an editorial on courage. A few well-known guests also spoke, such as Louise Cordeau, Christiane Germain and Isabelle Hudon, in addition to one of the other leaders, Marie-Pier St-Hilaire. All the themes covered related to self-confidence, the tools required to develop it and the path to take to learn how to deal with events when self-confidence flags. L’effet A’s mission is to drive women’s professional commitment to give them the courage to excel and take concrete actions by showcasing inspiring leaders who offer a new perspective on female ambition as well as offering practical tools adapted to the new realities women face. For more information on this topic, click here (link to French-only website).

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  428. Marie Cossette named to the board of directors of La Fondation du Musée national des beaux-art du Québec

    Marie Cossette, a partner at the firm and head of its Business Integrity group and the Québec City office’s Administrative law group was recently named to the board of directors of La Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. The foundation played an active role in making the new Pierre-Lassonde Pavilion a reality. With this involvement through the foundation, Lavery confirms its position as a leader in the region and as a key player who believes in the importance of building bridges between the business and cultural worlds.

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  429. Éric Gélinas publishes a book on “butterfly” reorganizations

    Éric Gélinas, counsel at Lavery in the firm’s Corporate Law group and associate professor in the Tax Department at Université de Sherbrooke’s Faculty of Administration, published a volume entitled “L'article 55 L.I.R. et les réorganisations papillon, 2e édition” (“Section 55 (I.T.A.) and Butterfly Reorganizations, 2nd edition”). This work expounds on the “butterfly” reorganization technique as well as otheraspects of Section 55.  For more information about this reference book designed specifically for tax professionals working in the business mergers, acquisitions and reorganization field or to purchase the volume, click here. 

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  430. “Entretiens privés Lavery”: Jean Martel moderates a panel on the future of self-regulation in the Quebec financial sector

    On October 13, 2016, Lavery’s Distribution of Financial Products and Services team held a private panel-discussion event where the future of self-regulation in the financial sector in Quebec within the context of the new reforms was discussed.Jean Martel, Ad. E., a partner at the firm, moderated the panel that was made up of Marie-Élaine Farley, President and CEO of the Chambre de la sécurité financière, Claudyne Bienvenu, Vice-President of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada for Quebec, and Maya Raic, President and CEO of the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages. Close to 90 people participated in the event and contributed to its success.

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  431. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Simon Lemay give a conference on franchise IP

    On September 28, 2016, Simon Lemay and Jean-Philippe Turgeon, both partners at Lavery, presented at the “Développements récents en droit de la franchise” (“Recent developments in Franchising law”) conference organized by the Barreau du Québec. Their presentation was entitled “La propriété intellectuelle en matière de franchise : au-delà de l’enregistrement de vos marques” (“Franchise IP: beyond trademark registration”).  During their presentation, they specifically observed that there is a strategic advantage for franchisors who consider all the trade-mark options, in particular distinguishing guises and non-traditional marks. They also spoke about new opportunities under the amended Trade-marks Act.  Last, they reviewed recent jurisprudence and made several practical recommendations.

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  432. Lavery represents the Conférence des juges de paix magistrats du Québec and its members before the Supreme Court of Canada

    On January 18, 2016, Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad.E., and Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff, both of whom are partners in the firm’s Administrative Law and Constitutional Law group, represented the Conférence des juges de paix magistrats du Québec and its members before the Supreme Court of Canada to obtain a declaration of unconstitutionality regarding various provisions of the Act to Amend the Courts of Justice Act and Other Legislative Provisions as regards the Status of Justices of the Peace (“Act regarding the Status of Justices of the Peace”) which allowed the government, notably, to unilaterally determine the starting treatment and work conditions of the justices of the peace, without having recourse to a remuneration commission. In an important judgment rendered on October 14, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada declared that since sections 27, 30 and 32 of the Act regarding the Status of Justices of the Peace did not provide for a retroactive committee review of the starting treatment of the members of a new judicial office created within a reasonable time, these sections infringe the institutional financial security guarantee of judicial independence, and are thus contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (“Charter”) and to the Constitution Act, 1867. This infringement of judicial independence is not justified under section 1 of the Charter, because there is no evidence of a dire and exceptional financial emergency. Therefore, sections 27, 30 and 32 are unconstitutional. Mes Guillaume Laberge and Laurence Bich-Carrière also assisted in the preparation of this case. To see the judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada, click here.

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  433. Two Lavery partners are recognized in the 2017 edition of Chambers Canada

    Josée Dumoulin and Jean Saint-Onge, partners at Lavery, have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields, in the 2017 issue of Chambers Canada. The expertise of Ms. Dumoulin is recognized in the field of Pension and Benefits, whereas Jean Saint-Onge is in the category Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence). The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following a rigorous process where numerous interviews are conducted with a vast range of lawyers and their clients by full-time researchers. The final selection is based on well-defined criteria, such as the quality of service provided to clients, legal expertise and commercial astuteness. For more information, click on the following links: Josée DumoulinJean Saint-Onge

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  434. Ex-host of ICI Radio-Canada joins Lavery Litigation Group in Trois-Rivières

    Lavery is pleased to welcome Frédéric Laflamme to its litigation group, where he will practise in a number of areas related to civil and commercial litigation. After starting out at a national law firm and completing graduate studies in journalism at a French university, Frédéric was a host for ICI Radio-Canada Première for a decade, most notably in Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec; he also took part in numerous national shows. “We are glad that Frederic will add a new chapter to his career by joining the Lavery team. This is an exciting professional challenge that will allow him to put his skills as a litigator to good use for the firm’s clients,” added Jean Boulet, partner and manager of the Lavery Trois-Rivières office.

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  435. Lavery’s René Branchaud and Sébastien Vézina recognized as leading lawyers in mining law by Lexpert

    Mes  René Branchaud and Sébastien Vézina, partners with Lavery, have been recognized as leading lawyers in mining law in the 2016 edition ofLexpert Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining. This prestigious recognition is the product of an extensive peer survey process conducted in Canada and throughout the world. Please click here to access the electronic version of this publication.

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  436. Three lawyers of Lavery publish an article in the 2016-17 CCCA/ACCJE Corporate Counsel Directory and Yearbook

    --> Mes Étienne Brassard, Guillaume Synnott and Sibylle Ferreira, from Lavery’s Business Law Group, published an article entitled “Early-Growth Financing and Capital Structure – Guiding Your Company to the Next Level” in the 2016-17 CCCA/ACCJE Corporate Counsel Directory and Yearbook.  The article draws a portrait of a business’ stages of growth and the financing challenges that entrepreneurs must overcome in order to proceed to the next level. Please click here to access the electronic version of this article. . 

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  437. Lavery marks Guy Lemay’s 50 years at the Bar

    Lavery congratulates Guy Lemay on the 50th anniversary of his admission to the Bar, an accomplishment worthy of celebration! His colleagues have paid tribute to him by explaining that: “He has always been a faithful incarnation of an exceptional colleague – a stellar jurist  as well as an essential reference. Among other attributes, it is repeatedly noted that his moral strength, his perseverance, as well as  his unparalleled competence and the quality of his judgment and his opinions are greatly valued. In addition, it was also mentioned that his availability to assist colleagues, his altruism, his humility, his sunny disposition and his optimism are well-appreciated by all. As a long-time partner at the firm, he is truly viewed as “a great man” and “one of the main builders of Lavery.” Mr. Lemay is a veteran litigator and negotiator in the fields of class actions, employment and labour relations, civil and commercial litigation, as well as pensions and benefits. 

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  438. Anthonie Vézina-Crawford speaks at an APFF conference in Montreal

    Me Anthonie Vézina-Crawford, a lawyer from Lavery’s Family, Personal, and Estate Law group, discussed the rules governing the dissolution of a matrimonial regime as well as the partition of the family patrimony and wills all in the event of a death at a conference held on September 15th on settling estates (Colloque sur le règlement des successions)  organized by the Association de Planification Fiscale et Financière in Montreal. 

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  439. Marie Cossette participates in the “Femmes en finance, femmes en action” conference

    On September 13, 2016, Marie Cossette, a partner at the firm, was a panelist during the “l’Effet A…les suites” workshop along with four of her co-leaders of the first cohort of the “Défi 100 jours l’effet A” in Québec. During the workshop, she spoke about the recent survey sponsored by l’Effet A on women’s ambition and shared her thoughts on women in executive positions. The workshop was held within the scope of the Cercle Finance du Québec’s “Femmes en finance, femmes en action...parce qu'oser, c'est gagner” conference. Four hundred people took part in the event, which was capped off with a closing speech by Quebec’s Deputy Premier Lise Thériault.

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  440. Five Lavery partners ranked as “Canada’s Leading Infrastructure Lawyers” by Lexpert

    Lavery is proud to see five of its partners ranked on Lexpert’s “Canada’s Leading Infrastructure Lawyers” list in a special September 2016 edition. Marie-Claude Cantin Nicolas Gagnon Benjamin David Gross André Vautour Gérard Coulombe, recently deceased partner of the firm “This acknowledgment bears witness to the integrated, multidisciplinary approach the firm applies when it comes to leading-edge industries such as infrastructure. Our priority is to understand and meet this sector’s specific business needs.” says Don McCarty, the firm’s managing partner. To read this special edition of Lexpert, click here.

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  441. Chloé Fauchon and Charlotte Fortin participate in a discussion on climate change with the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change

    On August 23, 2016, Chloé Fauchon and Charlotte Fortin, as members of Jeunes Philanthropes de Québec, participated in a meeting led by Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable  Catherine McKenna and Joël Lightbound, MP for Louis-Hébert.  The purpose of this meeting was to exchange ideas regarding the steps governments and citizens can take to fight climate change. The Minister was in Quebec City to participate in a series of meetings aimed at reaching a pan-Canadian agreement on clean growth and focused on the fight against climate change planned for this fall. Ms. Fortin also sits on the board of directors of Jeunes Philanthropes de Québec, a not-for-profit organization founded a few years ago by Jean-Simon Deschênes, partner at Lavery and a member of the Business law group.  Left to right: Chloé Fauchon, Charlotte Fortin, the Honourable Catherine McKenna and Joël Lightbound.

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  442. Laurence Bich-Carrière member of the Quebec Bar's civil procedure committee

    Laurence Bich-Carrière, a lawyer in the firm’s Litigation group has become a member of the Barreau du Québec’s Comité sur la procédure civile for a four-year mandate that began on September 1st, 2016. The committee is called upon to examine various issues regarding legislative or regulatory changes to civil procedure as well as all changes to Quebec court regulations pertaining thereto.

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  443. Lavery participates in IGOPP video clips on SME governance

    During June and July, the Institute for Governance of Private and Public Organizations (IGOPP) broadcasted the first video clips in its new series on the governance of SMEs. Two of these clips were presented by André Vautour, partner and chair of Lavery’s Board of Directors. The two clips are “Quand un administrateur est-il en conflit d’intérêts et que doit-il faire dans cette situation ?” and “Les pouvoirs du conseil d’administration peuvent-ils être restreints ou retirés ?”. Four other clips presented by Mr. Vautour on various topics dealing with SME governance will be broadcasted throughout the year and will be available for viewing on the IGOPP youtube channel. 

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  444. Sébastien Vézina selected as independent arbitrator for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

    For the second consecutive year, Lavery partner Sébastien Vézina was selected to sit as an independent arbitrator for the Québec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), one of three major junior leagues in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The three independent QMJHL arbitrators sit on an alternating basis in charge of hearing appeals against appealable official decisions by the QMJHL, its Commissioner or the Board of Governors. This nomination contributes to the good governance and integrity of the league by having an independent party intervene in decisions subject to appeal. Only individuals recognized for their expertise and reputation in sports business and governance are asked to take on this role.

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  445. Pierre Marc Johnson tours Germany

    In July 2016, Pierre Marc Johnson, chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), accompanied Premier Philippe Couillard and Claude Trudelle, Quebec General Delegate in Munich, on an economic mission to Germany. Mr. Johnson met with business representatives and members of the Quebec delegation in automation, energy, and publishing sectors that were participating in the trade mission. He met with the Management and board of Hapag at its Hamburg head office and at its state-of-the-art container terminal the Port of Hamburg: Hapag is a world leader in container management and is a major partner of the Montreal Harbour. Mr. Johnson also accompanied the premier in his travels throughout southern Germany, where he met with a large delegation of Quebec export firms, German industrialists, and Bavarian political authorities.

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  446. Judith Houle-Couture Presents Lavery Award to Popupcamp at the Fondation Montréal Inc. 2016 Rendez-vous

    On June 8, 2016, Business Law Group member Judith Houle-Couture presented the Lavery award to Popupcamp, a mobile drop-in day care centre for corporate events. Awards were presented during the start-up Rendez-vous Montréal inc., the annual award ceremony held by Fondation Montréal inc., whose mission is to support young Montreal entrepreneurs through bursaries and coaching services. Check out the photo album to see the successful evening that gathered a record 250 people!  

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  447. Caroline Harnois, Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that on August 4, 2016, Caroline Harnois, partner in the Family Law, Personal and Estate Group, was named as a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). The IAFL is an international organization that gathers experienced lawyers recognized for their skill, knowledge and exceptional performance in family law. Nominations for Fellow are by invitation only and must be made by other Fellows.

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  448. Marc-André Verville, a notary at Lavery, oversees the payment of a major bequest to the Fondation Maison Dauphine for l’École de la Rue.

    In the exercise of his profession, Marc-André Verville, a notary in the Business law group at Lavery’s Quebec City office, is called upon to act as succession liquidator. In this capacity, he and his co-liquidator remitted the first $500,000 installment of a testamentary donation of which the Fondation Maison Dauphine is beneficiary. This bequest is earmarked to support the continuing mission of l’École de la Rue, which is to help street youths aged 12 to 29 who wish to take up and pursue a high school education. In addition to planning and managing succession cases, Lavery’s notaries offer a wide range of services that include the drafting of real estate, civil and commercial contracts, including mortgage deeds, offers to purchase, deeds of conveyance, servitudes, deeds of superficies, and commercial leases.  (Left to right): Marc-André Verville, notary, Lavery; Jacques Carrier, general manager, Fondation Maison Dauphine; Jacqueline Vézina, co-liquidator; and Daniel Bouchard, managing director, Lavery (Quebec City office)

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  449. Sylvain Poirier named “2017 Lawyer of the Year” in Health Care Law by Best Lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mtre. Sylvain Poirier, partner and head of the Québec health policy and law team, has been named “2017 Lawyer of the Year” in the category of Health Care Law by Best Lawyers. “I would like to heartily congratulate our colleague for this distinction from Best Lawyers, which recognizes his long-standing commitment, expertise, professionalism and the quality of service he offers our clients,” said Don McCarty, the firm’s managing partner. For more information, please consult the Best Lawyers website.

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  450. 41 Lavery lawyers named in the 2017 The Best Lawyers in Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 41 of the firm’s lawyers have been recognized as leading lawyers in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. “This recognition attests to the expertise, quality of work and dedication of these lawyers and the entire Lavery team. I would like to congratulate our 41 colleagues for their contribution to the success of our clients and the development of our services”, said Don McCarty, Lavery’s managing partner. Two lawyers among the Lavery lawyers recommended in this edition have been honoured for the first time: Caroline Harnois and Jean-Philippe Turgeon. Below is a complete list of Lavery lawyers and their field(s) of expertise. Note that the practice areas reflect those in Best Lawyers. 1. Pierre-L. Baribeau Labour and Employment Law 2. René Branchaud Mining LawNatural Resources Law 3. Jules Brière, Ad. E. Administrative and Public LawHealth Care Law 4. Richard Burgos Corporate Law 5. Marie-Claude Cantin Insurance Law 6. Louis Charette Aviation LawProduct Liability LawTransportation Law 7. Eugène Czolij Corporate and Commercial LitigationInsolvency and Financial Restructuring Law 8.  Pierre Denis Equipment Finance Law 9. Raymond Doray, Ad. E. Administrative and Public Law 10. Louis-Martin Dubé Real Estate Law 11. Josée Dumoulin Employee Benefits Law 12. Nicolas Gagnon Construction Law 13. Michel Gélinas Labour and Employment Law 14. Marie-Andrée Gravel Mergers & Acquisitions Law 15. Caroline Harnois Family Law 16. Jean Hébert Insurance Law 17. Richard A. Hinse Corporate and Commercial Litigation 18. Pierre Marc Johnson, G.O.Q., MSRC International Arbitration 19. Bernard Larocque Class Action Litigation/Insurance Law 20. Guy Lavoie, CRIA Labour and Employment Law/Workers’ Compensation Law 21. Jean Legault Banking and Finance Law/Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law 22. Guy Lemay, CRIA Class Action Litigation/Labour and Employment Law 23. Jean Martel, Ad. E. Corporate Governance Practice/Private Funds Law 24. Patrick A. Molinari, Ad.E., MSRC Health Care Law 25. Philip Nolan Tax Law 26. François Parent Employee Benefits Law 27. Luc Pariseau Tax Law 28. Jacques Paul-Hus Mergers & Acquisitions Law 29. Louis Payette, Ad. E. Banking and Finance Law 30. Élisabeth Pinard Family Law 31. Sylvain Poirier Health Care Law 32. Marc Rochefort Securities Law 33. Louis Rochette, Adm.A. Health Care Law 34. Ian Rose Director and Officer Liability Practice/Insurance Law 35. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E. Bet-the-Company LitigationClass Action Litigation 36. Raphaël  H. Schachter , c.r., Ad. E. Criminal Defence 37. Jean-Yves Simard Corporate and Commercial Litigation/Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law 38. Gerald Stotland Family Law 39. Philippe Tremblay Construction Law 40. Jean-Philippe Turgeon Franchise Law 41. André Vautour Corporate Law/Information Technology Law/Private Funds Law/Technology Law For more information, please consult the Best Lawyers website.

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  451. Four Lavery lawyers write a guide to aviation finance in Canada

    Pierre Denis, Étienne Brassard, Benjamin David Gross and Sibylle Ferreira, whose practices focus on business law, financing and aeronautics, contributed to the development of a Q&A guide entitled Aviation finance in Canada: overview and published in the first edition of Practical Law’s Aviation Finance Global Guide. The guide provides a high-level overview of key practical issues, including financing options for purchasing aircraft; registration and deregistration requirements; transfer of title; security, including aircraft mortgages; transfer of security; enforcement of security and repossession; and the application of the Cape Town Convention. To consult the guide, please click here.

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  452. Sébastien Vézina represented Louis Robitaille, the new Head Coach of the Victoriaville Tigres, in the negotiations with the team

    Mr. Louis Robitaille called upon Sébastien Vézina, a partner at Lavery, to represent him during the negotiation and conclusion of the agreement that lead to his nomination as Head Coach of the Tigres of Victoriaville, a hockey team of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Sébastien Vézina specializes in business law and he advises, among others, decision makers and executives in the sports industry on all questions pertaining to commercial and legal issues in their sphere of activities. Click here to read the full news release. (Available in French only)

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  453. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., Adm. A. (1947-2016) – Homage to a builder and a faithful partner of Québec Inc.

    It is with profound sadness that Lavery announces the sudden passing of its partner, Me Gérard Coulombe, at the age of 68. “Me Coulombe was known to all, and recognized by the stalwarts of the business world. His energy was equalled only by his competence and his passion for the profession, a passion that he shared with all those who had the privilege of crossing his path and reaping the benefits of his sage advice. Lavery has lost a partner, a mentor and a friend, and the entire business community of Québec is in mourning today”, stated Don McCarty, Managing Partner of Lavery. In addition to the legal profession, which he practised for nearly five decades, Me Coulombe sat on many boards of directors, including, in particular, that of the National Bank of Canada for slightly over 20 years. At the time of his passing, he was still a director of Club de Hockey Canadien inc., National Bank Group Inc., National Bank Trust Inc., Casavant Frères, S.E.C., Fonds de solidarité FTQ and National Bank Funds Corporation. He was also a trustee of the Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust and had been appointed Lead Trustee of the Board of Trustees of this Fund in May 2016. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992 and received the distinction of Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) in 2013. Over the span of a career that was as prolific as it was inspiring, Me Coulombe earned a more than enviable reputation in Québec and throughout Canada, where his name is synonymous with integrity, competence and hard work. Lavery sends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Me Coulombe, as well as to all the colleagues and partners who had the privilege of working alongside him. Homage to a builder and a faithful partner of Québec Inc. --> It is with profound sadness that Lavery announces the sudden passing of its partner, Me Gérard Coulombe, at the age of 68. “Me Coulombe was known to all, and recognized by the stalwarts of the business world. His energy was equalled only by his competence and his passion for the profession, a passion that he shared with all those who had the privilege of crossing his path and reaping the benefits of his sage advice. Lavery has lost a partner, a mentor and a friend, and the entire business community of Québec is in mourning today”, stated Don McCarty, Managing Partner of Lavery. In addition to the legal profession, which he practised for nearly five decades, Me Coulombe sat on many boards of directors, including, in particular, that of the National Bank of Canada for slightly over 20 years. At the time of his passing, he was still a director of Club de Hockey Canadien inc., National Bank Group Inc., National Bank Trust Inc., Casavant Frères, S.E.C., Fonds de solidarité FTQ and National Bank Funds Corporation. He was also a trustee of the Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust and had been appointed Lead Trustee of the Board of Trustees of this Fund in May 2016. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992 and received the distinction of Lawyer Emeritus (Ad.E.) in 2013. Over the span of a career that was as prolific as it was inspiring, Me Coulombe earned a more than enviable reputation in Québec and throughout Canada, where his name is synonymous with integrity, competence and hard work. Me Coulombe hailed from the region of Vaudreuil-Soulanges , where he still lived. Lavery sends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Me Coulombe, as well as to all the colleagues and partners who had the privilege of working alongside him. An exemplary and inspiring professional career Me Coulombe was first awarded a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) cum laude from the University of Montréal in 1965, and then a law degree (LL.L.) magna cum laude from the University of Ottawa in 1968. That same year, he was awarded a Certificate in Political Science from the University of Ottawa, and the following year, he was admitted to the Québec Bar. In 1969, he headed for Oxford in England as a Rhodes Scholar for the Province of Québec, where he pursued graduate studies in administrative and tax law at Balliol College. Upon returning to Canada in October 1971, he joined the Technical Interpretations Division of the National Revenue Department in Ottawa where he remained until June 1972, when he became Special Advisor for International Taxation Matters to the Department of Finance of Canada. In that capacity, he was responsible for negotiating agreements to avoid double taxation between Canada and more than forty countries, in addition to representing Canada on Working Party No. 1 of the Committee on Fiscal Affairs of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. In March 1977, he joined the law firm of Desjardins Ducharme where he practised for some thirty years and chaired its Board of Directors from 2000 to 2007. In October 2007, he joined Lavery along with 34 other lawyers, and practised his profession tirelessly within this firm until the very end. Recognition of his contributions For many years, Me Coulombe has been listed in the Canadian Legal Directory published by Lexpert in the fields of corporate-commercial law and mergers and acquisitions, and he was also featured in the Best Lawyers in Canada directory in the field of business law (finance). In October 2012, Lexpert magazine awarded him its Zenith Award, in recognition of his  exceptional contribution as a lawyer and agent of change for more than 40 years for his clients, his firm, businesses, law schools, the legal profession, his colleagues and the community. At the award ceremony, the following statement was made: “Many industrial conglomerates that operate internationally must regularly thank Gérard Coulombe. Not only was he a leading corporate practitioner but he played a pivotal role in creating tax policy. As a special advisor to the Minister of Finance from 1972-1977, he was responsible for negotiating agreements that avoided double taxation between Canada and more than 40 countries.” Me Coulombe was appointed Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) in December 1992 and, in 2013, the Québec Bar awarded him the distinction of “Lawyer Emeritus” in recognition of an exceptional career that contributed to the influence of the legal profession. A Partner of Québec Inc. Me Coulombe, with his university education, his versatility and his experience, became closely associated for almost thirty years with the businesses making up Québec Inc. The various matters he was involved in led him to work throughout Canada and abroad, and to develop a unique practice that went beyond the strict confines of the legal profession. Hence, in 1979, he represented the Government of Québec as part of the nationalization of asbestos-producing corporations. He was involved in the merger between the Provincial Bank of Canada and the Bank Canadian National at the beginning of the 1980s. Towards the middle of the 1980s, on behalf of the Société générale de financement du Québec (SGF), he headed up the creation of the consortium charged with building the aluminum smelter of l’Aluminerie de Bécancour. Thereafter, he represented the SGF in the sale of its interest in the Bécancour aluminum smelter in 1995 and in the construction of the aluminum smelter of l’Aluminerie Alouette de Sept-Îles. During the 1990s, he spearheaded the acquisition of the business of several trust companies by the National Bank of Canada, including General Trust of Canada and the sale of National Bank Leasing to GE Capital, which thereby established a significant foothold in Canada. His professional activities continued throughout the 2000s, in particular in his capacity as Special Advisor to the Minister of Finance of Québec as part of the negotiation of the acquisition of Alcan by Rio Tinto. In 2009, he headed up the Lavery team that represented the consortium of Québec businesses that purchased the Montreal Canadiens. Passionate about international affairs All throughout his career, Me Coulombe remained interested in the international activities that he developed during the years he spent with the Department of Finance in Ottawa. From 1989 to 2005, he was very active within the Lex Mundi Association, a worldwide leader among associations of independent law firms with a head office in Houston, Texas. Me Coulombe sat on the Board of Directors of this Association for many years and was its Chairman of the Board from 1993-1994. Lex Mundi has one member per jurisdiction and the law firm of Desjardins Ducharme was the member for Québec until 2007. Finally, from 2008 until his passing, Me Coulombe acted as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Burkina Faso. Involved in his community Me Coulombe was a Governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation from 1983 to 1987, a member of the Board of Directors of the Québec section of the Fiscal and Financial Planning Association from 1983 to 1987 and a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian section of the International Fiscal Association from 1981 to 1989. He was a member of the Ethics Committee of the Barreau du Québec since 2003 and, in 1996, he sat on the Committee established by the Québec Bar with respect to the Securities Act. Me Coulombe also devoted a great deal of his time to the field of the arts, primarily music, in particular as Chair of the Board of Directors of the I Musici Montreal Chamber Orchestra and Deputy Chair of the Canadian International Organ Competition for several years. Finally, Me Coulombe participated in several funding drives by the Faculty of Civil Law of his alma mater, the University of Ottawa. In 2005, while he was sitting on the campaign committee of the Civil Law Section of the University of Ottawa, he established a Fund at the University to award the Gérard Coulombe Scholarship, an entrance scholarship for candidates from Québec who apply for admission to the Civil Law Degree Program and who have an outstanding academic record or professional background.

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  454. Lavery celebrates the Fête du Lac des Nations in Sherbrooke

    On July 21, 2016, almost 190 of Lavery’s clients and business partners came to meet the Sherbrooke team and watch the evening’s fireworks in honour of the Fête du Lac des Nations on the Lavery office terrace. This special event, organized by Danielle Gauthier, a partner at the firm, together with the organizing committee, began with a cocktail and dinner that offered the perfect opportunity to discuss, network and have fun in a lively country-music ambiance while savoring the tasty dishes cooked up by Le Smoking BBQ food truck. The event was then capped off by the Fête’s spectacular firework display! -->

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  455. Lavery joins the partners of the Barreau du Québec’s Panorama project

    Lavery is a partner of the Panorama project, which promotes the recruitment, retention and advancement of lawyers from ethnocultural groups within Quebec law firms and company legal teams. The firm was represented by Don McCarty, the firm’s Managing Partner, Awatif Lakhdar, a partner and member of the Family law, personal law, and estate law group. The launch event, held June 9, 2016 at the Maison du Barreau, included members of various cultural communities as well as representatives and project managers of legal firms and departments. For her part, Zeïneb Mellouli, a lawyer and member of Lavery’s Labour and employment group, was involved in this committee The Panorama project is one of the seven items listed in the Barreau du Québec’s ethnocultural diversity action plan adopted in 2014 following the publication of the “Forum Project for a More Inclusive Profession” report. For three years, the firms and partner legal departments involved in the project commit to sharing best practices to achieve greater ethnocultural diversity and a true inclusion in their workplaces and in the profession. 

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  456. La Ruche Mauricie was launched in the presence of Myriam Lavallée, ambassador

    Myriam Lavallée, a labour and employment lawyer in Lavery’s Trois-Rivières office, was part of a group of ambassadors who helped createLa Ruche Mauricie, inaugurated on June 16. La Ruche is a crowdfunding platform designed to democratize entrepreneurship by facilitating the process of creating, launching, and managing business projects. A wide variety of projects will thus have access to this funding tool and be able to contribute to the economic development of the Mauricie region. The ambassadors form a partnership of local players who are involved in their respective sectors. Their role is to offer promoters their professional expertise as well as a network of contacts.

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  457. Lavery on the Podium at the Saint-Lambert Triathlon/Duathlon

    --> About 20 representatives of the firm took part to various disciplines during the 29th edition of the Saint-Lambert Triathlon/Duathlon, on July 16, 2016. This prestigious event, which gathered over 700 athletes, is co-organized by Sport Aktiv and the St-Lambert ORANGE Triathlon Club, which Nicolas Joubert, a Lavery partner, co-founded. Lavery has been a partner of this provincial competition for over a decade. For another year, the firm has held its own. The remarkable performance of Lavery’s team needs to be highlighted: Nicolas Joubert, gold medallist in the Triathlon Men 35–39 category, Isabelle Richard, medallist in the Duathlon Women 20–29 category, as well as the Lavery men teams, who won the silver and bronze medals. Congratulations to all our representatives, Lavery’s powerful allies!       

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  458. Our lawyers support the Fondation du Barreau du Québec

    Six of our lawyers made a noteworthy contribution during the 2015-2016 campaign of the Fondation du Barreau du Québec. The Foundation warmly thanked our partners Magali Cournoyer-Proulx and Awatif Lakhdar for accepting its invitation to become new governors.  André Vautour and Louis Rochette became Governors emeritus by renewing their commitment for a fourth year; and Gérard Coulombe and Pierre Beaudoin became “lifetime governors” by renewing their mandate beyond five years. The Fondation du Barreau du Québec plays a key role in the field of legal research by supporting the work of legal professionals and providing legal publications to the general public.

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  459. Lavery, a sponsor of the Coupe Québec mountain bike competition in Sherbrooke

    Lavery was a proud sponsor of the 3rd edition of the Coupe Québec mountain bike competition, which was held on June 25 and 26, 2016 in Sherbrooke's Mont Bellevue park. Organized by Club de vélo de montagne Dalbix, the event drew 360 participants for Saturday's Olympic cross-country (XCO) circuit and 320 for Sunday's classic cross-country circuit, stages 2 and 3 of the Coupe du Québec. In addition to its sponsorship, Lavery’s involvement extended to having a team of volunteers in charge of the refuelling post at the foot of the mountain during stage 2. Lavery’s team included lawyers Audrey-Julie Dallaire and Marilyn Paré, notary Cynthia Fortin, paralegal Katy Pelletier and articling student Cynthia Coutu. Funds raised during the event will mainly be used to set up mountain bike trails on Mont Bellevue and will contribute to the mountain’s development.   (From left to right: Katy Pelletier, Audrey-Julie Dallaire, Cynthia Fortin and Marilyn Paré (Cynthia Coutu absent)

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  460. Two partners of Lavery in Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers

    Lavery is proud to highlights that two of its lawyers are mentioned in this year’s Lexpert’s directory, Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers. Firstly, Mr. René Branchaud, partner, is recognized as a mining law leader. He practises in the areas of securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law. He assists companies in matters related to incorporation, corporate structure, shareholder agreements, private placements, public offerings, stock exchange listings, dispositions, and takeovers. To consult his profile, please turn to page 92 of the guide. Additionally, Mr. Guillaume Lavoie, partner, made the list of Corporate Lawyers to watch. His practice focuses on private equity and venture capital. He has developed considerable expertise in setting up investment funds (private equity funds, venture capital funds, and hedge funds) and specializes in structuring complex international funds. He regularly acts as lead legal counsel to fund managers in their fundraising efforts and their investments in Canada, the United States, Europe, and elsewhere in the World. To consult his profile, please turn to page 103. Congratulations!

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  461. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin quoted in the Journal de l’Assurance about his presentation at the Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2016

    Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, partner at Lavery, was invited to speak about regulatory framework during the Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2016. The Journal de l’Assurance quoted him in this regard:  “During the Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2016, Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a lawyer at Lavery, explained that the legislative and regulatory framework is always slow to catch up. The sharing economy is no exception. He notes that, in insurance law, whether you’re talking about a car or a home, it’s not easy to assess the risk related to shared property. ‘When taking out an insurance policy, the insured’s primary obligation is to declare the circumstances that, to their knowledge, could affect the risk,’ he said.” [Translation – article available in French only]  The article in the Journal de l’Assurance titled “L’encadrement règlementaire sera long à se mettre en place” is available here.

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  462. 21 partners from Lavery ranked in the 2016 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 21 partners are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2016 edition of Thomson Reuters’s The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. “I congratulate our colleagues for this recognition and for their continued commitment to serving the needs of our clients. This recognition highlights the contribution of our exceptional lawyers and consolidate the expertise of our firm” said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner.  The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2016 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory : René Branchaud, Corporate Finance & Securities/Mining *Marie-Claude Cantin, Litigation - Commercial Insurance Louis Charette, Aviation/Litigation — Product Liability *Marie Cossette, Ad. E., Litigation — Corporate Commercial Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad.E., C.ADM., Corporate Commercial Law Magali Cournoyer-Proulx, Employment Law (Management) Pierre Denis, Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Josée Dumoulin, Pensions & Employee Benefits (Management) Nicolas Gagnon, Construction Law Benjamin David Gross, Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Jean Hébert, Litigation—Commercial Insurance *Josiane L’Heureux, Occupational Health & Safety Guy Lavoie, CIRC, Labour Relations (Management), Workers’ Compensation (Management) Robert W. Mason, Litigation/Commercial Insurance François Parent, Pensions & Employee Benefits (Management) Louis Payette, Ad. E., Banking & Financial Institutions Élisabeth Pinard, Family Law Ian Rose, Litigation-Directors & Officers’ Liability Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., Class Actions/Litigation—Product Liability André Vautour, Computer & IT Law/Corporate Commercial Law/Technology Transactions Sébastien Vézina, Mining *New posting The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country and it identifies leading practitioners in over 60 separate practice areas and leading law firms in over 40 practice areas. It is a reference guide for Canadian and foreign corporate counsels and law firms in need of specialized legal services in Canada. For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: http://lexpert.ca/directory.

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  463. Anthonie Vézina-Crawford and Paméla Kelly-Nadeau organized “Québec 1608”, an original event bringing together the new generation of professionals

    On June 17, 2016, Lavery – Québec’s new generation invited its counterparts at Ernst & Young – Québec to a unique networking activity entitled “Québec 1608”, which was held at Station touristique Duchesnay. Instead of a traditional cocktail, Anthonie Vézina-Crawford and Paméla Kelly-Nadeau, two lawyers from Lavery, organized a friendly competition that drew on teamwork skills and mental and physical abilities. The accountants and lawyers pretended to be pioneers and faced a series of tasks with the goal to build a pioneer village. They built a church, planted a vegetable garden, ensured the transportation of water from a well, and participated in a giant vegetable hunt. Fun and team spirit were at the heart of this truly original activity, which proved to be a great success!

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  464. Marie Cossette interviewed by The Lawyers Weekly on newly introduced Quebec ethics bill

    Marie Cossette, partner and head of Lavery’s business integrity group, was recently interviewed by Luis Millan from The Lawyers Weekly in an article titled ‘Questions raised over Quebec ethics bill flowing Commission Charbonneau’ in which she discussed the newly introduced legislation: "The bill is a follow-up to the Charbonneau Commission which raised awareness among different decision-making bodies over the importance of creating a culture of ethics and integrity in our society," said Marie Cossette, an administrative law expert who heads the business integrity group for Lavery, de Billy and who is based in Québec City. "The bill will not change attitudes but it is a step in the right direction. It fosters training and gives professional corporations powers to allow them to play an increased role in monitoring." The article is available in english only. To read the article, please click here.

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  465. Étienne Brassard discusses aerospace law in Les Affaires

    Étienne Brassard, a partner at Lavery, discusses the aerospace industry and air law in “Le droit aérien s’adapte aux progrès technologiques,” an article published in Les Affaires newspaper:  “’It is well known that Montréal has a strong aerospace cluster, but it is less well known that we also have top-notch professional services capable of supporting major operations in the global aerospace industry,’ says Étienne Brassard, a partner at the Lavery law firm.”  The complete article in French is available on-line here.

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  466. Yves Rocheleau writes an article for Manufacturers Mauricie Centre-du-Québec

    Yves Rocheleau, a partner in the law firm of Lavery who practises in mergers and acquisitions, has written an article entitled “La relève d’entreprise par des gestionnaires” in the new category Expert Chronicle “Chronique d’expert” on the website of Manufacturers Mauricie Centre-du-Québec (MMCQ), in which he discusses management buy-outs in the context of business transfers and takeovers. The full article is available online here. [article available in French only]

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  467. Lavery proud sponsor of young musical talents!

    From Monday 13 to Friday, June 17, 2016, the Montreal Chamber Music Festival has invited the public to a series of "Concerts in the streets" featuring the winners of the Bank of musical instruments of the Canada Council for the Arts. Young talents gave a concert in the lobby of Place Ville Marie in front of an enthusiastic  and curious crowd during free lunch-gigs. Artists offered an outstanding performance and presented a repertoire consisting of works by baroque and contemporary  composers. 

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  468. Daniel Bouchard and Sarah Leclerc discuss environmental law

    On June 10, 2016, Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Quebec City office gave a presentation as part of the 2016 edition of the training event ‘Recent developments in environment’. His conference was a summary of the article "Reflection on the underutilized municipal authorities in environment" he recently co-wrote with lawyer Sarah Leclerc, contributing to the following book  recently published by Les Éditions Yvon Blais : "Thinking about the underutilization of municipal authorities in environment", clearly states the view of its authors. Indeed, despite the decentralization of powers regarding local management causing the expansion of municipal jurisdiction, including that of environmental protection, civil society seems doomed to suffer the discretionary choice of elected officials in this matter. The article offers an insight on the importance and usefulness of the powers of elected officials in this area in addition to giving examples of these opportunities not seized by elected officials. The authors also make recommendations seeking to propose ways to potentially resolve this urgent problem." [Translation - book available in French only] Recent developments in environmental law, Department of continuing education, the Quebec Bar, 2016 Ed. Yvon Blais, vol. 418., p. 31.

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  469. Zeïneb Mellouli wins a 2016 Lexpert Zenith Award for her commitment to diversity and inclusion

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Zeïneb Mellouli, a lawyer specializing in Labour and Employment Law, was presented with a Lexpert Zenith Award by Lexpert Magazine at a gala in Toronto on June 20, 2016. This year’s edition celebrates lawyers whose actions have advanced diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and society at large. Ms. Mellouli is actively involved in the legal community and in the Montréal community. In recent years, she has served on the board of directors of the Young Bar Association of Montreal and has worked with the Barreau du Québec as part of an initiative to create a working group to promote diversity and the inclusion of members of ethnocultural communities in major law firms. She also contributed to the Barreau du Québec’s forum for an inclusive profession and served on the Committee on ethnocultural diversity of the Bar of Montreal. Finally, she has worked to promote the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, particularly through her collaboration with Lawyers Without Borders. “We are delighted that Lexpert has awarded a Zenith Award to a member of our firm,” declared Don McCarty, Managing Partner at Lavery. “This award recognizes both Ms. Mellouli’s efforts and the firm’s corporate culture, which promotes diversity and inclusion.” As a member of Lavery’s Labour and Employment Law group, Ms. Mellouli advises and represents public and private companies of all sizes in all aspects of labour relations. She is regularly called upon to appear before administrative tribunals and civil courts, including the Superior Court, the Court of Québec, and the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). For further information, visit the Web site of Lexpert Zenith Award.

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  470. Élisabeth Pinard and Anthonie Vézina-Crawford speakers at a conference on the estate settlement

    On June 2, 2016, Élisabeth Pinard, partner at Lavery who coordinates the firm's Family law, personal law, and estate law group and Anthonie Vézina-Crawford, lawyer in the same field, participated in a conference on the estate settlement organized by the "Association de Planification Fiscale et Financière" (APFF). Both of them acted as speakers during a presentation entitled "Règles gouvernant la dissolution du régime matrimonial, le partage du patrimoine familial et le testament dans un contexte de décès" given in French only.

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  471. Lavery, proud sponsor of a CCIFCQ event

    On June 7, 2016, an event for the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie française au Canada – Section Québec (CCIFCQ), was held at Cafe Sirocco in Quebec City. Lavery was a proud sponsor of the evening and Sylvain Pierrard, one of its business law lawyers, was present as an administrator of the CCIFCQ and the event organizer. Since its creation in 1886, the CCIFCQ's mandate is to develop economic relations between France and Canada.

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  472. Lavery 2nd in the top 30 law firms in Quebec according to Les Affaires

    In a special feature of Les Affaires titled ‘Grands du droit 2016’, Lavery was ranked 2nd in the Top 30 law firms in Quebec. Étienne Brassard, business law partner, also discusses Lavery GO inc. Program as part of the nomination: "Lavery (2nd) for his part created a program for start-ups called Lavery GO inc. Program, which operates on selection. "We select promising projects and we help them becoming successful business ," said Étienne Brassard, head lawyer of the program." [Translation – article available in French only] In 2015, Lavery was ranked 3rd on the charts. Thus, this is a significant rise for the firm in the 2016 rankings you can view here.

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  473. In Luxembourg, Laurence Bich-Carrière wins Tony-Pemmers international public speaking competition

    Good things come in threes! Winner of the Young Bar of Montreal's Prix de l'orateur in June 2015 and the oratory competition at the 30th Conférence internationale des barreaux de tradition juridique commune held in Cotonou, Benin, in December 2015, Laurence Bich-Carrière took home top honours at the first edition of the Tony-Pemmers international public speaking contest organized as part of the solemn reassembly of the Luxembourg Bar. The eliminatory round of this speaking contest was held on June 2, 2016, at the Superior Court of Justice of Luxembourg before a five-member jury composed of European and Luxembourgian magistrates and lawyers. The winner of the finals, held the following day, was decided by popular vote, so it was an audience of 250 jurists that Ms. Bich-Carrière had to convince and delight to win first place. The competition focused on eloquence, soundness of argument, and strength of conviction, but also on the speaker’s charisma, sense of humour, and ability to make a connection with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. A member of the Quebec Bar and the Law Society of Upper Canada, Ms. Bich-Carrière is part of Lavery’s litigation group. She has worked as a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada and received numerous merit-based scholarships during her years of study. Her practice includes all aspects of civil and commercial litigation, among other things.

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  474. More than 100 participants at Lavery’s Annual Labour and Employment Law Conference

    Lavery’s Annual Conference on Labour and Employment Law took place on June 1, 2016, in Trois-Rivières. Nearly 110 participants attended the various conferences presented by Nicolas Courcy, Carl Lessard and Marie-Josée Hétu. The speakers addressed several topics, such as the employers protection of interests and rights after the employment relationship breakdown, the best practices in disability management and the recent developments in labour and employment law. Again this year, the event was a great success, tailored for participants and guests who were present. Nicolas Courcy Carl Lessard Marie-Josée Hétu

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  475. Marie Cossette speaker and president of a disciplinary law training organized by Open Forum

    May 31, 2016, Marie Cossette, partner at Lavery and head of the business integrity group, chaired a disciplinary law training organized by Open Forum. Several topics were discussed during the event, including the obligation to work and the trustee's powers of investigation, the disciplinary law expert, disciplinary complaints conduct and evidence and procedures new rules, as well as the place of prejudice in determining the sanction and conciliation in disciplinary law. For her part, Ms. Cossette reviewed the landmark decisions of the highest courts in disciplinary law to help people in the field identifying trends and issues to watch. She was assisted by Ms. Charlotte Fortin in the preparation of the conference.

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  476. 2016 edition of Lavery’s Major Symposium in Labour and Employment Law - A critical look at some of the challenges facing the business community

    Lavery held the 2016 edition of its Major Symposium in Labour and Employment Law and it was a great success. About 300 people made their way to Centre Mont-Royal on June 8, 2016, to participate in the event. The plenary session was hosted by Nicolas Joubert and Guy Lavoie, partners in the Lavery’s Labour and Employment Law group. On this occasion, attendees got to participate in various workshops presented by Dave Bouchard, Jean Boulet, Élodie Brunet, Brittany Carson, Norman A. Dionne, Josée Dumoulin, Carl Lessard, Josiane L’Heureux, Zeïneb Mellouli, Véronique Morin and François Parent. Speakers addressed many different subjects, such as best practices in recruiting, in employment termination and in disability management; in psychological harassment, in pension plans and lessons we can learn about labour and employment law after forty years of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.      

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  477. Raphaël Schachter, master of ceremonies at the annual conference on human rights organized by the Lord Reading Law Society

    On 25 May 2016, Raphael Schachter, partner at Lavery and former president of the Lord Reading Law Society, had the honour to serve as the master of ceremonies of the Annual Human Rights Dinner organized by the Lord Reading Law Society. With over 600 attendees from the field of law and politics as well as important dignitaries, the dinner-meeting was an opportunity to pay tribute to the Honourable Irwin Cotler, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, former MP for Mount Royal and spokesman of the Liberal Party of Canada in human rights, freedom and international justice. Several leaders of the legal community delivered a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Cotler, including Ms. Justice Rosalie Abella of the Supreme Court who was accompanied by four of her colleagues, Judge Nicholas Kasirer of the Quebec Court of Appeal, as well as the well-known Professor Alan Dershowitz, Esq. from Harvard University. The success of the evening was crowned with a video presentation from the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, highlighting the passion, achievements and outstanding contribution of Mr. Cotler in the field of human rights.

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  478. Julie Grondin, Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Awatif Lakhdar appointed partners at Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of three of its lawyers as partners of the firm. They are: Julie Grondin (Litigation) Julie is part of the firm's litigation group and specializes in the areas of construction law, surety law and commercial litigation. She advises public and private owners, contractors as well as surety companies at all stages of construction projects.  She also advises clients in respect of public bidding process and drafting of contract documents, management of the work and claims. Julie is also involved in divided co-ownership matters and represents syndicates of co-owners in various cases involving legal hypothecs and work defects.   Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin (insurance law litigation, professional liability and commercial litigation) Graduate of McGill University, Jonathan has extensive experience in insurance law. Often involved in complex matters, he regularly appears before all Quebec authorities. He participated in several reference works and gives many presentations and training, including the annual conference Jean Bélanger, an insurance law annual retrospective before the Canadian Bar Association and the Canadian Insurance Claims Manager Association. Jonathan is also a lecturer at the University of Quebec in Montreal for the Pierre-Basile Mignault moot court. He has recently taken part of the team representing  Pro Bono Québec before the Supreme Court of Canada in Réjean Hinse v. Attorney General of Canada.   Awatif Lakhdar (family law, personal law and estate law) Awatif is a member of the Family Law, personal law and estate law group since May 2014. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2002, she worked in private practice for over 10 years before joining the firm. Awatif represents clients in international cases including inheritance, divorce, legal separation, child custody, alimony, and the application of matrimonial regimes. Moreover, she often defends clients in international child abduction cases in which the country of origin is not a signatory to the Hague Convention and has acted as legal advisor in cases involving the identification of matrimonial regimes in certain Muslim countries.

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  479. Victory for Lavery at the Supreme Court on behalf of the Chambre des notaires du Québec

    In an important judgment rendered on June 3, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada declared certain provisions of the Income Tax Act (ITA), which allowed the Minister of National Revenue to require notaries or lawyers to provide documents or information which could be useful for the application or enforcement of the ITA and which excluded their accounting records from the protection of the duty of professional secrecy of legal advisers, to be unconstitutional. The Court concluded that several deficiencies caused the requirements sent to notaries or lawyers to be unreasonable and contrary to s. 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It also concluded that the exception to the professional secrecy set out at s. 232(1) of the ITA is unconstitutional and of no force or effect with respect to notaries and lawyers. Raymond Doray and Loïc Berdnikoff, two partners practising administrative and constitutional law at Lavery, represented the Chambre des notaires du Québec before the country’s highest court. Guillaume Laberge and Laurence Bich-Carrière also assisted in the preparation of this case. To see the judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada, click here.

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  480. Marie Cossette, partner at Lavery, to lead the Défi 100 jours / L’effet A in Quebec City

    --> Lavery is pleased to announce that Marie Cossette, head of the Corporate and Business Integrity group and partner in its Quebec City office, will lead the Défi 100 jours/ L’effet A. Marie has many years’ experience handling major cases in various areas of litigation. She is regularly called upon to work on cases dealing with different aspects of government relations. In taking part of this challenge, Marie will be encouraging discussions and promoting arts-business relationships. She also aims to provide participants with the tools they need to communicate effectively in their work environment. “I salute the determination of these visionaries, who so generously give of their time and talent to support the ambitions of women and ensure that more of them rise to positions of influence,” declared Don McCarty, Managing Partner at Lavery. We invite you to follow the progress of the ‘L’effet A’ challenge, starting September 9 on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, as well as on ‘L’effet A’ website at www.effet-a.com  

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  481. Léonie Gagné discusses her career transition towards the field of law in the DTRC’s Annual Report

    Léonie Gagné, a litigation lawyer at Lavery, is interviewed on her career change in the  Dancer Transition Resource Centre’s 2014/2015 Annual Report in an article entitled "From Winning Applause to Winning Cases" . Before practising law, Leonie devoted herself for more than ten years as a professional classical ballet dancer in Toronto, in particular with the National Ballet of Canada : ‘Léonie Gagné had high hopes for her second career. ‘I wanted to find something I was proud of and that matched my ambitions,’ the former ballet dancer revealed. While her career transition is characterized by careful planning and incremental career changes, she has found all the passion and excitement she was looking for in her new career as a litigator. In 2014/15, Léonie became an associate at Lavery De Billy, a prominent Quebec law firm, practising in the areas of insurance law, civil and professional liability as well as product liability.’ Discover Leonie’s career transition and the reasons that motivated her to choose law by reading the article available here.

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  482. René Branchaud recognized by Lexpert as a leader in business law

    On 27 May 2016, Report on Business, The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business was publishing the 2016 Lexpert/ROB Corporate Special Edition on Canada's Leading Corporate Lawyers, in which René Branchaud, partner at Lavery, is recognized among the Canada’s leaders in business law. This special edition recognizes committed corporate lawyers who have distinguished themselves in their practice area. You can read René Branchaud’s biography on page 9 of the publication.

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  483. Léa Maalouf performs at Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui

    --> Léa Maalouf, member of the Litigation Group, performed in a play titled "Les mondes possibles" at the Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui on the 24th, 25th and 26th of May 2016, for the 23rd edition of the Centre du Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui benefit shows. The event committee consisted of 20 one-night-comedians from the business community who have shown on stage the best of their artistic personality during this festive, musical and irreverent evening. 

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  484. Talk by Pierre Marc Johnson in Sherbrooke on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

    Pierre Marc Johnson, Lavery counsel specialized in international trade, international negotiations, and international partnerships, chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and former Premier of Quebec, gave a series of talks on issues and opportunities related to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (PTP). After Montréal, Québec City, and Trois-Rivières, Mr. Johnson was in Sherbrooke on May 26, where he addressed the local business community. During his talk, Mr. Johnson explained the principal characteristics of the two major free trade agreements that were recently concluded but have not yet been ratified by Canada: the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (PTP). He also discussed the business opportunities that these agreements will open up and factors to consider in preparation for their ratification. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (PTP) was signed on February 4, 2016, by twelve countries bordering the Pacific Ocean (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam) representing approximately 800 million people and a combined GDP of more than 40% of the global GDP. This is the largest regional trade agreement ever to be negotiated. This event was made possible in part thanks to the participation of Desjardins Business and Desjardins Business Capital régional et coopératif.  

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  485. Lavery acted on behalf of Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd in connection with a bought deal offering

    A team of lawyers comprised of Josianne Beaudry and Isabelle Richard acted on behalf of Osisko Gold Royalties Ltdin connection with a bought deal offering of 11,431,000 units for gross proceeds of approximately $173 million. The units issued under the offering were offered by way of a short form prospectus filed in all provinces of Canada. The financing closed at the end of February 2016. The units were sold through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by BMO Capital Markets and RBC Capital Markets and included National Bank Financial Inc., Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd., CIBC World Markets, Haywood Securities Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., Cormark Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Paradigm Capital Inc.

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  486. François Parent, speaker at an event organized by the ACPM Quebec Regional Council

    François Parent, partner in pensions and benefits at Lavery, participated in a conference organized by the Quebec Council of the Association of Canadian Pension Management (ACPM). The event entitled "What approaches to consider in 2016 to ensure the success of our DC plans?" welcomed a record number of participants : some 140 people attended the conference on April 21, 2016.  François acted as a speaker at the final presentation of the event, which was entitled "The supervision of DC plans : to maintain the status quo or to regulate?".

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  487. A team of lawyers from Lavery represented Clifton Star Resources Ltd. as part of a major transaction

    A team of lawyers from Lavery represented Clifton Star Resources Ltd. ("Clifton") in a transaction with First Mining Finance Corp. ("First Mining"), where First Mining acquired all the shares of Clifton, in exchange for shares of First Mining. The transaction was effected by way of a scheme of arrangement and was completed in April 2016. The firm has prepared and reviewed the documents related to this transaction, including the Arrangement Agreement and the information circular for Clifton shareholders meeting. Lavery’s team consisted of Josianne Beaudry, Philip Nolan, Jean-Yves Simard, Nicole Messier and Mylène Vallières.

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  488. Gérard Coulombe appointed Lead Trustee of Cominar’s Board of Trustees

    During the annual meeting of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust unitholders held in Quebec City on May 10th, 2016, Gérard Coulombe, business law partner at Lavery, was appointed Lead Trustee of Cominar’s Board of Trustees. Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust is the third  largest diversified real estate investment trusts in Canada and the largest commercial property owner and manager in the province of Quebec. Its real estate portfolio includes 537 offices, retail and industrial properties in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, in the Atlantic Provinces and in Western Canada and represents more than $8.2 billion in assets.

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  489. Corporate and business integrity: a conference organized by Lavery for Quebec’s business community

    On May 5, Lavery’s  Integrity group hosted a business breakfast on issues related to corporate and business integrity. Attendees learned about integrity-related issues to be prioritized, specific ways to identify the internal and external risks facing them, and proven ways to manage those risks. A portion of the discussion also dealt with actions to take in case of a police search and seizure operation and media crisis management. This conference was lead by Marie Cossette, Lavery’s  partner heading the Corporate and business integrity group. The following partners were also invited to speak:  André Vautour and André Laurin, business law, Raymond Doray, administrative law, Philippe Frère, administrative and regulatory law litigation, and Isabelle Briand, criminal and penal law.

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  490. Lavery awards $5 000 scholarship to an ambitious young entrepreneur

    On May 2, 2016, the Fondation du Cégep Garneau and the École d’entrepreneuriat de Québec honoured fourteen young entrepreneurs during the first awards ceremony held at the École d’entrepreneuriat de Québec. Lavery is proud to contribute to the success of budding entrepreneur Jean Desmarais and his plan to open a clinic offering neurofeedback therapy and complementary psychological services by granting him a $5 000 scholarship. Lawyers Karine Pelletier, Sylvain Pierrard and Sarah Leclerc were on hand to present the award to him. During the event, the new entrepreneurs discussed their projects and the invaluable training and support they received from the École d’entrepreneuriat de Québec. The $5,000 scholarships were presented by established companies acting as sponsors to the young winners by offering them direct access to the business world through their position and network. The aspiring entrepreneurs in the school’s first two cohorts shared a total of $70 000 in scholarships awarded to encourage them to pursue their dreams.  

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  491. Pier-Olivier Fradette offers training sessions to the members of the Association des directeurs municipaux du Québec

    Pier-Olivier Fradette, municipal affairs lawyer at Lavery, recently delivered two training sessions (in French) in Lac-Etchemin on behalf of the Association des directeurs municipaux du Québec (ADMQ). The first training session, titled “Volunteer groups operating under the umbrella of the municipality: what are the ground rules?,” dealt with the municipal by-laws and issues to consider before creating an organization along with the legal implications. The second training session, “The ABCs of ministerial authorizations and approval related to municipal finance,” explained the procedures related to the approval of borrowing by-laws, the authorization of credit commitments and the authorization of surety bonds. In the first training session, participants learned about the various municipal by-laws applicable to organizations depending on their legal status and the granting of financial support or assistance to those organizations. In the second training session, participants learned about best practices pertaining to borrowing, the various options for municipal taxation, and cases where it is not necessary to obtain ministerial approval or authorization to borrow. The two training sessions were offered to the CEOs of municipalities and will be presented again on November 22, 2016, in Trois-Rivières.

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  492. Lavery is proud to support the next generation in Montreal’s Chinese business community

    Lavery was a proud sponsor of the fifth edition of the scholarship presentation gala of the Jiu Ding Club, which took place on April 30, 2016. Montréal’s Jiu Ding (JD) Club is a non-profit organization founded by a group of entrepreneurs and professionals of Chinese origin living and working in Greater Montreal. During the ceremony, the JD Club presented scholarships to students in Quebec’s Chinese community as well as international students from Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong who study here and have distinguished themselves through their contributions to all sectors of Canadian society: social, professional, and political, etc. Guillaume Lavoie, partner at Lavery who counts many companies and entrepreneurs in Montreal’s Chinese business community among his clients, was there to represent the firm at the event.  

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  493. Lavery’s roundtable on entrepreneurship

    On May 9, 2016, Lavery’s Quebec City office welcomed three speakers for a roundtable on entrepreneurship. Véronique Simard of  Flirt store and Louis Tremblay of AddÉnergie discussed their entrepreneurial journey with young entrepreneurs from the region including students from l’École d’entrepreneuriat de Québec. Organized by Chloé Fauchon and Karine Pelletier, lawyers at Lavery, the conference followed by a networking cocktail was a great success. Karine Pelletier and Chloé Fauchon

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  494. Sébastien Vézina represented Guy Boucher, the new Head Coach of the Ottawa Senators, in the negotiations with the Sens

    Coach Guy Boucher called upon Sébastien Vézina, a Lavery partner, to represent him during the negotiation and conclusion of the agreement that lead to his nomination as Head Coach of the Ottawa Senators. Sébastien Vézina specialises in business law and he advises, among others, decision makers and executives in the sports industry on all questions pertaining to commercial and legal issues in their sphere of activities. Click here to watch the full press conference.

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  495. Lavery, proud partner of the OSEntreprendre Challenge for a prosperous and innovative Québec

    The OSEntreprendre Challenge, known until very recently as the Québec Entrepreneurship Contest, comprises three levels: local, regional and provincial. As a partner of the event, Lavery was at the regional gala of the National Capital, which took place at the Complexe Capitale Hélicoptère in Québec City on May 4, 2016. As a partner of the challenge, Lavery is happy to provide an hour's worth of legal advice to the 10 winners of the Business Creation division. Along its lawyers Sarah Leclerc and Karine Pelletier who attended the event as part of the partnership, Lavery would like to congratulate all winners for their entrepreneurial success! OSEntreprendre gives the 2 000 new entrepreneurs who take part in the Challenge each year an opportunity to improve the visibility of their project, win prizes, broaden their network and express themselves! Among the winners of the Business Creation division supporting the new bold and determined entrepreneurs, the company Cradle Games who participated in Lavery GO inc. Program for young entrepreneurs, has won a second regional prize.   The company Cradle Games

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  496. NioGold Mining acquired by Oban Mining

    Oban Mining Corporation, a mining company based in Ontario, has acquired all of the common shares of its Quebec counterpart, NioGold Mining Corp. This transaction was completed by way of an arrangement plan under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).  A Lavery team composed of Isabelle Richard, Josianne Beaudry, and René Branchaud prepared and reviewed the documents related to this transaction, including the arrangement agreement and the information circular for NioGold’s shareholders’ meeting.

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  497. Mont Sutton ski resort acquired by the Ryan group

    Ski Sutton Inc. has been acquired by a group of private investors composed of managers of the ski resort. The transaction was carried out by way of an arrangement and was concluded for $7.5 million in March 2016. The Lavery team, composed of Isabelle Richard, Mylène Vallières, Josianne Beaudry, Luc Borduas, Jean-Yves Simard, and René Branchaud represented Ski Sutton Inc.’s controlling shareholders in the sale of the shares and its privatization. It also prepared the documents for this transaction, including the arrangement agreement and the information circular for the shareholders’ meeting, and obtained the court’s approval to proceed with the transaction.

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  498. Société de développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ), Administration régionale Baie-James (ARBJ) and partners invest in BlackRock Metals Inc. to carry out a feasibility study for an open-pit mine

    The Société de développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ), the Administration régionale Baie-James (ARBJ), the Cree Nation Government, and the Capital Mines Hydrocarbures fund, managed by Ressources Québec Inc., have invested more than $8 M in BlackRock Metals Inc. to finance a feasibility study for the development of an open-pit iron and titanium mine in the James Bay Territory. In this financing, René Branchaud and Guillaume Synnott, members of Lavery’s Business law group, acted as counsel for SDBJ and ARBJ.

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  499. Spectra Premium Industries: Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Fondaction CSN, and Fonds de solidarité FTQ acquire $45 million interest in its share capital

    Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), Fondaction CSN, and Fonds de solidarité FTQ acquired interest in the share capital of Spectra Premium, a North American leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of automotive components for the aftermarket. This transaction will enable Spectra Premium not only to maintain ownership of the company in Quebec by reorganizing its share ownership but also to continue its expansion in North America and in global markets. The Caisse invested $28.3 million, while Fondaction CSN invested $15 million. The Fonds de solidarité FTQ, main shareholder of Spectra Premium, injected an additional $2 million into the company. A Lavery team represented Spectra Premium in this transaction. The group was lead by Luc Pariseau and included Richard Burgos, Raphaël Bacal (commercial law), and Jean-Philippe Latreille (taxation).

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  500. Appointment of Martin Tétreault, a partner at Lavery, as Court of Québec judge

    Lavery is proud to announce the appointment of Martin Tétreault to the Court of Québec, effective April 13, 2016. Mr. Tétreault will preside at the Civil Division and Youth Division in Granby. With a bachelor of laws, a master’s in health law from Université de Sherbrooke, and a post-graduate certificate in law (D.E.A.) from Université de Montpellier, Mr. Tétreault was called to the Barreau du Québec in 1991 and practised law at various private firms before being hired by Lavery in 2014. During his career, Mr. Tétreault has advised and represented a wide range of clients, practising in areas such as construction, civil liability, insurance, and the pharmaceutical industry. An author and a lecturer, he also taught pharmaceutical and construction law at Université Laval and Université de Sherbrooke while contributing to professional training and development at the firm. This appointment is in line with a long tradition at Lavery, which has seen many of its partners appointed to the bench.

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  501. Inauguration of the Lavery Room at the Université de Sherbrooke Faculty of Law library

    The Université de Sherbrooke’s Faculty of Law library will receive a makeover as a result of  several sponsors’ contribution including a generous $150,000 donation from Lavery. The renovations that are set to begin in May will be completed by December 2016. At that time, the law students will enjoy a new high-tech work space with amenities on the cutting edge of technology specifically adapted to encourage teamwork. In order to highlight this important contribution, the law Faculty inaugurated a new multimedia room on March 22, 2016, and named it the Lavery Room. The firm that already has privileged long-standing ties with the Université de Sherbrooke has also supported the development of the Faculty of law as well as the activities of the law students’ association (Association générale des étudiants de droit). They are also a partner of the Colloque annuel en politiques et droit de la santé. Members of the firm as well as Mr. André Vautour, Lavery’s Chairman of the board attended the inauguration and are very proud to accompany the Université de Sherbrooke in contributing to the education of the next generation of lawyers. To see more pictures, please click here.  

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  502. Maxime Rousseau-Turenne published an article on the Pro Bono Committee News of the International Bar Association (IBA)

    Maxime Rousseau Turenne, a litigation lawyer at Lavery, published an article entitled“Extrajudicial costs and pro-bono legal representation: the Quebec experience”, in the May edition of the Pro Bono Committee News of the International Bar Association (IBA). This article features how the Supreme Court of Canada, after the exoneration of Réjean Hinse who was wrongly convicted and unjustly sentenced to prison, had confirmed that, in cases of abuse of process, one cannot relieve one party of its obligation to pay the other party extrajudicial fees (lawyer’s fees) solely on the grounds that the other party is represented by pro-bono counsel. Mr. Rousseau-Turenne hopes that this decision will encourage more lawyers in Quebec to volunteer their services in pro-bono cases, and therefore promote access to justice for everyone. To read Maxime Rousseau-Turenne’s article, click here and then click on the May 2016 link.

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  503. Lavery lawyer Awatif Lakhdar participates in the first gathering of Moroccan lawyers living abroad

    On April 8, 2016, Awatif Lakhdar, a member of Lavery’s Family , personal and estate law team, participated in the first Forum for Moroccan lawyers living abroad organized by Morocco’s Ministère chargé des Marocains Résidant à l’Étranger et des Affaires de la Migration in Rabat, Morocco. This gathering was attended by more than forty-five lawyers and judges working in various legal fields, in more than eleven countries. Invited to represent Canada, Ms. Lakhdar co-lead a discussion panel before several Moroccan dignitaries and judges on the subject of “Co-operation and Partnership,” in particular, the need for legislative reform of private International law in Morocco. The goal of this Forum was to identify the social, legal, and administrative difficulties facing Moroccans living abroad, propose ways to mitigate those difficulties, offer greater legal assistance to those in vulnerable situations, as well as establish a network of Moroccan lawyers living abroad.

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  504. Lavery lawyer Léonie Gagné contributed to the community by offering free legal consultations at the Bar of Montreal’s Salon VISEZ DROIT

    Léonie Gagné, a litigation lawyer at Lavery, offered free legal consultations in her area of practice at the 19th annual Salon VISEZ DROIT, organized by the Bar of Montreal on April 12. Committed to giving back to the community, Ms. Gagné decided to volunteer her time and expertise for this event which is organized to educate the public about their rights and obligations as well as promote a better understanding of the legal system. The Salon VISEZ DROIT consists of four days of law-related activities organized by the Bar of Montrealfor the general public. The 19th edition took place from Monday, April 11, to Thursday, April 14, 2016, at the Complexe Desjardins in Montréal, with actress Lynda Johnson serving as spokesperson. Thousands of visitors came to the event to meet the exhibitors and participate in the free activities offered.

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  505. Édith Jacques appointed Chair of the board of Manufacturiers et exportateurs du Québec (MEQ)

    Lavery is proud to announce that Édith Jacques, a partner in its Business law group, was recently appointed chair of the board of Manufacturiers et exportateurs du Québec (MEQ). Ms. Jacques, who is well-known for her work with manufacturing and energy companies, regularly supports her clients in the development of new products and distribution networks as well as project management. Having served on MEQ’s board of directors since 2008, Ms. Jacques has been vice-chair since 2013.  It was in line with her commitment as chair of the board of the MEQ and as a member of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) board that she met with Kathleen Wynne, premier of Ontario, at the CME’s meeting, last month. As Chair, Ms. Jacques aims to deepen her understanding of the business challenges facing  manufacturing and export companies and play a key role in developing the industry.

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  506. Lavery hosts Québec women in finance at the launch of the 2016 AQWF gala

    Lavery celebrated women leaders by hosting the annual pre-gala VIP cocktail party of the Association of Québec Women in Finance (AQWF). The purpose of this event was to launch the festivities surrounding the 11th edition of the organization’s annual “Les Talentueuses s’entourent” gala celebrating the professional success of exceptional women who have distinguished themselves in the finance sector. The finalists were announced in four categories - Inspiration-Andrée Corriveau, Rising star, Leadership, Initiative for the advancement of women in finance – as well as for three “next generation” awards to be presented to finance students. As a proud partner of the AQWF, Lavery wishes the best of luck to the winners, whose names will be announced on April 21, 2016.

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  507. Michel Servant invited to preside the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2016 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal

    Michel Servant, a partner at Lavery, will be the President of the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2016 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal.  This competition recognizes the professional success of HEC’s graduates, aged 35 and under, in four different classes: Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals. The prize-winners are selected by a jury of experienced business people. This event will take place as a Gala-Evening on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the Bonsecours Market in Montréal. It will be the 31st anniversary of the Prix Relève d’Excellence in 2016 and Mr. Hubert Bolduc, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal International will be the Honorary President. Montréal International is an organization whose mission is to attract foreign investment, international organizations and strategic talent to Greater Montréal.

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  508. Lavery and the Lavery GO inc. Program support J’entreprends Québec through Mouvement RAIZE

    Lavery joins Mouvement RAIZE – through its Lavery GO inc. Program – to support the J’entreprends Québec initiative. Mouvement RAIZE is a pioneering business involved in socially committed consumption whose slogan is “On récolte ce que l'on donne” (“you get what you give”). RAIZE selects products and services for which it gives back a part of the profits as donations, thereby meeting the growing financing needs of registered not-for-profit organizations and offering encouragement and support to socially responsible businesses. RAIZE has a web platform that allows user to offer promotions and makes it possible for users and clients to donate a percentage of the revenue from their promotions to a not-for-profit organization. For its part, Lavery has chosen to support the J’entreprends Québec initiative, a not-for-profit organization that aims at bringing entrepreneurs and future entrepreneurs through innovative thematic evenings, an entrepreneurial local exchange system to encourage the exchange of services between entrepreneurs and various events targeted to more specific niche markets. For more information about J’entreprends Québec, click here. To follow RAIZE on Facebook, click here. 

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  509. Awatif Lakhdar receives a prize from the Chamber of Commerce Al Maghreb in Canada during a mission to Morocco under the leadership of the Embassy of Canada to Morocco

    On March 7th 2016, Awatif Lakhdar, a lawyer in Lavery’s Family Law, personal law, and estate law group whose practice focuses on private international law, was awarded a prize by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Al Maghreb in Canada for services rendered for the development of economic relations between Canada and Morocco. To learn more about the CCIMC, of which Lavery is a proud partner, please click here. 

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  510. François Bélanger leads a round table organized by Futurpreneur

    On March 21, 2016, François Bélanger, a partner in Lavery’s Litigation group who acts as litigation counsel in the areas of commercial, real estate, and construction law, led a round-table discussion organized by Futurpreneur on the topic of “The importance of having a shareholder agreement”. The event took place at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec Price building before young entrepreneurs mainly from the Quebec City and Levis region whose business has been up and running for two to five years. Mr. Bélanger’s role was to guide and provide added-value to exchanges between participants.  Futurpreneur is a national not-for-profit organization that offers financing, mentoring and support tools to young and new entrepreneurs (18 to 39 years of age). 

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  511. Evelyne Verrier and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin speakers at the Journée de l’assurance de dommages

    Évelyne Verrier, a partner at Lavery who holds a degree in actuarial science and coordinates the Distribution of financial products and services group and whose practice focuses primarily on civil litigation and insurance, and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a lawyer in the firm’s Litigation group who practises primarily in insurance law, professional liability, and commercial litigation, were speakers at the 5th edition of the Journée de l'assurance de dommages held on March 15 at Palais des Congrès de Montréal that brought together hundreds of industry participants. They participated in a panel that covered both the regulation of the online sale of insurance and a “share economy” in a digital world. For more information about this event, for which Lavery was one of the main partners, please click here. 

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  512. Myriam Brixi, Loïc Berdnikoff and Lavery on hand at Legal IT 2016 conference

    The 10th anniversary of the Legal IT conference took place March 21, 2016 at the Centre des Sciences de Montréal with over 200 attendees. The event was organized by Myriam Brixi, a lawyer in Lavery’s Litigation group whose practice focuses on class actions, insurance law, and civil liability, in her role as a director and head of the IT Committee of the Young Bar Association of Montreal. Lavery was one of the event’s sponsors, and Loïc Berdnikoff, a partner in the firm’s administrative law team with expertise in the areas of access to information and the protection of personal information, presented a conference entitled “Behavioral Advertising: the New Klondike for Advertisers”. For more information about this event, please click here. 

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  513. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur pens an article on the issue of alcohol and drugs in the workplace in Avantages magazine

    The February/March 2016 edition of Avantages magazine features an article by Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, a partner at Lavery with expertise in the fields of labour and employment lawand occupational health and safety law, and Christiane Legault, director of business development at Cyclone Santé, entitled “Alcool et drogues en milieu de travail: Agir pour éviter le pire !” (“Alcohol and drugs in the workplace: Actions to avoid the worst-case scenario !”). In the article, the co-authors describe the issues and present several strategies to remedy them. They underscore how important it is for employers to consult experts regarding drug and alcohol use, to thoroughly document and investigate cases in order to determine which situations require drug testing and to put in place a unambiguous and detailed policy regarding substance abuse. 

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  514. Élisabeth Pinard talks about the evolution of family law in the Journal du Barreau

    In the special section entitled “L’Ambition au féminin” (“Women and ambition”) published in the March 2016 edition of the Journal du Barreau, Élisabeth Pinard, coordinating partner for the Family law, personal law, and estate law group at Lavery, presents her vision of progress in family law after 35 years of practice. To read this special section, please click here. 

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  515. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Léonie Gagné publish an article on waiving the insurer’s right to deny coverage

    Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Léonie Gagné, lawyers in the firm’s Litigation group whose practice focuses mainly on insurance lawwrote an article entitled “Spoken words fly away, written words remain? Waiving the insurer’s right to deny coverage” published in the Spring edition of La ChADPresse. This free magazine, published four times a year by the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages, is distributed to more than 14 500 damage insurance agents and brokers, as well as claims adjusters. In the article, the authors conclude that: “The claims adjuster’s actions or representations could result in the insurer being deprived of its right to deny coverage or to invoke an exclusion in the insurance policy. It is therefore essential to draw up a clear, comprehensive reservation of rights letter and give it to the insured as soon as possible after the loss occurs in order to avoid an implicit waiver being held against the insurer..” To read the full article, please click here.

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  516. Julie Cousineau speaker at CBA-Quebec’s “Annual review of commercial litigation jurisprudence”

    On April 6, 2016, Julie Cousineau, a partner at Lavery specializing in civil and commercial litigation, as well as construction law, will be one of the speakers at the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec Branch, luncheon conference entitled “Revue annuelle de la jurisprudence en matière de litige commercial 2015” (“Annual review of commercial litigation jurisprudence 2015”). The speakers will review and assess the last year’s commercial litigation jurisprudence. For more information or to register for the conference, please click here.

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  517. Jean Saint-Onge chairs 13th National Conference on Class Actions

    On March 10 and 11, 2016, at Montreal’s Palais des Congrès, Jean Saint-Onge, a partner in the firm’s Litigation, chaired the 13th edition of the National Conference on Class Actions – Recent developments in Quebec, in Canada and in the United States organized by the Barreau du Québec. More than 40 speakers from Canada and the US shared their unique perspective of class action management and current trends during this two-day conference.  This conference  is one of the most important continuing education activity in the field of class actions in Canada. Click here to view the conference’s full program

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  518. André Vautour and Guillaume Lavoie to give workshop on investment funds at the Barreau du Québec’s conference on recent developments in business law

    On June 3, 2016 at Montreal’s Intercontinental Hotel, André Vautour, the firm’s chairman of the board and a partner who practises particularly in investment funds and Guillaume Lavoie, a partner whose practice focuses on private equity and venture capital, will give a workshop entitled “Sword of Damocles or Scarecrow? To what extent can an investor in an investment fund get involved in the management of the fund without risking of losing its limited liability?” (“Épée de Damoclès ou épouvantail? Jusqu'où l'investisseur dans un fonds d'investissement peut s'impliquer dans ce fonds sans risquer de perdre sa responsabilité limitée?”) at the Barreau du Québec’s conference “Recent developments in business law (2016)” (“Les développements récents en droit des affaires (2016)”). They’ll touch on, among other topics, the issue of the potential liability of investors in private investment funds and will explain to what extent the setting up of an advisory committee made up of partners’ representatives or the conclusion of side letters is likely to make them lose their limited liability. To view the conference’s full program or to register, please click here.

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  519. Jessica Akué becomes Vice President of African Business Network private financing committee

    Jessica Akué, a lawyer at Lavery who specializes in coporate law and taxation, recently was recently appointed Vice President of the Private Financing committee of the African Business Network (Réseau des Entrepreneurs & Professionnels Africains – REPAF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to networking and collaboration to create a business network made up mostly of professionals, students and entrepreneurs of African origin. To learn more about the REPAF, click here.

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  520. Lavery ranked as Quebec’s top regional firm

    -->Lavery has topped Canadian Lawyer’s 2016 list of regional law firms in Quebec, maintaining its #1 ranking for the fourth edition in a row. This recognition, which Lavery also received in 2010, 2012 and 2014, is based on the results of a survey conducted by the magazine to rate the main law firms in Quebec. The magazine surveys lawyers, in-house counsel and clients from across the country and takes into account each firm’s territory, client list and important cases, as well as the quality of its service and expertise. “Again this year, Lavery ranks as the top regional law firm in Quebec, and we are very pleased, because this ranking is based on feedback from colleagues in private practice, in-house counsel and clients across Canada,” said Don McCarty, the firm’s Managing Partner. “This result shows that we are continuing to set ourselves apart and to offer expertise that meets the needs and requirements of the businesses that retain our services. Moving forward, our goal is to strengthen our position as a leader in all fields.” For more information about the results of the survey, visit the Canadian Lawyer website at http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/5955/Laser-Focus.html.

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  521. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Odette Jobin-Laberge contribute to LexisNexis book on insurance law

    Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a lawyer in the Litigation group whose practice focuses in the areas of insurance law, has written two chapters in LexisNexis’ reference book entitled “Le contrat d'assurance de dommages et le contrat de réassurance: sujets choisis” (“Damage insurance and reinsurance contracts: selected topics”): one on the concept of intentional fault in property and liability insurance, and another, written in cooperation with Odette Jobin-Laberge, covers general property insurance principles. To obtain a copy of this publication, please click here. 

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  522. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin comments on a Quebec Superior Court ruling granting $8 million in damages to a minor hockey player injured during a game

    Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a lawyer in the firm’s Litigation group who primarily practices in insurance law, comments on a Quebec Superior Court decision that awarded $8 million to a minor hockey player left paralyzed by a hit from behind in “Hockey injury award sends sombre message,” an article published in the February 26, 2016 edition of Lawyers Weekly. Me Lacoste-Jobin mentions in this article that although the impact of such a ruling remains to be determined, the courts will certainly keep a close eye on theefforts put forth by sports organizations to improve safety in their sport.

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  523. The Société du Plan Nord and two members of the Réseau Capital Baie-James announced an important investment in Innord to develop an innovative new rare earth elements separation process

    The Société du Plan Nord, and two members of the Réseau Capital Baie-James, who are la Société de Développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ) and l’Administration régionale Baie-James (ARBJ), announced on March 3, 2016, an $500,000 investment in Innord Inc.,  a subsidiary of GéoMégA Resources inc. Sébastien Vézina, Guillaume Synnott and Éric Gélinas, three lawyers in the firm’s Business law group acted as legal counsel for the involved parties. The investment will be used to develop an innovative new process that will significantly improve the environmental performance of rare earth elements separation. Read the Société du Plan Nord press release here. Sébastien Vézina Guillaume Synnott Éric Gélinas

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  524. Étienne Brassard and Guillaume Synnott offer a series of training sessions for HEC Montréal’s Rémi Marcoux Entrepreneurial Track

    On March 3, Étienne Brassard and Guillaume Synnott, members of Lavery’s GO Inc. Program and business law group, will give the first of three training sessions on legal issues faced by startups to members of the third cohort of HEC Montréal’s Rémi-Marcoux Entrepreneurial Track. Lavery is proud to partner with the Rémi-Marcoux Entrepreneurial Track, a pre-accelerator program training and developing Quebec’s future entrepreneurs.

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  525. Luc Thibaudeau interviewed in Lawyers Weekly regarding the Quebec Court of Appeal ruling regarding the Mazda Canada Inc. class action suit

    Luc Thibaudeau, a partner at Lavery who specializes in consumer law and represents a wide range of clients including corporations, financial institutions, retail chains and stakeholders in the entertainment industry, is quoted several times in Luis Millan’s article “Mazda ruling viewed as consumer win” published in the February 26, 2016, edition of Lawyers Weekly. In the article, the decision is “hailed as a victory for consumers” that “bucks the nationwide growing trend against economic loss based tort claims,” and summarizes Mr. Thibaudeau’s opinion as follows: “But the ruling does have a silver lining for manufacturers” since “[it] underscores the importance for manufacturers to act as soon as they discover their products have a latent defect […] By refusing to award punitive damages against Mazda, the appeal court recognized that the carmaker made an effort to remedy the situation when it launched its service campaign.” To read the full article, please click here.

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  526. Lavery partners with the Ensemble contemporain de Montréal

    On April 6, 2016, Lavery will give culture a helping hand and partner with the Ensemble contemporain de Montréal for its 2016 fundraising event,Sacrée Landowska. Marie Cossette, Ad. E., a partner who heads Lavery’s Business Integrity group as well as the Quebec City office’s Administrative Law group will be the honorary chair for the event, which will take place at the Théâtre rouge du Conservatoire. For more information or to reserve tickets, please click here.

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  527. Lavery at the Pentathlon des neiges Corporate Challenge

    On February 20, five lawyers from Lavery’s Quebec City office participated in the Pentathlon des neiges Corporate Challenge on Quebec City’s Plains of Abraham. Profits from the event will go to the “À l’école, moi j’bouge” project, which enables youngsters from low-income families to participate in after-school activities. Bernard Roy began the event on bike, followed by Chloé Fauchon on foot, Anthonie Vézina-Crawford on cross-country skis, François Bélanger on skates, and Sylvain Pierrard on snowshoes. Despite the rain, our athletes turned in a star performance! Bernard Roy, Chloé Fauchon, Anthonie Vézina-Crawford, François Bélanger and Sylvain Pierrard

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  528. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Daniel Bouchard instructors at the 89th session of the Cours de perfectionnement du notariat

    From April 21 to 23, 2016, the 89th session of the Cours de perfectionnement du notariat will take place at the Quebec City Convention Center. On the morning of April 21, Daniel Bouchard, a partner and Managing Partner of the firm’s Quebec City office that specializes in the fields of municipal, environmental and administrative law and has developed special expertise in the areas of land use planning and development, agricultural zoning, environment, municipal liability, municipal management and ethics in public administration, will present a session entitled “Act Respecting the Preservation of Agricultural Land and Agricultural Activities: the minimum every notary should know” (“La Loi sur la protection du territoire et des activités agricoles : ce que tout notaire devrait minimalement savoir”). For his part, on April 23, Jean-Philippe Turgeon, a partner and the leader of the firm’s Franchising and Distribution group whose practice focuses on franchise law, distribution of goods and services, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency, will lead a workshop entitled “The 10 most important contractual provisions to consider before concluding a franchising contract” (“Les 10 plus importantes dispositions contractuelles à considérer avant de conclure un contrat de franchise”). For more information or to register, please click here.

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  529. Louis-Martin Dubé speaker at a CBA-Quebec conference on recent jurisprudence in real estate and leasing law

    On February 17, 2016, Louis-Martin Dubé, a partner at Lavery with more than twenty-five years' experience in real estate law who advises and represents property owners, institutions, developers, pension funds, asset managers, lenders, and tenants in a wide range of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, development projects, financing, and leasing, gave a sold-out CBA-Quebec luncheon conference entitled “Real estate law year in review (2015)” (“La revue annuelle de jurisprudence en droit immobilier (2015)”) at the Intercontinental Hotel. For more information, please click here.

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  530. Lavery represents Sodémex Développement s.e.c. in the acquisition of a 15% interest in a mining royalties portfolio held by Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

    On February 17, 2016, Sodémex Développement s.e.c. entered into an agreement with the mining company Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (“Osisko”) to acquire a 15% interest in a portfolio of mining royalties including rights on Richmont Mines Inc.’s producing Island Gold Mine, Niogold Mining Corporation’s Marban and Noraltic sites and the Integra Gold Inc.’s Lamaque project. The value of the portfolio acquired by Osisko from Teck Resources Limited was more than $20 million.   Sodémex Développement s.e.c. was represented by a Lavery team composed of Sébastien Vézina, Tereza Kristic, Louis-Martin Dubé, Nicole Messier, Carole Gélinas and John McFarlane Sodémex Développement s.e.c. is an investment fund whose only shareholder is the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and whose mandate is to invest in companies in the natural resources sector that are in the development stage.

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  531. Jonathan Warin chairs a CBA-Quebec conference on insolvency in Quebec

    On February 18, 2016, Jonathan Warin, a partner at Lavery, a member of the Commercial Litigation group and the President of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency section of the Canadian Bar Association’s – Quebec Branch, chaired a CBA-Quebec luncheon conference entitled “Supreme Court’s decision in the Lemare Lake Logging Ltd. case: anticipated effects on insolvency practice in Quebec” (“Décision de la Cour suprême dans l'affaire Lemare Lake Logging Ltd. : effets à anticiper sur la pratique de l'insolvabilité au Québec”) was held at the Intercontinental Hotel. The conference was targeted to insolvency practitioners, lender representatives, borrowers and bankruptcy trustees. For more information, please click here.

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  532. Pierre Marc Johnson to speak as a witness before the Senate’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade committee

    Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, head CETA negotiator for Quebec, former premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade and cross-border partnerships, will be a witness, as an individual, within the scope of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade committee’s general study of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements and their prospects for Canada. His presentation will be held on February 18, 2016 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 160-S, Centre Block, of the Parliament of Canada in Ottawa. To tune in to the webcast, please click here.

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  533. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Stéphanie Destrempes will speak at the Franchise Expo event in Quebec City

    On February 27, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at the Centre des congrès de Québec, Jean-Philippe Turgeon, a partner and the leader of the firm’s Franchising and Distribution Group, will present a seminar entitled “Create your own franchise system” during the Franchise Expo event that is set to take place February 27-28. Mr. Turgeon will discuss several issues, such as what business concepts can be franchised, the viable operational systems to choose when aiming for sustainable and profitable development of a franchise network, and the best practices to get the most out of the franchise business model and increase the value of your franchise system. For more information or to register for Mr. Turgeon’s seminar, please click here. For her part, Stéphanie Destrempes, a lawyer and also a member of the firm’s Franchising and distribution group will give a conference entitled « Becoming a franchiser » (“Devenir franchisé”)  on February 28, 2016 during the show. For more information about the Franchise Expo, please click here.

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  534. Eugene Czolij to receive Honorary Doctorate from Lviv Polytechnic National University

    Lavery is proud to announce that Eugene Czolij, a partner at the firm, will shortly receive an honorary doctorate from Lviv Polytechnic National University in Ukraine for his outstanding work as Ukrainian World Congress President. This title has been conferred on him to highlight his commitment and determination in promoting Ukraine’s interests and its Euro-integration. Eugene Czolij is a senior litigator whose legal practice includes corporate and commercial litigation, as well as insolvency and restructuring law. In these fields of expertise, his peers have recognized him in the publication Best Lawyers in Canada. “We closely follow the extra-professional achievements of our members and are exceedingly proud to highlight their commitments and accomplishments. Throughout his career, Mr. Czolij has set himself apart by his passionate and determined mindset, which has benefitted not only his legal clients but also his fellow Ukrainians living in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world. The great honour Lviv Polytechnic National University will confer on him is a recognition of his unstinting commitment to the Ukrainian World Congress, an honour for which Lavery congratulates him heartily,” says Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. The Ukrainian World Congress is the international coordinating body for Ukrainian communities in the diaspora representing the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians. The Ukrainian World Congress has member organizations in 34 countries and ties with Ukrainians in 15 additional countries. Founded in 1967, the Ukrainian World Congress was recognized in 2003 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a non-governmental organization with special consultative status. For more information, please visit http://www.lp.edu.ua/en/node/9264.

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  535. Pierre Marc Johnson to host a luncheon conference on CETA during MTL à Paris week

    On March 8, 2016 at the Chambre de Commerce et de l’Industrie de la region Paris Ile-de-France, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, a former Premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade, negotiations and cross-border partnerships, will host a luncheon conference on the Canada-EU trade agreement (CETA). The conference, which will take place during the MTL à Paris week, will be followed by an afternoon networking session using a creative and dynamic networking platform which will facilitate meetings between French and Montreal businesses. The second edition of the MTL à Paris week, a Tourism Montreal and Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal (BTMM) initiative, is presented by Air Canada and will be held March 6-10, 2016. For more information about this day’s events, please click here. 

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  536. Bernard Larocque and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin present an insurance law jurisprudence year in review for 2015

    Bernard Larocque, and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, both members of the litigation group at Lavery,presented a comprehensive year in review of insurance law jurisprudence for 2015 at four separate events in early February 2016, more specifically on February 3 and 5 at the Lavery Conference Center, on February 4 at the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec Branch, Jean Bélanger Conference and on February 10 before members of the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association. The presentations elicited a great deal of interest from the over 200 participants who had the opportunity to attend any one of these events. 

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  537. Nicolas Gagnon chairs CBA-Quebec’s Jean Savard Conference: 2015 Annual Jurisprudence Review of Construction Law

    On February 24, 2016, Mr. Nicolas Gagnon, a partner at Lavery specializing in construction and surety law, will chair a CBA-Quebec luncheon conference entitled “Jean Savard Conference: 2015 Annual Jurisprudence Review of Construction Law” (“Conférence Jean Savard : Revue de la jurisprudence 2015 en droit de la construction”) to be held at the Intercontinental Hotel. The conference will cover the current state of jurisprudence in construction law and 2015’s landmark decisions. The conference is sold out but for more information on this topic, please click here (French-only link).

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  538. Pierre Marc Johnson talks about CETA at a Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf Alumni Association event

    On February 11, 2016 at Club Saint-James, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, a former Premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade and cross-border partnerships, was the guest speaker at a breakfast conference hosted by the Alumni Association of Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf. One hundred and twenty-five of the Collège’s alumni and students were on hand to listen to Mr. Johnson’s talk, which was entitled “The ins and outs of the Canada-EU Agreement” (“Les tenants et aboutissants de l’Accord Canada-Union européenne”). After the conference, Me Johnson fielded questions from the audience during a question period. For more information about Brébeuf’s Alumni Association events, please click here. 

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  539. Pierre Denis and Benjamin David Gross will be panelists at the Canadian Institute’s inaugural conference on asset-based lending (ABL)

    On February 24 and 25, 2016, at the Toronto Hilton Hotel, Pierre Denis and Benjamin David Gross, both of whom are partners and members of the firm’s financial services group, will be panelists at the Canadian Institute’s inaugural ABL conference. At 11 a.m. on February 24, Mr. Benjamin Gross will give a presentation entitled “Lending into Quebec: The Bridge Between Common and Civil Law”, while on February 25 at 9 a.m., Mr. Pierre Denis will participate as a panelist for a session entitled “Equipment Leasing as a Bank Alternative: Case Studies. The conference aims at presenting cutting-edge solutions to educating delegates about asset-based lending, thereby dispelling the stigma associated with ABL in Canada, a stigma that has given rise to the misconception that ABL is a “product of last resort” meant primarily for distressed businesses. For more information or to register, please click here. 

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  540. Lavery’s Quebec City office makes a donation to the Fondation du Cégep Garneau and partners with the École d’entrepreneuriat de Québec

    Lavery’s Quebec City office made a donation in the amount of $5,000 to the Fondation du Cégep Garneau in order to lend support to the École d’entrepreneuriat de Québec’s scholarship program and next generation entrepreneurs. A partnership with the École d’entrepreneuriat will allow three cohorts of entrepreneurs to benefit from a broad range of services, including those of Lavery’s Go inc. Program. Lavery’s Go inc. Program offers basic legal services for emerging young businesses, as well as guidance and support to young entrepreneurs. 

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  541. Pierre Marc Johnson on a CETA mission to Brussels and Luxembourg

    From January 22 to 27, 2016, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, a former Premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade and cross-border partnerships, was on a mission with Mr. Jacques Daoust, then Minister of Economy, Innovation and Exports , and Ms. Christine St-Pierre, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, as part of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiation process. Mr. Johnson, Québec’s head CETA negotiator, met with the Luxembourg President of the Chamber of Deputies, Mars Di Bartolomeo and testified at the Meeting of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee. There are some qualms in the EU about the Investors-States dispute settlement system that could delay ratification of the Agreement. Me Johnson has stated that while Canada was keeping an open mind about the EU’s concerns regarding the arbitration system, the “agreement’s worst enemy was time.”

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  542. Pierre Marc Johnson addresses Collège des médecins du Québec directors regarding the mutual recognition agreement (MRA)

    On January 19, 2016, during the strategic planning retreat of Collège des médecins du Québec’s directors, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, a former Premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade and cross-border partnerships, delivered an address in particular on the MRA regarding the professional qualifications of physicians, the migratory flow of health professionals, as well as negotiations pertaining to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

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  543. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur gave a conference on integrating status of women issues in large law firms

    On January 27, 2016, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, a partner with expertise in the fields of labour and employment law, health law as well as occupational health and safety law, spoke at a lunch conference hosted by the Comité Femmes et Droit of the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Law entitled “Integrating status of women issues in big law firms” (“L’intégration des enjeux de la condition féminine dans le milieu des grands cabinets”). The conference was a great success with around 50 attendees. 

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  544. Pier-Olivier Fradette signs an article in the January edition of BâtiVert magazine

    Pier-Olivier Fradette, a lawyer whose practice focuses on municipal law, land use planning, and municipal contract management, has published an article in the January 2016 quarterly issue of BâtiVert, a magazine that covers recent jurisprudence, distributed by the Corporation des officiers municipaux en bâtiment et environnement du Québec (COMBEQ). The article entitled “The protection of municipal executive again put to the test… and again confirmed” (“La protection des cadres des municipalités testée de nouveau… et confirmée de nouveau”) analyses the decisions of the Commission des relations de travail (first instance) and the Superior Court (judicial review) in Jean-François Fournier v. Municipalité de Lac-des-Plages. Mr. Fradette explains the heavy burden a municipality carries when attempting to terminate an executive and that such a thing cannot be done without sound and meritorious reason even if a notice of termination clause was included and accepted in a work contract. The full article will be soon available on the COMBEQ website (French only)

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  545. The JCCM congratulates Élodie Brunet on her volunteer work

    Recently, the Jeune Chambre de Commerce de Montréal (JCCM) highlighted the volunteer efforts of Élodie Brunet, a lawyer who practices in Lavery’s Labour and Employment law group, for her volunteer work with the Comité du Réseau des jeunes administrateurs. The JCCM praised Ms. Brunet for her interest in the Réseau des jeunes administrateurs program, her availability, enthusiasm, as well as her initiative and willingness to get involved.  For more information about the JCCM, please click here.

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  546. Lavery represents the Conférence des juges de paix magistrats du Québec before the Supreme Court of Canada

    On January 18, 2016, Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad.E., and Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff, both of whom are partners in the firm’s Administrative Law group, represented the Conférence des juges de paix magistrats du Québec and its members before the Supreme Court of Canada to obtain a declaration of unconstitutionality regarding various provisions of the Act to Amend the Courts of Justice Act and Other Legislative Provisions as regards the Status of Justices of the Peace which allowed the government, notably, to unilaterally determine the treatment and work conditions of the justices of the peace, without having recourse to a remuneration commission. According to the Conférence, the provisions in question, in that they apply to judges, violate the guarantees of judicial independence provided in the preamble of the Constitutional Act  of 1867and under section 11d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The court reserved its decision. To read a summary of the case, please click here.

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  547. Application for authorization to submit a class action against the Commission de la construction du Québec represented by Lavery rejected

    On January 7, 2016, the Superior Court of Quebec refused to grant an authorization to submit a class action on behalf of the linemen having worked for a federal undertaking and who, since the establishment of the Commission de la construction du Québec ("CCQ"), paid different assessments and contributions under the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry, CQLR c. R-20. The representative of the proposed group requested, amongst other conclusions, the reimbursement of the assessments deducted by the CCQ. In Caron c. Fraternité provinciale des ouvriers en électricité-section locale 1676, 2016 QCCS 25,  justice Chantal Lamarche, j.s.c. found that the conditions for the exercise of a class action were not met. More specifically, she rejected the application for authorisation because of the complexity of the evidence which would have to be administered to determine if the employers of the members of the proposed group were under federal or provincial jurisdiction and because the refund of the assessments raised issues that were not common to all members of the group. Lavery has successfully represented the CCQ against who the application for authorization to submit a class action was specifically directed. The team was composed of Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad.E. and Mr. Bernard Larocque assisted by Mr. Guillaume Laberge. Raymond Doray Bernard Larocque Guillaume Laberge

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  548. Lavery in Lexpert Top 10 business cases of 2015

    In its January 2016 edition, Lexpert magazine ranks the Canada (Attorney General) v. Federation of Law Societies of Canada case second in its list of the Top 10 business cases of 2015. Lavery wishes to extend its heartiest congratulations to Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad.E., and Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff, both of whom are partners in the firm’s Administrative Law group, who argued the case of behalf of the interveners the Barreau du Québec and the Chambre des notaires du Québec. Mr. Guillaume Laberge assisted them in their preparation. In its ruling, the country’s highest court concluded that certain sections of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and of its regulation violate sections 7 and 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and cannot be saved by section 1. Raymond Doray Loïc Berdnikoff Guillaume Laberge

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  549. Jean Boulet and Zeïneb Mellouli give a CRHA conference on recent developments in labour and employment law

    In Montreal on January 26, 2016, Jean Boulet, a partner at Lavery, and Zeïneb Mellouli, a lawyer, both of whom practice in the Labour and Employment Law Group, will give a conference entitled “Recent developments and long-term prospects in labour and employment law” (“Développements récents et perspectives d’avenir en droit du travail et de l’emploi”) within the scope of a CRHA (Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés) Work Relations Workshop. In particular, their conference will cover the key lessons from the Supreme Court of Canada regarding labour law and will address the issue of genetic discrimination. For more information or to register for the conference, please click here. 

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  550. Bernard Roy and Anthonie Vézina-Crawford from Lavery will be speaking at the APFF on alternative methods of assessment used by tax authorities

    Bernard Roy, partner and Anthonie Vézina-Crawford, associate from Lavery  will be giving a conference at the L’Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF) on January 21st, 2016 in Québec City. The speakers will address the alternative methods of assessment used by tax authorities, how the courts interpret this and the impact of the use of such methods by taxpayers. For more information or to register to attend to this conference, please click here.

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  551. Lavery sponsors the 6th annual Fondation de l’Hôpital Jean-Talon du CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’île-de-Montréal Gala

    For the second year running, Lavery partnered with the Fondation de l’Hôpital Jean-Talon to sponsor its annual Gala, which took place on November 7, 2016, at the Montreal’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The event, whose honorary chairman was Dr. Donald Eddy raised $97,000 for the improvement of health care and services provided to the general population. Mr. Charles Olivier Thibeault — a lawyer in Lavery’s Health law group, secretary of the Fondation de l’Hôpital Jean-Talon’s board of directors and a member of the event’s campaign committee — represented the firm at the Gala. Founded in 1984, the Fondation de l’Hôpital Jean-Talon is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to contribute to the improvement of health care and services provided to the population as well as to promote health in the community. To view photos of the event or for more information about the Fondation, please click here (link to French-only web page).

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  552. Pier-Olivier Fradette of Lavery to give COMBEQ training session in partnership with the MMQ

    Throughout 2016, Pier-Olivier Fradette, a lawyer whose practice focuses on municipal law, land use planning, and municipal contract management, will be giving a COMBEQ (Corporation des officiers municipaux en bâtiment et en environnement du Québec)  and MMQ (Mutuelle des Municipalités du Québec) training session in several Quebec cities. The session, which is entitled “Permit, certificate or attestation issuance: an inventory of rules to be followed” (“Émission des permis, certificats ou attestations : inventaire des règles a` respecter”) will allow participants to broaden their knowledge regarding the latest changes in legislative and jurisprudential orientation in this field. This training is accredited to contribute to obtain the title of municipal officer in building and environment. For more information or to register for the session, please click here (link to French-only registration page).

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  553. Élodie Brunet talks labour and employment law at a lunch conference at UdeM

    On January 12, 2016, Élodie Brunet, a lawyer at Lavery, will discuss her experience in the practice of labour and employment law at a lunchtime talk organized by the Comité Droit du travail of Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law. Ms. Brunet will share her thoughts on the legal aspects of the practice, which include, among other things, occupational health and safety, the types of mandates received, files handled and the decision-making bodies involved. She will also provide a few examples from actual cases.

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  554. Lavery welcomes three new lawyers!

    Lavery is proud to announce that Jessica Akué (Taxation, 2015), Maude St-Georges (Litigation, 2015) et Sibylle Ferreira (Financing, 2015) have recently joined the firm. Jessica Akué worked as a tax specialist in a prominent tax audit firm in France. She has a Masters in Business Law and another in Corporate Taxation. Maude St-Georges has a Bachelor in Civil Law from Université de Montréal and took part in a summer program at the China University of Political Science and Law. She is currently finishing her Comparative Law Master’s thesis at McGill University. Sibylle Ferreira has a Licentiate of Laws from the University of Geneva and practised as a lawyer in Geneva, primarily in civil litigation and family law, before moving to Quebec to complete a Master of Laws at McGill University. “The addition of these lawyers shows Lavery’s willingness to attract young talent who will reinforce our practice groups and the firm’s commitment to hiring young lawyers who were previously articling students with the firm," said Don McCarty, the firm’s Managing Partner. The year of call to the Quebec Bar appears in parentheses. Jessica Akué Maude St-Georges Sibylle Ferreira

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  555. Seminar “How to franchise your Business”– with Jean-Philippe Turgeon

    On January 15, 2016, Jean-Philippe Turgeon, a partner and the leader of Lavery's Franchising and Distribution Group, will lead a seminar entitled "How to franchise your Business" offered by the Conseil Québécois de la franchise (CQF). Mr. Turgeon will cover the following topics: what constitutes a viable concept open to franchising, what are the existing franchise types and the other products and services distribution structures, what is the most appropriate infrastructure to support a profitable and sustainable development of a franchise system, what are the key elements of a franchise agreement and an operation manual and, finally, what are the best practices to adopt in order to get the most out of the franchise business model and increase the value of a franchise system. Summary : please clik here (french only) Date : 15 Janvier 2016 Where : Lavery, 1 place Ville-Marie, 40e étage Duration : 8h30 à 16h For more information or to register for this seminar (places are limited), please contact Monique Grignon (CQF) at 514 340-6018.

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  556. Three Lavery lawyers give a conference on oppression remedies before the Judges of the Superior Court of Quebec, Commercial Division

    On December 15, 2015, at the Montréal Courthouse, Jean-Yves Simard, Bruno Verdon and Léa Maalouf, all three members of the litigation group, gave a conference entitled “Applications for interim and safeguard orders in oppression matters” (« Les demandes de mesures provisoires et d’ordonnances de sauvegarde dans le cadre d’un recours en oppression ») before more than twenty judges from the Superior Court of Quebec, Commercial Division. The Lavery lawyers recapped the legislative basis, the applicable criteria and jurisprudence, and then spoke on the practical and procedural aspects of oppression remedies. Jean-Yves Simard Bruno Verdon Léa Maalouf

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  557. Véronique Morin of Lavery presents a work relations management webinar to Ordre des CRHA members

    On December 8, 2015, Véronique Morin, a lawyer whose practice focuses on labour and health law, presented a webinar to Ordre desconseillers en ressources humaines agréés (CRHA) members. The webinar asked, “What is the true usefulness of last-chance agreements, and how can their effectiveness be increased?” (« Quelle est la véritable utilité des ententes de dernière chance et comment accroître leur efficacité? »), and answered by identifying the applicable accommodation measures, by offering suggestions as to how such clauses should be drafted and by summarizing the lessons that can be derived from recent jurisprudence, as well as providing a summary of the incumbent obligations. For more information about this webinar, please click here (link to French event description). 

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  558. Record-breaking Centraide campaign for Lavery in 2015!

    Lavery is very proud to announce that its annual Centraide campaign for 2015 has proven to be its most successful campaign to date! Indeed, since the beginning of November, more than $ 130,000  has been raised! Lavery would like to thank all the volunteers and donors for participating in the campaign in such large numbers and for their generosity. The firm is delighted that the funds raised will contribute significantly to the development and success of numerous regional charitable organizations. For more information about Centraide, please click here. 

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  559. André Laurin speaks on the duties and liability risks of directors

    On November 26, 2015, André Laurin, a Lavery partner specialized in business law, gave a seminar entitled "Devoirs et risques de responsabilité des administrateurs" (Directors' duties and liability risks), to directors and certain executives of Aéroports de Montréal. This training covered directors' general duties, obligations and statutory responsabilities as set out in laws and regulations applicable and interpreted in case laws.

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  560. Laurence Bich-Carrière of Lavery wins the oratory competition of the “Conférence internationale des Barreaux”

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Laurence Bich-Carrière, one of its promising young lawyers, has won the international oratory competition of the “Conférence internationale des barreaux de tradition juridique commune (CIB)”, on December 3, 2015. Winner of the Young Bar of Montreal Oratory Competition in June 2015, Ms. Bich-Carrière was invited to represent the Bar of Montreal at the CIB which was held in Cotonou, Benin, from December 2 to December 5, 2015. On this occasion, she participated in an oratory competition against lawyers from all over the French-speaking world, where she took 1st place!  Member of the Quebec Bar since 2009, Me Bich-Carrière is part of the Litigation group and focuses her practice on all aspects of civil and commercial litigation. Her academic record is replete with frequent appearances on the Dean’s List as well as the receipt of graduate-level scholarships, in particular the MacDonald Travelling Scholarship. “We are delighted to recognize Laurence’s outstanding success at this event. Her knowledge of the law, her wit, and quick repartee are remarkable. We are pleased to count her as one of our own”, said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. 

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  561. Lavery finances the planting of 100 trees in the Montréal area

    Through its Environmental Committee, Lavery, a proud partner of the 375 000 trees planting program, is pleased to have contributed to the plantation of 100 trees in the parc Les Berges Aristide-Laurier, located in Terrebonne. The 375 000 trees project intends on rising the canopy index to 3 % in the greater Montreal area by having 375 000 new trees planted by 2017. To learn more or to take part in this project, please click here (French version only).  

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  562. Pierre Marc Johnson, Chair of the board of Centre Jacques Cartier of Lyon

    Pierre Marc Johnson, former Premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade and cross-border partnerships, participated in the 28es Entretiens Jacques Cartier as Chair of the board of Centre Jacques Cartier. During this event which was held in Lyon from Monday, November 16 to Thursday, December 3, 2015, Mr. Johnson presented a lecture on the negotiation of the Canada-European Union Agreement before an audience of scholars and business people interested in the implementation of this type of agreement for businesses. He also hosted a joint interview between Montreal’s and Lyon’s mayors at the city hall of Lyon, particularly on environmental issues and city development.

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  563. Awatif Lakhdar presents the 2015 case law review in family law

    On December 16, 2015, Ms. Awatif Lakhdar, a Lavery lawyer specialized in Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law, will present a seminar entitled “Revue jurisprudentielle 2015 en droit de la famille – Décisions marquantes et tendances jurisprudentielles”(2015 case law review in family law -  Important decisions and case law trends). Organized by Éditions Yvon Blais, this conference is an overview of important 2015 decisions in the field of family law as well as a practical illustration of trends, making it a tangible tool for family law practitioners. To that end, the following topics will be addressed: Crossover between marriage annulment and immigration Unequal division of the family patrimony Partnership of acquests: included property Duration of spousal support Shared custody Recognition of a divorce settlement granted abroad Interpretation and application of article 54.1 CCP

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  564. Two Llavery lawyers in the 2015 Lexpert® US/Canada Cross-Border Guide – Litigation

    Lavery is proud to highlight that of two of its lawyers are mentioned in this year's Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada. Firstly, Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, a partner in Lavery's Litigation Group, is once again recognized as a leading practitioner in the field of cross-border class action litigation. To consult his profile, please turn to page 45 of the guide. Additionally, Ms. Sophie Prégent, a member of Lavery's administrative law practice group , made the list of Litigation Lawyers to watch, at page 111. Congratulations!

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  565. Lavery proud to pursue its tradition of contribution to the development of entrepreneurship by supporting Fondation Montréal inc.

    Lavery, through its Lavery GO inc. Program and Lavery Capital group makes an aggregate $25,000 donation ($5,000 annually over five years) to Fondation Montréal inc., while supplying the services of five volunteer-lawyers to act as coaches over the same period. In addition to Guillaume Lavoie, a business law partner, and Louis Charette, a litigation partner at Lavery, both long time volunteers at the Fondation, the following lawyers will lend a hand to the Fondation’s initiatives, which include supporting start-up businesses and awarding grants to new entrepreneurs: Nicolas Joubert, labour, employment and immigration law partner; Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, labour and employment law partner; and Judith Houle-Couture, business law associate. This donation and this volunteering follow a well-established tradition of Lavery of support to the development of entrepreneurship. While the Lavery GO inc. Program provides start-ups with a unique, personalized and affordable program allowing them to access a full range of legal services at competitive prices taking in account their reality, the Lavery Capital group is a key partner of venture capital fund managers who allow these start-ups to achieve exceptional growth. Through their support to the Fondation, the Lavery GO inc. Program and Lavery Capital are therefore able and proud to expand further their contribution to the development and growth of Québec start-ups.

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  566. Conference by Julie Cousineau and Emil Vidrascu on the New Code of Civil Procedure to in-house counsel

    On November 25, 2015, Julie Cousineau and Emil Vidrascu, litigation partners at Lavery, gave a conference on the New Code of civil procedure in Montreal and via video conferencing in Quebec. Organized by the Canadian Bar Association (ACCJE division), the conference entitled “Le Nouveau Code de procédure civile changera-t-il votre vie comme conseiller juridique d’entreprise?” (Will the new Code of civil procedure change your life as an in-house counsel?) provided an overview of the practical implications of the new Code of civil procedure on the management of litigation files by in-house counsel. 

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  567. Lavery winner of the RBC Challenge for Centraide!

    On November 25, 2015, Lavery’s team comprised of lawyers and staff members, participated in the RBC Challenge by climbing Place Ville Marie’s 1000 stairs to raise money for Centraide in two minutes 43 seconds, five seconds more than the record established last year by a team of Olympic athletes! The RBC Challenge was able to raise the impressive amount of $ 210 000 to fight against poverty and social exclusion in the city. Congratulations to all the runners and the Lavery team for taking on this challenge for Centraide!    

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  568. Étienne Brassard, speaker at the 4th edition of Stratégies PME

    On November 26, 2015, Étienne Brassard, a business law partner at Lavery, was co-speaker at Stratégies PME 2016 which took place at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The conference was entitled “Le financement participatif ou “crowdfunding”: en quoi consiste cette nouvelle alternative pour les entrepreneurs?” (Crowdfunding: what does this new alternative mean for entrepreneurs?) and was presented with Mr. Gabriel Araish, expert analyst in corporate financing at the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Mr. Brassard discussed, among other things, various types of crowdfunding, their interaction with traditional methods of financing, the advantages and key risks for entrepreneurs, while Mr. Araish addressed the new regulatory framework put in place by the AMF with regard to equity crowdfunding.

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  569. Jean Saint-Onge takes part in a panel on class actions regarding public health

    On November 25, 2015, Jean Saint-Onge, a litigation partner at Lavery, participated in a bilingual panel together with Ms. Cynthia Callard of Smoke Free Canada and Dr Alain Poirier of the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), at McGill’s Faculty of Law. Under the topic “Les recours collectifs québécois contre les fabricants de cigarettes ou le rôle des litiges judiciaires dans la poursuite d'objectifs de santé publique” (Quebec class actions against tobacco manufacturers or the role of litigation in pursuing public health objectives), panelists namely discussed two Quebec class actions against three tobacco manufacturers which were granted by the Superior Court in May 2015.

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  570. Guillaume Lavoie, Young Bar of Montreal Lawyer of the year in Corporate Law

    Lavery is pleased to announce that on November 26, 2015, Mr. Guillaume Lavoie, a business law partner at the firm, won the 2015 YBM Lawyer of the year in the Corporate Law category, at the “Leaders of tomorrow” YBM Gala held at the Rialto Theater. Given out by a committee of selected legal figures and members of the YBM Governing Council, this award highlights the quality and excellence a member of the Young Bar of Montréal has shown through his achievements. The award winner must have distinguished himself on a professional and personal level, as well as through his involvement in the community and his views on the profession and his career. Guillaume Lavoie’s practice focuses on private equity and venture capital. He has developed considerable expertise in setting up investment funds and specializes in structuring complex international funds. He regularly acts as lead legal counsel to fund managers in their fundraising efforts and their investments in Canada, the United States, Europe, and elsewhere in the World. "We are very honoured that Guillaume Lavoie is the winner of this prize, a recognition of his contribution to our legal profession, as well as the excellence and discipline shown through his work. This award, which is also a tribute to the quality and depth of his commitment to the profession and community, brings honour to the entire firm", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner.

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  571. Jean Saint-Onge of Lavery recognized as leading litigation lawyer by Lexpert

    Jean Saint-Onge, a Litigation partner at Lavery, is once again recognized as one of Canada’s leading litigation lawyers in Lexpert®’s special supplement published in the Report on Business magazine December edition inserted in the November 27, 2015 issue of The Globe and Mail. Mr. Saint-Onge’s expertise as a leading litigation lawyer focuses particularly on class actions and product liability. He is also listed in other Lexpert publications, such as The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and the Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada, as well as in Chambers Global, Chambers Global Canada and Best Lawyers in Canada.

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  572. Lavery’s Jean-Philippe Turgeon publishes an article in Canadian Business Franchise entitled “Validating the Viability of a Franchise System’s Infrastructure

    Jean-Philippe Turgeon, partner and leader of Lavery’s Franchising and distribution group, has published an article in the December edition of the Canadian Business Franchise magazine highlighting the keys aspects of a franchise system’s infrastructure in order to sustain growth. To read the article, please click here. 

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  573. Lavery lunch and learn: Business law and sports

    At a lunch and learn on November 17, 2015, Mtre Sébastien Vézina and Mtre Benjamin David Gross, partners in the business law team of Lavery, shared their experiences as counsel in the field of sports law with the Comité droit des affaires et gestion (CDAG) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Montreal. With a room full of close to 70 attendees, the event turned out to be a great success!  Sébastien Vézina and Benjamin David Gross

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  574. Lavery’s Sherbrooke office participates in the Défi à l’entreprise competition

    Lawyers, notaries and employees from Lavery's Sherbrooke office participated in the Défi à l'entreprise competition on Saturday November 21st, 2015. The purpose of this friendly competition between various local businesses is to raise money for CEGEP de Sherbrooke sport teams (les Volontaires). This year's effort was a dry run. The Sherbrooke team expects to participate in (and win!) the competition next year. Front row : Sophie Goulet, Mylène Boivert, Sylvie Stang-Chaput, Audrey-Julie Dallaire, Geneviève Chamberland and Marika Couture-Houle. Back row : Frédérick Breton, Annie Pouliot, Justin Gravel, Doris Mailhot and Nicolas Thibault-Bernier

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  575. Élisabeth Pinard presides a session at the Discussion forum on the legal protection against exploitation of seniors

    On November 27, 2015, at Laval University, Élisabeth Pinard, coordinating partner for the Family law, personal law, and estate law group, will preside a session at the Forum discussion on la protection juridique des personnes aînées contre l’exploitation (Discussion forum on the legal protection against exploitation of seniors), which is organized by the Groupe de recherche en droit des services financiers (GRDSF) and the Antoine-Turmel Chair. Ms. Pinard will present each speaker and act as moderator during question period. To register for the Forum, which meets continuing education credit requirements, please click here. 

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  576. Guillaume Lavoie winner of the 2015 Rising Star Award

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Guillaume Lavoie, a business law partner at the firm, has received the Rising Star Award given out by the Legal Lexpert Directory, during a gala that was held in Toronto on November 19, 2015. This Canada-wide contest pays tribute to lawyers under 40 who are considered rising stars in the legal profession in Canada. The winners are selected based on rigorous and well-delineated criteria: professional accomplishments, leadership, contribution to firm profitability, business acumen, vision, education and awards, and teamwork. Guillaume Lavoie’s practice focuses on private equity and venture capital. He has developed considerable expertise in setting up investment funds and specializes in structuring complex international funds. He regularly acts as lead legal counsel to fund managers in their fundraising efforts and their investments in Canada, the United States, Europe, and elsewhere in the World. "Guillaume Lavoie has excellent professional and human qualities that make him a legal expert respected by his clients and colleagues. Lexperthas acknowledged these qualities by giving him the Rising StarAward. Guillaume is truly an example of professionalism and thoroughness in a demanding profession while still giving back to the community through his numerous involvements in foundations and non-profit organizations, which make him a great asset to Lavery", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. For more information, please visit the Lexpert Rising Starswebsite at www.lexpert.ca/rising-stars/award-winners.

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  577. Pier-Olivier Fradette speaks on the contractual freedom of municipalities

    On November 16, 2015, at Lavery’s Quebec City office, Pier-Olivier Fradette, a municipal law associate, gave a conference entitled “La liberté contractuelle des municipalités” (Contractual freedom of municipalities). Presented to Lavery clients from the municipal sector, this conference was designed to expose simple mistakes frequently made when drafting municipal contracts, which ultimately cause interpretation issues or lead to legal actions before the courts. Tools were given to municipal writers to help them avoid these mistakes and therefore diminish the risks of legal disputes in their municipalities.

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  578. Awatif Lakhdar, panelist at a YALA conference

    On November 10, 2015, Ms. Awatif Lakhdar, a Lavery lawyer specialized in Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law, was a guest panelist invited by the Young Arab Law Association (YALA) at a conference entitled “Breaking Barriers: Arab Canadians & the Legal Profession”. On this occasion, Ms. Lakhdar shared her experience and career path while emphasizing the various aspects of private international law practice with regards to matrimonial issues.

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  579. Lavery takes part in the Salon des ressources en entreprenariat 2015

    On November 19, 2015, the Quebec campus of CÉGEP Limoilou held the Salon des ressources en entreprenariat 2015, an event part of the Canada - Global Entrepreneurship Week. On this occasion, Ms. Anthonie Vézina-Crawford and Mr. Sylvain Pierrard of Lavery held a stand to present and inform the entrepreneurial community on the firm and the Lavery GO inc. Program. Click here to view the list of other participants (in French only). 

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  580. Lavery’s Élodie Brunet, speaker at “La Tournée Pensons Prévention” organized by SPI Santé Sécurité

    On December 2, 2015, Élodie Brunet, an associate in the Labour and Employment Law Group at Lavery, will give the opening presentation of “La Tournée Pensons Prévention”, organized by SPI Santé Sécurité on the South Shore of Montreal. This event, which is free of charge, is addressed to all those who value occupational health and safety in their workplace, namely managers and business executives.  Ms. Brunet’s presentation entitled “Le succès d’une défense de diligence raisonnable passe inévitablement par la prévention” (“A successful due diligence defence necessarily begins with prevention”) seeks to: raise awareness regarding the practical elements an employer must implement in order to deal with a CSST inspection, a statement of offence alleging a violation of the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety or a charge of criminal negligence; discuss certain practical elements of a due diligence defence, which essentially consists in taking the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of the various stakeholders. This event will take place at 8 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Montreal-Longueuil, on 900, St-Charles East Street, in Longueuil. Other topics relating to occupational health and safety will be discussed throughout the day, namely during an Experience Sharing Panel, a conference on enclosed spaces and assessment workshops (protection against falls or lockouts). For more information or to register, click here. Please note that this event will take place in French.

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  581. Jean-François Lévesque appointed Chief Client Officer (CCO) at Lavery

    Committed to placing clients at the centre of all its actions, Lavery – the leading independent law firm in Quebec – recently appointed Jean-François Lévesque as Chief Client Officer for all its operations. Working closely with the managing partner and the board of directors, Mr. Lévesque will play a leadership role in the firm’s client-focused approach, business development, marketing, and communications. “The creation of the position of Chief Client Officer (CCO) was inspired by the firm’s strategic plan, which places client service at the focus of all Lavery’s concerns,” explained Don McCarty, managing partner. “Client needs and interests are at the heart of all our initiatives, so we decided to make it the primary responsibility of one of our executive officers.” With degrees in both law and literature, and resolutely focused on the business of law, Mr. Lévesque is known for his ability to find creative solutions to the specific challenges facing companies in the B2B sector. In fact, he will be a panelist at the “Sommet marketing B2B” organized by Les Affaires newspaper on November 24.

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  582. Lavery represents the Chambre des notaires du Québec before the Supreme Court of Canada

    On November 3, 2015, Raymond Doray, Ad. E., and Loïc Berdnikoff represented the Chambre des notaires du Québec before the Supreme Court of Canada to obtain a declaration of unconstitutionality regarding various provisions of theIncome Tax Act (ITA) which authorize the Minister of National Revenue, by means of a simple letter, to require that any person provide information or documents that might be of assistance in the administration or enforcement of the ITA, including lawyers and notaries. According to the Chambre, the provisions in question, when applied to a notary, violate the right to “solicitor-client privilege” and restrict the freedom of notaries in a manner that is not in accordance with the principle of fundamental justice relating to the legal counsel’s duty of committed representation. Mr. Guillaume Laberge and Ms. Laurence Bich-Carrière actively took part in the preparation of this case. To read a summary of the case, please click here. 

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  583. Pierre Marc Johnson delivers the closing address at a conference on methane in the lead-up to COP21

    In Paris, on November 9, 2015, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, former premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade and cross-border partnerships, delivered the closing address at a conference entitled “Mitigating methane emissions: From science to innovative solutions”. The conference was organized by the Veolia Institute, in collaboration with the Agence Française de Développement and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, within the scope of preparatory activities leading up to the forthcoming COP21 on climate change. For more information and to view the conference’s programme, please click here. a

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  584. Lavery lunch and learn: Business law and sports

    On November 17, 2015, Mtre Sébastien Vézina and Mtre Benjamin David Gross, partners in the business law team of Lavery, will share their experiences as counsel in the field of sports law at a lunch and learn with the Comité droit des affaires et gestion (CDAG) of the Faculty of Law of the University of Montreal. For more information or to register, click here. 

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  585. René Branchaud, guest speaker at the RCGT half-day on issues in the mining industry

    On November 3, 2015, René Branchaud, partner at Lavery, was guest speaker at the RCGT half-day on issues in the mining industry. Organized by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton in Montréal, this conference offered financial and tax information in the mining sector. Speakers discussed numerous subjects, namely: governance on issues in the mining sector; innovation funding and tax credits for mining companies; support with recruitment – growth capital. 

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  586. Awatif Lakhdar speaks on unjust enrichment

    On October 28 and November 6, 2015, Ms. Awatif Lakhdar, a Lavery lawyer specialized in Family Law, Personal Law and Private International Law, presented a conference entitled « L’enrichissement sans cause: Où en sont nos tribunaux en 2015 ? » (Unjust enrichment : Where do our courts of law stand in 2015?) to over 75 participants during a seminar organized by the Bar’s Continuing Education Department in Montreal and during a training day for the Richelieu Bar. During this conference, Mtre. Lakhdar presented the landmark decisions and trends of 2015 on the issue of unjust enrichment.

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  587. Louis Rochette on the board of directors of the Société du Grand Théâtre de Québec

    On November 11, 2015, the Quebec Cabinet proceeded to numerous nominations, including Louis Rochette’s, a Lavery partner, as independant member and Chair of the board of directors of the Société du Grand Théâtre de Québec. Founded in 1971, the Société du Grand Théâtre de Québec corporation is mandated to manage the Grand Théâtre de Québec and present, create and produce shows. 

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  588. Jean Boulet appointed to the Assemblée des Centraide du Québec Executive Committee

    Jean Boulet, a partner in Lavery’s Trois-Rivieres office whose practice focuses on labour law, collective bargaining and occupational health and safety law, was recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the Assemblée des Centraide du Québec (ACQ). Well known for being very active in the community, Mr. Boulet joins a committee made up of seven members appointed by the ACQ on the recommendation of its Executive Committee.

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  589. André Paquette of Lavery speaker at the Symposium sur la conformité au Québec 2015

    On October 28, 2015, André Paquette, a partner and member of the Business Law Group, presented a conference entitled “Vous envisagez acheter un bloc d’affaires? Parlons de gestion de risques!” (“Thinking of buying a block of business? Let’s talk risk management!”) at the Symposium sur la conformité au Québec 2015 (Quebec 2015 Compliance Symposium) organized by Freedom 55 Financial and held at Centre Mont-Royal in Montreal. Mr. Paquette’s presentation reviewed the block of business acquisition process and the main legal, tax and ethical issues the buyer must take into account and discussedpossible solutions to adequately manage risksinvolved.

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  590. Caroline Harnois – speaker at a mini-conference on “The Hague Convention and international child abduction: right of child and claims for refugee protection”

    On October 22, 2015, Caroline Harnois, a partner at Lavery and a member of the Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law team, spoke at the Canadian Bar Association, Québec Branch’s conference “La Convention de La Haye sur les aspects civils de l'enlèvement international d'enfants: droit de l’enfant et demandes d’asile” (Hague Convention on the civil aspects of the international child abduction: right of the child and claims for refugee protection). For more information about this event, please click here. 

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  591. Two Lavery lawyers worked with Lawyers Without Borders Canada to develop a written argument in favour of Raïf Badawi’s release

    On November 3, 2015, Ms. Awatif Lakhdar and Ms Zeïneb Mellouli, both lawyers at Lavery, participated in a press conference held by Lawyers Without Borders Canada (LWBC) regarding the publication of a written argument in favour of Raïf Badawi’s release that was submitted to the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Canada and the Saudi Minister of Justice on August 15, 2015 The written argument is the fruit of LWBC teamwork in collaboration with the Barreau du Québec, renowned experts in the field of human rights and Islamic law and Lavery, in particular through Ms. Lakhdar and Ms. Mellouli’s contributions to the written argument’s preparation and its Arabic translation and revision. Ms. Awatif Lakhdar is a member of the Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law Group and, in particular, practices in private international law, and Ms. Zeïneb Mellouli is a member of the Labour and Employment Law Group and is well versed in public international law by way of her master’s degree in transnational law and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees internship in Geneva. Together, the argument and its publication constitute another important LWBC initiative aimed at bringing about Mr. Badawi’s release. The report is available for download here. Camille Gagné-Raynauld, Pascal Paradis, Ensaf Haidar, Zeïneb Mellouli, Awatif Lakhdar and Julia Poulin.

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  592. André Vautour gives a training session on SME governance

    On November 11, 2015, in Trois-Rivières, André Vautour, a partner at Lavery and the chair of the board, will give a training session entitled “Comprendre ses devoirs légaux et les risques de responsabilité” (Understanding your legal obligations and liability risks) as part of an Institute for governance of private and public organizations (IGPPO) training initiative. During November, the IGPPO will host a series of five training sessions given by renowned specialists, to increase the competencies of current and future directors of SMEs in the Trois-Rivières region. For more information or to register, click here. 

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  593. Five Lavery lawyers at the Salon Carrière Formation de Québec 2015

    On October 23 and 24, 2015, five lawyers from Lavery’s Quebec office participated in the Salon Carrière Formation de Québec in order to promote the Lavery GO inc. Program. During the show, Karine Pelletier, a member of the Business Law Group, Anthonie Vézina-Crawford, a member of the Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law Group, Chloé Fauchon, a member of the Administrative Law Group, Sylvain Pierrard, a member of the Business Law Group and Marie-Hélène Riverin, a lawyer who practices both in Labour and Employment Law and Insurance Litigation took turns at the firm’s booth. Photo: Karine Pelletier and Chloé Fauchon

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  594. Sylvain Pierrard appointed to the board of CCIFC

    Sylvain Pierrard, a member of Lavery’s Business Law Group whose practice focuses on trademarks, copyright and tax, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie française au Canada, section Québec. Since 1886, the CCIFC—an independent not-for-profit organization—has sought to develop economic ties between France and Canada.

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  595. Jules Brière – panellist at “An officially bilingual constitution for Canada in 2017” study day

    On November 6, 2015, Jules Brière, a partner at Lavery who practices in constitutional law, administrative law, health law and the law governing public lands, will participate in a session entitled “Constitutional bilingualism – Issues and Challenges of French Constitutional Drafting” during “An officially bilingual constitution for Canada in 2017?” study day/colloquium presented by the University of Ottawa. The study day’s program is available here. 

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  596. Emil Vidrascu publishes an article on the Romanian Civil Code

    Emil Vidrascu, a Litigation partner at Lavery, is the author of an article entitled “Développements jurisprudentiels québécois en matière d’enrichissement injustifié” (Quebec case law developments on unjust enrichment) contained in the book “Le nouveau Code civil roumain : Vu de l’intérieur – Vu de l’extérieur” (The new Romanian Civil Code: seen from the inside – seen from the outside), published this fall. This book gathers the lectures given at an international conference on new Romanian Civil Code which took place in Bucharest in 2013.

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  597. Martin Bédard and Julie Brisson, speakers at the 2015 APFF Conference

    On October 7, 8 and 9, 2015, the Centre des congrès de Québec hosted the annual conference of the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF). On this occasion, Lavery’s Martin Bédard and Julie Brisson did a presentation entitled “Les règles fiscales en matière de divorce et de separation” (Tax rules in cases of divorce and separation). The speakers did an overview of tax rules regarding divorce and separation including attribution rules as well as an analysis of certain recent rulings and policies which had an impact on these questions.

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  598. Patrick A. Molinari elected first Vice President of CIAJ

    On October 13, 2015, Patrick A. Molinari, counsel at Lavery, was elected first Vice President of the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (CIAJ) during the annual meeting of its board of directors in Saskatoon. The CIAJ is presided by the Hon. Justice Georgina Jackson of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. The CIAJ is a pan-Canadian non-profit organization promoting excellence and leadership in the administration of justice through knowledge, learning and the exchange of ideas. The CIAJ offers education and research programs and provides a forum for everyone interested in the administration of justice. The CIAJ was created in 1974 and is now comprised of over 1000 members of legal professions, the judiciary, and private and public organizations.

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  599. Éric Gélinas, speaker at the tax conference on business reorganization

    Éric Gélinas, a counsel at Lavery, will take part in the 4th edition of the tax conference on business reorganization which will take place on November 17 and 19, 2015, in Quebec City and Montreal respectively. Mr. Gélinas will discuss the tax rules regarding Parts IV.1 and VI.1 of the Income Tax Act (ITA) and address particular situations using scenarios. These ITA provisions are often misunderstood and their unexpected application within the frame of business reorganizations might cause adverse tax consequences. For more information on this conference, click here (in French only).

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  600. Emmanuel Sala, co-speaker on flow-through shares

    On October 1st, 2015, Mr. Emmanuel Sala, a partner at Lavery, and Mr. Robin Lévesque of the financial services firm Brassard, Goulet Yargeau, gave a conference organized jointly with the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF) and entitled “Actions accréditives: Revue des aspects financiers et développements récents en matière fiscal” (Flow-through shares: a review of the financial aspects and recent developments in tax matters), which was presented to the business community in Quebec City. On this occasion, they reviewed the main financial and tax aspects to consider when investors purchase flow-through shares. Special attention was given to the most recent changes in tax matters and both speakers differentiated between the good and not so good strategies in this field. 

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  601. Louis-Martin Dubé, panelist at the Montréal Real Estate Strategy & Leasing Conference

    The 9th Montréal Real Estate Strategy & Leasing Conference took place on October 15, 2015, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé, a partner at Lavery, took part in this event as panelist for a conference entitled “Negotiating strategies for today’s market: how to understand the deal, resolve key issues, and close the transaction”. This conference targets all executives responsible for their organization’s asset management strategies as well as all the individuals who play an integral role in the leasing process in office, industrial and retail markets

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  602. Lavery holds a symposium in Labour and Employment Law in Sherbrooke

    Lavery’s Sherbrooke office organized a symposium in Labour and Employment Law on October 9, 2015. Gathered at the Delta Hotel, about 125 attendees got to participate in various workshops presented by Danielle Gauthier, Jean-François Pagé, Geneviève Chamberland and Dave Bouchard. The topics addressed in this conference revolve around the gathering and use of personal information, recent legal and case-law developments, social media in the workplace and the obligation to discipline dangerous acts before being held responsible by the CSST.

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  603. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Stéphanie Destrempes publish an article in the IBA-International Franchising Newsletter

    Mr. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Ms. Stéphanie Destrempes of Lavery’s Franchising and distribution group wrote an article in the September 2015 issue of the International Franchising Newsletter of the International Bar Association Legal Practice Division presenting a comparative overview of the application of the implied duty of good faith in franchise agreements in Quebec, following the Dunkin Brand case, and in the rest of Canada and abroad, including the United States, France, United Kingdom and Australia, where franchise is a significant area of the industry. To read this article, click here.

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  604. Lavery holds a symposium in Labour and Employment Law in Quebec City

    Lavery’s Quebec City office organized a symposium in Labour and Employment Law on September 30, 2015. Gathered at Hôtel Quartier, about 30 attendees got to participate in various workshops presented by Marie-Hélène Riverin, Charlotte Fortin, Jean-François Pagé and Nicolas Joubert. Speakers addressed many different subjects, starting with a retrospective of decisions of interest in that field, as well as presentations regarding a variety of problems that can arise in the workplace.

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  605. Luc Thibaudeau quoted in an article from the Journal du Barreau du Québec

    Luc Thibaudeau, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was quoted in an article from the September 2015 issue of the Journal du Barreau du Québec.The article entitled “Débats sur la langue - Quelles réformes à venir sur l’affichage?” (Language debate - What are the coming reforms for displays?), analyzes legislative modifications that might occur in the Charter of the French Language this fall, and might have an effect on retailers’ displays which, following a recent Quebec Court of Appeal ruling, can be in English. On that subject, Mr. Thibaudeau gives precisions regarding the constitutional issues such provincial legislative changes can bring, while trademarks are of federal jurisdiction. To read this article, click here (in French only, pages 1 and 3).

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  606. Mary Delli Quadri, speaker at CLHIA

    Mary Delli Quadri, an associate at Lavery, was a speaker at the annual meeting of the legal division of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association ("CLHIA"), held in Halifax from September 30 to October 2. Lavery sponsored the event and was also represented by Ms. Evelyne Verrier. On this occasion, Ms. Delli Quadri reviewed recent Quebec case laws before counsels working for life and health insurance companies and external lawyers present by invitation.

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  607. Bernard Larocque, speaker at the Conference on Recent Developments in Insurance Law

    Bernard Larocque of Lavery gave a conference entitled “La proposition d’assurance par internet : où en sommes-nous?” (The online insurance application: where do we stand?), on October 2, 2015 at the Conference on Recent Developments in Insurance Law, organized by the Continuing Education Department of the Quebec Bar. Following an overview of the applicable rules, he discussed the impact the application has on the insurer and insured’s obligations. He also covered the issue of proving the application when completed online. A text was also written and distributed to participants of the seminar, authored by Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin and Ms. Leïla Yacoubi, both lawyers at Lavery, as well as Bernard Larocque. Ms. Léa Pelletier Marcotte, a student at the firm, also took part in its drafting. 

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  608. Three Lavery partners are recognized in the first edition of Chambers Canada

    René Branchaud, Josée Dumoulin and Jean Saint-Onge, partners at Lavery, have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields, in the 2016 issue of Chambers Canada. The expertise of Mr. Branchaud is recognized in Corporate/commercial law and in energy and Natural Resources (Mining). Ms. Dumoulin is recognized in the field of Pension and Benefits, whereas Mr. Saint-Onge is in the category Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence). This prestigious recognition is the result of extensive peer surveys conducted in Canada. The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Canada are selected following a rigorous process where numerous interviews are conducted with a vast range of lawyers and their clients, i.e. commercial users of legal services, by a number of full-time researchers. Moreover, the final selection is based on well-defined criteria, such as the quality of service provided to clients, legal expertise and commercial astuteness. For more information, click on the following links: René Branchaud Josée Dumoulin Jean Saint-Onge

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  609. Simon Lemay named Chair of the National Capital Region’s CIUSSS

    Simon Lemay, a partner at Lavery, has just been named Chair of the CIUSSS in the National Capital Region (region 03) by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Gaétan Barrette. This prestigious nomination marks numerous years of involvement with Centre Jeunesse de Québec, namely as president from 2008 to 2015. Lavery is delighted to see one of its own recognized for his abilities, while many quality entries were considered for this distinguished position. The CIUSSS of the National Capital Region is the result of the merging of numerous institutions, such as the Regional health and social services agency of the National Capital, the Centre de réadaptation en dépendance de Québec, the Centre de réadaptation en déficience intellectuelle de Québec, the health and social services centre in Quebec City, Québec-Nord, Portneuf and Charlevoix, the Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec, the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec and the Centre jeunesse de Québec – Institut universitaire. The CIUSSS is comprised of 14 500 employees.

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  610. Gérard Coulombe appointed to the board of directors of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, was appointed independent member of the board of directors of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ during the annual general meeting which was held on September 26, 2015. Mr. Coulombe carries on a general practice in business and commercial law, focusing in particular on matters involving financial institutions and Crown corporations as well as the formation of financial and industrial conglomerates. To read the press release of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, click here.

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  611. Louis Charette, speaker at the annual assembly of the Defence Research Institute

    Louis Charette, a litigation partner at Lavery, will be one of the guest-panelists at this year’s annual assembly of the Defence Research Institute, which will be held in Washington, D.C., from October 7 to October 11, 2015. This panel will namely be discussing the legal system of numerous countries while highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each system. To know more about this event, click here.

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  612. Guillaume Lavoie and Josianne Beaudry, authors of an article on investment funds

    Guillaume Lavoie and Josianne Beaudry, Business Law partners at Lavery, published an article in the 2015/2016 Lexpert CCCA/ACCJE Corporate Counsel  Directory & Yearbook magazine on September 28, 2015. Entitled “Private Equity and Venture Capital Funds New Market Trends - What is the impact of adopting these trends on the regulatory costs for those funds?”, the authors discuss how new trends affecting the structure of standard private equity and venture capital funds may affect the regulatory landscape applicable to such funds. To read this article, click here.

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  613. Daniel Bouchard of Lavery speaker at the seminar of the Fédération québécoise des municipalités

    On September 25, 2015, Mr. Daniel Bouchard, managing partner of Lavery’s Quebec City office, gave a conference entitled “Une équipe maire – DG : une formule gagnante dans l’administration d’une municipalité” (A Mayor and General Director team: a winning combination in municipal administration) at the Fédération québécoise des municipalités seminar. Ms. Valérie Belle-Isle and Ms. Chloé Fauchon, administrative law associates, presented the same conference in English. The conference discussed the respective roles of the mayor and director general. Daniel Bouchard Valérie Belle-Isle Chloé Fauchon

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  614. Myriam Brixi publishes an article in Class Action Defence Quaterly

    Myriam Brixi, a litigation lawyer at Lavery, authored an article published in the September edition of Class Action Defence Quaterly. Entitled “Historic Quebec lawsuit against tobacco companies », she discusses the May 27, 2015 Superior Court of Québec decision ordering the three leading Canadian tobacco companies to pay over 15 billion dollars in moral and punitive damages following two class actions filed in the late 1990s. To read this article, click here.

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  615. Jean-Philippe Turgeon, speaker at the International Bar Association Annual Conference

    Jean-Philippe Turgeon, partner at Lavery and head of the Franchise and distribution group, will take part of a panel on the topic “The age-old question – applicable law and jurisdiction in franchising, commercial agency and distribution agreements” hosted by the International Bar Association (IBA) 2015 Annual Conference held in Vienna (Austria) from October 4th-9th 2015. In a nutshell, the panel will discuss the local enforcement of foreign courts judgments and foreign arbitral awards resulting from governing law, jurisdiction and arbitration clauses, as the case may be. For more information on this conference, click here.

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  616. Lavery hosts a conference given by former Supreme Court judge Louis LeBel

    On September 16, 2015, Lavery’s Quebec City office was host to a conference presented by former Supreme Court judge, Louis LeBel, on freedom of speech and its limits as defined by the Supreme Court of Canada case law. This conference was organized by Chloé Fauchon, an associate at Lavery, as Chair of the administrative & constitutional law and human rights division of the Canadian Bar Association – Quebec branch, in partnership with the Quebec Bar.

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  617. Michel Blouin, René Branchaud, Yvan Biron, Sébastien Vézina and Benjamin David Gross of Lavery recognized as mining law leaders in Lexpert Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining

    Michel Blouin, René Branchaud, Yvan Biron, Sébastien Vézina and Benjamin David Gross, partners at Lavery, have been recognized as mining law leaders in Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining, a new Lexpert publication released in September 2015. This prestigious recognition is the result of extensive peer surveys conducted not only in Canada but also worldwide. The expertise of these lawyers in the area of mining law is therefore recognized internationally. To consult this Lexpert publication, click here.

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  618. Lavery holds a roundtable on entrepreneurship

    On September 25, 2015, Lavery’s Quebec City office welcomed three speakers for a roundtable on entrepreneurship. Germain Lamonde of EXFO, Geneviève Babin of Groupe Renaud and Dominic Gagnon of Connect&Go discussed their entrepreneurial journey with about 20 young entrepreneurs from the region. Organized by Anthonie Vézina-Crawford and Chloé Fauchon, associates at Lavery, this conference was a great success.

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  619. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Guillaume Synnott, authors of an article in Canadian Business Franchise

    Mr. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Mr. Guillaume Synnott, a Franchise and Distribution Law partner and associate at Lavery respectively, are the authors of an article entitled “Takeaways from the Dunkin’s Donuts Decision” published in the September 2015 issue of Canadian Business Franchise. In their article, Mr. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Mr. Guillaume Synnott highlight the recent Dunkin’ Donuts judgment from the Court of Appeal of Quebec which clarifies the extent of the contractual implicit obligations of the franchisors toward their franchisees, such as the franchisor’s obligation to take reasonable measures in order to protect and enhance its brand and franchise system. To read this article, click here.

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  620. Two Lavery partners receive the Council of the Bar of Quebec Medal!

    Lavery is pleased to announce that two of its partners, Mr. Pierre Beaudoin and Mr. Jules Brière, were among the recipients of the Council of the Bar of Quebec Medal, received on September 11, 2015 during the official ceremony marking the start of the new judicial year at the Quebec City Court House. This medal is given annually to honor a person’s contribution to the interests of justice or his bar section, to honor a member of the legal community celebrating his 50th, 60th or 70th year as a member of the Quebec Bar, to honor a member of a foreign legal community or any other reason considered relevant by the Council. Lavery is proud to highlight Mr. Beaudoin and Mr. Brière’s 50th year as members of the Quebec Bar as well as their ongoing commitment to further Quebec law.

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  621. Nicolas Joubert and Guy Lavoie, speakers at the CACE 12th Annual Conference

    The Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE) held its 12thannual conference from September 10 to September 12, 2015 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Two Labour Law partners at Lavery, Nicolas Joubert and Guy Lavoie, were speakers at this event Mr. Joubert presented a conference entitled “Mitigation of damages in the context of wrongful dismissals - Recent developments across Canada”. He covered several aspects of mitigation in the context of wrongful dismissal, namely self-employment as a fulfillment of an employee’s duty to mitigate, and the employer’s burden of proof in establishing the employee’s failure to mitigate. As for Mr. Lavoie, he took part in a panel answering 11 ethics questions in labour law. 

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  622. Marie Cossette, speaker at the Colloque des dirigeants des ordres professionnels

    Marie Cossette, a partner at Lavery whose litigation practice focuses on public, administrative and disciplinary law, and who is responsible for the firm’s integrity practice, provided training at the 6th edition of the Colloque des dirigeants des ordres professionnels, which was held from September 2 to September 4, 2015, in Quebec City. Ms. Cossette gave a workshop entitled “Votre Ordre vit une crise médiatique : sauriez-vous y faire face?” (Your Order is going through a crisis : would you know how to tackle it?), in which she presented various case studies to help define the notion of crisis management and a management plan, stages of crisis management, the role lawyers play as well as special measures to face it. Organized jointly by the Quebec Interprofessional Council and the Quebec College of Physicians, this conference gathers more than 300 professionals to analyze common issues and find possible solutions. 

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  623. Le Nouvelliste highlights Jean Boulet’s commitment in fighting regional underdevelopment

    On August 31, 2015, Trois-Rivières’ Le Nouvelliste published an article on Jean Boulet, a Labour and Employment partner and manager of the Lavery Trois-Rivières office. Entitled « Avocat dans la lutte au sous-développement régional » (A lawyer against regional underdevelopment), this article highlights Mr. Boulet’s numerous commitments throughout the years in promoting the economic growth of the region. To read the article, click here (in French only).

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  624. 45 Lavery lawyers included in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 45 of the firm’s lawyers have been listed as leading Canadian practitioners in their respective areas of expertise in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2016. "We are delighted that 45 lawyers of our firm are included in the 2016 edition of this prestigious directory. This recognition acknowledges the expertise, quality of work and dedication of these lawyers and the entire Lavery team. I would like to congratulate our 45 colleagues who have been singled out for their contribution to our clients’ success and the development of our service offering", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. Among the Lavery lawyers listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2016, Richard Burgos, Jules Brière, Richard A. Hinse, Jean Legault, Jean Martel and Sylvain Poirier are first-time honourees. The following lists the names of all Lavery lawyers included in the directory as well as their practice area(s):  1. Pierre-L. Baribeau Labour and Employment Law 2. Yvan Biron Environmental Law 3. Michel Blouin Natural Resources Law 4. René Branchaud Natural Resources Law 5. Jules Brière, Ad. E. Health Care Law 6. Richard Burgos Corporate Law 7. Marie-Claude Cantin Insurance Law 8. Louis Charette Aviation Law; Product Liability Law; Transportation Law 9. Gérard Coulombe, c.r., Ad. E. Corporate Law 10. Eugène Czolij Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring 11. Pierre Denis Equipment Finance Law 12. Raymond Doray, Ad. E. Administrative and Public Law 13. Louis-Martin Dubé Real Estate Law 14. Josée Dumoulin Employee Benefits Law 15. Nicolas Gagnon Construction Law 16. Michel Gélinas Labour and Employment Law 17. Marie-Andrée Gravel Mergers & Acquisitions Law 18. Jean Hébert Insurance Law 19. Richard A. Hinse Corporate and Commercial Litigation 20. Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad. E. Insurance Law 21. Pierre Marc Johnson International Arbitration 22. Bernard Larocque Class Action Litigation; Insurance Law 23. Guy Lavoie Labour and Employment Law; Workers’ Compensation Law 24. Jean Legault Banking and Finance Law; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Law 25. Guy Lemay Labour and Employment Law; Class Action Litigation 26. Jean Martel, Ad. E. Corporate Governance Practice 27. Robert W. Mason Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation; Product Liability Law 28. Patrick A. Molinari Health Care Law 29. Philip Nolan Tax Law 30. François Parent Employee Benefit Law 31. Luc Pariseau Tax Law 32. Jacques Paul-Hus Mergers & Acquisitions Law 33. Louis Payette, Ad. E. Banking and Finance 34. Jacques Perron Transportation Law 35. Élisabeth Pinard Family Law 36. Sylvain Poirier Health Care Law 37. Marc Rochefort Securities Law 38. Louis Rochette Health Care Law 39. Ian Rose Director and Officer Liability, Insurance Law 40. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E. Class Action Litigation 41. Raphaël H. Schachter, c.r., Ad. E. Criminal Defense 42. Jean-Yves Simard Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring 43. Gerald Stotland Family Law 44. Philippe Tremblay Construction Law 45. André Vautour Corporate Law, Information Technology Law; Technology Law   For more information, please visit the Best Lawyers’ website at www.bestlawyers.com.

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  625. Patrick A. Molinari, Jacques Perron and André Vautour of Lavery named Best Lawyers’ 2016 Lawyers of the Year

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Patrick A. Molinari, Mr. Jacques Perron and Mr. André Vautour have been named 2016 Lawyers of the Year by Best Lawyers, a peer-review legal publication. Patrick A. Molinari has been named Lawyer of the Year 2016 Montreal, Health Law. Jacques Perron has been named Lawyer of the Year 2016 Montreal, Transportation Law. André Vautour has been named Lawyer of the Year 2016 Montreal, Technology Law. "On behalf of my partners at Lavery, I heartily congratulate our colleagues Patrick A. Molinari, Jacques Perron and André Vautour on this recognition, acknowledging the expertise, professionalism and the quality of service that they offer to our clients", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. For more information, please visit Best Lawyers’ website at www.bestlawyers.com. Patrick A. Molinari Jacques Perron André Vautour

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  626. Zeïneb Mellouli publishes a chapter on Labour Law in Cahier de propriété intellectuelle

    Zeïneb Mellouli, Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery, in cooperation with Antoine Guilman, PhD candidate at Université de Montréal, is the author of a chapter in the latest volume of Cahier de propriété intellectuelle published at Éditions Yvon Blais, in May 2015. Her article, entitled “Le droit du travail version 2.0 : cinq décisions importantes en 2014” [Labour Law 2.0: five important 2014 decisions] reviews five decisions of interest rendered in 2014 in Quebec, demonstrating the technological trends in Labour Law. For more information or to order the publication, click here. 

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  627. Caroline Harnois, speaker at Université de Sherbrooke

    On July 27, 2015, Caroline Harnois, a Partner in the Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law Group at Lavery, gave a conference on the transnational aspects of family law to the students of the Master in Law Program in Common Law and Transnational Law at the Faculty of Law, Université de Sherbrooke. Ms. Harnois addressed the students as part of their class on “Transnational Practice”, an initiative of Mr. Olivier Barsalou and Professor Derek McKee, Director of the common law and transnational law program, and shared her experience and her career path in international and transnational law as well as family law. 

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  628. Lavery will donate up to $150 000 to Université de Sherbrooke

    Lavery is happy to announce its commitment to donate $150 000 to the major renovation project of the Université de Sherbrooke law librairy. It is Lavery’s way of not only supporting this institution, but the development of the region. These renovations will upgrade and refurbish the entire library, making it a place of reference for legal professionals in the Eastern Townships, comparable to the prestigious law libraries in North America. You can view the article published in Paroles de droit of the Université de Sherbrooke Faculty of Law by clicking here (in French only).

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  629. Lavery on the podium at the St-Lambert Triathlon

    About 10 members of the firm took part to various sports during the 28th edition of the St-Lambert Triathlon, on July 11, 2015. This prestigious event, which gathered over 700 athletes, is organized by the St-Lambert Triathlon Club, which Nicolas Joubert, a Lavery partner, cofounded. Lavery has been a partner of this provincial competition for over a decade. For another year, the firm has held its own. The remarkable performances of Lavery’s team needs to be highlighted, notably Zila Savary (swimming), Isabelle Richard (biking) and Judith Houle-Couture (running), silver medallists in the category “Triathlon Women Relay”, as well as Stéphanie Destrempes, Anne-Sophie Lamonde and Charles Ceelen-Brasseur, medallists in the 5K run in their respective categories. Congratulations to all our representatives!  Stéphanie Destrempes, Anne-Sophie Lamonde and Charles Ceelen-Brasseur

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  630. Édith Jacques and Pierre Alarie speak on business opportunities in Mexico

    On July 13, 2015, Lavery hosted a breakfast-conference presented by Mr. Pierre Alarie, Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico, and Ms. Édith Jacques, Partner at Lavery and Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors of QME (Quebec Manufacturers & Exporters), entitled « Le Mexique : terre d’opportunités pour les manufacturiers québécois » (Mexico: land of opportunity for Quebec manufacturers). Mr. Alarie discussed business opportunities available to manufacturers and took the time to exchange personally with entrepreneurs by answering questions and helping them with their expansion projects. Ms. Jacques then addressed the various legal tools used to operate a business in Mexico and presented the practical and legal considerations to incorporate a company on this market. From left to right : : Pierre Alarie, Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico, Édith Jacques, partner at Lavery, and Éric Tétrault, QME President

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  631. Daniel Bouchard and Patrick A. Molinari to be awarded Lawyer Emeritus distinction by the Barreau du Québec

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Me Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Quebec City office, and Me Patrick A. Molinari, legal counsel, will be awarded the Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) distinction by the Barreau du Québec during a ceremony to be held in October 2015. Me Bouchard and Molinari’s names will thus be added to the list of Lavery lawyers who have received this prestigious honorary award, created to pay tribute to exceptional legal careers. Called to the Barreau du Québec in 1991, Me Bouchard has specialized in the fields of municipal, environmental and administrative law. He has developed a special expertise in the areas of land use planning and development, agricultural zoning, mining environments, municipal liability, municipal management and ethics in public administration. He is regularly called on to give lectures or training and is also a trainer for the Conference of Municipal Judges. Me Molinari, called to the Barreau du Québec in 1975, has had an impressive career in academia. For more than 30 years, he taught at the Faculty of Law of the Université de Montréal. A significant component of his practice is devoted to Health Law and Regulatory and Public Law, and he has developed a thorough understanding of the legal framework of health services, addressing regulatory, contractual and commercial concerns. Co-author of the primary reference work on Quebec health law, he has also contributed to nearly 80 books and papers on the health and fundamental rights fields. “Lavery is delighted by the awarding of the Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) distinction to Daniel Bouchard and Patrick A. Molinari. They both make a significant contribution not only to their profession but also to their respective areas of practice,” declared Don McCarty, the firm’s managing partner.

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  632. Daniel Bouchard presents two seminars at the ADMQ Annual Conference

    The Annual Conference for the Association des directeurs municipaux du Québec (ADMQ) took place at the Québec City Convention Center from June 17 to June 19, 2015. On this occasion, Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City Office and lawyer specialized in the fields of municipal, environmental and administrative law, presented two seminars. The first one, on June 18, was presented to about 50 municipal directors. Entitled “Nuisances et pollution, les municipalités peuvent agir!” (Nuisances and pollution, municipalities can act!), he discussed the powers of a municipality on the matter, as well as its limits, while highlighting the importance of a regulatory municipal intervention to ensure a healthy and harmonious community life. On June 19, before over 150 municipal directors, Mr. Bouchard presented “Les dernières modifications legislatives” (The most recent legislative modifications), where he discussed the recent legislative modifications relating to the new municipal governance on local and regional developments, as well as the introduction of a definition for the term “watercourses” in the Protection Policy for Lakeshores, Riverbanks, Littoral Zones and Floodplains, the amendment to the Act Respecting Municipal Courts or to the Act Respecting Compensation Measures for the Carrying out of Projects Affecting Wetlands or Bodies of Water.

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  633. Appointment of Ariane Lauzière to the Board of Directors of the JCCM

    Lavery is proud to announce that Ariane Lauzière, Labour and Employment Law lawyer at Lavery, was appointed member of the Board of Directors of the Jeune Chambre de commerce de la Mauricie (JCCM) for 2015-2016. With over 500 members (professionals, employees, entrepreneurs and students), the JCCM is today the largest gathering of young business people in Mauricie. It’s the second chamber of commerce in the region and the third largest junior chamber of commerce in Quebec. JCCM will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016.

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  634. Jean Saint-Onge, speaker at the AJEFO 2015 Conference

    Jean Saint-Onge, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was a guest speaker at the 2015 Conference of the Association of French Speaking Jurists of Ontario (AJEFO) which took place from June 25 to June 27 at Lafayette in Louisiana. In his presentation, Mr. Saint-Onge discussed environmental class actions in Quebec. For over 30 years, the AJEFO has been representing lawyers, judges, personnel of the administration of justice, law professors, law students and others who work at the promotion of access to justice in French and English in Ontario.

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  635. Michel Blouin and René Branchaud of Lavery recognized as mining law leaders in the 2015 Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada

    Mr. Michel Blouin and Mr. René Branchaud, Business Law partners at Lavery, have been recognized as mining law leaders in Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining, in the 2015 issue of Lexpert’s directory, Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada. This prestigious recognition is the result of extensive peer surveys conducted not only in Canada but also worldwide. The expertise of Mr. Blouin and Mr. Branchaud in the area of mining law is therefore recognized internationally. To consult this Lexpert publication, click here.

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  636. Bernard Larocque and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin represent Pro Bono Québec before the Supreme Court of Canada

    On June 19, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed that, in cases of abuse of process, one cannot relieve one party of its obligation to pay the other party extrajudicial fees (lawyers fees) solely on the grounds that the other party is represented by pro bono counsel. Bernard Larocque, a partner, and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a lawyer, both members of Lavery’s litigation group, represented Pro Bono Québec in this case between Réjean Hinse and the Attorney General of Canada. Mr. Larocque stated that he was "happy with this judgment which recognizes the volunteer work of Quebec lawyers in files involving abuse of process."

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  637. Sylvain Provencher and Claude Villeneuve of Lavery Appointed to the Superior Court of Québec

    Lavery is pleased and proud to announce that Sylvain Provencher and Claude Villeneuve have been appointed to the Superior Court of Québec as judges for the district of Bedford. Their nominations took effect June 19, 2015. Sylvain Provencher A native of Coaticook, Mr. Sylvain Provencher obtained a degree in Law from Université Laval in 1990 and has been a member of the Barreau du Québec since 1991; he joined Lavery in 2014. He practiced in insurance law and banking law, as well as in civil and commercial litigation. Mr. Provencher also has extensive experience in municipal and administrative law. He pled before all Quebec tribunals and counselled many companies regarding the legal aspect of their corporate activities. In addition, he gave numerous conferences and training seminars to companies. Mr. Provencher is regularly invited by many private and public institutions to speak on various legal topics of current interest. He has also given numerous conferences and training seminars geared to insurance company and financial institution managers. Moreover, he has published several insurance law and banking law newsletters. In 2006 and 2007, Mr. Provencher was a lecturer at Université de Sherbrooke in Insurance Law. For several years running, he also taught the civil and professional liability course at the École du Barreau du Québec. From 1998 to 2002, he was a director of the Association des experts en sinistres de l’Estrie. As well, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Fondation du Cégep de Sherbrooke and was a member of the Association des anciens diplômés du Cégep de Sherbrooke. Claude Villeneuve Before joining Lavery in 2014, Mr. Claude Villeneuve previously worked for almost 15 years at other private law firms in Sherbrooke and for more than seven years at the legal department of the City of Sherbrooke, including three years as head of the litigation department. Mr. Villeneuve focused his practice primarily on litigation and labour law. During his years of practice, Mr. Villeneuve acted as prosecutor and legal advisor to organizations and businesses from the private, public and para-public sectors in the areas of labour law, litigation, municipal law, penal and criminal law, and civil law. Mr. Villeneuve was frequently called upon to plead before all levels of court in Quebec. He advised businesses and insurance companies with respect to their operations and strategic decision-making. He also represented insurers in professional liability matters. Mr. Villeneuve has taught at the École du Barreau du Québec and was very involved in the legal community. At the time of his nomination, he was president of the Barreau de Saint-François for a second year running, sat on the extended board of the Association des avocats de province (AAP), and on the sectional council of the Barreau du Québec. These appointments are part of the firm’s historical continuity, since numerous Lavery lawyers have been appointed to the bench over the years. “We are very proud of Sylvain Provencher and Claude Villeneuve new appointments. We regret the loss of two excellent jurists, but we are delighted that they will be able to bring their respective skills and experience to bear on the Superior Court of Québec,” stated Don McCarty, Managing Director of Lavery.

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  638. Karine Pelletier of Lavery meets the Board of directors of the Forum des jeunes de la fonction publique québécoise

    On June 19, 2015, Karine Pelletier, a lawyer in Lavery’s Quebec office business law group, gave a seminar on the roles and responsibilities of directors specifically aimed at the board members of the Forum des jeunes de la fonction publique québécoise. The Forum provides a unique networking space and discussion forum for young public officials and is a key player on the larger issues of public service. 

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  639. Julie Cousineau and Laurence Bich-Carrière, speakers at the CAP Annual Convention

    On June 19, 2015, Julie Cousineau and Laurence Bich-Carrière, respectively partner and associate in Lavery’s Litigation Group, were speakers at the Annual Canadian Association of Paralegals Convention, which took place at Montreal’s Palais des Congrès. Their conference, entitled « Les grands aspects de la réforme de la procédure civile québécoise » (The key aspects of the Quebec civil procedure reform), discussed both theoretical and practical concerns regarding the coming into force of the new Civil code of procedure, S.Q. 2014. c. 1. The global trends relating to access to justice, participatory justice and alternative dispute resolution methods were addressed, as well as concrete illustrations of the new legislative strategies in case management, discovery, expertise and legal fees. 

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  640. 18 Lavery partners ranked in the 2015 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 18 partners of the firm are ranked among the leading practitioners in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2015 edition of Thomson Reuters’s Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country. It is a reference guide for Canadian and foreign corporate counsel and law firms in need of specialized legal services in Canada. The 2015 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory identifies the leading practitioners in more than 40 practice areas based on the results of a thorough annual peer-review survey completed by more than a thousand respected legal professionals and a wide range of well-informed clients. Lavery lawyers are recommended in a vast array of fields, including banking, asset finance, mining law, mergers and acquisitions, technology transactions, employment law and labour relations, pensions, class actions, construction law, family law, and commercial insurance litigation. "In the 2015 edition of this legal directory, 18 Lavery partners were recognized for their first-rate expertise. I congratulate our 18 colleagues for this recognition and for their continued commitment to serving the needs of our clients", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2015 edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory : Michel Blouin | Mining René Branchaud | Mining Louis Charette | Aviation; Litigation – Product Liability *Magali Cournoyer-Proulx | Employment (Management) Pierre Denis | Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Josée Dumoulin | Pensions (Management) Nicolas Gagnon | Construction *David Benjamin Gross | Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Jean Hébert | Litigation – Commercial Insurance Guy Lavoie | Labour (Management) Guy Lemay | Class Actions Robert W. Mason | Litigation – Commercial Insurance François Parent | Pensions (Management) Louis Payette, Ad. E. | Banking Élisabeth Pinard | Family Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E. | Class Actions; Litigation – Product Liability André Vautour | Technology Transactions Sébastien Vézina | Mining *New posting For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: http://lexpert.ca/directory.

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  641. Launch of the Lavery GO inc. Program in Quebec City!
    Legal services designed specifically for start-ups

    Lavery is pleased to announce the launch of the Lavery GO inc. Program today in Quebec City. The goal of this program is to assist young entrepreneurs and provide eligible start-ups with high-quality legal services at a price that fits their means. The Lavery GO inc. Program provides each selected start-up with personalized support over a wide range of legal services needed during the start-up process, including incorporation, trademark and domain registration, service agreements and various internal company policies. “The economy of Quebec City’s metropolitan region has been experiencing sustained growth over the last several years. In fact, the region’s economy is considered to be one of the most dynamic in the country. Emerging entrepreneurs play a key role in supporting economic development and diversification in the National Capital and Chaudière-Appalaches regions. The Lavery GO inc. Program is ideally suited to the present context because it allows us to lend a hand to start-ups and help them develop, while also reinforcing our ties with the business world”, stated Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City office. Each start-up selected for the Lavery GO inc. Program will be supported and mentored by Lavery lawyers who have both the experience and expertise required within the scope of this program, including Karine Pelletier, Étienne Brassard and many others. Moreover, selected start-ups will benefit from several hours of legal advice. Legal services will be provided at a fixed rate, taking into account these start-ups’ ability to pay. For more information about the Lavery GO inc. Program, please visit our web site: www.laverygoinc.ca.

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  642. Michèle Gamache, over a decade serving in the CBA-Quebec Communications Committee

    Ms. Michèle Gamache, a Business lawyer at Lavery, was interviewed by Stéphanie Parent for an article published on June 15, 2015, in the weekly review of the Canadian Bar Association, Quebec branch, where she discussed her recent departure from the CBA-Quebec Communications Committee after having been involved with it for over a decade. To read this article, click here (in French only).

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  643. Gerald Stotland and Élisabeth Pinard, speakers at the IAML

    During the Annual International Academy of Matrimonial LawyersConvention (IAML) (an international association comprised of 700 family law lawyers) which took place in Quebec City, from June 9 to June 12, 2015, Lavery hosted a dinner organized at the Laurie Raphaël Restaurant by Ms. Élisabeth Pinard and Mr. Gerald Stotland, both IAML Fellows, which gathered 20 lawyers specialized in family law from Europe, the U.S. and Canada. The event was a great success.

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  644. Marie Cossette, honorary president at the 4th International Arson Investigators Conference

    Marie Cossette, a partner at Lavery, whose litigation practice focuses on public, administrative and disciplinary law, and who is responsible for the cabinet’s integrity practice, was honorary president during the 4thInternational Arson Investigators Conference which took place on June 11 and June 12, 2015, at Lévis. This non-profit association offers information relating to arson investigation through seminars, conferences and training programs which allows participants to maintain a high degree of knowledge in that field. Ms. Cossette was invited as such following her participation in the Coroner and Commissionner of inquiry’s investigation of the Résidence du Hâvre tragedy, at L’Isle-Verte.

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  645. Four Lavery lawyers speak at Effects Mtl 2015

    On June 10, 2015, at the Mont-Royal Centre, took place Effects Mtl 2015, an international business convention which aims to showcase the province of Quebec and support the VFX and animation sector. Nicolas Joubert, Nadine Landry, Catherine Maheu and Norman A. Dionne, partners at Lavery, gave a conference to over 100 participants entitled “Pitfalls to avoid in recruitment of foreign talent”, which discussed the best practices to avoid bad surprises, delays and reduce costs, as well as the important distinctions between contracts of employment and contracts for services, and the most efficient means to protect intellectual property. The main issues related to recruitment of foreign talents in the visual effects industry in Québec and in Canada were also discussed.  Nicolas Joubert Nadine Landry Catherine Maheu Norman A. Dionne

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  646. Gerald Stotland and Awatif Lakhdar present a conference on marriage contracts

    On June 3, 2015, Gerald Stotland and Awatif Lakhdarrespectively partner and lawyer in Family Law at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “Validity and weight granted by other jurisdictions to marriage contracts made in the province of Quebec”, prepared in collaboration with Ms. Sylvie Demers. Organized jointly by D’Amico Family Wealth Management and RBC Dominion Securities Inc., over 40 participants gathered at this conference which discussed the various legislative measures used to address injustices arising from the application of marriage contracts, as well as the conditions governing the validity and the enforceability of Quebec marriage contracts abroad. Gerald Stotland Awatif Lakhdar Sylvie Demers -->

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  647. Bernard Roy and Marie-Hélène Riverin participate in a conference on foreign workers working in Quebec

    On June 11, 2015, in Quebec City, Mr. Bernard Roy, a partner specialized in taxation law, and Ms. Marie-Hélène Riverin, a lawyer who practises in labour and employment law as well as in insurance litigation, both of Lavery, participated in the Colloque sur les travailleurs étrangers en sol québécois (Conference on foreign workers working in Quebec) hosted by the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF). Early in the afternoon, they delivered a talk entitled “Colloque sur la mobilité de la main-d’œuvre” (Seminar on labour mobility), which covered the applicable tax and labor law regulations, as well as the important clauses that need to be included work contracts under these circumstances. 

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  648. A former Lavery lawyer becomes Vice president, M&A at Bombardier

    On June 4, 2015, Bombardier announced in a press release the nomination of a new Vice President, Mergers and Acquisitions, Mr. Louis G. Véronneau. A former Lavery lawyer, he will now be responsible for overseeing the Corporation’s partnerships, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures across the world. With a team of over 10 people under his responsibility, he will also play a key role in the preparation for an initial public offering (IPO) of a minority stake in Bombardier Transportation.

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  649. Marie Cossette, of Lavery, guest speaker at the Canadian Institute on disciplinary law

    On June 3, 2015, Ms. Marie Cossette, litigation partner at Lavery, was a speaker during a day-long conference on disciplinary law as part of an advanced training session on administrative and disciplinary law organized by the Canadian Institute. On this occasion, Ms. Cossette delivered a talk on the recent case law developments in disciplinary law and outlined the dominant trends and main principles.

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  650. Awatif Lakhdar, speaker at the Quebec Bar Association Conference at La Malbaie

    On June 11, 2015, Ms. Awatif Lakhdar, a Lavery associate specialized in Family Law, Personal Law and Private International Law, gave a conference entitled « L’enrichissement sans cause: Où en sont nos tribunaux en 2015 ? » (Unjust enrichment : Where do our courts of law stand in 2015?) before over 60 participants during the Quebec Bar Association Conference at La Malbaie. During this conference, Ms. Lakhdar discussed the notion of unjust enrichment, the criteria for such remedy, the notion of family joint venture and the legal trends.

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  651. Myriam Lavallée appointed to the Board of Directors of the TRCCI

    Myriam Lavallée, Labour and Employment Law associate at Trois-Rivières, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Trois-Rivières Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TRCCI). Ms. Lavallée’s three year term started on June 10, 2015, following the general annual meeting. Ms. Lavallée previously sat on the Tasting of World Wines Committee and the Corporate Monitoring Strategy Committee. Founded in 1881, the TRCCI gathers today more than 900 members from over 600 businesses, whose activities range in all economic areas. This constitutes the biggest independent pool of decision-makers and business leaders in Mauricie, and its mission is to create, develop and maintain an active and dynamic business network which takes part in the socio-economic development of its field. 

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  652. Laurence Bich-Carrière wins the YBM Oratory Competition!

    Laurence Bich-Carrière, a litigation lawyer at Lavery, claimed the highest honours by winning the Young Bar of Montreal Oratory Competition at the Quebec Court of Appeal on June 9, 2015. This competition  highlights the qualities of eloquence, rhetoric and general knowledge of each candidate. Ms. Bich-Carrière will now have the privilege of representing the YBM at the Paris-Montreal Award Competition, which will take place during the opening of the Montreal judicial ceremonies in September, as well as the ConférenceInternationale des Barreaux de tradition franconphone (CIB) in Africa in December. Lavery also wishes to congratulate Zeïneb Mellouli on her excellent performance in this competition, as well as all of the other participants. 

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  653. Lavery’s Katia Opalka will take part in a roundtable discussion concerning the Arctic

    Friday June 12th 2015 at École nationale d’administration publique, Katia Opalka, a partner at Lavery practicing in the areas of environmental and aboriginal law, will take part in a roundtable gathering of experts from different fields, all having a marked interest in the future of the Arctic. Participants at this meeting, organized by Centre interuniversitaire sur les relations internationales Canada et du Québec, will exchange views with Admiral Robert J. Papp, the U.S. State Department’s Special Representative for the Arctic. On April 24, 2015 the United States began its chairmanship of the Arctic Council for a period of two years. The U.S. agenda has three focus areas: economic and living conditions for Arctic communities; Arctic Ocean safety, security and stewardship; and addressing the impacts of climate change. This file has particular relevance for Quebec, notably as regards implementation of Plan Nord.

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  654. Daniel Bouchard gives a conference on environmental law

    On May 29, 2015, Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City Office and lawyer specialized in the fields of municipal, environmental and administrative law, gave a conference at theIntercontinental Hotel of Montreal during the training sessions of the Quebec Bar “Recent developments in environmental law”. Over 60 environmental lawyers attended this conference entitled “La gestion par les municipalités de l’écoulement des eaux dans les cours d’eau: quoi de neuf?” (Municipalities’ management of water flow towards streams: what’s new?), which discussed the new case laws in environment of the past 12 months and summed up the most relevant decisions for members of the Bar. The text of this conference, prepared in collaboration with Ms. Charlotte Fortin, is published by Éditions Yvon Blais in “Développement récent en droit de l’environnement”,Service de la formation continue du Barreau du Québec, vol. 401, 2015. To order a copy, click here (in French only).

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  655. Dominique Bélisle, among the eight major players in law

    Lavery is proud to announce that Dominique Bélisle, a Business Law partner at Lavery, is featured in the Law edition of Premières en affaires magazine which came out June 2, 2015, as one of eight women lawyers not to be missed. This list presents the women lawyers behind 2014’s biggest transactions. These lawyers stood out through their power of persuasion and talent for public speaking. Furthermore, their practice has them defending and representing their clients’ interests, as well as counselling businesses. With their great analytical sense, rigor and irreproachable ethics, they act as mediators and aim to reconcile opposing sides. To know more about the lawyers on this list, click here (in French only).

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  656. Jean-Philippe Turgeon, speaker at the International Franchise Expo

    On June 19, 2015, Jean-Philippe Turgeon, partner at Lavery and head of the Franchise and distribution group, will be a speaker at the International Franchise Expo which will take place in New York. His conference, entitled “The ABC’s of a successful franchise expansion in Quebec”, will present an analysis of the franchise industry in Quebec, discussing the best practices for the successful expansion of a franchise system in the province, the legislative particularities and its impacts, the contractual context for conceivable development, as well as the implications of Quebec culture on the concept’s adaptation and trademark name.

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  657. Daniel Bouchard, co-speaker at the COMAQ Seminar

    On May 28, 2015, Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City Office and lawyer specialized in the fields of municipal, environmental and administrative law, gave a conference in collaboration with Mr. Dennis Pakenham of Morency Avocats, to about a 100 court clerks during the Corporation des officiers municipaux agréés du Québec (COMAQ) Seminar at Rivière-du-Loup. This conference, entitled “Savoir se réinventer en tenant compte de la loi et de la jurisprudence” (Knowing how to reinvent oneself, taking into account legislation and case law) discussed the recent cases of the past 12 months, summing up the most important ones relating to current topics such as municipal elections, obligation of neutrality and zoning.  Daniel Bouchard

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  658. Daniel Bouchard gives a conference to the CPEQ

    On May 5, 2015, Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City office and lawyer specialized in the fields of municipal, environmental and administrative law, gave a conference to about 10 business representatives at the Quebec Business Council on the Environment (CPEQ). Entitled “La législation relative aux terrains contaminés” (Legislation related to contaminated fields), this conference answered frequently asked questions, namely if contaminating an already polluted land is considered pollution, the extent of the obligation to decontaminate, and a buyer’s recourses if he acquires a contaminated land, all within the frame of the current legislation.

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  659. Two Lavery lawyers named members of the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montreal

    Lavery congratulates Léa Maalouf and Myriam Brixi, lawyers in Lavery’s Litigation Group, for their election as members of the Young Bar Association of Montreal’s Board of Directors 2015-2016, during the annual general meeting which took place on May 29, 2015 at the Palais des congrès. This is Ms. Maalouf’s third term as administrator. For the second year in a row, the election was held electronically, and 782 members exercised their right to vote, making this board of directors the most representative to date. Lavery also wishes to highlight the excellent work of Ms. Zeïneb Mellouli, Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery and administrator during the 2014-2015 term, for her involvement and accomplishments within the Young Bar Association this past year. Ms. Mellouli decided not to run this year to devote time to her other activities. Léa Maalouf, Myriam Brixi and Zeïneb Mellouli -->

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  660. Two Lavery lawyers recognized by LEXPERT in corporate law

    On May 29, 2015, the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Magazinepublished the 2015 Lexpert/ROB Corporate Special Edition on Canada's Leading Corporate Lawyers, in which Michel Blouin and René Branchaud, partners at Lavery, are recognized as leading lawyers in Canada in the area of business law. This special edition recognizes lawyers who have contributed very effectively in the field of corporate law, and also features articles on the legal aspects of Canadian business issues. To view this publication, please click here.

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  661. Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson reacts to the passing of Mr. Jacques Parizeau

    Currently travelling in Europe, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, former Premier of Quebec, learned of former Premier of Quebec and leader of the Parti Québécois, Mr. Jacques Parizeau’s passing. He wishes to publish the following release: « Upon learning of the death of Mr. Jacques Parizeau, former Premier of Quebec, my heart first goes out to his children, his family and his wife. I offer them my deepest condolences. Mr. Parizeau marked the province of Quebec in a significant way, through both his beliefs and his work. Governmental advisor and brilliant bureaucrat, he was — with a few others of his generation — one of the architects in projects aiming to turn Quebec into an interventionist and efficient state. In elective office and asMinister of Finance, as well as President of the Treasury Board, he often adapted his vision of the state to ever-changing circumstances relating to budget constraints and the free market. His uncompromised beliefs as a separatist made him the leader of those in the Parti Québécois who shared a more radical vision of Québec’s future. Adamant but always courteous, peremptory but open to debate, he managed to devote most of his life as a public figure to his beliefs, which he did to the very end. Once again, my deepest sympathies to his family and all those he loved dearly. »

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  662. Nicolas Gagnon, Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers

    Lavery is proud to announce that Nicolas Gagnon, a partner in Lavery’s Construction and Surety Law team, became a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers (CCCL), an organization comprised of close to 80 lawyers from across Canada, during the 18th Annual Meeting and Conference held in Washington, D.C., from May 28 to May 31, 2015. The CCCL is an independent, non-profit organization, who aims to facilitate and encourage the association of outstanding lawyers who are distinguished for their skill, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice or teaching of construction law and who are dedicated to excellence in the specialized practice of construction law. Fellowship in the College is by invitation only, initiated by nomination of other Fellows.

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  663. Jean Boulet of Lavery receives the Solange-Dupuis-Lamothe Award

    Lavery is proud to announce that Mr. Jean Boulet, a Labour and Employment partner and manager of the Lavery Trois-Rivières office, received the Solange-Dupuis-Lamothe Award during Centraide Mauricie’s Annual General Meeting on May 27, 2015. Mr. Boulet is very active in the community. He is often called upon to manage business or philanthropic initiatives. Following his arrival at Centraide in 2009, he became chairman of the 2010 campaign and is presently president of the board of directors of Centraide Mauricie Mr. Boulet is involved in a variety of projects such as lac à l’épaule, social delegates committee, Assemblée des Centraide du Québec representative, press conferences, campaign launches and more. He also animated the first philanthropic diner organized by Centraide Mauricie, which Mr. Andrew Molson attended. The Solange Dupuis-Lamothe Award is given annually to an individual who made a difference through his volunteer work with Centraide, on various levels. 

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  664. Two Lavery partners sign Maccabi Haifa on behalf of IBMG L.P.

    Benjamin David Gross and Sébastien Vézina, partners at Lavery, counseled IBMG L.P. (International Basketball Marketing Group) for the signature of a promotions and services agreement with Maccabi Haifa (2014 finalist in the Israel Basketball Super League). Maccabi Haifa will play two much anticipated basketball games on American soil, one against the  Memphis Grizzlies at Fedex Forum in Memphis on Thursday October 8th, 2015 , and one against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday October 11th, 2015.

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  665. Lavery’s Pierre Marc Johnson, panelist at an international conference

    On May 28th 2015 at Université Laval, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, of Counsel at Lavery and Québec’s Chief Negotiator for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, spoke on a distinguished panel whose members were invited to examine the relationship between the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions and international trade agreements. The International Conference, which was organized by the Faculty of Law of Université Laval, the Fernand-Dumont Chair on Culture at INRS and the Coalition for Cultural Diversity, was attended by over a hundred participants from around the world. The importance of this anniversary and of the role played by MLAs, researchers and artists from Quebec in the inception and implementation of this agreement was highlighted at an evening reception held at the Legislative Assembly.

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  666. The Lavery GO inc. Program exclusive legal partner of the M2Day Conference on social entrepreneurship

    It’s during C2 Montreal on May 28, 2015, that the Lavery GO inc. Program team took part in the M2DAY Conference which gathered close to 300 participants. Mr. Étienne Brassard, Mr. Raphaël Bacal and Ms. Brittany Carson were part of Lavery’s official delegation for this event. This was a great opportunity to meet young entrepreneurs with a shared desire to develop a more social economy within a more engaged population. The Lavery GO inc. Program team is proud to be the exclusive legal partner of the M2DAY Conference and happy to encourage a new generation of entrepreneurs.

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  667. Simon Gagné takes part in an expert roundtable at AEPC’s Annual General Meeting

    On May 28, 2015, Simon Gagné, a partner practicing health law and labour law at Lavery, took part in an expert roundtable before almost 50 participants during the Annual General Meeting of the Association des établissements privés conventionnés (AEPC). Entitled « Le rôle de la direction générale en marge d’une plainte logée auprès du Commissaire local aux plaintes et à la qualité des services » (The general management’s role when a complaint is filed to the Local Service Quality and Complaints Commissioner), this conference discussed the general management’s role upstream and downstream of a complaint, the various immunities and protections found in the Act respecting Health Services and Social Services, as well as access to a user’s complaint record. 

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  668. Louis Rochette takes part in Leucan’s Shaved Head Challenge in Quebec City

    On May 24, 2015, Louis Rochette, a Business Law and Life Sciences partner at Lavery, co-chaired the 15th edition of the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge in Quebec City with Mr. Germain Lamonde, president of Exfo. On this occasion, Mr. Rochette took on this challenge and had his head shaved as a show of solidarity towards the children who, following chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, have lost their hair, which allowed him to collect over $22,000. With more than 580 participants in Quebec City, this event was deemed a great success, with a gathered total amount of $465,000 in donations. Louis Rochette takes part in Leucan’s Shaved Head Challenge in Quebec City

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  669. Evelyne Verrier, co-lecturer of the CLHIA

    On May 7, 2015, Evelyne Verrier, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was co-lecturer at the 2015 Claims Section Annual Conference of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) held at Niagara Falls from May 6 to May 8, 2015. This conference discussed various subjects of interest relating to the life and health insurance industry, such as a review of recent case law.

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  670. Evelyne Verrier takes part in a conference on legal file processes

    On April 23, 2015, Evelyne Verrier, a Litigation partner at Lavery, presented a conference entitled «Les divers recours judiciaires: comment vous y retrouver et comme vous y préparer!» (The various legal proceedings: how to find your way through it and be prepared!) during a private event organized by a group of insurers and claims adjusters in damage insurance. This conference discussed the process of legal cases, the new Code of Civil Procedure, and how to properly prepare files and testimonies presented in contentious cases.

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  671. Lavery hosts a conference on entrepreneurship in South Korea

    On May 20, 2015, Lavery hosted a breakfast-conference on the subject of entrepreneurship in South Korea, organized by the Quebec-Asia Law & Business Association (QALBA) and presented by Mr. Michael Lee, founding member of G20 YEA (Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance) and YES Korea (Young Entrepreneurs’ Society of Korea), and CEO of CreBiz Factory, a consulting firm. This conference, designed to be an introduction to the business culture and strategic areas of economic development in South Korea, was presented to 15 young entrepreneurs and professionals. Mr. Jin Hur, Consul General and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, also attended the conference. QALBA is a forum for young professionals and entrepreneurs wanting to strengthen economic ties between Quebec and Asia and is presided by Guillaume Synnott, lawyer in Lavery’s Business Law Group.

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  672. Benjamin D. Gross and Sébastien Vézina represent IBMG L.P.

    Benjamin David Gross and Sébastien Vézina, partners at Lavery, counseled IBMG L.P. (International Basketball Marketing Group), and its unit holders and all-star leadership team, from the inception of the business idea, to the start-up process and its recent culmination in the signature of a promotions and services agreement with Maccabi Tel Aviv (2014 Euroleague Champions) and Olimpia Milano (2014 Italian League champions), in respect of their much anticipated, and first ever, professional foreign champions basketball games scheduled on American soil at United Center in Chicago (October 1, 2015) and Madison Square Garden in New York (October 4, 2015).

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  673. Lavery’s Pierre Marc Johnson delivers an address at Public Relations Without Borders fundraiser

    On May 14, 2015, Me Pierre Marc Johnson, of counsel at Lavery and Quebec’s Chief Negotiator for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, delivered an address at the Mount Royal Centre as part of a special breakfast conference titled “The Challenges of Quebec and Canada in Europe, Africa and Asia”. Three hundred participants gathered in support of Public Relations Without Borders, whose mission is to help its partner organizations that work with populations facing development challenges by reinforcing their ability to use public relations to leverage social and economic progress.

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  674. Victory for Lavery’s client, the Chambre de la sécurité financière, before the Superior Court

    In a decision rendered on May 4, 2015 (2015 QCCS 1890), the Superior Court of Quebec confirmed the prerogative of the syndic of the Chambre de la sécurité financière (CSF), in demanding and obtaining the information it deems necessary in order to investigate the activities of Mutual Fund Dealer Representatives (MFDR) registered with a bank’s brokerage subsidiary. Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad. E., and Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff, Administrative Law partners at Lavery, argued the case for the CSF. According to justice Louis Lacoursière, the Act respecting the Distribution of Financial Products and Services (ADFPS) allows the CSF’s syndic to obtain documents and information from anyone in the course of an investigation, without regard to the fact that this person is a bank whose employees work part-time as MFDR. That applies, all the more so, when the bank, not its brokerage subsidiary, is in sole possession of the documents and information. Furthermore, the Court found that when circumstances where the integrity, honor and dignity of the bank’s MFDR are concerned, the syndic has the right to have produced confidential documents and information, even if they’re related to core banking activities, as opposed to activities regarding collective investment. The CSF’s role of protecting the public requires, according to the tribunal, a flexible interpretation of the syndic’s powers under the ADFPS. This represents an important victory for the self-regulation of an industry which has many important Lavery clients.

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  675. Magali Cournoyer-Proulx, coauthor of the Code des professions annoté 2015

    Ms. Magali Cournoyer-Proulx, a Labour Law partner and member of the Health Law team at Lavery, joined judges Guy Cournoyer and Erik Vanchestein, as well as Ms. Myriam Corbeil as coauthor of the third edition of the Code des professions annoté 2015, published in April 30, 2015 by Éditions Yvon Blais. This edition, which already includes close to a thousand important decisions, has been updated with over 500 new essential and relevant decision summaries, as well as new doctrine relating to professional matters. To order a copy, click here (in French only).

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  676. Marie-Josée Hétu and Myriam Lavallée give a conference to Drummondville’s HR Network

    On May 6, 2015, Ms. Marie-Josée Hétu and Ms. Myriam Lavallée, respectively Labour and Employment Law partner and lawyer, gave a conference on the recent developments in this field of practice to members of Drummondville’s HR Network. Over 40 human resources managers attended this breakfast-meeting which showcased this year’s important decisions in labour and employment law. This activity has been held in Drummondville for the past few years and is always greatly appreciated by the participants.The speakers have in fact been asked to come back next year.

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  677. Members of the Lavery GO inc. Committee participate in the 48h Entrepreneurs event

    Numerous Committee members of the Lavery GO inc. Program took part on May 1st and 2, 2015 in the 48h Entrepreneurs, an initiative of the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal and the Regroupement des Jeunes Chambres de commerce du Québec whose program is entirely dedicated to Quebec entrepreneurship. On May 1st, Lavery held a stand throughout the day at the Salon des entrepreneurs of the Palais des congrès de Montréal, where they presented the Lavery GO inc. Program to the many participants of the 48h Entrepreneurs. Four teams comprised of Committee members of the Lavery GO inc. Program held the fort in rotation: Guillaume Synnott and Judith Houle-Couture, Étienne Brassard, Raphaël Bacal and Élodie Brunet, Ariane Lauzière and Anne-Sophie Lamonde as well as Jean-Philippe Latreille and Rhonda Grintuch. On May 2, Mr. Brassard, a Business Law partner and Coordinator of the Lavery GO inc. Program, took part in the Startup Next Demo Night, which was held at La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in Montreal. On this occasion, four tech startups presented their businesses to a panel of four judges comprised of Mr. Brassard, Ty Denco (Director, Techstars), Maryse Gingras (Director, Futurpreneur Canada), Alexandre Guertin (Investment Associate, Teralys Capital) and Simon Lapointe (Audit Director, Richter). Following the judges’ deliberations, the startup MakerBloks was crowned winner of the competition. During the day, Mr. Latreille, Business Law lawyer, was co-responsible for the Relève d’affaires course during which were discussed issues relating to the transfer, the change of ownership and the start of a business.   From left to right : Maryse Gingras (Director, Futurpreneur Canada), Étienne Brassard (Partner, Lavery), Simon Lapointe (Audit Director, Richter), Alexandre Guertin (Investment Associate, Teralys Capital) and Ty Denco (Director, Techstars)

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  678. Benjamin David Gross, discussion leader and speaker at ELFA’s Legal Forum 2015

    On May 3, 2015, Benjamin David Gross, a Business Law partner at Lavery, acted as discussion leader and speaker during a roundtable entitled “How U.S. Lawyers view Canada” which took place at the Legal Forum 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. Organized by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), this forum gathered over 250 attorneys specialized in the field, each benefitting from interactive updates on legal issues impacting their practice or businesses, as well as providing them with networking opportunities. Conferences were given on key issues in the leasing industry: motor vehicles; syndications; bundled solutions; agriculture; mining; construction; bankruptcy; fraud; energy; conflicts with leasing companies and manufacturers; and foreign laws, including Canada, Mexico and Europe, only to name a few. 

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  679. Lavery organizes the Annual Conference on Labour and Employment Law in Trois-Rivières

    Lavery’s Annual Conference on Labour and Employment Law took place on May 5, 2015 in Trois-Rivières. Close to 100 poeple gathered at the Delta Hotel to attend the various conferences presented by Mr. Jean Boulet, Mr. Nicolas Courcy and Ms. Myriam Lavallée. The speakers discussed different subjects, from the recent developments in labour and employment law, to analyzing the place social media holds in a disciplinary process, and finally, the study of the extent of an employer’s obligation to accommodate in 2015. The Conference was a big success and greatly appreciated by all participants! Mr. Jean Boulet, Ms. Myriam Lavallée and Mr. Nicolas Courcy

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  680. Four Lavery lawyers participate in CCIQ’s Foire des entrepreneurs

    On April 30, 2015, Valérie Belle-Isle, Catherine Gendron, Karine Pelletier and Marie-Hélène Riverin participated in the event Foire des entrepreneurs, organized by the Chambre de commerce et de l’industrie de Québec (CCIQ). Over 130 exhibitors were present at this event, which gathered the expertise of organizations and professional firms under the same roof, offering specific services in business development, no matter the stage the businesses are in: start-up, growth or succession. Crash conferences unfolded throughout the day. Ms. Belle-Isle, Ms. Gendron, Ms. Pelletier and Ms. Riverin took part in them by presenting a conference entitled “Le jour où tout a déboulé” (The Day everything snowballed). Through a story line about the Sansoucie brothers, fictional characters, the four lawyers discussed the legal issues of their respective fields to make the public aware that prevention is better than cure. Numerous visitors of Lavery’s stand were thrilled by the special service proposal offered by these four professionals during the Foire des entrepreneurs ! Valérie Belle-Isle Catherine Gendron Karine Pelletier Marie-Hélène Riverin Karine Pelletier, Catherine Gendron, Marie-Hélène Riverin and Valérie Belle-Isle

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  681. The Lavery GO inc. Program, proud partner of a conference on crowdfunding

    On May 1st, the Lavery GO inc. Program partnered with Pléiade Capital to present a conference on crowdfunding at HEC Montreal. During the event, investor David Nault of iNovia Capital, serial entrepreneur Benoît L’Archevêque and Marc-Olivier St-Jacques of the Autorité des marchés financiers discussed the evolution of crowdfunding in Quebec. The Lavery GO inc. Program team is proud to be the main partner of this event and will closely follow the developments of the highly anticipated Regulation 45-108 respecting Crowdfunding.

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  682. Étienne Brassard, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, Guillaume Lavoie and Jonathan Warin appointed partners at Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Étienne Brassard, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, Guillaume Lavoie and Jonathan Warin as partners of the firm. Étienne Brassard practises business law with the firm and is a member of the Private Financing Group. His main areas of practice are business finance, banking law and commercial law and, in particular, the negotiation and drafting of credit, the related movable and immovable security agreements, as well as the documentation required for lease financing and installment sales. He has also acted in several major crossborder syndicated and non-syndicated financings during his practice, or relating to specific assets such as aircraft financing, rolling stock and heavy machinery. He is also the Lavery Go inc. Program Coordinator. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur has particular expertise in the areas of labour and employment law, health law and the law of occupational health and safety. She pleads before administrative tribunals and courts of law, particularly the Commission des lésions professionnelles. She also acts as an employer spokesperson for collective agreements. Guillaume Lavoie practises in private equity, venture capital and securities law and mergers and acquisitions. He acts as a legal advisor to various Canadian and foreign corporations and private equity and venture capital funds in connection with asset purchases and sales and the acquisition of public and private corporations. He has extensive experience with respect to international transactions. He also advises Canadian issuers and their boards of directors on corporate governance issues and advises some clients on competition law, foreign investment and regulatory matters. Jonathan Warin is a member of the firm's Commercial Litigation Group and specializes in bankruptcy and insolvency, extraordinary remedies and realizing on security. He regularly intervenes in various insolvency cases, whether to represent institutional lenders, trustees or debtors in a restructuring and liquidation context. He also handles commercial litigation cases of all kinds, particularly shareholder remedies and injunctions. “We are very pleased to welcome Étienne, Marie-Hélène, Guillaume and Jonathan as Lavery partners. Being named partner undoubtedly represents an important milestone in their career as well as a recognition of the quality of their work in representing our clients. Over the years, they have all acquired comprehensive expertise in their respective areas of practice, making them among the best lawyers in their field”, said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm. Étienne Brassard Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur Guillaume Lavoie Jonathan Warin

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  683. Michel Servant invited to preside the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2015 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal

    Michel Servant, a Business Law partner at Lavery, will be the President of the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2015 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal. This competition recognizes the professional success of HEC’s graduates, aged 35 and under, in four different classes: Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals. The prize-winners are selected by a jury of experienced business people. This event will take place as a Gala-Evening on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at the Parquet of Centre CDP Capital. 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the Prix Relève d’Excellence and Mr. Michael Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, will be the Honorary President. The Caisse is one of the largest institutional fund managers in Canada and North America. HEC Montréal is a university business school whose reputation as a leader in teaching and research is recognized in Québec, Canada, and around the world.

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  684. Jean Boulet discusses Centraide with Trois-Rivières’ Le Nouvelliste

    On April 24, 2015, Jean Boulet, a Labour and Employment partner and manager of the Lavery Trois-Rivières office, gave an interview to Le Nouvelliste where he presented Centraide’s new identity: “We are community”. President of the Board of Directors of Centraide Mauricie, Mr. Boulet explains the importance of the symbolism behind this new signature, emphasizing on community involvement, namely with youth, seniors, immigrants, and people with disabilities or mental illnesses. To read the article, click here (in French only).

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  685. Lavery, proud sponsor of the Pinel Excelle team

    Lavery is proud to sponsor the Pinel Excelle team of the Pinel Foundation in the 2015 Banquet Scotia Race which will take place on April 26, 2015 at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Many personnel members of the Philippe-Pinel Institute will take part in this 5K or 21K race to bring support to the Foundation. For over 30 years, the Foundation has supported the only highly specialized legal psychiatry centre in Quebec: the Montreal Philippe-Pinel Institute. Its mission is to push for the development of this centre: patient care and their environment, research in mental health and violence, promoting education and reinforcing prevention. If you wish to make a donation to the foundation or a member of the Pinel Excelle team, please click here.

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  686. Jean Martel, co-lecturer at the 9th Compliance Conference of CFIQ

    On April 21, 2015, Jean Martel, Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, was co-lecturer at the 9th Compliance Conference organized by the Conseil des fonds d’investissement du Québec (CFIQ). His conference, entitled « Régime coopératif en matière de réglementation des marchés capitaux » (Cooperative scheme relating to capital markets regulation), mainly discussed the concepts behind the financial system and the systemic risks, as well as the basis of a cooperative scheme in that field. Other panellists included Mr. Stéphane Rousseau, professor at the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Law where he holds the Chair in Governance and Business Law and Mr. Miville Tremblay, Senior Regional Representative & Director in Montreal (Financial Markets), Bank of Canada.

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  687. Jean-Philippe Latreille, member of the 2014-2015 Incubator Series of the Young Directors of IGOPP

    April 9, 2015 marked the conclusion of the 2014-2015 edition of the Incubator Series for Young Directors of the Institute for Governance of Private and Public Organizations (IGOPP), in which Mr. Jean-Philippe Latreille, Business Law lawyer at Lavery, took part. Members of this group were selected based on the quality of their application, their motivation, their professional, academic and social background, and their interest for governance. The Young Directors of IGOPP aim to educate, prepare, and involve the Quebec and Canadian business communities by organizing interesting events and by spreading information through social media with the ultimate goal of sensitizing young professionals to the great challenges in governance facing public and private organizations.

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  688. 2015 edition of Lavery’s Major Symposium in Labour and Employment Law– a great success!

    Lavery held the 2015 edition of its Major Symposium in Labour and Employment Law and it was a great success. More than 250 people made their way to Centre Mont-Royal on April 15, 2015 to participate in this event hosted by Ms. Catherine Maheu, partner and coordinator of Lavery’s Labour and Employment Law group. On this occasion, attendees got to participate in various workshops presented by Jean Boulet, Zeïneb Mellouli, Michel Gélinas, Josiane L’Heureux, Norman A. Dionne, Nicolas Joubert, Danielle Gauthier, Josée Dumoulin et François Parent. Speakers addressed many different subjects, starting with a retrospective of decisions of interest in that field, as well as presentations regarding a variety of problems that can arise in the workplace.

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  689. Véronique Morin leads a webinar on last chance agreements

    On April 9, 2015, Ms. Véronique Morin, CIRC, a Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery, led a webinar focused on the usefulness of last chance agreements and ways to increase their efficiency. During this webinar, which was held as part of the professional development activities organized by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (CRHA), Ms. Morin discussed various issues of interest, such as the concept of accommodation short of undue hardship, the content of a last chance agreements and the administrative and disciplinary sanctions related to those very agreements. For more information about the webinar (in French), click here.

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  690. Louis Rochette, honorary copresident of the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge in Quebec City

    On May 24, 2015, Louis Rochette, a Business Law and Life Sciences partner at Lavery, will co-chair the 15th edition of the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge in Quebec City with Mr. Germain Lamonde, president of Exfo. On this occasion, he will take on this challenge and have his head shaved as a show of solidarity towards the children who, following chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, have lost their hair. The Leucan Shaved Head Challenge is a major fundraiser which aims to engage the community to provide services to families affected by cancer as well as financial support for research. Lavery is proud to highlight the involvement of one of its own with Leucan which, for the past 35 years, has been committed to helping and supporting cancer-stricken children and their families. To participate in the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge or to make a donation, please click here. 

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  691. Launch of the Lavery GO inc. Program in Trois-Rivières!

    On April 1st, 2015, Lavery organized a cocktail marking the launch of the Lavery GO inc. Program at Trois-Rivières. The event, which took place at the Restaurant Le Poivre Noir, gathered close to 40 guests. During the evening, Ms. Myriam Lavallée presented the features and advantages the program offers, and discussed the importance of cooperation between public sector bodies and private sector businesses in establishing a business and startup-friendly climate. Mr. Jean Boulet also stressed the importance of such a program as part of the economic transformation the regions of Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec are undergoing.

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  692. LAVERY AND ITS GO INC. PROGRAM JOIN FORCES WITH STARTUP NEXT MONTREAL
    Providing guidance to startups as they prepare to seek outside financing

    Lavery is pleased to announce that its involvement in the Startup Next Montreal program that will allow selected Quebec entrepreneurs to participate in one of the most renowned pre-acceleration startup program in the world and to also benefit from a special session on the legal issues that startups face, offered by the lawyers of Lavery’s GO inc. Program. The Startup Next Montreal pre-acceleration program runs from February 23 to May 2, 2015 and is aimed at priming four startups for success in their search for financial backing either from seed or accelerator funds. The four selected companies are Makerbloks, led by François Poirier, Logrr, led by Julien Denaes, Elysia, led by Vanessa Cheranfant, and Heddoko, headed by its founder Mazen Elbawab. Startup Next is a global program implemented in 40 cities around the world and backed by Google for Entrepreneurs and the Global Accelerator Network. Lavery is hosting six consecutive and mandatory weekly sessions of three hours each, plus one special session dedicated to the legal issues associated to business startups. During these sessions, entrepreneurs meet with company founders as well as with experts who share their own experiences in growth-company management, get to make their elevator pitch before a panel of mentors who provide feedback and are paired with mentors who help them delve more deeply into strategic issues. The entrepreneurs will discuss namely with Bob Dorf, Startup Trainer and Professor of Entrepreneurship at Columbia Business School, LP Maurice, CEO of Busbud and Partner at Interaction Ventures, Chris Arsenault, Managing Partner of iNovia Capital, and Sean Brownlee, General Partner at Rho Canada Ventures. The best Montreal entrepreneurial teams will be invited to present their start-up companies to investors or accelerator funds like XPND Capital, Interaction Ventures, Real Ventures, to angel investors like Anges Québec, and to decision makers, as well as to the Jeune chambre de commerce de Montréal (JCCM) and the Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce du Québec (RJCCQ) business community during Startup Next Montreal’s presentation day at the 48h Entrepreneurs event.   “With its GO inc. Program, Lavery targets dynamic and innovative startups that stand out from the crowd. Our partnership agreement with Startup Next Montreal helps us reach out to several of the most promising technology startups in Quebec,” said Don McCarty, the firm’s Managing Partner. “We are very pleased that the Lavery GO inc. Program is partnering with Startup Next Montreal, because it is essential that entrepreneurs understand the main legal issues they will need to manage in order to successfully grow their company. We added a training session to the program specifically to address this topic and provide entrepreneurs with the best tools possible for the challenges that lie before them,” added Sergio A. Escobar, Startup Next Montreal Program Facilitator.  “Lavery is delighted to welcome the entrepreneurs selected by Startup Next Montreal. The members of the Lavery GO inc. Program plan will analyze with them the major legal issues related to their startups,” stated Étienne Brassard, lawyer in charge of the Lavery GO inc. Program. The Lavery GO inc. Program provides personalized support to selected businesses over a wide range of legal services needed during the start-up process, including incorporation, trademark and domain registration, service agreements and various internal company policies.

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  693. Valérie Korozs publishes a chapter on economic dismissal for the Quebec Bar

    Valérie Korozs, Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery, in cooperation with Guy Lemay, Labour and Employment law partner at Lavery, and Ms. Émilie Thibault and Léa Pelletier-Marcotte, students at Lavery, is the author of a chapter in the latest volume Développements récents en droit du travail published by the Quebec Bar’s Continuing Education Service at Éditions Yvon Blais, in March 2015. Her article, entitled « Congédiement pour motifs économiques : l’approche de la Commission des relations du travail » [Dismissal for economic reasons : the Commission des relations de travail’s approach] reviews decisions of interest as well as trends before the Commission des relations de travail on matters relating to temrination for economic reasons. She analyses the burden of proof the employer must meet, and explores the CRT’s approach following a substantial decrease in employment conditions for financial considerations. For more information or to order the publication, click here. 

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  694. Pierre Marc Johnson delivers keynote address at business luncheon organized by Société de développement économique de Drummondville

    On March 31st, 2015 at the new Centrexpo Drummondville, Lavery’s Pierre Marc Johnson delivered a presentation before a capacity audience made up of key actors in the economy of Drummondville. During his remarks, Quebec’s Chief Negotiator for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement outlined the terms of the agreement, its origins and steps remaining before its entry into force. He also highlighted key provisions and spelled out the advantages of the treaty for Quebec businesses.

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  695. LAUNCH OF THE LAVERY GO INC. PROGRAM IN TROIS-RIVIÈRES
    Legal services tailored to the needs of start-up businesses

    Lavery is pleased to announce the launch today of the Lavery GO inc. Program in Trois-Rivières. This program’s mission is to help young entrepreneurs and provide affordable, quality legal services to qualifying start-up businesses. This personalized program offers a wide-range of legal services, often required in the start-up phase of businesses, namely incorporation, trademark and domain name registration, employment agreements, as well as workplace policies. The legal services will be provided at a fixed rate to accommodate the budget of young entrepreneurs. “For the past couple of years, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec have been going through a transformation process in regards to their economy, namely marked by emerging new businesses characterized by their dynamism and sense of innovation. The Lavery GO inc. Program will consolidate the firm’s position in the business world of these regions, by concretely reaching out to start-up businesses which present an important growth potential”, said Jean Boulet, Managing Partner of the firm’s Trois- Rivières office. Each business selected for the Lavery GO inc. Program will be supported and receive legal advice from Lavery’s professionals who have both the experience and expertise required, such as Myriam Lavallée, Étienne Brassard and many more. Moreover, the businesses selected will benefit from multiple hours of legal advice. The services will be offered at a fixed rate to take into account these young businesses’ abilitiy to pay. For more information on the Lavery GO inc. Program, please visit: www.laverygoinc.ca.

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  696. Élodie Brunet and Josiane L’Heureux take part in the “Think Prevention” event

    On March 25, 2015, in Val-d’Or, Élodie Brunet, in collaboration with Josiane L’Heureux, respectively associate and partner in the Labour and Employment Law Group at Lavery, gave the opening presentation at the “Think Prevention” conference. This event, organized by the SPI Health and Safety firm, was a gathering of more than 80 people representing local businesses, such as mining companies, cities and municipalities. The presentation entitled “Le succès d’une défense de diligence raisonnable passe inévitablement par la prévention” (“A successful due diligence defence necessarily begins with prevention”) sought to sensitize managers to the practical elements an employer must implement when faced with a CSST inspection, a statement of offence alleging a violation of the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety or a charge of criminal negligence. In such situations, the employer must be able to demonstrate his diligence, and more specifically, that he took the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of his employees and to prevent, to the extent possible, any impact on their health and safety.

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  697. Jean Saint-Onge presides the Symposium on class actions of the Quebec Bar

    Once again this year, Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, presided the National Symposium on Class Actions of the Quebec Bar, on recent Developments in Québec, in Canada and the United States. The event, which was held on March 26 and 27 at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, featured over 40 speakers from several jurisdictions in North America and addressed the most recent case law and trends with regards to class actions.

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  698. Pierre Marc Johnson delivers an address at the 3rd edition of the Canada-France Business Convention

    In Montreal on March 24, 2015, Pierre Marc Johnson, former Premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade and cross-border partnerships, spoke before the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Française au Canada on the topic of business opportunities offered by the Canada-European Union free trade agreement. During his remarks, Quebec’s Chief negotiator for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement identified aspects of the agreement that should be of interest to businesses wishing to access the Canadian or EU market, including as regards the opening of public procurement, easing of trade in goods, and relaxation of investment review rules.

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  699. Jean Boulet quoted in a newspaper article from the Nouvelliste of Trois-Rivières

    Jean Boulet, a Labour and Employment Law partner and head of the Lavery Trois-Rivières office, was quoted in a recent article entitled “Centraide récupère le Consortium en développement social” (“Centraide retrieves the Social Development Consortium”), relating to the Consortium’s relocation following the dissolution of the Regional conference of elected officials of Mauricie. As chairman of the board of directors of Centraide Mauricie, Mr. Boulet reaffirms the essential role Centraide holds, notably in the regions with a high suicide rate. The Consortium’s vocation in training, health and employment, is up to par with Centraide’s purpose, which is to support those in need. Centraide will house the Consortium until the end of the social development agreement in March 2016. To read this article, click here (in French only).

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  700. Lavery hosts a workshop for the Institute for governance of private and public organizations

    On March 25, 2015, Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, gave a training to about 40 young directors enrolled in the Incubator Training Program for Young directors of the Institute for governance of private and public organizations (YDIGPPO). The workshop, which was held at Lavery’s Conference Center and was followed by a heated period of questions, discussed shareholders’ activism in large corporations and highlighted the pros and cons of such actions in the Quebec, Canadian and American context.

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  701. Lavery hosts a conference organized by the In-House Counsel Committee of the Bar of Montreal

    On March 17, 2015, Jean-Yves Simard, a litigation partner at Lavery, gave a presentation entitled “Outside counsel and the in-house lawyer…Succeeding together” during the Double Program on Communication organized by the In-house Counsel Committee of the Bar of Montreal and held at Lavery’s Conference center. More than 50 in-house counsels gathered for this presentation, which highlighted the key points of a successful business relationship between a company’s external and in-house lawyers, as well as presented concrete examples of the best practices to adopt and the pitfalls to avoid.

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  702. Valérie Korozs of Lavery, speaker at the Conference on Recent Developments in Labour Law

    Ms. Valérie Korozs, a Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “Le congédiement déguisé découlant de motifs légitimes : quelle est la compétence de la Commission des relations du travail (CRT)?” (Constructive dismissal based on legitimate grounds: what is the jurisdiction of the Commission des relations du travail (CRT)?), which took place on March 20, 2015 during the Seminar on Recent Developments in Labour Law that was organized by the Continuing Education Department of the Quebec Bar. As part of this presentation, Ms. Korozs addressed decisions of interest as well as trends before the CRT in regards to constructive dismissal, focusing her analysis on substantial changes made by an employer on legitimate grounds, such as economic or organizational reasons. 

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  703. Jean Saint-Onge named Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, received the title of Fellow by the International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL), during a ceremony in Santa Barbara, California, on March 20, 2015. The IATL is a prestigious group of elite trial lawyers from over 30 countries. Nominations of fellows are by invitation only and are highly selective, being based on accomplishment and excellence in litigation. Only 500 active members can have this title. Mr. Saint-Onge practices at Lavery in commercial insurance, class actions, competition and antitrust, product liability as well as the distribution of financial products and services. He is regularly asked by clients to intervene in pending class action cases to assist in concluding a settlement and achieve a favourable outcome for all parties, most often in complex matters involving multiple defendants. Mr. Saint-Onge has been involved in numerous precedent-setting cases and has represented major corporations in multijurisdictional and cross-border class actions, more particularly in the areas of competition law and consumer law. He is also a widely published author and a regular guest speaker. Mr. Saint-Onge’s expertise and social commitment has been well recognized by his peers, whether it be through awards he has won, such as the 2003 Pro Bono Award, 2007 Mérite Award from the Quebec Bar and the 2007 Quebec Justice Prize, or his numerous nominations in prestigious legal directories, namely The Best Lawyers in Canada, The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory, Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross border Litigation Lawyers in Canada and Chambers Global. "Lavery is delighted that Jean Saint-Onge is the recipient of this Fellowship. In a career that spans more than 30 years, Jean has made a significant contribution to the legal profession: as a specialist in certain areas of practice, a skillful negotiator and litigator or by his high level commitment to the community", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm. To know more about this organization, visit the IATL website at:www.iatl.net.

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  704. Lavery hosts the Emerging Managers Board members’ annual general assembly and cocktail (EMB)

    On March 19, 2015, Lavery hosted the Emerging Managers Board (EMB) members’ annual general assembly and cocktail, which took place at Lavery’s Conference Center. Philippe Décary and Jean Martel, Business Law partners at Lavery, welcomed the 70 members gathered for the occasion and participated in the event, during which the Chairperson of the Board, Mrs. Geneviève Blouin, presented the Association’s agenda of activities for 2015, the budget, the new EMB board members and newcomers. The EMB is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and contribute to the growth of local emerging managers. To know more about this organization, click here.

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  705. Katia Opalka delivers a talk to a delegation of French businesses

    On March 19, 2015, Katia Opalka, a partner at Lavery and an assistant to Quebec’s Chief negotiator for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union (CETA), Pierre Marc Johnson, delivered an address concerning the agreement to a delegation of French businesses visiting Montreal as part of a trade mission organized by Kassar International. In her presentation, entitled “Key Elements of CETA”, Ms. Opalka provided an overview of the agreement and identified steps businesses should take to get ready for its ratification.

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  706. Evelyne Verrier of Lavery, guest panelist at the Damage Insurance Day 2015

    On March 17, 2015, Evelyne Verrier, litigation partner at Lavery, was a guest panelist during the Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2015 (Damage Insurance Day 2015), an event organized by Le journal de l’assurance. For this event, she co-hosted  a lecture entitled “Fraude à l’assurance : comment combattre le fléau!” (Insurance Fraud: How to Fight this Scourge!), which allowed professionals from this industry to offer possible solutions to this phenomenon. Held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the Journée de l’assurance de dommages is an annual conference presenting seminars on various issues relating to damage insurance. Lavery is proud to be a partner of this major event that brings together insurers, brokers, agents and claims adjusters.

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  707. PwC Canada-Lavery conference on corporate governance: a successful event

    On March 12, 2015, Lavery and PwC Canada held a conference under the theme “Board of directors and senior management: what are the conditions for a sound cooperation?”. On this occasion, Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., partner of Lavery’s Business Law Group, and Alain Robichaud, partner in the Consulting group of PwC, discussed the following issues: the roles and responsibilities of boards of directors and chairman of the board; the basis for a sound cooperation between the board of directors and senior management; the ever changing requirements applicable to boards of directors; the real life practices to promote a sound cooperation. This event, which took place at the Lavery Conference Centre in Montreal before close to 50 of PwC and Lavery’s clients, was a great success!

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  708. The Young Bar Association of Montreal launches the 2015 edition of the Legal IT conference

    Zeïneb Mellouli, lawyer in the Labour and Employment Law Group at Lavery, is the acting Director responsible for the organizing committee of Legal IT 2015, which will take place at the Montreal Science Center on March 30, 2015. Organized by the Young Bar Association of Montreal for close to 10 years, it is now the most important conference in Canada discussing the impact of information technologies as well as their potential for law. Moreover, Luc Thibaudeau, a Litigation partner at Lavery, will be giving a conference entitled «  Le consommateur dans les nuages et la LPC : Navigation protégée » [The consumer in the cloud and the CPA : protected navigation], which will discuss the application of the Consumer Protection Act in the field of new technologies. This event gathers close to 200 participants annually and offers up to 7 hours of certified continuing legal education for the Quebec Bar. To know more about the conference and to register, please click here.

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  709. Justin Trudel, mentor during Startup Weekend at Trois-Rivières

    Justin Trudel, member of Lavery’s Business Law Group at Trois-Rivières, acted as mentor during the legal component of Startup Weekend, which took place from February 27 to March 1st, 2015 at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Over 60 participants took part in this international event, whose objective is to promote entrepreneurship and upcoming startups in the regions. During this three day event, participants were invited to make teams and work on their business model. They also had the opportunity to benefit from advice provided by professionals of various fields who acted as mentors during the event. The best projects had a chance to win various prizes, such as one of the three components of the Lavery GO inc. Program. The event ended notably with the Lavery prize presented to the winning startup Liste Scolaire Éclair, whose business will allow parents to buy, with just one click, all school supplies required by simply entering the name of their child’s school online, and will also include a home delivery service. To know more about Startup Weekend, click here.

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  710. Benjamin David Gross will be a panelist at a sports marketing conference

    Benjamin David Gross, a Business Law partner at Lavery, will participate in a panel at the second annual Halftime Conference, on March 6, 2015. This conference, organized by the John Molson Sports Marketing committee, aims to develop students’ interest in sports business. This event is an opportunity for students to interact with sports business professionals, to broaden their knowledge of the field and to network with fellow delegates. During his presentation, Mr. Gross will discuss the various legal aspects of this field, notably financing and private investments. To find out more about this conference, click here.

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  711. Nicolas Gagnon addresses the Corporation des entrepreneurs généraux du Québec

    On February 19, 2015, Nicolas Gagnon, a partner in Lavery’s Construction and Surety Law team, co-hosted a conference during the 18th annual conference of the Corporation des entrepreneurs généraux du Québec, at the Château Frontenac in Quebec city. This presentation, entitled “Aborder les questions et scénarios lorsque votre chantier éprouve des difficultés financières », provided insight on crisis situations that can arise during a project, questions that need to be asked in order to face them as well as the legal aspect and point of view of the contractor who has to deal with the consequences.

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  712. Emmanuel Sala and Jean-Philippe Latreille of Lavery, authors of an article in the Mining Journal

    Mr. Emmanuel Sala and Mr. Jean-Philippe Latreille, a Business Law partner and associate at Lavery respectively, are the authors of an article entitled “A Fiscal Struggle” that was published in the February 2015 special issue of the Mining Journal which will be distributed at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto. The Mining Journal is a prestigious British publication which covers all aspects of the mining industry, including exploration, financing, development, production and marketing. In their article, Messrs. Sala and Latreille discuss the changes to the Mining Act, the pending adoption of the changes to the Mining Tax Act, and the need for mining businesses to obtain equitable tax treatments, especially in light of the recent administrative developments. To read this article, click here.

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  713. Audrey Gibeault and Jean-Philippe Latreille of Lavery, speakers at a RJCCQ webinar

    On February 23, 2015, Audrey Gibeault and Jean-Philippe Latreille, business lawyers at Lavery, made a presentation at a webinar organized by the Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce du Québec (RJCCQ) relating to tax and legal aspects of starting up a business. During this presentation, various subjects were discussed such as the legal vehicle to choose to operate a business, and incorporation and GST/QST matters. 

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  714. Lavery hosts a seminar for environmental professionals

    On February 24, 2015, Lavery hosted a half-day seminar for environmental professionals at its offices in Montreal. Participants attended lectures concerning professional liability and legal aspects of project management. Presided by Katia Opalka, an environmental and Aboriginal law partner at Lavery, and organized jointly by the Canadian Bar Association (Quebec Branch) and the Association of consulting engineers of Quebec, this continuing education activity was a great success, bringing together more than 30 participants representing a wide range of professions at the Lavery Conference center. 

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  715. Emmanuel Sala and Jean-Philippe Latreille of Lavery, authors of an article in The Northern Miner

    Mr. Emmanuel Sala and Mr. Jean-Philippe Latreille, a Business Law partner and associate at Lavery respectively, are the authors of an article entitled “Quebec gov't to stabilize legislative framework for mining” published in the March 2, 2015 special issue of The Northern Miner which will be distributed at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto. The Northern Miner is a leading Canadian publication covering the mining industry. In their article, Messrs. Sala and Latreille discuss the recent legal and tax changes surrounding the mining industry in Quebec, as well as their impact on the province’s ability to attract mining businesses and investors. To read this article, click here.

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  716. Pro Bono Québec's GRANDS VINS GRANDS NOMS fundraiser event: a resounding success!

    On February 11, 2015, was held the second edition of “GRANDS VINS GRANDS NOMS”, organized by Pro Bono Québec, an organization supported by Lavery since its very beginnings. Over 200 people took part in this event, including Mr. Bernard Larocque, a Litigation partner at Lavery and Treasurer of Pro Bono Québec, and Mr. Luc Thibaudeau, a Litigation partner at the firm, who was also a member of the volunteer musical group that played during the evening. Thanks to the involvement of several lawyers of the firm as well as leading figures from the legal, arts and business community, the event was a resounding success, raising over $65,000 for this organization!

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  717. Jean-Sébastien Desroches of Lavery gives a course on corporate law at the Association de planification fiscale et financière

    On February 18, 2015, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Business Law partner at Lavery, gave a workshop on corporate law to members of the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF). During this half-day course, Mr. Desroches discussed the interaction between the Civil code of Quebec, the Business Corporations Act (Quebec) and the Canada Business Corporations Act, the legal frameworks of a business operation, the rules relating to corporate governance, and shareholder agreements. This course is available to members of the APFF for a duration of two years.

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  718. Evelyne Verrier of Lavery, guest panelist in the contexte of the “Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2015” (Day of Damage Insurance 2015)

    Ms. Evelyne Verrier, litigation partner at Lavery, will be a guest panelist for a lecture entitled “Fraude à l’assurance : comment combattre le fléau!” (Insurance Fraud: How to Fight this Scourge!) on March 17, 2015. This presentation, held in the context of the “Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2015” (Day of damage insurance 2015) at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, will allow professionals from this industry to offer possible solutions to this phenomenon. For more information on the “Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2015” (Day of damage insurance 2015), please click here (in French only). 

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  719. Louis-Martin Dubé of Lavery, speaker at the Annual Review of Jurisprudence in Real Estate Law

    Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé, partner in real estate law at Lavery, acted as speaker at the Canadian Bar Association, Québec Branch (CBA Québec) Annual Review of Jurisprudence in Real Estate Law that was held on February 19, 2015. During this annual case law review, many subjects of interest were discussed by the guest speakers. Mr. Dubé examined court decisions pertaining to real estate law, including property law, contracts, secured transactions, real estate brokerage and transfer duties.

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  720. Lavery’s Katia Opalka speaks at the 2015 Conference of the Canadian Association of Environmental Law Societies

    On Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the University of Calgary Law School, Katia Opalka, a partner at Lavery, addressed an audience of law students and practitioners as part of a conference titled “Igniting a spark: Innovations and solutions for Canada’s environment.” Ms. Opalka, who practices in the areas of environmental and Aboriginal law, was asked to speak on a panel reviewing the regulation of hydraulic fracturing in Canada.

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  721. Breakfast meeting on the Small Claims Court

    On January 27 and February 10, 2015, Ms. Claudia Bérubé and Marika Couture-Houle, lawyers in civil and commercial litigation, in collaboration with Mr. Claude Villeneuve, practicing partner in litigation at Lavery and president of the Bar Association of Saint-François, acted as speakers at our Sherbrooke office during a breakfast-seminar where they discussed the Small Claims Court, whose jurisdictional threshold rose from $7,000 to $15,000 on January 1st, 2015. This conference, entitled “The Small Claims Court: for whom and how?”, helped the firm's clients to familiarize themselves with the procedure to follow as a plaintiff or defendant. It also gave them the tools and practical advice to be well prepared for an audition before the Small Claims Court.  Claudia Bérubé and Marika Couture-Houle

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  722. Julie Cousineau of Lavery, speaker at the Annual Review of Commercial Case Law

    Ms. Julie Cousineau, a civil and commercial litigation associate at Lavery, acted as speaker at the Canadian Bar Association, Québec Branch (CBA Québec) Annual Review of Commercial Case Law that was held on February 11, 2015 at our Conference Center in Montreal. During this examination of yearly precedential decisions, many subjects of interest were discussed by the guest speakers. Ms. Cousineau dealt with court decisions focused on extraordinary recourses such as injunctions.

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  723. Laurence Bich-Carrière publishes an article in the Supreme Court Law Review

    Ms. Laurence Bich-Carrière, litigation lawyer at Lavery, is the author of an article entitled « Le détissage juridique: étude de l’obsolescence des citations électroniques dans les décisions de la Cour suprême du Canada (1998-2014) » [Legal Citations Unweaving: a Study of the Obsolescence of Electronic Citations in the Supreme Court of Canada Decisions], published on January 16, 2015 in the Supreme Court Law Review. By reviewing the electronic references used by the Supreme Court of Canada in its decisions, Ms. Bich-Carrière seeks to assess how the dematerialization of sources and the paradigm shift of the Internet impact the legal profession’s relation to the notion of sources, on which rests the very principle of precedent. From an exhaustive empirical study arises the alarming conclusion that a third of the referenced hyperlinks are broken, and that the link rot phenomenon increases with time. Ms. Bich-Carrière then takes a two-fold approach to try to alleviate the issue: in addition to trying to discern potential factors which could help predict which links will rot, she suggests some preventive measures by drawing on both research methodology and archiving norms. To read the article (in French only), click here.

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  724. Judgement of the Supreme Court of Canada in regards to professional secrecy – another victory for Lavery!

    On February 13, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered an important decision stating that several sections from the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and from its regulationviolate sections 7 and 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom, without being justified under section 1 of that same Charter. Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad. E., and Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff, Administrative Law partners at Lavery, with the help of Mr. Guillaume Laberge, represented the Barreau du Québec and the Chambre des notaires before Canada’s highest court, where they argued that lawyers and notaries should be exempted from provisions which, among other things, infringed on the attorney-client privilege, the duty of loyalty to each client and the independence of the Bar. To read the judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada, please click here. Raymond Doray, Loïc Berdnikoff and Guillaume Laberge

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  725. Katia Opalka publishes an article regarding the wetlands for the Canadian Bar Association

    On February 6, 2015, Ms. Katia Opalka, a partner practicing environmental and Aboriginal law at Lavery, published an article entitled “Wetlands: Did You Know?” (Milieux humides : Le saviez-vous?), on the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Quebec Branch website. In her article, Ms. Opalka, who is President of the Quebec Division of the Environment, Energy and Resources Law Section of the CBA, situates Quebec’s wetlands conservation efforts at the national, continental and international level. To read Ms. Opalka’s article (in French only), please click here.

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  726. Nadine Landry and Luc Pariseau take part in a conference on cross-border business activities in Boston

    On February 4, 2015, Ms. Nadine Landry, a partner in the Labour Law Group and Mr. Luc Pariseau, a partner in the Business Law Group, both of Lavery, took part in a Conference in Boston entitled “'Doing business in Canada' can be risky business”. They provided insight on the various immigration and tax traps that exist when expanding and working outside the national American borders. This conference, attracting close to 50 participants, will also take place at our Conference center in Montreal, on April 22, 2015, this time addressing the pitfalls to avoid for a Canadian company that wants to do business in the United States.

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  727. Daniel Bouchard of Lavery quoted in a newspaper article from Le Courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe

    Mr. Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Lavery Quebec City office, was quoted in a recent article entitled «Changement de zonage en catimini », relating to a municipality’s obligation to inform its residents on zoning matters. According to Mr. Bouchard, the Act respecting land use planning and development is clear: a municipality must, by public notice in a newspaper, inform its population of any zoning by-law draft. It is at the very foundation of the democratic exercise of this process. To read this article, click here (in French only).

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  728. Benjamin David Gross and Anne-Sophie Lamonde give a conference on mining project streaming agreements

    On January 27, 2015, Mr. Benjamin David Gross, a partner in the financial services and creditors' rights, real estate law, and mining law teams, and Ms. Anne-Sophie Lamonde, a lawyer practicing in corporate law, both of Lavery, took part in the Conference on financing and security on property organized by the Canadian Institute. Their conference was entitled “Financing of mining projects: What you should know about ‘Streaming Agreements’” and sought to provide insight on this method of financing, which is gaining in popularity among senior mining companies, and more specifically, to explain the key provisions which one should consider when drafting or negotiating such agreements.

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  729. The Pierre-Basile-Mignault competition bears the colours of Lavery's!

    Teams mentored by Lavery lawyers win nine of the ten prizes in the 2015 edition. On February 6 and 7, 2015, students from all Canadian civil law faculties gathered at McGill University to engage in debates regarding real rights and the protection of the environment, during the prestigious Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Competition. For many years now, Lavery has been involved in this event and the 2015 edition is no exception. Three teams were supervised by our lawyers:  Laurence Bich-Carrière and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin for UQÀM Mary Delli Quadri and our former colleague Marie-Andrée Gagnon for University of Montreal (UdeM) Justin Gravel for University of Sherbrooke The finale pitted the UQÀM and UdeM teams against each other. The former team won (along with the Fasken-Martineau Cup; the Yvon-Blais Cup being handed to the UdeM team), and together, these two teams won almost every prize, which highlights Lavery’s strength in both civil law and oral advocacy. Four individual oratory prizes were awarded, going to Christophe Savoie (UdeM) (Robinson Cup for best speaker), Marie-Pier Lauzon-Raza (UQÀM) and Philippe Moisan-Royal (UQÀM) (Canadian Bar Cup (Quebec division) for 2nd best speakers, ex aequo) and Dominique Samson (UdeM) (Lavery Cup for 3rd best speaker, given by Bernard Larocque). If the Lauzon-Raza and Moisan-Royal pair won the finale, a discretionary prize was awarded to Savoie and Samson as best pair not participating in the finale. The SOQUIJ Cup for second best factum was awarded to Jessica Leblanc, Marylin Ménard et Jonathan Raizenne (UQÀM). Ms. Bich-Carrière and Mr. Lacoste-Jobin are particularly proud that their teams’ efforts were recognized, UQÀM being awarded the President of the Barreau du Québec for best overall team.

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  730. Éric Gélinas gives a conference on anti-avoidance rules at the Canadian Tax Foundation’s Technical seminar on private corporations

    On January 29, 2015, Mr. Éric Gélinas, legal counsel at Lavery and member of the Business Law Group, gave a conference entitled “Specific Anti-Avoidance Rules: paragraphs 56(2), 75(2), 83(2.1), 83(2.2) and 83(2.4) ITA – within the scope of corporate reorganization and corporate sale planning” (Les règles anti-évitement spécifiques: paragr. 56(2), 75(2), 83(2.1), 83(2.2) et 83(2.4) LIR – dans le cadre de la réorganisation corporative et de la planification de vente d’entreprise) during the Canadian Tax Foundation’s Technical seminar on private corporations. For more information about the seminar, please click here.

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  731. Katia Opalka publishes an article regarding policy decisions and the duty to consult

    On January 23, 2015, Ms. Katia Opalka, a partner at Lavery who provides transactional support on environmental and Aboriginal law matters, published an article entitled “Duty to Consult and the Division of Powers” on the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Quebec Branch website. In her article, Ms. Opalka, who is President of the Quebec Division of the Environment, Energy and Resources Law Section of the CBA, discusses the fact that the Federal Court of Canada recently addressed the question of whether the Crown’s constitutional duty to consult First Nations can be triggered by a policy decision. To read Ms. Opalka’s article, please click here.

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  732. Lavery acts for consortium led by Magris Resources Inc. in the completion of the acquisition of the Niobec mine for a total consideration of US$530 million

    Lavery is pleased to announce it has acted as legal counsel for the Province of Québec to a consortium led by Magris Resources Inc. in the completion of the acquisition of Niobec Inc., a subsidiary of IAMGOLD Corporation (TSX : IMG, NYSE: IAG)  and one of the world’s three primary niobium producers. The total consideration of US$530 million was comprised of a US$500 million cash proceeds payable at closing, as well as an additional US$30 million payable upon commencement of commercial production from adjacent rare earths element properties. Lavery also acted as local counsel in connection with the financing of the acquisition. Lavery’s transactional and financing team was led by Mr. Sébastien Vézina (M&A and Mining Law) and Mr. Benjamin Gross (Financing), and included Mr. René Branchaud (Mining Law), Ms. Nicole Messier and Ms. Carole Gélinas (Real Estate Law and Mining Titles), Ms. Sophie Prégent (Environmental Law), Ms. Catherine Méthot and Mr. Raphaël Bacal (M&A), Mr. François Parent (Pension and Benefits), Ms. Catherine Maheu, Mr. Guy Lavoie and Ms. Valérie Korozs (Labour and Employement), Mr. Éric Gélinas (Tax Law), Mr. Pierre Denis and Ms. Anne-Sophie Lamonde (Financing).

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  733. Marie Cossette - Panellist at two Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec breakfast conferences

    On January 27, 2015 in Quebec City and January 30, in Montreal, Ms. Marie Cossette, a partner at Lavery, whose litigation practice focuses on public, administrative and disciplinary law, and who is responsible for the cabinet’s integrity practice, will sit on the breakfast discussion panels of Les matins de l’Ordre of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. Ms. Cossette, and three other panellists, will engage in discussion about “The engineer’s responsibility: as a professional, how can an engineer take action in a regulated context?” (La responsabilité de l’ingénieur – En tant que professionnel, comment l’ingénieur peut-il agir dans un contexte réglementé?) Moderated by Patrick Masbourian in Montreal and by Pierre Houle in Quebec City, the panel will help participants understand the difference between codes of conduct and ethics, be better prepared and have better knowledge of professional responsibility best practices, learn more about civil, penal, corporate and personal responsibility, and reflect on the values of their profession. For more information on the Conference, please click here.

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  734. Marie Cossette participates in the opening workshop of the 71st ACRGTQ annual conference

    On January 21, 2015, in Quebec City, Ms. Marie Cossette, a partner at Lavery, whose litigation practice focuses on public, administrative and disciplinary law, and who is responsible for the cabinet’s integrity practice, was a panellist at the opening workshop of the ACRGTQ annual conference (Association des constructeurs de routes et grands travaux du Québec). The congress and the workshop—the latter being a panel discussion hosted by Diane Martin previously with Radio-Canada in Quebec City—shared the same theme: “Let’s Build the Present” (Construisons le présent). Participants discussed the legal, ethical and media issues the industry faces and the various means at the disposal of builders to regain the trust of the population. To consult the conference’s programme, please click here.

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  735. Jacques Perron and Maude Lafortune-Bélair participate as jury members on the Droit de Cité radio program on CIBL 101.5FM

    On January 14, 2015, Mr. Jacques Perron, a partner at Lavery, participated as a jury member on the Droit de Cité radio program which airs on CIBL 101.5 FM. The program’s theme was Pour ou contre l’abolition de la notion de sexe en droit?, and the debate centered on the proposed modification of article 71 of the Quebec Civil Code. Previously, on October 1, 2014, Ms. Maude Lafortune-Bélair, a lawyer who works in the firm’s Litigation group, also participated as a jury member on the same program, which is coproduced by the Quebec Bar. For more information or to listen to an MP3 of the program, please click here.

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  736. Raphaël Schachter to speak at Annual Student Dinner of the Lord Reading Law Society

    On January 28, 2015, Mr. Raphaël H. Schachter, Q.C., Ad. E, will be the Guest Speaker at the Lord Reading Law Society celebrating the Society’s Annual Student Dinner. Mr. Schachter’s topic will be “Representing the High-Profile Client”, and he will recount many of his experiences accompanied by anecdotes in this regard. For the event, students at the École du Barreau and stagiaires are invited to attend as guests of the Society, and at no cost. Note that the Barreau du Québec has certified the lecture for one hour of CLE credit. For more information about the event and to reserve, please click here.

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  737. Evelyne Verrier participates in the Canadian Institute’s advanced conference on claim and litigation management in disability insurance

    On January 19 and 20, 2015, Ms. Evelyne Verrier, a partner at Lavery who practices mainly in civil litigation and insurance, served as Co-President and speaker at the Canadian Institute’s advanced conference on claim and litigation management in disability insurance (Conférence avancée sur la gestion des réclamations et litiges en assurance invalidité de l’Institut Canadien). This unique event brought together lawyers, insurance companies, claims adjudicators, medical experts and rehabilitation firms to discuss contentious issues related to the management and settlement of disability insurance claims.   For more information about this conference, please click here. 

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  738. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Stéphanie Destrempes of Lavery publish an article in the CCCA Directory and Yearbook

    Mr. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Ms. Stéphanie Destrempes of Lavery’s Franchising and Distribution practice group have published an article entitled ‘Franchising in Canada: A Duality of Laws and Culture’ in 2014/2015 edition of the Lexpert®/Canadian Corporate Counsel Association’s (CCCA) Directory and Yearbook. The article is an in-depth review of franchising in Canada from the perspective of the challenges and opportunities presented by the differences in Quebec laws and culture. Please click here to view the article online.

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  739. Lavery’s contribution to Stornoway’s Mine Renard development deal makes Lexpert®’s Top 10 Deals of 2014 list

    Lavery’s contribution to Stornoway’s Mine Renard market capitalization has been noted in Lexpert®’s Top 10 Deals of 2014 list. Lavery acted as counsel for the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in this matter. Lexpert's annual Top 10 Deals list showcases the most significant transactions of 2014 and the Law Firms involved. To read about the Top 10 Deals of 2014, please click here.

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  740. Lavery’s Daniel Bouchard to speak on wetlands January 28th at Complexe Jules-Dallaire in Ste-Foy

    Wednesday morning, January 28th in Ste-Foy, Lavery’s Daniel Bouchard will deliver a talk regarding the legal aspects of wetlands management in a project development context.  Bouchard, who is the firm’s office managing partner in Quebec City, will deliver his remarks after a co-presentation by two field specialists.  This seminar, organized by the Canadian Bar Association Québec Branch, promises to be highly practical.  It is intended for real estate developers (residential, commercial and industrial) but also municipal legal departments and general counsel.   Click here for more information or to register (3.5 hours of CLE credits).

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  741. Stéphanie Destrempes to sit as a panellist at the Club de lecture Affaires

    At noon on January 14, Ms. Stéphanie Destrempes, a lawyer in Lavery’s Franchising and Distribution practice group, will sit on a panel that will review Mr. Frédéric P. Gilbert’s work “Franchise Law in Québec” (Le droit de la franchise au Québec) at an event organized by Le Club de lecture Affaires. The panel will be held during franchising and entrepreneurship week. For more information about the event, please click here. 

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  742. Jean Saint-Onge of Lavery recognized as leading litigation lawyer by Lexpert

    Mr Jean Saint-Onge, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was once again recognized as one of “Canada’s leading litigation lawyers”[1] in Lexpert®’sspecial supplement published in the Report on Business Magazine December Edition inserted in the November 28, 2014 issue of The Globe and Mail. Mr. Saint-Onge’s expertise as a leading litigation lawyer focuses particularly on class actions and product liability. He is also listed in other Lexpert publications, such as The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and the Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada, as well as in Chambers Global and Best Lawyers in Canada. [1] Insérer un lien vers la page du site Lexpert, lorsque l’information sera mise en ligne. -->

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  743. Norman A. Dionne of Lavery gives a conference on IT risk management and prevention in the workplace

    On December 5, in Lavery’s Conference Center, Mr. Norman A. Dionne, a partner in Lavery’s Labour and Employment Law group, and Luc Chabot, president of Relais Expert-Conseil, gave a conference on information technology risk management in the workplace in front of 50 participants, mostly HR managers. During their presentation, they stressed the huge benefits of IT, the rights and obligations of employers and employees regarding risk prevention and management and the optimal framework to get the most out of IT integration in the workplace as part of a broader corporate strategy. 

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  744. Pierre Marc Johnson of Lavery delivers an address on Canada-EU free trade in Sherbrooke

    On December 11th in Sherbrooke, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, a former Premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery recognized for his expertise in international trade and cross-border partnerships, spoke before a gathering of business leaders at an event organized by Carrefour Québec International. Québec’s chief negotiator for the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) spoke about the history and content of the agreement, as well as the opportunities it will make available to businesses from the Eastern Townships once it takes effect (expected in 2016). To learn more about CETA, please click here. 

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  745. Pierre Marc Johnson and Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur of Lavery speak at the Stratégies PME 2015

    On November 26 and 27, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, a senior advisor recognized for his expertise in international trade negotiations and cross-border business partnerships, and Ms. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, a lawyer specializing in Labour and Employment Law, both from Lavery, made presentations at Stratégies PME 2015, a unique, multiple-speaker event that seeks to contribute to the success of small-business leaders for the coming year. Mr. Johnson’s talk was entitled “Exporting to Europe: Why Take the Plunge Now?” while Ms. Jolicoeur’s presentation focused on “Dealing with a Problem Employee: Putting an End to the Frustration”. Stratégies PME 2015 was a great success, attracting over 5400 participants. To learn more about the Stratégies PME event, please click here.

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  746. Patrick A. Molinari of Lavery, speaker at the CBA-Quebec Branch’s mini-symposium Les caméras braquées sur nos aînés (cameras focusing in on our elders)

    Mr. Patrick A. Molinari, Legal Counsel at Lavery, spoke at the Canadian Bar Association – Québec Branch’s mini-symposium Les caméras braquées sur nos aînés (cameras focusing in on our elders) held on November 20th at the 1000 de la Gauchetiere Conference Center. Mr. Molinari’s presentation was entitled La télésurveillance des usagers hébergés : la difficile conciliation des droits et des intérêts (Remote Monitoring of Inpatients: the Difficult Conciliation Between Rights and Interests), and covered the main legal issues establishments must take into account with regard to remote monitoring practices. For additional information, please click here.

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  747. Daniel Bouchard of Lavery speaks on contract management for the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM)

    On November 20, Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City Office and lawyer specialized in the fields of municipal, environmental and administrative law, gave a web conference for the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM) under the theme of “Contract Management Policy: Reminders and Status Report” (Politique de gestion contractuelle : rappels et état de la situation). During his discussion-type conference, Mr. Bouchard moderated a discussion regarding the contract management policy that every municipality must adopt under Article 938.1.2 of the Code municipal (C.M.), or under Article 573.3.1.2 of the Loi sur les cités et villes (L.C.V.).  He highlighted which contracts fall under said policy, the minimum measures it must contain, how it must be distributed and the possible sanctions that could be imposed on elected representatives or public officials if the policy is not respected, either under Article 938.4 C.M. or under Article 573.3.4 L.C.V. Mr. Bouchard focused especially on how best to implement such a policy and the requisite monitoring actions. Based on jurisprudence and doctrine, he also discussed policy impact on the wording of municipal contracts and on the content of calls for tender in particular.

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  748. Éric Gélinas of Lavery Gives a Course on ITA Section 55 and Butterfly Transactions to UPA accountants

    On November 25 in Quebec City, Éric Gélinas, Legal Counsel at Lavery, member of the Business Law Group in our Montreal office and specialized in complex tax reorganizations and the fiscal aspects of national and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, gave a workshop on ITA Section 55 and Butterfly Reorganizations for UPA accountants. More than 20 professionals attended the session. 

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  749. Katia Opalka of Lavery speaks at Québec Mines about implications of the free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union

    On November 19 in Quebec City, Katia Opalka, a partner at Lavery, gave a talk at a seminar on the mining sector in Scandinavia hosted by Export Québec as part of the Québec Mines conference.  Ms. Opalka described the scope of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, the business opportunities it may present in the mining sector, and steps remaining before it takes effect. To view the conference programme, please click here. 

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  750. Patrick A. Molinari publishes a chapter in the collective work Droit et politiques de la santé

    Patrick A. Molinari is the author of chapter 7, entitled Pratique médicale en établissement (Medical Practice in Institutions), in the collective work Droit et politiques de la santé (The Law and Health Policies) published recently by LexisNexis. In his chapter, Mr. Molinari offers up a detailed analysis of often-overlooked aspects of medical practice in health institutions. His analysis is twofold: he discusses how to gain access to practice in institutions and the terms thereof from the perspective of the obligations to which doctors are subject. The text will remain valid even after the current reform of the healthcare network is implemented. 

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  751. Yvan Biron of Lavery talks environment in the winter 2015 issue of the Montreal centre ville magazine

    Yvan Biron of Lavery, a lawyer specialized in environmental law for almost 30 years, reveals, in the winter issue of Montréal centre ville magazine, the creative and visionary paths he traveled in developing a practice that today is fully equipped to reconcile current economic and environmental issues. Mr. Biron is listed in the 2015 Best Lawyers in Canada, the 2014 Canadian Legal LEXPERTTM directories, as well as the 2014 Who’s Who Legal/Canada. For more information on this article, please click here[1]   [1] Mr. Yvan Biron, Partner, Lavery, page 31

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  752. Caroline Harnois of Lavery speaks on Family Mediation in the Context of Dual Nationality and Long Distance and publishes a Family Law Bulletin column

    Ms. Caroline Harnois, a partner in Lavery’s Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law team, has published a column in the Family Law Bulletin (Bulletin Droit de la Famille, Éditions Yvon Blais) on the Hague Convention of 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Ms. Harnois also spoke at a conference on Family Mediation in the Context of Dual Nationality and Long Distance (La médiation familiale dans un contexte de bi-nationalité et à distance) on November 7-8.  The conference was organized by the AIFI (Association internationale francophone des intervenants auprès des familles séparées) and the COAMF (Comité des organismes accréditeurs en médiation familiale). Ms. Harnois’ presentation was given jointly with Ms. France Rémillard, Director of Central Authority for Quebec under the Hague Convention, at the Ministry of Justice. Ms. Jocelyne Dahan, a Family Mediator from France and Ms. Lorraine Filion, a social worker and Family mediator, also gave a presentation. 

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  753. Pierre Marc Johnson of Lavery, speaker at the fall meeting of the Association Nationale France-Canada, Friday, November 21th, 2014 in Paris

    Pierre Marc Johnson, G.O.Q, MSRC, legal counsel at Lavery, took part in a panel at the Fall Meeting of l’Association Nationale France-Canada, which was held on November 21 in Paris. The panel’s theme was « Accords de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Europe. Quelles répercussions pour la France? » (Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement. What will be the impact in France?) For additional information, kindly click here.

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  754. Marie Cossette of Lavery – Speaker at the CNNAR Annual Conference

    On October 28, 2014, Marie Cossette, a partner at Lavery, gave a conference during the investigations within regulatory bodies portion of the CNNAR (Canadian Network of National Associations of Regulators) Annual Conference; representatives of member organizations from across Canada attended the conference. Ms. Cossette’s topic was regulatory investigator testimony and proper preparation for investigator cross-examination during disciplinary hearings. For more information on the 2014 CNNAR Annual Conference, please click here. 

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  755. Amélie Bélisle of Lavery will participate in the conférence on mental health and well-being at work on January 20, 2015

    Ms. Amélie Bélisle, associate, practising in Lavery’s Labour and Employment Law Group, will conduct a workshop on employer obligations regarding mental illness accommodations during the 7th edition of Les Affaires’ Conference on Mental Health and Well-Being at Work (Santé psychologique et mieux-être au travail), next January 20th. For more information on the conference, please click here (program available in French only). 

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  756. Marie Cossette of Lavery speaks at the Canadian Institute’s anticorruption conference

    Marie Cossette was a session speaker at The Canadian Institute’s conference La lutte contre la corruption au Québec, au Canada, aux États-Unis et à l’étranger (Anticorruption in Quebec, Canada, the US and Abroad) held in Montreal on October 29th, 2014. During her presentation, Ms. Cossette discussed ways to identify red flags and tag risks depending on the business field, of the location where it carries out its activities and of the scope of its interaction with local government authorities.  She also spoke about internal due diligence programs, the necessity to adapt when the risk potential changes and how best to evaluate situations where excessive compensation is demanded by third parties. For more information about this important conference, click here. 

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  757. Jean-Philippe Turgeon of Lavery – Speaker at the 4th Edition of the Conseil québécois de la franchise’s Symposium

    Jean-Philippe Turgeon, a Partner at Lavery and leader of our Franchising and Distribution Section, spoke at the 4th Edition of the Conseil québécois de la franchise’s Symposium, on November 13, 2014. The symposium’s theme was “Best Practices and Recent Jurisprudence in Franchising” (« Meilleures pratiques et jurisprudence récente en franchise ») and was a great success. Mr. Turgeon’s conference was entitled “Ethics and Best Practices for Franchisor: Essential to Maintain Growth in the Franchising Industry” (« L’éthique et les bonnes pratiques du franchiseur : impératif pour maintenir la croissance de l’industrie de la franchise »). For more information on this event, please click here. 

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  758. Jean Martel of Lavery associated to the IIAC Hall of Fame induction ceremony

    On October 30, 2014, Jean Martel, Ad.E., a Financial Law partner at Lavery and member of the IIAC Selection Committee, participated to the 2014 IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Established in 2013, the IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame acknowledges the achievements of distinguished professionals in the Canadian securities industry. For more information on the inductees and other members of the Selection Committee, click here. 

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  759. Louis Charette and Emil Vidrascu of Lavery speakers at Les journéés de l’ABQ on November 6

    On November 6th, Messrs. Louis Charette and Emil Vidrascu, partners in Lavery’s Commercial Litigation group, gave conferences at the Journées de l’ABQ (Association Béton Québec). This conference doubled as technical training on granulates and on the responsibilities of concrete producers. Mr. Charette spoke about the ‘Responsibilities and Obligations of Concrete Producers’ (Responsabilités et obligations des producteurs de béton), while Mr. Vidrascu gave a conference on ‘Everything You Need To Know about the Competition Act’ (Tout sur la loi sur la concurrence). In the wake of the Charbonneau Commission and its allusions to collusion, this training day provided practical insights and best practices tools for the participating producers. For more details about this event, please click here. 

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  760. Daniel Bouchard of Lavery speaks on the legal implications of distinguishing between ‘ditch’ and ‘stream’

    On November 7th in Montreal, Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Quebec City office of Lavery and partner specialized in municipal, environmental and administrative law, gave a conference at the invitation of the Chambre des notaires on the legal implications of the distinctions between ‘ditch’ and ‘stream’, particular in view of environmental law.  

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  761. Loïc Berdnikoff, Magali Cournoyer-Proulx and Guy Lavoie of Lavery give a training session to members of the CSAQ (ambulances)

    Loïc Berdnikoff, Magali Cournoyer-Proulx and Guy Lavoie of Lavery gave a two-day training session to representatives of Corporation des services d’ambulance du Québec (CSAQ) member companies last November 19th and 20th in Quebec City.  The various sessions of the training program covered Privacy rules and issues applicable in the ambulance field, a review of decisions rendered during the last year specifically regarding labour relations within the pre-hospital environment and the impact and future of social media on the field.  Loïc Berdnikoff, Magali Cournoyer-Proulx and Guy Lavoie

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  762. Guy Lavoie, Brittany Carson and Élodie Brunet from Lavery publish a chapter in New Perspectives on Canadian Employment Law

    Guy Lavoie, Brittany Carson and Élodie Brunet have authored a chapter in "New Perspectives on Canadian Employment Law", published by LexisNexis in October 2014. Their contribution reviews decisions of interest rendered in Quebec over the last year in the field of employment law. The chapter in question, Chapter 16, is entitled “Employment Law and Practice: Current Issues". For more information or to order the publication, click here.  Guy Lavoie, Brittany Carson and Élodie Brunet

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  763. Lavery Sherbrooke Office and the 11th Annual Conference on Insurance

    On October 22nd, Lavery Sherbrooke Office held the 11th Annual Conference on Insurance entitled: « Récents développements en assurance de dommages ». The conference was organized in cooperation with Déry, Barrette, expert consultants in claim settlements.  Sylvain Provencher and Cheryl Gilbert, both specialised in Insurance Law and litigation at the Lavery Sherbrooke Office, delivered presentations entitled: « Résumé des décisions importantes dans la dernière année en assurance de dommages » and « Comment traiter une réclamation avec un assuré difficile ? Les limites de l’obligation de collaboration de l’assuré ». Two other conferences were also presented: « Le rôle d’un expert en sinistres en situation de catastrophe-Lac-Mégantic » and « Comment maximiser vos chances d’établir un bon contact avec l’assuré – analyse des types de personnalité et comportement à éviter ». This event was a true success, much appreciated by the 130 participants. 

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  764. Guy Lavoie of Lavery - Speaker at the ACUQ Conference

    On October 30, 2014, Mr. Guy Lavoie, a partner in Lavery’s Labour and Employment team, spoke at this year’s Association des centres d’urgence du Québec (ACUQ) Conference in Quebec City. His presentation was entitled Joies, périls et futur de l’internet et des réseaux sociaux dans le milieu de travail (The Joys, Perils and Future of Internet and Social Media in the Workplace). Since the advent of the Internet in the workplace at the beginning of the 90’s, employers have faced ever-changing challenges. With the arrival of social media and the popularity of smartphones, things got even more complicated. Where does this leave us in 2014? What are the challenges, the rights and the obligations of employers and employees in a digital workplace? What are the best practices under the circumstances? How can freedom of speech for employees coexist with an employer’s right to preserve its reputation? What are the effects of social media on labour relations? Those are some of the issues Mr. Lavoie addressed during his presentation. 

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  765. Lavery’s GO inc. Program Launch – Blast off!

    A hundred enthusiastic young entrepreneurs and representatives of start-up support organizations for Lavery’s Go inc. Program launch on November 12th. Don McCarty, Managing Partner at Lavery, and Mr. Étienne Brassard, Go inc. Program Coordinator and associate in the Private Financing group at Lavery outlined the program’s advantages while two entrepreneurs also spoke about the value and importance of obtaining appropriate guidance throughout the start-up process. For more information, kindly click here.

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  766. Julie Cousineau, Jean-Philippe Lincourt and Laurence Bich-Carrière of Lavery, speakers at a conference on the reform of Civil Procedure

    On November 5th, 2014, Julie Cousineau, Jean-Philippe Lincourt and Laurence Bich-Carrière of Lavery discussed the reform of the Quebec Code of Civil Procedure. More than fifty damage insurance professionals participated in the event, which provided a good overview of the main changes introduced by the new Code which should become effective in January 2016.  Julie Cousineau and Laurence Bich-Carrière

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  767. Appointment of André Laurin of Lavery by the CPA Board of directors

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. André Laurin as Chairman of the ad hoc advisory committee on the limitation of professional liability of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (CPA Order). Mr. André Laurin, partner at Lavery, has a broad experience in diverse areas of the law, enabling him to assist clients from a wide range of businesses, most notably in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and ethics. He also has extensive experience in corporate management, and as a corporate director and project manager.

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  768. Lavery Financial Products and Services Distribution Group 2014 Private Discussion: A Great Success!

    The 2014 edition of Lavery’s Private Meetings organized by the firm’s Distribution of financial products and services Practice Group was a real success. On October 15th, more than 70 financial institution managers gathered at Lavery’s Conference Centre to participate in the conference which was entitled: “The Cooperative Capital Market Regulatory System: beyond the political debate”. Lavery had invited several renowned speakers: Mr. Raymond Doray, Administrative law partner at Lavery, Mr. Jean Martel, Business law partner at Lavery, Pr. Stephane Rousseau, professor at the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Law where he holds the Chair in Governance and Business Law, Mr. Doug Hyndman, Chair and CEO, Canadian Securities Transition Office to CCRMS and Mr. Miville Tremblay, Senior Regional Representative & Director (Financial Markets), Bank of Canada. Panelists had the opportunity to exchange with participants on the status of the Cooperative Capital Market Regulatory System.

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  769. Nicolas Gagnon of Lavery will be speaker at the Superconference on construction to be held November 25th and 26th, 2014

    Mr. Nicolas Gagnon, a partner in Lavery’s Construction and Surety law team, will be speaker at the Superconference on construction, organized by the Institut Canadien, which will be held at Omni Hotel in Montreal, on November 25th and 26th, 2014. Mr. Gagnon’s conference is entitled: “Addressing questions and scenarios when your construction project is undergoing financial difficulty”( translation: «Aborder les questions et scénarios lorsque votre chantier éprouve des difficultés financières.») For additional information, kindly click here.

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  770. In the wake of its outstanding growth in 2014 Lavery launches a new advertising campaign - “Powerful Allies”

    In the wake of its outstanding growth since the beginning of 2014, Lavery is launching a new advertising campaign in support of its commitment to becoming the leading legal reference to the business world. With 100 years’ invested in providing services to businesses in every field, today Lavery draws on the expertise of more than 200 lawyers in various specialties. “Powerful Allies” is the motto for the advertising campaign and the leading message ties together the values, skills and commitment of athletes competing in various sports with the needs of the business world. The word “allies” highlights the privileged relationship that Lavery builds with each of its clients, while “powerful” speaks to goals being reached through skills and experience combined with hard work. Each ad draws parallels between clients’ needs and the strong determination of the athletes pictured. Athletes are shown in action wearing Lavery’s official green to connect with the specific “Powerful Allies” tagline. The campaign also introduces the new “Lavery Lawyers” signature that targets corporate leaders directly. The campaign consists of a series of institutional and practice sector messages that illustrate the wide range of expertise at Lavery. Some messages will also be developed to support articling students recruitment efforts, and announce new hires or events sponsored by Lavery. The ad campaign will be posted on Lavery’s website and all its social media platforms as well as across a wide range of print and digital media. It will be accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. Click here to see the video  “The legal skills and expertise offered to clients by our business lawyers, based in five network offices, allow them to take the lead and succeed in attaining their business objectives,” says Don McCarty, the firm’s Managing Partner. “This strong and distinctive new advertising campaign shows that Lavery has the power and the strength of a law firm of international stature as well as the agility and resourcefulness that allow it to provide each client with the most practical solutions to meet their needs”.

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  771. Lavery launches GO inc. program - Legal services tailored to the needs of start-up businesses

    Lavery is pleased to announce the creation of its GO inc. Program, whose mission is to provide affordable, quality legal services to qualifying start-up businesses. This personalized program offers a wide-range of legal services, often required in the start-up phase of businesses, namely incorporation, trademark and domain name registration, employment agreements, as well as workplace policies. The legal services will be provided at a fixed rate to accommodate the budget of young entrepreneurs. Each business selected for the GO inc. Program will be supported and receive legal advice from Lavery’s professionals who have both the experience and expertise required. Moreover, the businesses selected will benefit from multiple hours of legal advice. “With the launch of the GO inc. Program, Lavery is capturing a promising niche market characterized by its dynamism and sense of innovation. This initiative will also consolidate the firm’s position in the business world, by concretely reaching out to start-up businesses which present an important growth potential”, said the Managing Partner, Don McCarty.

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  772. The Lavery Quebec City office renews a pro bono partnership agreement with the YWCA

    As part of this agreement, Lavery will present five legal conferences or roundtable discussions on various topics of interest for the beneficiaries of the YWCA and will provide legal services to the association. This partnership agreement, which was negotiated by Ms. Marie-Hélène Riverin, associate at the Lavery Quebec City office, is part of the firm’s long-standing tradition of involvement in its community. Ms. Riverin is a volunteer trainer for the program Leader et décisionnelle of the YWCA Québec.

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  773. Lavery acts for Keurig Canada Inc. in the sale of its Van Houtte Cafés-Bistros Franchise System to MTY

    Lavery is pleased to announce it acted as legal counsel to Keurig Canada Inc. (“Keurig Canada”), a subsidiary of the giant coffee roaster and distributor Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR), in the sale of its Van Houtte Cafés-Bistros Franchise System to MTY Food Group, Inc. (“MTY”) (TSX: MTY). Under the terms of the agreement, Keurig Canada will maintain ownership of the Van Houtte brand, while MTY will own all of the Franchise System related assets. This sale does not include any of the manufacturing and distribution operations of the Canadian roaster. Lavery’s transactional team was led by Mr. Jean-Philippe Turgeon (Franchise Law) and included Ms. Valérie Boucher (M&A), Ms. Stéphanie Destrempes (Franchise Law), Mr. Guillaume Synnott (Franchise Law and M&A) and Ms. Sonia Guerin (M&A).

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  774. GO inc. Program Launch | November 12th, 2014

    Lavery is pleased to announce the creation of its GO inc. Program, whose mission is to provide affordable, quality legal services to qualifying start-up businesses. The breakfast presentation marking the official launch of this initiative will take place Wednesday, November 12th, from 7:30 A.M – 9:00 A.M., at our Montreal conference centre. For additional information, kindly click below or visit our page Starting a business - GO inc. program.  

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  775. Daniel Des Aulniers of Lavery, speaker at the annual general meeting of the Fondation québécoise pour le credit

    Mr. Des Aulniers, commercial litigation partner at Lavery, acted as speakers at the annual general meeting of the Fondation québécoise pour le credit, which was recently held in Drummondville. Mr. Des Aulniers’s conference was entitled “Annual review of insolvency case law: 2013 and 2014” (translation: « Revue de la jurisprudence 2013 et 2014 en matière d’insolvabilité »). This event drew many credit professionals interested in case law developments and trends that impacted the industry in 2013 and 2014.

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  776. Katia Opalka of Lavery, speaker at an ECO Canada Webinar

    Ms. Katia Opalka, an environmental and aboriginal law partner at Lavery, recently hosted a Webinar for Eco Canada entitled “Environmental Law:  The Basics”.  Participants included environmental professionals from all over Canada. For additional information., kindly click here.

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  777. Daniel Bouchard of Lavery speaker at the seminar of the Fédération québécoise des municipalités

    Mr. Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Quebec City office, recently gave a conference entitled « Équipe maire / Directeur Général, une formule gagnante dans l’administration d’une municipalité » (Translation: Mayor and General Director : a winning combination in municipal administration ) at the Fédération québécoise des municipalities seminar. Ms.. Valérie Belle-Isle and Ms. Chloé Fauchon, administrative law associates, presented the same conference in English. The conference discussed the respective roles of the mayor and director general.

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  778. Appointment of Ms. Elise Poisson of Lavery to the Superior Court of Quebec

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Élise Poisson as Judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, as of October 9th, 2014. Ms. Poisson graduated from the Université de Montréal Faculty of Law in 1985. She was an articling student with the firm in 1986 and was hired as an associate the same year. Ms. Poisson became a partner at Lavery in 1994 and practised civil and commercial litigation for more than twenty-five years. During her career, Ms. Poisson advised and represented a wide breadth of clients issued from the private and public sector, operating in multiple spheres of activities and with diverse commercial challenges. She contributed to the training and professional development of many young lawyers at Lavery. Devoted and involved, Ms. Poisson sat on the firm’s board of directors from 2004 to 2012. She oversaw major projects for the development and growth of the firm. Ms. Poisson held the position of managing partner at Lavery between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2012. She resumed the practise of civil and commercial litigation as of January 1st, 2013 and continued to pursue her professional activities within the firm. With this new nomination, Lavery’s tradition of contributing judges to the legal community lives on. 

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  779. Lavery’s presence significant at the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers annual conference

    It is in Montreal that the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE) recently held its 11th annual Conference.  CACE is comprised of approximately 800 management-side lawyers acting in various labour-related fields, such as Employment Law, Occupational Health and Safety, Human Rights, Pensions and Privacy law. CACE’s objectives are notably to provide input on policy and legislative reform from a legal perspective and to promote excellence in the specialized field of labour and employment law. Mr. Guy Lavoie, a partner in Lavery’s Labour and Employment practice group, was acting as Co-Chair of the Conference, which hosted a record number of participants with 240 attorneys in attendance. Ms. Catherine Maheu and Ms. Josiane L’Heureux, partners in Lavery’s Labour and Employment practice group each acted as speakers. Ms. Maheu’s conference focused on the highlights in Federal Labour Law, while Ms. L’Heureux’s discussed OHS developments. In 2015, the CACE conference will be held in Halifax. For additional information, kindly click here.

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  780. Jean-Yves Simard of Lavery to co-chair 10th Annual Pan-Canadian Insolvency and Restructuring Law Conference

    On October 23rd and 24th, 2014, Mr. Jean-Yves Simard, litigation partner at Lavery, will co-chair the 10th Annual Pan-Canadian Insolvency and Restructuring Law Conference, which will be held at the Château Frontenac, in Quebec City. This conference, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with an opening reception, will discuss the latest developments in insolvency and restructuring in Canada and will include, amongst other topics, a panel by the American Bankruptcy Institute on Chapter 11 Reform, the Annual Cross-Country Legal Update, as well as latest developments in pensions and personal bankruptcy. For additional information or to register, kindly click here.

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  781. Marie Cossette of Lavery appointed counsel to the commissioner in the public inquiry to examine Isle-Verte tragedy

    Ms. Marie Cossette, Ad. E, litigation partner at Lavery, has recently been appointed counsel to the commissioner tasked with leading the inquest to examine the causes and circumstances of the fire that claimed 32 lives on the night of January 23rd, 2014. The public inquiry was requested by Vice-Prime-Minister and Public Security Minister Lise Thériault as well as by the minister responsible for the region, Mr. Jean D’Amour, in hopes that it will not only cast light on the circumstances of the tragic events but also lead to the implementation of measures promoting elderly safety. Ms. Cossette has developed a strong expertise relating to commissions of inquiry, having acted as senior counsel to the Gomery Commission, assistant chief counsel to the Johnson Commission, and counsel to the Quebec provincial police officers during the Poitras Commission. She currently represents a major public contracting authority before the Charbonneau Commission.

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  782. Katia Opalka of Lavery to chair a mini-seminar on law and environmental professionals

    On November 7th, 2014, Ms. Katia Opalka, an environmental and aboriginal law partner at Lavery, will chair a half-day seminar regarding legal issues for environmental professionals at Lavery’s Montreal offices on behalf of the Canadian Bar Association. During this professional training event (4,15 hours of CLE credits), seasoned professionals will discuss professional liability, legal aspects of project management as well as contaminated sites regulations, followed by a talk on real life experiences. This programme is designed for environmental professionals (engineers, hydrogeologists, biologists and others) but also for in-house counsel who are periodically called upon to advise their employers in connection with environmental risk management. For additional information or to register, kindly click here. But hurry as seats are limited!

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  783. Éric Gélinas, of Lavery, guest speaker at APFF seminar

    Mr. Éric Gélinas, legal counsel in business law at Lavery and professor in the tax department of Sherbrooke University, was guest speaker at the conference organized by the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF), on October 9th, 2014. Mr. Gélinas spoke about subparagraph 55(3)a) of the Income Tax Act by discussing the exceptions as they are defined by this subsection and presenting examples of complex situations.

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  784. Lavery welcomes two new associates

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Marika Couture-Houle (2014) and Mr. Nicolas Thibault Bernier (2014) have recently joined the firm. The new lawyers will practise in the Litigation Group in our Sherbrooke office. Ms. Marika Couture-Houle practises civil and commercial litigation, namely in the fields of insurance, civil liability and latent defects whereas  Mr. Thibault Bernier practises in the field of restructuring, insolvency, bank law as well as professional liability. "The addition of these lawyers not only shows Lavery’s willingness to attract young talent who will reinforce our practice groups but it also demonstrates that the firm is committed to hiring young lawyers who were previously articling students with the firm", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm. The year of call to the Quebec Bar appears in parentheses.

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  785. Gérard Coulombe of Lavery, speaker at a press conference for the Canadian International Organ Competition

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., partner at Lavery practising in the Business law/ transactions group, was speaker at a press conference for the opening of the Canadian International Organ Competition. This year marks the third edition of this competition which attracts talented pipe organ players of international reputation to perform a fascinating repertoire. Presided by Mr. Coulombe, this event’s mission is to promote and generate interest for what Bach, Mozart and many others referred to as “the king of instruments». Mr. Coulombe seized the opportunity of this press conference, filmed by CTV and CBC, to thank the event’s sponsors for their support, including Lavery. For additional information, kindly click here: www.ciocm.org

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  786. Bernard Larocque appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Théâtre Les Deux Mondes

    Mr. Bernard Larocque, partner at Lavery , has recently been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the theater company Théâtre Les Deux Mondes. He wishes to acknowledge the work of his predecessor, Ms. Francine D’Entremont, who will be remaining on the Board of Directors. Les Deux Mondes theater is a key player on the Quebec artistic scene. Active for more than 40 years, the work of the theatre focuses on contemporary creation and has become a meeting place for both a young and adult public at once. Mr. Larocque’s involvement in this cultural entity is part of Lavery’s long-standing tradition of supporting the arts within the Quebec community. For additional information, kindly click here.

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  787. Gabrielle Ferland, recipient of the Jacques Perron Award of Excellence

    Lavery congratulates Gabrielle Ferland, a law student at the University of Montréal and recipient of the “Prix d’excellence Jacques Perron”  at the legal aid clinic - for the 2014 academic year. Mr. Perron, a partner at Lavery, was a lecturer at the Law Faculty of the University of Montréal for 25 years. He created the “Prix d’excellence Jacques Perron” which is awarded every year to a student for his or her outstanding work at the legal aid clinic, which Mr. Perron  helped establish in 1973.

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  788. Lavery leads the sale of the Omaha Lancers hockey club by Benoît Robert and his partners

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it acted as counsel to Benoît Robert and his partners in the sale of American Hockey Group, LLC (“AHG”), the operating company of the Omaha Lancers hockey club of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Under this transaction, all of the membership interests of AHG were sold to Crossbar Down, LLC, a Nebraska company. Previously to  the closing, the Omaha Lancers had been managed by Benoît Robert who resigned from his position as managing partner further to his appointment as President and CEO of Montreal-based Quebecor Media Sports and Entertainment Group. Lavery’s transactional team was led by Sébastien Vézina (Sports Law and M&A) and included  Guillaume Synnott (M&A), Éric Gélinas (Tax Law) and Anne-Sophie Lamonde (M&A, articling student). Dorsey & Whitney LLP acted as special counsel with respect to American legislation.

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  789. Odette Jobin-Laberge, of Lavery, appointed at the Conseil de la magistrature du Québec

    Lavery is pleased to announce that the appointment of Ms. Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad. E., litigation partner at Lavery, as member of the Conseil de la magistrature du Québec has been recently renewed by the Québec Cabinet. Created in 1978, the Conseil de la magistrature’s mandate is to ensure respect of the judicial code of ethics and organize training programs for judges. Fifteen members sit at the Conseil.

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  790. Daniel Bouchard speaker at a conference on the acquisition of immovable rights by a municipality

    On September 20th, Mr. Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City office, was speaker at a training event organized by Juris Conseil, an association of Quebec notary firms. Many were present at Montreal’s Novotel Hotel to attend Me Bouchard’s lecture on the acquisition of immovable rights by municipalities. Amongst Me Bouchard’s points of discussion were factors of jurisdiction, required authorizations and applicable conditions that must be met in this type of transactions.  

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  791. Conference on the reform of procedure: the new Code of Civil Procedure in ten points

    Ms. Julie Cousineau, Mr. Jean-Philippe Lincourt and Ms. Laurence Bich-Carrière, lawyers at Lavery, acted as speakers on September 23rd, 2014 at a breakfast-seminar on the topic of the reform of civil procedure, presented at the Lavery Conference Centre. Their conference, entitled “What you need to know about the reform of civil procedure: the new Code of Civil Procedure in ten points” («Ce que vous devez savoir de la réforme de la procédure : le nouveau Code de procédure civile en dix temps ») presented the highlights of the new Code.

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  792. Daniel Bouchard, speaker at a conference for the Committee for continuing education of municipal judges

    On September 19th, Mr. Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Quebec City office, was speaker at a conference for the Committee for continuing education of municipal judges. The conference, which took place at Times Hotel in Sherbrooke, was entitled "Nuisance et bruits / Salubrité et biens laissés sur le carreau" ((translation) Nuisance and noise / Public health and property removed by bailiff and placed in a public place). More specifically, this conference examined noise as a nuisance and property left in the street by a bailiff and placed in a public place as a potential public health hazard. By reviewing legislation, case law and doctrine, the presentation ultimately circumscribed the scope of municipal authority with respect to these issues.  

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  793. Daniel Bouchard presents a workshop at a seminar of the "Corporation des officiers municipaux agréés du Québec"

    On September 18th, 2014, Mr. Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Quebec City office practising in the administrative law group, was co-lecturer at a workshop entitled "Jurisprudence récente-nouvelles tendances" (Recent case law- new trends). This workshop was offered as part of the annual seminar of the Corporation des officiers municipaux agréés du Québec which was held in Bécancour and which drew 26 participants, primarily clerks, treasurers and general managers. Mr. Bouchard presented key decisions of the year, namely in the fields of ethics, activity control, jurisdictions, human resources and invitations to tender.  

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  794. Conference on the planning of a medical expertise: A Successful Event

    Dr. Mitchell S. Pantel and Mr. Guy Lavoie, Medical Director, Occupational Health at Cyclone Santé and partner at Lavery in the Labour Law Group, respectively, acted as speakers, on September 24th, 2014, at a breakfast-seminar on independent medical evaluations (“IME”), organized jointly with Cyclone Santé. This event drew some 60 participants at the Lavery Conference Centre. The topics discussed focused on the preparation of independent medical evaluations, the choice of expert and the challenges often met during the process.

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  795. The philanthropic contribution of Gerard Coulombe recognized in Centraide’s Leaders and Major Donors Directory

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad., partner at Lavery practising in the Business law/ transactions group, has been cited by Centraide as an important donor. The agency recognizes the generous contribution Mr. Coulombe has made to the agency since 1977, year of his first donation, and has allocated a full page to his testimony. Honouring him even further, Centraide has placed Mr. Coulombe’s photo on the cover of the publication, along with other major donors. To visualize the publication, kindly click here (in French only).

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  796. Seminar of the Conseil québécois de la franchise: an event not to be missed

    Mr.  Jean-Philippe Turgeon, partner at Lavery and head of the Franchise and distribution group, will be a speaker at the Fourth edition of the seminar presented by the Conseil québécois de la franchise for which this year’s theme is: "Meilleures pratiques et jurisprudence récente en franchise". This seminar, which will discuss the issues, solutions as well as key-judgments pertaining to franchising, will be held on November 13th, 2014 at Omni Mont-Royal Hotel. It will attract knowledgeable experts as well as experienced lawyers in the field of franchising in both Quebec and Ontario. Mr. Turgeon will speak at a conference entitled: "L’éthique et les bonnes pratiques du franchiseur : impératif pour maintenir la croissance de l’industrie de la franchise". A complete program of the seminar is available here (in French).

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  797. QALBA’s conference on attracting Asian Investments to Quebec: a successful initiative

    It was with great pleasure that Lavery hosted the conference organized by the Quebec-Asia Law and Business Association (QALBA) on September 18th.  At this occasion, Mr. Luc Carignan, Director, Americas and Asia, Investissement Quebec presented a conference entitled “Quebec’s Natural Resources, a Major Asset in Attracting Asian Investments to Quebec”. This event drew fifty business professionals who took note as  Mr. Carignan discussed attraction factors as well as the challenges and opportunities inherent to Asian investments.

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  798. Daniel Bouchard, Chloé Fauchon and Pier-Olivier Fradette, speakers at two zone seminars for Quebec municipal directors

    Mr. Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the Quebec City office, Ms. Chloé Fauchon and Mr. Pier-Olivier Fradette, presented conferences at the Beauce Côte-Sud and Lotbinière-Appalaches zones seminarfor Quebec municipal directors.     These two events, which were most successful, were held on September 10th and 11th respectively. The seminars took place in Saint-Georges and Thetford-Mines and each drew 60 participants, primarily Quebec municipal general directors. The conference presented by Mr. Bouchard, Ms. Fauchon and Mr. Fradette was entitled Législation récente, jurisprudence récente et conflits d’intérêts.

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  799. Jean Saint-Onge, guest speaker at the Legal Section Meeting of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Companies Association (CLHIA)

    Our partner Mr. Jean Saint-Onge was a guest speaker on recent developments in class actions in Canada at the 2014 Legal Section Meeting of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Companies Association (CLHIA), held in Montebello last September 18th. Lavery, a CLHIA industry affiliate and major sponsor of the event, was also represented by Ms. Evelyne Verrier and Ms. Mary Delli Quadri.

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  800. Lavery welcomes two new associates

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Sylvie Demers (2014) and Ms. Despina Mandilaras (2014) have recently joined the firm. The new lawyers will practise in the Litigation Group in our Montreal office. "The addition of these lawyers not only shows Lavery’s willingness to attract young talent who will reinforce our practice groups but it also demonstrates that the firm is committed to hiring young lawyers who were previously articling students with the firm", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm. The year of call to the Quebec Bar appears in parentheses.

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  801. Anthonie Vézina-Crawford joins Lavery as associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Anthonie Vézina-Crawford recently joined our Quebec City office as associate. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2014, Ms. Vézina-Crawford practices in our Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law group. Ms. Vézina-Crawford works primarily in the fields of family law, personal law and estate law, as well as tax litigation and trust law. A Université Laval graduate, Ms. Vézina-Crawford collaborated in the drafting of conferences pertaining to trusts and estates and was a finalist at the 2013 Face à Face debates of the Université Laval law faculty.

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  802. Nicolas Gagnon and André Vautour recognized by Lexpert for their expertise in the area of infrastructure

    The September 2014 issue of the Globe and Mails’s Report on Business includes an insert entitled 2014 Lexpert/Report on Business Special Edition – Infrastructure in which Nicolas Gagnon and André Vautour, respectively Construction Law and Business Law partners at Lavery, are recognized as leading lawyers in Canada in the area of infrastructure law. This special edition recognizes lawyers who have contributed actively to the development and implementation of the P3 model which is currently used in 207 projects in Canada, whether operational, in procurement or under construction. More precisely, this publication recognizes the scope of Mr. Gagnon’s Infrastructure Law practice, which embraces infrastructure and institutional projects, including P3s, and focuses on contracts, procurement, default remedy and litigation. The publication also underlines the scope of Mr. Vautour’s corporate commercial practice which focuses on strategic alliances, joint ventures and investment funds. It is also noted that Mr. Vautour advises clients in the finance, railway, energy and computer sector. To read this issue, please click here. 

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  803. Lavery to host the Quebec-Asia Law and Business Association’s upcoming breakfast-conference: Quebec’s Natural Resources, a Major Asset in Attracting Asian Investments to Quebec

    Lavery is honored to host the Quebec-Asia Law and Business Association’s (QALBA)’s breakfast-conference which will be held September 18th, 2014. The guest speaker for this conference on the subject of "Quebec’s Natural Resources, a Major Asset in Attracting Asian Investments to Quebec" will be Mr. Luc Carignan, Director, Americas and Asia, Investissement Quebec. Mr. Guillaume Synnott, lawyer in Lavery’s Business Law Group and QALBA Executive Committee member is enthusiastic about this upcoming conference. Certified in Chinese Law from the China University of Political Science and Law, Mr. Synnott completed the first part of his professional training in Shanghai, therefore making him the first member of the Quebec Bar to have completed part of his articles with a Chinese law firm in mainland China. For additional information regarding this event please click here.

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  804. 40 Lavery Lawyers Included in the 2015 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 40 of the firm’s lawyers have been listed as leading Canadian practitioners in their respective areas of expertise in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2015. "We are delighted that 40 lawyers of our firm are included in the 2015 edition of this prestigious directory. This recognition acknowledges the expertise, quality of work and dedication of these lawyers and the entire Lavery team. I would like to congratulate our 40 colleagues who have been singled out for their contribution to our clients’ success and the development of our service offering", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. Among the Lavery lawyers listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2015, Jean-Philippe Lincourt, François Parent and Philippe Tremblay are first-time honourees. The following lists the names of all Lavery lawyers included in the directory as well as their practice area(s): Pierre-L. Baribeau Labour and Employment Law Yvan Biron Environmental Law Michel Blouin Natural Resources Law René Branchaud Natural Resources Law Marie-Claude Cantin Insurance Law Louis Charette Aviation Law; Product Liability Law; Transportation Law Gérard Coulombe, c.r., Ad. E. Corporate Law Eugène Czolij Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Pierre Denis Equipment Finance Law Raymond Doray, Ad. E. Administrative and Public Law Louis-Martin Dubé Real Estate Law Josée Dumoulin Employee Benefits Law Nicolas Gagnon Construction Law Michel Gélinas Labour and Employment Law Marie-Andrée Gravel Mergers & Acquisitions Law Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad. E. Insurance Law Jean Hébert Insurance Law Pierre Marc Johnson International Arbitration Bernard Larocque Class Action Litigation; Insurance Law Guy Lavoie Labour and Employment Law; Workers’ Compensation Law Guy Lemay Labour and Employment Law; Class Action Litigation Jean-Philippe Lincourt Class Action Litigation Robert W. Mason Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation; Product Liability Law Patrick A. Molinari Health Care Law Philip Nolan Tax Law François Parent Employee Benefit Law Luc Pariseau Tax Law Jacques Paul-Hus Mergers & Acquisitions Law Louis Payette, Ad. E. Banking and Finance Jacques Perron Transportation Law Élisabeth Pinard Family Law Marc Rochefort Securities Law Louis Rochette Health Care Law Ian Rose Director and Officer Liability, Insurance Law Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E. Class Action Litigation Raphaël H. Schachter, c.r., Ad. E. Criminal Defense Jean-Yves Simard Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Gerald Stotland Family Law Philippe Tremblay Construction Law André Vautour Corporate Law, Information Technology Law; Technology Law For more information, please visit the Best Lawyers’ website at www.bestlawyers.com.

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  805. Nicolas Gagnon and Odette Jobin-Laberge of Lavery Named Best Lawyers' 2015 Lawyers of the Year

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Nicolas Gagnon and Ms. Odette Jobin-Laberge have been named 2015 Lawyers of the Year by Best Lawyers, a peer-review legal publication. Nicolas Gagnon has been named Lawyer of the Year 2015 Montreal, Construction Law. Odette Jobin-Laberge has been named Lawyer of the Year 2015 Montreal, Insurance Law. "On behalf of my partners at Lavery, I heartily congratulate our colleagues Nicolas Gagnon and Odette Jobin-Laberge on this recognition, acknowledging the expertise, professionalism and the quality of service that they offer to our clients", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. For more information, please visit Best Lawyers’ website at www.bestlawyers.com.

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  806. Laurence Bich-Carrière of Lavery, author of an article in Les Cahiers de propriété intellectuelle

    Ms. Laurence Bich-Carrière, litigation lawyer at Lavery, is the author of an article entitled “Décisions d’intérêt en matière de diffamation 2013,” recently published in theCahiers de propriété intellectuelle.In this case law review, Ms. Bich-Carrière examines a number of judgments rendered in 2013 dealing with defamation, libel and slander; she also points out a number of lawsuits to be followed in 2014. Amongst the topics covered: should private feuds be put to tribunals or TV shows (Marcotte cSociété TVA inc, 2013 QCCS 5110)? can the publication of excuses be ordered on a interim basis (Corporation Sun Media c Gesca ltée, 2013 QCCA 1376)? how to uncover an anonymous cyberdefamer (Manson v John Doe, 2013 ONSC 628)?To read the article (in French), click here.

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  807. Jean Saint-Onge, of Lavery, author of an article in Juriste International

    Jean Saint-Onge is the author of an article titled 'L'action collective comme mesure privilégiée d'accès à la justice - Portrait de ce véhicule procédural au Canada et au Québec' in the latest edition of Juriste International, published by the International Association of Lawyers (UIA)www.uianet.org. To read the article (in French with an English abstract), click here.

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  808. Lavery supports the Caisse de dépôt et placement in various financing transactions with Stornoway

    Stornoway Diamond Corporation recently announced that it had closed its financing transactions with Orion Mine Finance, Ressources Québec (a wholly owned subsidiary of Investissement Québec) and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. The financing transactions, totalling almost $1 billion, are intended to provide a comprehensive funding package for the construction and opening of the Renard diamond mine north of Chibougamau. Under the supervision of Benjamin Gross, Lavery’s team represented the Caisse in these financing transactions. The Caisse invested more than $100 million in the form of debt, equity, and streaming (the purchase of part of production).

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  809. Cocktail party and fireworks for our Sherbrooke clients: a sparkling success!

    On July 15, Lavery’s Sherbrooke office invited its clients to attend a cocktail party on its premises to celebrate the Fête du Lac des Nations. More than a hundred people attended this event, during which partners and associates at our Sherbrooke office and the coordinators of our Montréal groups were able to meet and discuss business with clients in a festive atmosphere. The cocktail party was also an opportunity for the Sherbrooke lawyers to renew ties with their clients under Lavery’s new brand identity. In his speech, Don McCarty mentioned Lavery’s pride in being established in the region.

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  810. In memory of Jacques de Billy

    All of Lavery’s partners, associates, and staff wish to honour the memory of Mr. Jacques de Billy, one of our firm’s original driving forces, who passed away on July 14, 2014. A man of great learning and an outstanding litigator, he achieved complete mastery of case law and the subtleties of his profession. His strong commitment to the fields of law and business, as well as his contributions to the legal community and the economic life of Quebec and Canada, was exemplary. Called to the Bar in 1938, Mr. de Billy joined Gagnon, de Billy et associés in Québec that same year. Soon afterward, he studied common law at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. During the Second World War, he volunteered to serve with the Canadian army, where he was promoted to the rank of captain and forged ties with other officers from Toronto. Years later, he was made honorary Colonel of the 6th field artillery regiment. Mr. de Billy returned to his law practice in summer 1945. Under his leadership, the firm grew dramatically, primarily in the field of civil liability in relation to insurance. He was the firm’s guiding spirit until his retirement about twenty years ago. A recognized expert in insurance law, he also placed his skills at the service of the business community by serving on various boards of directors. We will remember Mr. Jacques de Billy as a warm-hearted, cultured man and a versatile, high-calibre lawyer. On behalf of the entire team at Lavery, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

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  811. Pierre Marc Johnson, of Lavery, receives honorary doctorate from Université de Montréal

    Pierre Marc Johnson, GOQ, FRSC, former premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery, recently received an honorary doctorate during the doctoral degree commencement ceremony at Université de Montréal. This distinction recognizes the expertise and excellence of national or international figures in the major fields of human activity: scientific or literary, cultural or social, political or economic, administrative or financial.Also honoured on this occasion: Lieutenant-general Romeo A. Dallaire Serge Haroche, 2012 Nobel Prize in physics Guy Frija, graduate of Université Paris Descartes in medicine and holder of a post-graduate degree in electroradiology

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  812. Michel Blouin and René Branchaud of Lavery recognized as mining law leaders in Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada

    Mr. Michel Blouin and Mr. René Branchaud, Business Law partners at Lavery, have been recognized as mining law leaders in Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining, in the 2014 issue of Lexpert’s directory, Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada.This prestigious recognition is the result of extensive peer surveys conducted not only in Canada but also worldwide. The expertise of Mr. Blouin and Mr. Branchaud in the area of mining law is therefore recognized internationally.To consult this Lexpert publication, click here.

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  813. Quebec’s 2013 Prix de la justice awarded to Hélène (Sioui) Trudel

    On June 16, Quebec’s 2013 Prix de la justice was awarded to Ms. Hélène (Sioui) Trudel during a ceremony in the National Assembly’s Red Room in the presence of Stéphanie Vallée, Quebec Minister of Justice, Nicole Duval-Hesler, Chief Justice of Quebec, and former honorees, including Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, a Lavery partner who received the award in 2007.Throughout her career, Ms. Trudel, a criminologist and lawyer by training, has prioritized the recognition and protection of human rights, promoting access to equality and social justice. The youngest daughter of a Wendat mother and a Québécois father, she has been influenced by the Aboriginal concept of restorative justice.The Minister for Justice highlighted Ms. Trudel’s exceptional contributions to promoting social justice in Quebec.This award is Quebec's highest honourary distinction in the field of law. Photo: Can be recognized on the picture :Stéphanie Vallée, Quebec Minister of Justice; Hélène (Sioui) Trudel, the 2013 award winner; Nicole Duval-Hesler, Chief Justice of Quebec; and Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, the 2007 award winner

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  814. Breakfast meeting on Canada’s new anti-spam legislation: Better safe than sorry

    On June 17, Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff, partner in administrative law at Lavery, and Ms. Joanne Desjardins and Ms. Myriam Duguay of KPMG, were guest speakers at a breakfast meeting that attracted some sixty people to the Lavery Conference Center. The goal of this presentation was to help participants prepare for the coming into force of this legislation on July 1, 2014, and to ensure that sound business practices are adopted in the area of electronic communications.In particular, the speakers focused on the companies and organizations targeted by the Act, its scope, and the penalties for offending companies. In addition, they offered tips on complying with the new law.For more information concerning this new legislation, please refer to our “Need to know” report on this subject.

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  815. Jean-Philippe Turgeon, of Lavery, guest speaker at the International Franchise Expo in New York City

    On June 19, Jean-Philippe Turgeon, partner and head of the Franchise and distribution section at Lavery, was guest speaker at the International Franchise Expo in New York City. The exhibition, which attracted franchisors and exhibitors from around the globe, is one of the largest franchise expos in the world, presenting the latest franchise concepts and local and international business opportunities.Mr. Turgeon’s talk, “Franchising in Canada: The duality of laws and cultures,” aimed to educate foreign franchisors about the cultural and legal diversity of franchises in Canada, and thereby, promote the advantage of expanding their concept in Quebec.

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  816. Louis-Martin Dubé, of Lavery, author of an article in Premières en affaires magazine

    Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé, partner in real estate law at Lavery, is the author of an article titled “L’importance de divulguer – Annulation d’une vente d’immeuble,” recently published in Premières en affaires magazine.The article discusses the experience of a property owner who, when selling his home, failed to disclose the suicide of the former occupants. Mr. Dubé discusses and explains the judge’s decision, highlighting the obligations of the seller and the importance of certain real estate rules.To read the article (in French, on page 45), click here.

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  817. Katia Opalka of Lavery, Chair of the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section of the Quebec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association

    Katia Opalka, a partner at Lavery practising in the areas of environmental and aboriginal law, has taken over as chair of the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section of the Quebec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. During her two-year term, Ms. Opalka intends to offer Section members practical and relevant continuing education programming. She also plans to deliver networking opportunities that bring together businesspeople, environmental services professionals, lawyers and law students.

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  818. Lavery optimizes service offering in franchise and distribution law, welcoming Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Stéphanie Destrempes

    Lavery is pleased to announce the optimization of its service offering in franchise and distribution law with the arrival of Mr. Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Ms. Stéphanie Destrempes, respectively partner and associate in this growing field of legal practice.Lavery’s franchise and distribution section offers local and international franchisors, distributors, retailers, and manufacturers the legal services they need to build or strengthen their business model, expand their system in Canada and internationally, and enhance their brand and concept.Mr. Turgeon is head of Lavery’s franchise and distribution section. He represents and advises Canadian, U.S., and European franchisors, retailers, and manufacturers in various industries on issues underlying development and support of the operational structure, supply chain, and system’s expansion.Ms. Destrempes primarily represents Quebec franchisors and distributors in the food service industry dealing with issues related to the elaboration of business agreements and system’s support and restructuring.“The addition of Jean-Philippe Turgeon and Stéphanie Destrempes to our team will allow our clients to benefit from recognized expertise in franchise and distribution law,” said Don McCarty, managing partner at Lavery.

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  819. Marie Cossette to be awarded Lawyer Emeritus distinction by the Barreau du Québec

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Me Marie Cossette, partner in the litigation group at Lavery, will be awarded the Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) distinction by the Barreau du Québec during a ceremony to be held on September 17, 2014, at the Windsor Hotel, in Montréal.Me Cossette’s name will thus be added to the list of Lavery lawyers who have received this prestigious honorary award, created to pay tribute to exceptional legal careers. Called to the Barreau du Québec in 1991, Me Cossette has participated in several public inquiries and developed recognized expertise in crisis management as well as in issues relating to ethics, professional conduct, and integrity.For more than twenty years, Me Cossette has been at the heart of major cases in various fields of litigation. A significant component of her practice is devoted to public law, administrative law, and disciplinary law, and she is often called upon to work on cases involving government relations. Her expertise is also recognized in the fields of commercial and construction law litigation, where she advises clients in both the private and public sectors. A skilled communicator, she is the author of numerous publications, appears frequently as guest speaker, and regularly serves as legal expert in the national media.“Lavery is delighted by the awarding of the Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) distinction to Marie Cossette. Marie makes a significant contribution to her profession in various ways, whether through her leading expertise in her areas of practice, her sense of ethics, or her remarkable communication skills,” declared Don McCarty, the firm’s managing partner.

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  820. Jean-Simon Deschênes, of Lavery, jury member at Rendez-vous Relève inc. in Québec

    Jean-Simon Deschênes, partner in business law at Lavery, served on the jury for the Rendez-vous Relève inc. MC held in Québec on June 5. To watch a video about this event (in French), click here.Between June 3 and 5,the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ held activities in three Quebec regions to raise awareness of, promote, and facilitate the transfer of businesses.Quebec is in danger of losing thousands of companies. This will be a growing problem in coming years, since 30% of business owners are planning to retire within the next decade, and half of them have no plans to sell or transfer ownership of their business. The events were attended by more than 600 people.

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  821. 20 Lavery partners ranked in the 2014 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 20 partners of the firm are ranked among the most recommended lawyers in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2014 edition of Thomson Reuters’s Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country. It is a reference guide for Canadian and U.S. corporate counsel and law firms in need of specialized legal services. The 2014 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory identifies the best lawyers in 64 practice areas based on the results of a thorough annual peer-review survey completed by more than a thousand respected legal professionals and a wide range of well-informed clients. Lavery lawyers are recommended in a vast array of fields, including banking, asset finance, mining law, mergers and acquisitions, employment law and labour relations, pensions, class actions, construction law, family law, and commercial insurance litigation. "In the 2014 edition of this legal directory, 20 Lavery partners were recognized for their first-rate expertise. I congratulate our 20 colleagues for this recognition and for their continued commitment to serving the needs of our clients", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2014 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory : Pierre-L. Baribeau - Labour (Management) Yvan Biron* - Environment Michel Blouin - Mining René Branchaud – Mining Louis Charette* - Aviation Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E. – Corporate Commercial, Mergers & Acquisitions Pierre Denis - Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Josée Dumoulin - Pensions (Management) Nicolas Gagnon - Construction Jean Hébert - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad. E. - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Guy Lavoie* - Labour (Management) Guy Lemay – Class Actions Robert W. Mason - Litigation – Commercial Insurance François Parent* - Pensions (Labour) Louis Payette, Ad. E. – Banking Élisabeth Pinard* - Family Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E. - Class Actions; Litigation – Commercial Insurance; Litigation - Product Liability André Vautour - Technology Transactions Sébastien Vézina* - Mining *New postingFor more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  822. Raphaël H. Schachter, of Lavery, re-elected to the board of the Canadian Foundation of the American College of Trial Lawyers

    Recently, Mr. Raphaël H. Schachter, Q.C., Ad. E, partner in criminal and penal law at Lavery, was re-elected to the board of directors of the Canadian Foundation of the American College of Trial Lawyers. The honourary president of the Foundation is the Honourable John C. Major, C.C., Q.C., former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Other members of the board include the Honourable George K. MacIntosh (Supreme Court of British Columbia), Mr. Michel Décary, Q.C., Ad. E. (BCF), and Mr. David W. Scott, Q.C. (Borden Ladner Gervais).Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers is a professional association of the best trial lawyers in the United States and Canada. The College is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, and the ethics of the profession.

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  823. Death of the Honourable Anthime Bergeron

    On June 11, we were sorry to learn of the death of the Honourable Anthime Bergeron, retired Justice of the Superior Court of Québec and former member of Lavery. He was the comrade-in-arms of Louis-Philippe de Grandpré, Vincent O'Donnell, and Claude Lavery.Me Bergeron had an impressive legal career. Called to the Barreau du Québec in 1948, he was recruited by Jean de Grandpré in 1955, when he joined the firm of Tansey, de Grandpré & de Grandpré. A few years later, this firm become Lavery, Johnston, Chauvin, O'Donnell, Clark, Carrière, Mason & Associates and, in 1979, it merged with another Montréal law firm to become Lavery, O' Brien. Me Bergeron practiced at this firm until he was appointed to the bench of the Superior Court of Québec in 1973, a seat he held until his retirement in 1999.During his practice, Me Bergeron built a strong reputation in insurance law and argued on several occasions before the Supreme Court. As partner, he was also responsible for recruiting lawyers. Me Bergeron always believed that the recruiting and training of lawyers was a top priority, and his avant-garde approach ensured that the firm recruited the best talent. This attitude, which still guides us today, has helped build the firm’s reputation for integrity, respect, commitment, and excellence.On behalf of the entire Lavery team, we offer our sincere condolences to Me Bergeron’s friends and family.

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  824. Philippe d'Etcheverry, of Lavery, named board member of the Canadian Construction Association

    Philippe d'Etcheverry, commercial litigation lawyer at Lavery, was recently appointed to the board of directors of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) as representative of the Québec region.The CCA is the national voice of Canada’s non-residential construction sector. As such, it represents more than 20,000 member firms belonging to some seventy local and provincial construction associations.

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  825. Loïc Berdnikoff, of Lavery, on-line guest speaker at the Canadian Bar Association (CBA)

    Loïc Berdnikoff, partner in administrative law at Lavery, was an on-line guest speaker at an event sponsored by the CBA’s National Privacy and Access Law Section. The subject of his talk was “Questions related to the protection of privacy and post-secondary institutions: practical advice on ‘private’ things.” Me Berdnikoff’s speech focused on the protection of privacy, access to information, and the handling of requests for information at institutions of higher education. The other guest speakers were Me Mandy Woodland, Mandy Woodland Law, and Me Lorne I. Randa, of Brownlee, LLP.

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  826. Marie Cossette, of Lavery, guest speaker at the Canadian Institute on disciplinary law

    On June 11, Ms. Marie Cossette, litigation partner at Lavery, lead a day-long conference on disciplinary law as part of an advanced training session on administrative law organized by the Canadian Institute. During this event, participants updated their knowledge of administrative law through a review of the new rules and the consequences of decisions made in this area by the various courts.On this occasion, Ms. Cossette delivered a talk on the recent case law developments in disciplinary law and the role of the Tribunal des professions and the Superior Court in this field.

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  827. Lavery welcomes Me Awatif Lakhdar, lawyer

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Awatif Lakhdar recently joined the firm’s Montreal offices as an associate. Ms. Lakhdar is specialized in Family Law, Personal Law and Private International Law. Called to the Bar in 2002, she also is a mediator certified by the Quebec Bar since 2006.Educated in Law at the Université du Québec à Montréal, she has appeared before the Court of Québec, the Court of Appeal of Québec, the Federal Court of Canada and administrative tribunals.Prior to joining Lavery, Ms. Lakhdar founded the firm of Lakhdar & associés, specialized in Family Law and Private International Law.

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  828. Audrey-Julie Dallaire joins Lavery as an associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Audrey-Julie Dallaire recently joined our Sherbrooke office as an associate. Called to the Barreau du Québec in 2005, Ms. Dallaire practices in our Litigation group.Ms. Dallaire works primarily in the fields of civil and administrative litigation, municipal law, and labour law. The author of numerous articles, she has lead many training sessions and given many presentations, primarily on the role of elected municipal officers. Before joining Lavery, she practiced with a Montréal law firm.

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  829. Laurence Bich-Carrière, of Lavery, author of an article in the Asper Review of International Business and Trade Law

    Ms. Laurence Bich-Carrière, litigation lawyer at Lavery, is the author of an article entitled “Homère, Gutenberg, Helen Keller et Stevie Wonder: Commentaire sur le traité de l'OMPI pour l'accès des aveugles à l'imprimé,” recently published in the Asper Review of International Business and Trade Law.On June 27, 2013, after many years of negotiation, the World Intellectual Property Organization adopted the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access To Published Works by Visually Impaired Persons and Persons with Print Disabilities. In this commentary, Ms. Bich-Carrière explores the negotiation background and the evolution of the proposed instrument before turning to an analysis of how the international copyright community sought to modulate the rules regarding reproduction of copyright-protected works and their cross-border distribution to increase access to accessible format works. Impact on Canadian copyright law is also discussed.To read the article, (in French) click here.To read the Treaty and related official documents, click here.

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  830. Guillaume Lavoie, of Lavery, appointed as director and corporate secretary of Jeunesses Musicales du Canada (JMC)

    Mr. Guillaume Lavoie, corporate lawyer at Lavery, was recently appointed as director and corporate secretary of Jeunesses Musicales du Canada (JMC) following a meeting of its board of directors.A non-profit organization, JMC has a dual mandate: to promote the performance of classical music and to support the career development of young instrumentalists, singers, and composers on both the national and international scenes.

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  831. Michel Blouin and René Branchaud of Lavery, recognized for their expertise in corporate law

    The June 2014 issue of the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business includes an insert entitled 2014 Lexpert/Report on Business Special Edition – Corporate (ROB Corporate) in which Michel Blouin and René Branchaud, both Business Law partners at Lavery, are recognized as leading practitioners in Canada. More precisely, this publication recognizes the scope of Mr Blouin and Mr. Branchaud’s mining law practice.To read this insert, please click here.

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  832. Lavery, proud partner of Rendez-vous Relève Inc. TM

    Québec is in danger of losing thousands of companies. This will be a growing problem in coming years, since 30% of business owners are planning to retire within the next decade, and half of them have no plans to sell or transfer ownership of their business.For this reason, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ have unveiled an important study and, from June 3 to 5, held a series of activities in three Quebec regions to raise awareness of, promote, and facilitate the transfer of businesses.Lavery, a proud partner of Rendez-vous relève Inc.TM, has dealt with the legal issues surrounding the various types of business transfer. In its June 5 edition, La Presse published a special feature on the subject. Click here to learn more about business succession.

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  833. Loïc Berdnikoff, of Lavery, guest speaker at the 43rd Conference of the Association des archivistes du Québec (AAQ)

    Loïc Berdnikoff, partner in administrative law at Lavery, was a guest speaker at the 43rd conference of the Association des archivistes du Québec. On May 29, he gave a conference entitled “Access to information and the protection of personal information: Ups and downs,” addressing the major obligations and constraints under the laws applicable to the public and private sectors. Mr. Berdnikoff also offered some practical advice when it comes to responding to access to information requests.In recent years, Mr. Berdnikoff has regularly advised and represented public agencies and private companies in cases related to the confidential nature of documents, professional privilege, and privacy, particularly within the context of proceedings before the Commission d’accès à l’information du Québec.

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  834. Marie Cossette, of Lavery, guest speaker on business integrity at the Barreau de Québec

    On May 29, Marie Cossette, litigation partner at Lavery and head of the firm’s Corporate and business integrity team, was guest speaker at an event organized by the Barreau de Québec. Some 80 people came to hear her take stock of the aftermath of the December 2012 passing of Bill 1 (the Integrity Act) aiming to introduce anti-corruption measures governing contracting by public bodies.After discussing the goal and scope of these measures, Ms. Cossette addressed the process of applying for authorization from the AMF and the challenges and issues legal advisors must deal with when guiding clients through this process. She also presented the penal provisions and amendments to the Act since its passage. She concluded her presentation with a summary of the impact of this new system on the fight against corruption and the pursuit of integrity.

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  835. Jean-Simon Deschênes, of Lavery, guest speaker at the Centre d’études en droit économique of Université Laval

    On May 28, Jean-Simon Deschênes, partner in Lavery’s Business law group, participated in a summer school session on the subject of “economic crime” organized by the Centre d’études en droit économique of Université Laval. The other guest panelists were Sébastien Bérard of the Financial National Bank and Julie Bernard of Groupe d’investissement responsable Canada. The round-table discussion - “Socially responsible investment of concern to lawyers: the solution?” - was lead by Charles-Emmanuel Côté, professor in the law faculty at Université Laval.

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  836. Léa Maalouf and Zeïneb Mellouli of Lavery, elected to the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montreal (YBAM)

    During its Annual General Meeting, held in Montreal on May 30, the YBAM announced the election results for various positions. Léa Maalouf and Zeïneb Mellouli, lawyers at Lavery, were elected as administrators on the YBAM Board of Directors for year 2014-2015. For Léa Maalouf it was a second mandate. Zeineb Mellouli was involved in a joint committee of the Bar of Montreal for over 2 years.Founded in 1898, the YBAM represents lawyers with 10 years or less of practice, registered in the Montreal area. The mission of the YBAM is to defend and promote its members’ interests. It also offers various segments of the population consulting and legal information on a volunteer basis, besides organizing charitable activities. Overall, the YBAM seeks to improve access to justice and to contribute to the well-being of the community.

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  837. Accommodations for mental illness: what are your responsibilities?

    On June 18, Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, associate at Lavery, will lead a training workshop for company managers and executives as part of the summer HR workshops presented by ÉVÉNEMENTS LES AFFAIRES. Participants will gain a better understanding of the basic principles of accommodations that may be required for mental illness. Specifically, they will learn to identify accommodations related to mental illness, manage disability resulting from mental illness, and foresee necessary accommodations while recognizing the limitations of their responsibility to make them. For information and registration, click here.  

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  838. Jean Saint-Onge of Lavery, guest speaker at Canadian Bar Association

    On May 28, Me Jean Saint-Onge, partner in Lavery’s litigation group, was guest speaker at a business luncheon organized jointly by the Class action and Dispute resolution sections of the Canadian Bar Association. The other guest panelists were the Honourable François Roland, chief justice, Superior Court of Quebec, and Me François Lebeau, of Unterberg, Labelle, Lebeau. The topic was the role of mediation and settlement conferences in class actions.

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  839. Éric Gélinas, of Lavery, guest speaker at APFF seminar

    Mr. Éric Gélinas, legal counsel in business law at Lavery and professor in the tax department of Sherbrooke University, was guest speaker at the “Income and death taxes” seminar organized by the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF), on May 22. Mr. Gélinas spoke about the legislative, regulatory, and administrative changes to the taxation on death of eligible capital property and resource property since the December 2006 updating of the book Les impôts sur le revenu et le décès.

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  840. Lavery hosts IGOPP breakfast meeting

    On May 23, a breakfast meeting organized by the Institute for governance of private and public organizations (IGOPP) was held in the Lavery Conference centre. The subject – How to add an institutional investor to your board – brought together 35 participants to hear the thoughts of Jacques Lécuyer, president and CEO of 5N Plus on this subject, and to discuss the subject with him. The breakfast meeting was hosted by André Vautour, chair of the board of Lavery, and Michel Nadeau of IGOPP.

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  841. Pierre Marc Johnson, of Lavery, keynote speaker at the 39th Conference of the Association des économistes québécois

    On May 14, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, GOQ, FRSC, former premier of Quebec and counsel at Lavery, was the keynote speaker at the 39th Conference of the Association des économistes québécois in Ottawa. The event attracted more than 250 renowned Quebec and international economists and specialists.In his speech, Mr. Johnson discussed the implications for Quebec of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). First outlining the development of trade between Quebec and its major export markets over the past twenty years, he then explained the scope, benefits, and implementation mechanisms of a comprehensive agreement with the European Union.

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  842. Lavery welcomes three new associates

    Lavery is pleased to announce that three associates have recently joined the firm. The new lawyers will be members of two of Lavery’s practice groups. Ms. Alexandra Dubé-Lorrain (2014) and Mr. Jérôme Bélanger (2014) will practise in the Litigation Group in our Montreal office. Mr. Simon Bisson (2014) has joined the Business Law Group in Montreal.The year of call to the Quebec Bar appears in parentheses."The addition of these lawyers not only shows Lavery’s willingness to attract young talent who will reinforce our practice groups but it also demonstrates that the firm is committed to hiring young lawyers who were previously articling students with the firm", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm. 

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  843. Law and mental health seminar on the use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace: a question of responsibility

    On May 13, Mr. Carl Lessard, labour law partner at Lavery, and Mr. Luc Chabot CHRP of Relais Expert-Conseil, were the speakers at a seminar that attracted some sixty human resource professionals to the Lavery Conference Centre.The subjects addressed related to the responsibility of employers regarding the consumption of drugs and alcohol in the workplace – more specifically, the regulatory environment, corporate policies, alcohol and drug testing, and the administration of disciplinary and non-disciplinary measures.

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  844. Bernard Roy, of Lavery, guest speaker at the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF)

    Mr. Bernard Roy, partner in the Québec office, spoke during an activity organized by the APFF on May 14. During his talk, Mr Roy reviewed the case law on actions for annulment and the rectification of transactions in Quebec. He also discussed in detail the decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada in Agence du Revenu du Québec v. Riopel et als. and Agence du Revenu du Québec v. Services environnementaux AES Inc.

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  845. Claude Villeneuve of Lavery appointed president of the Bar of Saint-François

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Claude Villeneuve, partner in its Sherbrooke office, as president of the Bar of Saint-François. Founded in 1853, the Bar of Saint-François is one of the 15 regional bars representing the regions of Quebec and has approximately 450 members. This appointment highlights Mr. Villeneuve’s active involvement in the legal community. In addition to teaching law, Mr. Villeneuve is also a member of the General Council of the Barreau du Québec.

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  846. Lavery collaborates with the Centre d’accès à l’information juridique

    Lavery will collaborate with the Centre d’accès à l’information juridique (CAIJ), an organization associated with the Barreau du Québec, to make its publications available, free of charge, On the CAIJ Web site. Beginning in June, members of the Bar and the Judiciary will be able to access the publications of the seven participating law firms.This CAIJ initiative meets a need often expressed by lawyers to have greater on-line access to doctrine. The law firms’ publications, available in digital format, will incorporate links to Canadian legislation and case law. The publications will be easily accessible from the Web site’s home page as well as via the JuriBistroTM UNIK search engine and the eDOCTRINE tool.

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  847. Katia Opalka of Lavery, contributor to the Canadian Bar Association blog NATIONAL

    Ms. Katia Opalka, an Environmental and Aboriginal Law partner at Lavery, is a regular contributor to the Canadian Bar Association blog NATIONAL Legal Insights & Practice Trends. This blog includes articles on various issues of interest to the legal community. Moreover, Ms. Opalka is the sole contributor on environmental issues for this blog. She also writes articles about natural resources and energy matters. To consult Ms. Opalka’s articles, click here.

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  848. Guillaume Synnott joins Lavery as an associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Guillaume Synnott has joined the firm as an associate on April 28, 2014.Called to the Quebec Bar in 2012, Mr. Synnott will practise in our Business Law Group, particularly in the areas of securities, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate law. He will regularly be called upon to perform due diligence reports, draft and negotiate commercial agreements as well as advise clients of the firm on corporate law matters.Mr. Synnott holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Université de Montréal and a Certificate in Chinese Law from the China University of Political Science and Law.

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  849. Pierre Marc Johnson of Lavery, guest speaker at the dinner-meeting of the Lord Reading Law Society

    Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, G.O.Q., FRSC, counsel at Lavery, acted as guest speaker at the dinner-meeting of the Lord Reading Law Society that was held on April 29, 2014. He was introduced before an audience of more than 100 people by Carl M. Ravinsky, a Business Law partner at Lavery. Entitled “Canada-EU: The CETA – A Long-awaited and Promising Agreement”, Mr. Johnson’s conference focused on the main issues raised by the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. Mr. Johnson is the chief negotiator of CETA for the Government of Quebec.

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  850. Diana Darilus and Jean-Philippe Latreille of Lavery, speakers at a Canadian Tax Foundation event

    Ms. Diana Darilus and Jean-Philippe Latreille of Lavery, speakers at a Canadian Tax Foundation event Ms. Diana Darilus and Mr. Jean-Philippe Latreille, Business Law associates at Lavery, acted as speakers during the Conference Luncheon for young tax professionals organized by the Canadian Tax Foundation on May 2, 2014.The conference of Ms. Darilus and Mr. Latreille was held under the theme “Détention d’immeubles par l’intermédiaire de sociétés prête-noms : enjeux et développements récents en matière de taxes à la consommation”. Both speakers discussed various issues such as the recurring problems pertaining to real estate transactions involving nominee corporations, the general rules with respect to consumption taxes as well as the temporary and conditional administrative tolerance applicable to nominee corporations that were announced by tax authorities in February 2014.

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  851. Magali Cournoyer-Proulx of Lavery, co-speaker at the Seminar on recent developments in ethics, professional law and disciplinary law

    Ms. Magali Cournoyer-Proulx, a Labour Law partner and member of the Health Law team at Lavery, acted as co-speaker during the 17th edition of the Seminar on recent developments in ethics, professional law and disciplinary law that took place at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on May 2, 2014.Ms. Cournoyer-Proulx’s conference, which was held under the theme “The Top 10 of the Tribunal des professions for 2013-2014”, focused on the leading decisions rendered in the past year by the Tribunal des professions and appellate courts with respect to ethics, professional law and disciplinary law.

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  852. Lavery supports the private equity and venture capital industry

    Dedicated to helping investment fund managers, investment advisors as well as all other industry stakeholders and relying on our in-depth expertise, Lavery is proud to announce the creation of a team practising in the areas of private equity, venture capital and investment management. This new team gives the firm the opportunity to widen the scope of the legal services provided to industry stakeholders and their various partners who are active in a vast array of sectors, including advanced technology, infrastructure and renewable energy. The Private Equity, Venture Capital and Investment Management team is comprised of the following lawyers: André Vautour Jean Martel, Ad. E. Luc Pariseau Édith Jacques Jean-Sébastien Desroches Josianne Beaudry Guillaume Lavoie Philippe Décary Francis Desmarais Robert La Rosa Simon Bisson The legal services provided by this team include the establishment and development of tax structures for investment funds, capital raising initiatives, the drafting of private placement offering memorandums or prospectuses, corporate governance advice, information disclosure and regulatory compliance, the implementation of various exit strategies, the creation and completion of bank financing transactions as well as the preparation and implementation of infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships. Lavery’s enviable expertise in this field enables the firm to support a wide range of players in the private equity, venture capital and investment management industry such as promoters, investors, fund managers, securities brokers, businesses and their various partners. "For more than 100 years, Lavery has been supporting companies doing business in Quebec. Our new practice team reflects our century-old commitment and the firm’s Law/Business positioning whose objective is to promote growth by strengthening the range of our services to business clients", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm. For more information, consult our Private Equity, Venture Capital and Investment Management Web page.

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  853. Gérard Coulombe of Lavery profiled in the Canadian International Organ Competition newsletter

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, is profiled in the Spring 2014 edition of Voix humaine, the newsletter of the Canadian International Organ Competition (CIOC).In this profile focused on Mr. Coulombe, who was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CIOC in September 2013, we learn that he is already working hard to ensure the success of the third edition of the Canadian International Organ Competition that will be held in Montreal in October 2014.To consult the bilingual Spring 2014 edition of Voix humaine, click here.

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  854. Yvan Biron and Sophie Prégent of Lavery, speakers at the 2013 Annual Review of Environmental Law

    Mr. Yvan Biron and Ms. Sophie Prégent, partner and associate at Lavery, respectively, acted as speakers at the 2013 Annual Review of Environmental Law. Their presentation was given before the members of the National Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association – Québec Branch.During this case law review, Mr. Biron and Ms. Prégent discussed various issues, such as the Minister’s powers, authorizations, municipal powers in environmental matters, contaminated soils and administrative monetary penalties.

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  855. Julie Cousineau, Caroline Harnois and Nadine Landry appointed partners at Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Cousineau, Caroline Harnois and Nadine Landry as partners at the Montreal office of the firm. Ms. Julie Cousineau has developed expertise in the areas of civil litigation, commercial litigation and construction law. In the course of her practice, she represents clients who are active in the public, private and financial sectors. Ms. Cousineau has acted in many contract litigation raising complex and various issues pertaining to non-competition and confidentiality clauses as well as extraordinary recourses such as injunctions. Her long-standing experience also enables her to advise private corporations at all stages of their product distribution and sales business. Ms. Cousineau’s litigation expertise helps her develop practical and efficient strategies that are focused on her clients’ business objectives.        Ms. Caroline Harnois is a member of Lavery’s Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law team. Her practice is focused on all aspects of family and estate law, which comprises private international family law, including international child abduction. Before joining the firm, she worked as a lawyer at The Hague Conference on Private International Law in the Netherlands, where she developed expertise in extraterritorial conflicts and the application of international conventions, particular with regards to international child abduction, recovery of maintenance abroad, inter-country adoption and international protection of children and vulnerable adults. Ms. Harnois is also the author of numerous articles on family law.       Ms. Nadine Landry practises in the firm’s Labour Law Group where she specializes in employee mobility and economic immigration matters. She represents and advises a number of businesses with respect to the process of hiring foreign workers and transferring key employees to Canada. She also represents entrepreneurs, investors, senior executives and skilled workers wishing to settle in Canada on a temporary or permanent basis. In addition, Ms. Landry has work experience in the cultural field and several years of involvement with national and international sports communities. She was a member of the boards of directors of various organizations in these fields and also held the position of President of Synchro Canada for several years.       "We are very proud to welcome Julie, Caroline and Nadine as new partners of Lavery. This appointment, which represents an important milestone in their career, recognizes the quality of their work with clients and their solid expertise in their respective areas of practice. Moreover, the appointment of three women as partners recognizes the firm’s commitment to the growing presence of women in the legal profession", said Don McCarty , Managing Partner of the firm.  

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  856. Marie Cossette of Lavery appointed ambassador of a committee of the Conseil de la culture des régions de Québec et de Chaudière-Appalaches

    Ms. Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was recently appointed as ambassador of a committee of the Conseil de la culture des régions de Québec et de Chaudière-Appalaches. The committee’s objective is to design an action plan aimed at encouraging young people to have access and participate in the cultural life of their region.Member of the Comité Affaires-Culture of the Chambre de commerce de Québec since 2012, Ms. Cossette decided to become involved in this initiative launched by the Conseil de la culture and which regroups various sectors, including business and culture. Among other things, ambassadors will be required to mobilize their sector, to gather through their own contact networks ideas and recommendations for their sector, and to submit them to other committee members for approval.

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  857. Caroline Roberge joins Lavery as an associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Caroline Roberge has recently joined the firm as an associate. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2008, Ms. Roberge will practise in the firm’s Administrative Law Group.Recipient of a Master’s degree in environmental law, sustainable development and food security and of awards for academic excellence, Ms. Roberge’s expertise is focused on municipal law, environmental law and agricultural law. Before joining Lavery, she was a municipal councillor and worked as legal advisor for the Fédération des producteurs de lait du Québec.

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  858. Luc Thibaudeau of Lavery, speaker at the eCOMMTL Convention

    Mr. Luc Thibaudeau, a Litigation partner at Lavery, acted as speaker at the eCOMMTL Convention that was held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on April 23-24, 2014. During his conference entitled “Les aspects légaux reliés au commerce électronique”, Mr. Thibaudeau discussed various subjects of interest, such as the applicable laws, recent case law, B2B and B2C, the Consumer Protection Act, cross-border issues and payments processing.Since 2011, eCOMMTL has been drawing hundreds of participants, including entrepreneurs, representatives from various industries and renowned speakers, who have developed an interest in consumer behavior in an environment that is increasingly defined by technologies and e-business.

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  859. Marie-Claude Armstrong, Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that the Honourable Marie-Claude Armstrong, a former Litigation partner at the firm who was appointed as a Judge to the Superior Court of Québec on April 10, 2014, was named a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) during an induction ceremony that was held on April 22, 2014.The ceremony was chaired by the ACTL president, Mr. Robert L. Byman. It included Mr. Jeffrey S. Leon, a member of the ACTL Board of Regents, Mr. Sylvain Lussier, representative for Quebec, and other ACTL members, such as Mr. Michel Robert, former Chief Justice of Quebec, the Honourable Michel Yergeau, judge of the Superior Court of Québec, as well as Ms. Suzanne-Hélène Pringle, Ms. Suzanne Côté and Ms. Marie-Josée Hogue.Founded in 1950, the American College of Trial Lawyers comprises the best trial lawyers from the United States and Canada. The ACTL is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the profession.

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  860. Appointment of Marie-Claude Armstrong of Lavery to the Superior Court of Québec

    Lavery is very pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Marie-Claude Armstrong, a Litigation partner with our firm, as a Judge of the Superior Court of Québec, as of April 11, 2014.Ms. Armstrong was a leader in our Family, Personal and Estate Law team. Throughout the years, she has forged a solid reputation in family, estate and trust law litigation as well as in matters pertaining to the institution of protective supervision, the homologation of mandates in anticipation of incapacity, patrimony protection and pension plans.Author and coauthor of several publications, she was also a renowned speaker. Moreover, her expertise has been recognized in various legal directories, such as The Best Lawyers in Canada directory where she is recognized as Lawyer of the Year 2014 in Family Law in Montreal as well as in The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory 2013 in the field of Family Law.The appointment of Ms. Armstrong to the bench pursues a long tradition of judicial appointments that have led Lavery to be considered "a seedbed of judges" in the legal community.

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  861. Nicolas Gagnon of Lavery, speaker at the Advanced Conference on the management of claims and litigation in the construction industry

    Mr. Nicolas Gagnon, a partner in Lavery’s Construction and Surety Law team, acted as speaker at the Advanced Conference on the management of claims and litigation in the construction industry that was organized by the Canadian Institute and held in Montreal on April 2-3, 2014.The presentation in which Mr. Gagnon took part was entitled “Mise au point sur les appels d’offres : jurisprudence récente, mise à jour législative et meilleures pratiques”. The subject matters discussed by the speakers included the preparation of requests for proposals (RFPs) in the light of recent case law, the elements of content that should be part of every RFP in order to counter collusion, good ethical practices and the impact of the Charbonneau Commission on the claims process.

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  862. Pierre Marc Johnson of Lavery, speaker in the Série Enjeux of Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec

    Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, G.O.Q., FRSC, counsel at Lavery and former Premier of Quebec, gave a conference entitled “Commerce transatlantique : quelles opportunités pour le Québec ? ” on April 9, 2014 as part of the Série Enjeux organized by Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ).Mr. Johnson’s conference focused on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, particularly the business opportunities offered to Quebec because of its geographical position between Europe and America. Mr. Johnson is chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec in the CETA process.For more information (in French), click here.

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  863. Marie Cossette of Lavery comments the beginning of the trial of former Lieutenant Governor of Québec, Lise Thibault

    On April 9, 2014, Ms. Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at Lavery and the coordinator of the firm’s Corporate and Business Integrity team , was a guest on the radio program Radio-Canada cet après-midi and Radio-Canada’s television program Le téléjournal Québec, both broadcasted in Quebec City, to comment the beginning of the trial of former Lieutenant Governor of Québec, the Honourable Lise Thibault.Recognized for her long-standing experience in public law and integrity matters, Ms. Cossette discussed several issues related to Lise Thibault’s trial that began on April 9 in Quebec City on charges of fraud, breach of trust and forgery, including the four-year delay between the charges laid and the opening of the trial, the concept of Crown immunity, the on-going civil and criminal proceedings in this case as well as the right of recourse of defendants to protect their rights.

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  864. Katia Opalka of Lavery quoted in National magazine, a publication of the Canadian Bar Association

    Ms. Katia Opalka, an Environmental and Aboriginal Law partner at Lavery, was quoted in a recent issue of National magazine, in an article focusing on the Crown’s duty to consult aboriginal peoples.According to Ms. Opalka, if the Crown fails to fulfill this duty in advance of authorizing a project on lands subject to aboriginal claims, the validity of project authorizations may be called into question. This risk needs to be minimized in order for project proponents to attract the investment they need to bring their projects into production.To read this article, click here.

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  865. Pierre Marc Johnson of Lavery, speaker at the PwC Canada series Les soupers des dirigeants

    Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, G.O.Q., FRSC, counsel at Lavery and former Premier of Quebec, was the first guest speaker to launch the series Les soupers des dirigeants organized by PwC Canada’s French Desk. The event was held in Montreal on April 1, 2014. These dinner conferences are particularly intended for the senior executives of French corporations with operations in Canada.During this dinner, Mr. Johnson gave an address on the key issues of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Mr. Johnson acts as chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec with regards to this international agreement.

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  866. Cominar completes the re-opening of its offering of 4.941% Series 4 debentures in the amount of $100 million

    On March 7, 2014, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed the re-opening of its offering 4.941% Series 4 senior unsecured debentures due July 27, 2020 in the principal amount of $100 million. The debentures were offered at a price of $1,028.41 per $1.000 principal amount of debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest for the period from and including January 27, 2014 to, but excluding, the date of the closing of the offering. The effective yield of the debentures (if held to maturity) is 4.425% per annum. The debentures were sold by a syndicate of agents co-led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc. and TD Securities Inc. The syndicate of agents was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Maxime Bergeron (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and currently remains the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  867. Katia Opalka of Lavery, panelist at a symposium organized by the Young Bar Association of Montreal

    Ms. Katia Opalka, an environmental and Aboriginal law partner at Lavery, took part in a panel entitled “What’s next for lawyers with 5 to 7 years of practice and how to prepare for the future?” during a symposium that was held on March 21, 2014.Organized by the Young Bar Association of Montreal (YBAM), the Career Management and Professional Development Symposium included a series of talks designed to help young lawyers achieve success in their careers.

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  868. Yvan Biron of Lavery, speaker in the Série Expertises d’ici of Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec

    Mr. Yvan Biron, a Business Law partner at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “Réglementation environnementale : mieux comprendre les parties prenantes” as part of the Série Expertises d’ici organized by Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ).Mr. Biron’s conference focused mainly on the growing requirements with regards to environmental issues and the need for businesses to fully understand the various stakeholders, including government departments and municipalities, to respond to their expectations and maximize company performance.

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  869. Édith Jacques of Lavery appointed to the Board of Directors of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

    Ms. Édith Jacques, a Business Law partner at Lavery, was recently appointed on the Board of Directors of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, an organization created in 1871 and focused on supporting manufacturing and exporting businesses to make them more competitive on local and international markets.Ms. Jacques has been sitting on the Board of Directors of Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec for a few years, including as Vice-Chair for the last two years.

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  870. Jean Saint-Onge of Lavery - Organizer of the Quebec Bar 2014 National Symposium on Class Actions

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, is pleased with the success of the 11th edition of the National Symposium on Class Actions that was held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on March 20-21, 2014. The symposium is intended for lawyers practising in this area, for in-house counsel handling litigation cases as well as for those who wish to better acquaint themselves with the latest trends in the area of class actions.The 2014 edition of the symposium drew 40 speakers from Quebec, Canada and the United States who discussed the most recent case law in this fast-growing area of legal practice, including evidence on the merits with respect to complex litigation, class actions in the telecommunications industry and health law as well as the strategic and practical aspects of asettlement involving multiple defendants.

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  871. Marie Cossette of Lavery, debate moderator on business integrity at an event organized by the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec

    Ms. Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, acted as debate moderator during an event on business integrity organized by the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) on March 26, 2014 that drew representatives of Quebec’s three main political parties who spoke before a hundred industry stakeholders.The OIQ put together this event to make Quebec’s political parties more aware about the ethical challenges and evolution of the engineering profession. Under Ms. Cossette’s guidance the guest politicians discussed the issue of integrity as well as its potential impact on the legislative framework governing the engineering practice and the future of the profession.

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  872. Laurence Bich-Carrière of Lavery, author of an article in Les Cahiers de propriété intellectuelle

    Ms. Laurence Bich-Carrière, a Litigation associate at Lavery, has authored an article entitled “Archives Internet : Quelques problèmes de preuve – Application particulière à la Commission des oppositions” that was recently published in Les Cahiers de propriété intellectuelle.In this article, Ms. Bich-Carrière examines some issues raised by the use of the Wayback Machine (WBM), the Internet Archive’s search engine. The Internet Archive is a digital library whose objective is to store all Web pages. Ms. Bich-Carrière’s analysis begins with the usefulness and admissibility of this tool before the Canadian Trade-marks Opposition Board, the tribunal before which it is most invoked. The author’s analysis also includes broader considerations on the overall reliability of the WBM in view of evidence requirements found in Quebec and Canadian law as well as in some other jurisdiction.To read this article (in French), click here.

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  873. Jean-Yves Simard of Lavery, round table panelist at McGill University

    Mr. Jean-Yves Simard, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was a round table panelist at the McGill University Faculty of Law on March 19, 2014. This event, which was part of a course on trial advocacy, was focused on the rules of courtesy, civility and ethics to which trial lawyers must abide by before the courts.During this round table, the panelists shared their experiences and ideas on this topical issue. They also answered questions from the students. In addition to Mr. Simard, three persons acted as panelists: the Honourable Marc-André Blanchard, judge of the Superior Court of Québec, Mr. Jean-Pierre Sheppard and Mr. Peter Kalichman.

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  874. First Pro Bono Québec benefit event to promote access to justice: A success across the board

    Lavery is pleased to have supported Pro Bono Québec in its first fundraising event that was designed to improve access to justice. This very successful event took place on March 19, 2014 at the Robin des Bois Restaurant in Montreal and benefited from the generosity of the participants and the commitment of Lavery lawyers and staff members.Mr. Bernard Larocque, a Litigation partner at Lavery and Treasurer of Pro Bono Québec, took part in this event along with Mr. Luc Thibaudeau, a Litigation partner at the firm, who was a member of the volunteer musical quartet that played during the evening. The benefit event drew about 130 people, including several lawyers of the firm as well as leading figures from the legal, arts and business community. A live and silent auction was held during the evening, which gave participants the opportunity to acquire grands crus. All proceeds went to Pro Bono Québec.

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  875. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin of Lavery, mentor during the 36th edition of the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition

    Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a Litigation associate at Lavery, acted as mentor for the Université de Montréal during the 36th edition of the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition that was recently held at the Université du Québec à Montréal.The 2014 edition of this prestigious competition involved the six Canadian Law faculties with a civil law section. The Université de Montréal team finished first overall with a total of four awards: SOQUIJ Cup for second best factum; Yvon Blais Cup for second best pair of litigators; Robinson Cup for best litigator; and President of Quebec Bar Cup for best team.

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  876. Jean Martel of Lavery quoted in a recent article of Finance et Investissement

    Mr. Jean Martel, Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, is quoted in a recent article published in Finance et Investissement, a valuable source of information for mutual fund sales representatives, securities advisors, financial security advisors and financial planners.In this article entitled “Le FMI s’en mêle”, Mr. Martel comments the latest report on the Canadian financial sector released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which embraces the idea of a “cooperative securities regulator in Canada”. Following this report, Mr. Martel discusses a few important issues, such as the Supreme Court of Canada decision with respect to Canadian securities regulation, securities harmonization between the country’s provinces and the need for co-operation in this area which does not require the creation of a single securities regulator.To read this article (in French), click here.

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  877. Jean Saint-Onge recognized as a leader in the area of class actions by Chambers Global

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, is recognized as a leader in the area of class actions in the 2014 edition of the prestigious legal directory Chambers Global.The expertise of Mr. Saint-Onge falls under the category Canada, Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence). Chambers Global points out that Mr. Saint-Onge is a highly regarded class actions practitioner in Montreal, particularly in competition, environmental and product liability matters. Sources consider him a very experienced counsel with great court skills.The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Global are selected following a rigorous process where thousands of interviews are conducted with a vast range of lawyers and their clients, i.e. commercial users of legal services, by a team of more than 150 full-time researchers. Moreover, the final selection is based on well-defined criteria, such as the quality of service provided to clients, legal expertise and commercial astuteness.

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  878. André Laurin of Lavery appointed Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Université de Sherbrooke

    Mr. André Laurin, a Business Law partner at Lavery, was recently appointed Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Université de Sherbrooke. Since 2012, Mr. Laurin has been a member of the University Senate and the Board of Directors of the Université de Sherbrooke.Mr. Laurin has acknowledged expertise with respect to training and courses on corporate governance, directors' liability and ethics.

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  879. Raphaël H. Schachter of Lavery accepts the invitation to join the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute

    Mr. Raphaël H. Schachter, Q.C., Ad. E., who practises exclusively in the areas of criminal law, penal law and the penal aspects of competition law at Lavery, was asked and accepted to join the Regional Committee for Quebec of the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute. The Institute was created in 2006 to provide advocacy services to lawyers appearing before the Supreme Court. The Regional Committees comprise experienced criminal law and civil law practitioners in both governmental and private practice.As a member of the Regional Committee for Quebec, Mr. Schachter offers various advocacy services to Quebec counsel to help them refine their arguments and gain a better understanding of the advocacy process before the Supreme Court.To know more about the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute, click here.

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  880. Cominar completes the re-opening of its offering of 4.941% Series 4 debentures in the amount of $100 million

    On January 16, 2014, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed the re-opening of its offering 4.941% Series 4 senior unsecured debentures due July 27, 2020 in the principal amount of $100 million. Cominar intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay amounts outstanding under its credit facility, to fund a portion of future acquisitions and for general trust purposes. The debentures were sold by a syndicate of agents co-led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of agents was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Maxime Bergeron (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and currently remains the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Quebec.

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  881. Raymond Doray and Loïc Berdnikoff of Lavery, speakers at Damage Insurance Day 2014

    Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad. E., and Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff, administrative law and information law partners at Lavery, acted as speakers at La Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2014 (Damage Insurance Day 2014), an event organized by Le journal de l’assurance in co-operation with the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages. This annual event was held March 12, 2014 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal under the theme “La nature se déchaîne : Au front pour les assurés !” (Nature unleashed: All together for the insured!).Lavery is proud to be a partner of this major event that brings together insurers, brokers, agents and claims adjusters. Mr. Doray and Mr. Berdnikoff were speakers at a conference entitled “Des assureurs prennent le virage de l’intelligence d’affaires : Quels seront les bénéfices pour les assurés ?” (Insurers committed to business intelligence: What will be the benefits for the insured?). They underlined the growing importance of business intelligence in the insurance field and warned participants regarding the collection, use and communication of thousands of pieces of personal information as well as the risks related to this form of marketing.

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  882. Julie Cousineau of Lavery, speaker at the Annual Review of Commercial Case Law

    Ms. Julie Cousineau, a Litigation associate at Lavery, acted as speaker at the Canadian Bar Association, Québec Branch (CBA Québec) Annual Review of Commercial Case Law that was held on March 12, 2014.During this examination of yearly precedential decisions, many subjects of interest were discussed by the guest speakers. Ms. Cousineau dealt with court decisions focused on shareholder litigation.

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  883. Jean Martel of Lavery takes part in the IIAC Investment Industry 2014 Hall of Fame

    Mr. Jean Martel, Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, will analyze along with the other members of the Investment Industry Association of Canada’s (IIAC) Selection Committee the nominations for the IIAC Investment Industry 2014 Hall of Fame.Established in 2013, the IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame acknowledges the achievements of distinguished Canadians in the area of securities. The Selection Committee will welcome the nominations of industry leaders until May 2, 2014. The names of the new inductees will be announced in late June and an induction ceremony will be held on October 30, 2014.For more information, click here.

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  884. Don McCarty, Managing Partner at Lavery, panelist at a luncheon organized by the Québec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association

    Mr. Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner, was a guest panelist at a luncheon organized by the Québec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (ABC-Québec) that was held in Montreal on February 27, 2014 under the theme “Pitfalls that await the in-house counsel with respect to conflicts of interest and the duty of loyalty (and how to avoid them!)”.During the luncheon, guest panelists discussed, among other things, the duties of the in-house counsel and the management of the sometimes conflicting loyalties that affect their practice. The panelists also responded to numerous questions from the attendees on similar topics.

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  885. Lavery Number 1 Regional Law Firm in Quebec

    For the third consecutive time, Lavery has been ranked Quebec’s top regional law firm by Canadian Lawyer magazine. This recognition, received in 2010, 2012 and now in 2014, is the result of a survey conducted by the magazine among lawyers, managing partners and corporate legal advisors of businesses throughout Canada to determine the standing of Quebec’s major regional law firms.The regional law firm rankings of Canadian Lawyer were released after 45 Heenan Blaikie lawyers joined Lavery. The rankings confirm the strength of the firm’s position in the legal services market and its status as a leader in the business community."Ever since the survey was launched, Lavery has won first place", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm. "This renewed recognition shows Lavery’s strong appeal in the legal services sector, which was confirmed by the decision of many Heenan Blaikie lawyers to join our firm. By combining experience, expertise and responsiveness, we continue to provide our clients with the full range of legal services at a competitive cost. "For more information about the survey, please visit the Canadian Lawyer.

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  886. Bernard Roy, a lawyer specializing in Tax law, joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Bernard Roy has recently joined the firm’s Quebec City office as a Business Law partner. Mr. Roy focuses his practice on tax law, particularly representing clients before tax courts, negotiating notices of assessment or draft assessments with tax authorities, tax and estate planning, settling estates, testamentary and inter vivos trusts, and income tax advice.In addition to his legal training, Mr. Roy has completed the In-Depth Tax Course given by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), a comprehensive Canadian tax training program, and is a member of the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF) and the Canadian Tax Foundation. He chairs the APFF morning seminars committee for the Quebec City region and also participates in organizing tax symposiums for the APFF. Mr. Roy regularly lectures on various tax subjects before members of the APFF."Lavery is very pleased to welcome Bernard Roy in our firm’s Business Law Group. He has a 25 year experience in tax law, which he mainly acquired with the Legislation and Enterprise Registrar Directorate of Revenu Québec and in private practice. He will certainly reinforce the expertise of our tax law team", said Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of the firm’s Quebec City office.

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  887. Lavery welcomes three new lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that three lawyers have recently joined the firm. The new lawyers will be members of three of Lavery’s practice groups. Ms. Tereza Kristic (2013) will practise in the Business Law Group in our Montreal office. Mr. Benjamin Poirier (2012) joins the Litigation Group in Montreal whereas Mr. Pier-Olivier Fradette (2010) will practise in the Administrative Law Group in Quebec City.The year of call to the Quebec Bar appears in parentheses."The addition of these lawyers shows Lavery’s willingness to attract young talent who will reinforce our practice groups in the firm’s Montreal and Quebec City offices", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  888. Marc Beauchemin, Jean Martel, Evelyne Verrier and Leïla Yacoubi of Lavery, coauthors of an article in the Canadian Journal of Insurance Law

    Mr. Marc Beauchemin, Mr. Jean Martel, Ad. E., Ms. Evelyne Verrier and Ms. Leïla Yacoubi, lawyers at Lavery, are the coauthors of an article entitled “Regulatory Offences in the Distribution of Insurance Products: A Call for Diligence” that was published in the January 2014 issue of the Canadian Journal of Insurance Law, a publication intended for insurance professionals and legal practitioners.In this article*, the coauthors analyze the main aspects of a decision rendered by the Supreme Court of Canada on November 21, 2013, which has an important impact on the distribution of insurance products in Quebec, including with regards to the extent to which insurers may incur penal liability for regulatory offences committed by financial services firms which they authorize to distribute their products.This article, which has already been published on Lavery’s website, can be read by clicking here.*Reproduced with permission of the publisher LexisNexis Canada Inc. from Canadian Journal of Insurance Law, Vol. 32, No. 1, January 2014.

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  889. Emmanuel Sala and Jean-Philippe Latreille of Lavery, coauthors of an article in the Mining Journal

    Mr. Emmanuel Sala and Mr. Jean-Philippe Latreille, a Business Law partner and associate at Lavery, respectively, are the authors of an article entitled “An uncertain outlook – Quebec’s mining taxation regime continues to perplex and deter investors in the province” that was published in the February 2014 issue of the Mining Journal (PDAC supplement), a prestigious British publication covering all aspects of the mining industry, including exploration, financing, development, production and marketing.In their article, Messrs. Sala and Latreille discuss recent changes to the Quebec mining taxation regime, their impact on the ability of mining companies operating in Quebec to attract capital to finance their projects and developments to watch for in the near future.To read this article, click here.

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  890. Lavery supports Pro Bono Québec in its first benefit event designed to promote access to justice

    Lavery is pleased to support Pro Bono Québec in its first fundraising event that is designed to improve access to justice and will take place on March 19, 2014 at the Robin des Bois Restaurant at 6:00 p.m.Participants will take part in a silent auction where they will have the opportunity to acquire grands crus.To know more about the fundraising event, to reserve tickets or make a donation, click here (French only).

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  891. The former Premier of Quebec, Pierre Marc Johnson, joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, G.O.Q., FRSC, has joined the firm as counsel.A lawyer and physician, Mr. Johnson is recognized for his expertise in the areas of international trade negotiations, environmental law and health law. Since 2009, he has acted as chief negotiator for the Government of Quebec in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. He also acted as personal representative of former Quebec Premier, Jean Charest, before the Chinese authorities in connection with the mission of the Council of the Federation to the People’s Republic of China in November 2008.Mr. Johnson is a highly sought-after legal advisor to governments, business corporations and many institutions including the United Nations, as well as a speaker and former McGill University law professor. He has also published numerous articles and books that discuss issues such as the environment, international governance and globalization. Mr. Johnson sits on the boards of directors of several corporations and organizations. He has been the recipient of many awards during his distinguished career, including the Grand Croix of the Ordre de la Pléiade and Grand Officer of the Ordre national du Québec."Lavery is honoured to welcome Pierre Marc Johnson, a remarkable lawyer whose impressive achievements speak for themselves. Mr. Johnson’s international expertise is widely acknowledged in Quebec, throughout Canada and around the world. Our firm will greatly benefit from his experience with international transactions", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  892. Michel Servant of Lavery invited to chair the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2014 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal

    Mr. Michel Servant, a Business Law partner at Lavery, will be the Chairman of the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2014 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal. This competition recognizes the professional success of HEC graduates, aged 35 and under, in four different categories: Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals. The award winners are selected by a jury of experienced business people.This event will take place as a Gala Evening on Thursday, May 15, 2014, at the Montréal Science Centre. 2014 will mark the 29th anniversary of the Prix Relève d’Excellence and Mr. Charles Guay, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada will act as Honorary Chairman. Standard Life provides long-term savings, investment and insurance solutions to more than 1.4 million Canadians.HEC Montréal is a university business school whose reputation as a leader in teaching and research is recognized in Quebec, Canada, and around the world.

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  893. Lavery strengthens its position in the legal services market

    The firm welcomes 31 lawyers from the Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières offices of Heenan BlaikieLavery is pleased to announce that the Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières teams of Heenan Blaikie will join the firm on March 1, 2014: 31 lawyers, two notaries and about 30 employees. This announcement comes after 13 lawyers and 12 staff members from the Montreal office of Heenan Blaikie joined Lavery. The firm thus welcomes a total of 85 people.This is aligned with the firm’s strategic plan that provides for the reinforcement of Lavery’s position as a leader in the business community in Quebec and elsewhere.These seasoned lawyers, who bring to Lavery decades of legal experience, will help the firm deepen its bench strength and enhance its service offering to clients in key areas of practice, particularly business law, labour and employment law, and litigation. Being present in the Eastern Townships and the Mauricie will also give Lavery the opportunity to maximize services provided to its clients located in these two regions."Early on we found common ground with our colleagues at Lavery: shared values and corporate culture, a similar pool of expertise and a determination to provide unparalleled service to our clients", said Sylvain Provencher, head of the Sherbrooke office.The head of the Trois-Rivières office, Jean Boulet, pointed out: "We decided to join Lavery because this well-established firm will increase its regional market reach in Quebec and enable our office to widen the range of services already provided to regional clients.""With the integration of the Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières offices of Heenan Blaikie to the Lavery network, our firm successfully stepped up its presence in accordance with its strategic goals. At Lavery, we consider it a privilege to welcome lawyers whose recognized experience and enviable reputation are definite assets to the firm as well as a dedicated staff renowned for its competence and professionalism. Today more than ever, Lavery has become the go-to law firm for companies doing business in Quebec", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  894. Katia Opalka of Lavery, speaker at a Canadian Bar Association webinar

    Katia Opalka, an environmental and aboriginal law partner at Lavery, delivered a presentation on the Quebec legislative framework for water during a recent webinar entitled “Regional Approaches to Water Across Canada” organized by the National Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association.

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  895. The Quebec Bar 2014 National Symposium on Class Actions – Jean Saint-Onge interviewed by the Journal Barreau

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, was interviewed by the Journal Barreau in connection with the 11th edition of the National Symposium on Class Actions that will be held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on March 20-21, 2014.According to Mr. Saint-Onge, the symposium has become a must-attend event that yearly draws dozens of speakers from Quebec, Canada and the United States who are discussing the most recent case law and trends with regards to class actions. Mr. Saint-Onge believes that class actions have become increasingly popular partly because they allow greater access to justice at a more affordable cost.To read this interview (in French, page 31), click here.

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  896. Lavery represents Industrial Alliance in the redemption of its series C preferred shares in the aggregate amount of $100 million

    On December 31, 2013, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. redeemed all of its Non-Cumulative 5 Year Rate Reset Class A Preferred Shares Series C (the “Series C Preferred Shares”) then outstanding for an aggregate amount of $100 million. The Series C Preferred Shares were redeemed in accordance with the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Series C Preferred Shares and were delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange on December 31, 2013. Industrial Alliance was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Maxime Bergeron (corporate and securities). Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company with operations in all regions of Canada as well as in the United States.

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  897. Lavery welcomes thirteen new lawyers to its Montreal office

    Lavery is pleased to announce that thirteen new lawyers, who are practising in health law, labour law and litigation, have joined its Montreal office: six partners, one counsel and six associates. The new partners are as follows:Magali Cournoyer-Proulx practises in the areas of labour and employment law, and health law. She is recognized for her expertise in matters relating to the individual contract of employment and all legal questions concerning health institutions. She also advises various professional orders, syndics, organizations and associations in regulatory, disciplinary and ethical matters, and with respect to professional liability. Norman A. Dionne practises in the area of labour and employment law. He has long-standing experience in union certifications, the negotiation of collective agreements, the management of labour conflicts and grievance arbitrations. He is often called upon to act in cases involving employment disputes. Véronique Iezzoni focuses her practice on civil litigation. She has solid experience in matters regarding civil and professional liability, in particular relating to health and social services centres including the liability of the nursing staff and medical residents. Simon Gagné focuses his practice on both health and labour law, including grievance arbitrations, labour standards and the interpretation of collective agreements. He also offers a broad range of health law services to institutional and corporate clients. Sylvain Poirier, LL.M., heads Lavery’s Health Law team. For more than 25 years, he has been practising in health law and labour law. Mr. Poirier is a founding member of the Société de médecine et de droit du Québec. He was also a lecturer for the Université de Sherbrooke’s Master’s program in Health Law. Mr. Poirier is recognized as a leading practitioner in the area of Health Care Law in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada. Best Lawyers also named him 2014 Montreal Lawyer of the Year in Health Care Law. Philippe Tremblay specializes in commercial litigation. He has led numerous complex files giving rise to a number of construction law remedies and has acted in various public-private partnership (PPP) construction files. Patrick A. Molinari, FRSC, is counsel. He brings to his health law and regulatory practice the experience of an exceptional career in academia. A professor at the Faculty of Law of the Université de Montréal from 1977 to 2010, he headed the Centre de recherche en droit public (Public Law Research Centre). He also acted as Associate Dean and then Dean of the Faculty as well as Provost, Administration and Finance of the Université de Montréal. In addition, Mr. Molinari was Chairman of the Board of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal from 2004 to 2012. The new associates are as follows: Amélie Bélisle practises in the area of labour and employment law. She advises and represents small, medium and large private and public sector clients in all aspects of their labour and employment needs. She also acts as a legal advisor for her clients, representing them before various administrative and civil tribunals. Laurence Bich-Carrière focuses her practice on all aspects of civil and commercial litigation. She is also the author of several articles, including in the areas of intellectual property and constitutional law. Rhonda Grintuch focuses her practice on all aspects of health law as well as labour and employment law. She has also developed expertise with regards to the ethical, legal and social implications of pharmacogenomics research. Jérôme Laflamme practises in the area of labour and employment law. He handles every aspect of the employment relationship, including the interpretation of collective agreements, grievance arbitration matters, labour relations, labour standards and employment litigation. Mélanie Sauriol practises in the areas of labour and employment law, and health law. Her practice includes handling matters pertaining to grievance arbitration, labour standards, privacy law and human rights. She regularly advises health and social services institutions on administrative issues related to their organization and management. Charles Olivier Thibeault, M.Sc. (Health Services Management), practises in the area of health law. He assists institutions and organizations in Quebec’s health and social services sector with various legal issues. "We are very pleased to welcome these new lawyers. Their combined experience and expertise will help maximize our service offer in certain practice areas to reflect our clients’ needs and our growth objectives", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  898. Bernard Larocque and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin of Lavery, speakers at the 2013 Annual Review of Insurance Law

    Mr. Bernard Larocque and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, Litigation lawyers at Lavery, acted as speakers at the 2013 Annual Review of Insurance Law that was held in Montreal on February 12, 2014.Organized by the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association (CICMA), this event drew many insurance professionals who wanted to learn more about the case law and trends that had an impact on the industry in 2013.

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  899. Valérie Boucher and Diana Darilus of Lavery, speakers at an event of the Association de planification fiscale et financière

    Ms. Valérie Boucher and Ms. Diana Darilus, lawyers in Lavery’s Business Law Group, acted as speakers on February 12, 2014 for the event La Relève presented by the Association de planification fiscale et financière (APFF).In their conference, entitled “Trusts and the 21-Year Rule: Impact and Measures” (À l’approche de la 21e année de la fiducie : impact et mesures à prendre »), Ms. Boucher and Ms. Darilus analyzed the tax and legal considerations that can be helpful in implementing a strategy aimed at reducing the tax impact following a trust’s 21-year anniversary.

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  900. Lavery represents Héroux-Devtek Inc. in connection with the acquisition of British landing gear company APPH

    Lavery is pleased to announce that it acted as the legal advisor to Héroux-Devtek Inc. (hereinafter "Héroux-Devtek"), a leading Canadian manufacturer of aerospace products, in connection with its acquisition of the entire share capital of U.K.-based APPH Limited and U.S.-based APPH Wichita, Inc. (collectively "APPH"), subsidiaries of BBA Aviation plc (LES: BBA). APPH is an integrated supplier of landing gear and hydraulic systems and assemblies for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket applications.The transactional team at Lavery was led by Jean-Sébastien Desroches (mergers and acquisitions) and included Josianne Beaudry (securities) and Raphaël Bacal (mergers and acquisitions). Lavery's financing team was led by François Renaud (financing) and included Étienne Brassard (financing).In this transaction, Héroux-Devtek acquired four plants located in the United Kingdom and one plant in Wichita, Kansas. These plants have a combined workforce of approximately 400 employees, including a design engineering department staffed with 40 professionals. The purchase price, net of about US$4 million of cash acquired, is approximately US$124 million. The transaction was financed with Héroux-Devtek's available cash and existing credit facilities."Lavery is pleased to have been an active participant in this major international transaction in the aerospace sector. This transaction is an eloquent indicator of the firm's advanced expertise in the area of mergers and acquisitions, and once again demonstrates our team's ability to support our clients as they expand into international markets", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  901. Dominique Bélisle of Lavery, panelist at the Corporate State: Québec Summit

    Ms. Dominique Bélisle, a Business Law partner at Lavery, was a panelist during the Corporate State: Québec Summit that was held on January 28, 2014 and drew around a 100 business women holding senior executive positions.Sponsored by Lavery and organized by Bedlam Productions Inc. in alliance with the Association of Québec Women in Finance, this event gave participants the opportunity to discuss four cutting-edge business trends that could have an impact on how business is conducted, such as new leadership paradigms, the reinvention of social conscience, changes in the retail business and the growth of fab labs, or how to do about anything on your 3D Printer, the latter representing a new form of collaborative digital creation and production using digital control machines which will revolutionize the manufacturing industry.

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  902. Bernard Larocque and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin of Lavery, speakers at the 2013 Conference Jean-Bélanger on damage insurance

    Mr. Bernard Larocque and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, Litigation lawyers at Lavery, recently acted as speakers at the Canadian Bar Association, Québec Branch (CBA Québec) Annual Review of Insurance Law which drew many insurance professionals.This event was renamed Conference Jean-Bélanger in honour of a renowned lawyer at Lavery who passed away in 2013. Mr. Jean Bélanger is considered a pioneer in insurance law. For several decades, he contributed to the growth of this legal area of practice.For more information about the Conference Jean-Bélanger (in French), click here.

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  903. Louis Charette of Lavery appointed on the Defense Research Institute International Committee

    Mr. Louis Charette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was appointed “Canada Country Chair” of the Defense Research Institute (DRI) International Committee. The DRI is the world’s largest organization of attorneys defending the interests of businesses and individuals in civil litigation cases.The DRI International Committee is a forum that brings together international clients and their in-house and outside counsel to discuss relevant substantive, regulatory and procedural issues.

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  904. Chloé Fauchon joins Lavery as an associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Chloé Fauchon has joined the firm as an associate on January 20, 2014. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2014 and a former articling student with the firm in 2013, Ms. Fauchon will practise in the firm’s Administrative Law Group.Recipient of many awards for academic excellence, Ms. Fauchon took part in the prestigious pan-Canadian Laskin moot court competition in administrative and constitutional law for which her team won the first place Jeremy Oliver Prize. While at law school, she also did a legal internship with the department of legal affairs at the Quebec Ministry of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women as well as the Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sports.

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  905. Katia Opalka of Lavery, to moderate panel at McGill Arctic law colloquium

    Katia Opalka, a partner at Lavery who practices in the areas of environmental and aboriginal law, will moderate a panel at an Arctic law colloquium entitled “Offshore Resources & International Governance” to be held at the Faculty of Law of McGill University on Saturday, January 25, 2014.This event will bring together renowned practitioners and academics who will discuss issues such as Canadian Arctic sovereignty, rights of passage and jurisdiction over natural resources.Ms. Opalka will moderate a panel on offshore resources.For more information about the Colloquium, click here.

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  906. René Branchaud of Lavery appointed director of NovX21

    Mr. René Branchaud, a Business Law partner at Lavery, was recently appointed a director on the Board of Directors of NovX21, previously Pro-Or, following the corporation’s Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders.NovX21 is a mining corporation located in Quebec that successfully uses a new patented chlorination technology to quickly and ecologically recover precious metals (ex.: gold, nickel, copper) from recycled materials.

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  907. Lavery involved in Lexpert’s Top 10 Cases for 2013

    Lavery appears in Lexpert’s Top 10 Cases list for 2013 that was published in the magazine’s January 2014 issue. In Federation of Law Societies v. Canada (Attorney General), Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad. E., and Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff, Administrative Law partners at the firm, represented the Barreau du Québec and the Chambre des notaires before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of British Columbia in a complex litigation pertaining to the constitutionality of specific provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering)and Terrorist Financing Act that came into force on November 8, 2001.In this case, the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, supported by other petitioners, which include the Barreau du Québec and the Chambre des notaires du Québec, argued that lawyers should be exempted from provisions which, among other things, infringed on the attorney-client privilege, the duty of loyalty to each client and the independence of the Bar. This case is currently before the Supreme Court of Canada.For more information on this case, click here to consult the attached document.

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  908. Bernard Larocque and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin of Lavery, speakers at the 2013 Annual Review of Insurance Law

    Mr. Bernard Larocque and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, Litigation partner and associate at Lavery, respectively, acted as speakers at a training seminar focused on the 2013 Annual Review of Insurance Law. This event took place at the Lavery Conference Centre on January 14-15, 2014.This event drew more than 80 insurance professionals. It is worth mentioning that the Annual Review of Insurance Law will from now on be organized in honour of Mr. Jean Bélanger. This renowned lawyer at Lavery, who passed away in 2013, is considered a pioneer in insurance law. For several decades, he contributed to the growth of this legal area of practice.From left to right: Mr. Bernard Larocque and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin

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  909. Denis Michaud appointed Vice-President of the Commission municipale du Québec

    Mr. Denis Michaud, who practised in the area of municipal law at Lavery, de Billy from 2006 to 2014, was appointed member and Vice-President of the Commission municipale du Québec on January 6, 2014.Mr. Michaud has more than 20 years of expertise in the municipal sector, including as a private practice lawyer and as City Manager and Clerk of the City of Beauharnois. He has taught municipal law and urban law at the Université Laval Faculty of Law as well as environmental law at the Centre universitaire de formation en environnement et développement durable of the Université de Sherbrooke.The appointment of Mr. Michaud is one of many for Lavery Alumni. For more information, consult the page Lavery Graduates Make Their Mark.

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  910. Emmanuel Sala, a lawyer specializing in Tax law, joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Emmanuel Sala has joined the firm as a Business Law partner.Mr. Sala’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations and financing transactions on behalf of Canadian and foreign corporations that are involved in various sectors, particularly renewable energy and natural resources. Mr. Sala is also very active in tax dispute resolution and voluntary disclosures.Emmanuel Sala holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from HEC Montréal and is a member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec. He advises his clients on various issues of interest and currently acts as a lecturer with regards to the master of laws (taxation option) program jointly sponsored by HEC Montréal and the Faculty of Law of the Université de Montréal. A highly sought-after speaker, Mr. Sala has also written many articles that were published in several magazines, including the Mining Journal, The Northern Miner and Global Business Reports."Lavery is very pleased to welcome Emmanuel Sala in our firm’s Business Law Group. Emmanuel brings to Lavery a solid and wide-ranging experience that will reinforce our business law expertise for the benefit of our clients", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  911. Opération Père Noël at Lavery: A successful initiative

    The Opération Père Noël 2013 at Lavery was a successful initiative. Thanks to the generosity of Lavery employees, more than 80 children from disadvantaged families and orphans will receive a gift during the Holidays.Chaired by Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a Litigation associate at Lavery, this yearly activity was organized by a dedicated team comprising Ms. Michèle Gamache, a Business Law associate at Lavery, Ms. Marie-Ève Gauthier, Ms. Line Grandmaison, Ms. Chantal Verreault as well as Ms. Marie-Claude Galarneau and her son, Julien.This initiative shows the extent of Lavery’s community involvement which is also expressed through pro bono activities or the Centraide Campaign. Established in 1995, Opération Père Noël is a non-profit organization that allows children to experience the magic of Christmas on December 25 by receiving the gift they wanted. Opération Père Noël acknowledges Lavery’s sustained community presence since the firm is a “corporate contributor” of this organization.

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  912. Jean Saint-Onge recognized as a leading US-Canada cross-border lawyer in the area of class actions

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, was named a leading cross-border lawyer in the area of class actions in the 2013 edition of the directory Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-border Litigation Lawyers in Canada. Mr. Saint-Onge has been involved in numerous precedent-setting cases and has represented major corporations in multijurisdictional and cross border class actions, more particularly in the areas of competition law and consumer law.He is listed among the leading practitioners in the fields of Class Actions, Litigation - Commercial Insurance and Litigation - Product Liability in The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2013. The expertise of Mr. Saint-Onge is also recognized in the category Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) Canada in the 2013 edition of the prestigious legal directory Chambers Global as well as in the 2014 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada in the area of class actions.

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  913. Brittany Carson and Raphaël Bacal join Lavery as associates

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Brittany Carson and Mr. Raphaël Bacal recently joined the firm as associates after completing their articles with Lavery. A graduate of McGill University in political science and law, Ms. Carson will be practising in the Labour and Employment Law Group.A graduate of McGill University’s Faculty of Law, Mr. Bacal will be practising in the Business Law Group, particularly in the areas of business transactions and securities law.

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  914. Josiane L’Heureux and Valérie Korozs of Lavery, speakers at the Conférence sur le congédiement au Québec

    Ms. Josiane L’Heureux, a Labour and Employment Law partner at Lavery, and Ms. Valérie Korozs, a Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery, acted as conference speakers at the 4th edition of the Conférence sur le congédiement au Québec that took place in Montreal on December 9-10, 2013.Entitled “Contrat d’emploi ou contrat de services ? Tout ce qu’un employeur devrait savoir”, the conference of Ms. L’Heureux focused on the differences between a contract of employment and a service contract, the applicable case law and the process of entering into a contract. In her conference, entitled “Le congédiement déguisé : développements récents et considérations pratiques”, Ms. Korozs examined various issues such as the recent case law with respect to constructive dismissal, an employee’s right to give a notice of modification and an employee’s right to keep his/her job by invoking constructive dismissal.

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  915. Daniel Bouchard of Lavery, speaker on Quebec’s housing stock management at the 2013 UDI/SMI Conference

    On December 3, 2013, Mr. Daniel Bouchard, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City office, gave a presentation entitled “Ce que tout gestionnaire d’immeuble doit savoir aujourd’hui … en plus de tout le reste !” at a conference jointly organized by the Urban Development Institute of Québec and the S.M. Group International Inc. under the theme “La nouvelle législation quant à la sécurité et la vétusté des bâtiments”.The presentation of Mr. Bouchard focused on the management of Quebec’s housing stock following the coming into force of new regulations pertaining to façades, multistorey garages, building safety and water cooling towers. Mr. Bouchard also made reference to Bill 49 that was introduced recently in the National Assembly and includes provisions that will impose additional obligations upon building owners with respect to housing stock management. Mr Bouchard discussed these various issues from a municipal standpoint, particularly by mentioning the growing role that municipalities will play over the coming years with regards to building safety.

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  916. Véronique Morin of Lavery leads a webinar on last chance agreements in the workplace

    On December 5, 2013, Ms. Véronique Morin, CIRC, a Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery, led a webinar focused on last chance agreements in the workplace, as part of the professional development activities organized by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés (CRHA).During this webinar, which was intended for human resources management professionals, Ms. Morin discussed various issues of interest, such as the negotiation and content of a last chance agreement, the administrative and disciplinary sanctions related to last chance agreements as well as the recent case law in that regard.For more information about the webinar (in French), click here.

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  917. Jean-Simon Deschênes of Lavery appointed Bid Director for Quebec City’s bid as host city of 2016 JCI World Congress

    Mr. Jean-Simon Deschênes, a Business Law partner at Lavery, was recently appointed Bid Director for Quebec City’s bid as host city of the 2016 Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress. As such, he will be leading the Organizing Committee that will officially submit Quebec City’s candidacy to host the 2016 JCI World Congress.If Quebec City were to win the bid, more than 3,500 young leaders from about 150 member countries would gather in the Capital during this congress. The mission of JCI is to represent the interests of young businesspeople by promoting entrepreneurship, leadership, management and training.

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  918. Guillaume Lavoie of Lavery gives a one-day training session to the laureates of the Fondation Montréal inc.

    Mr. Guillaume Lavoie, a Business Law associate at Lavery, gave a one-day training session to the laureates of the Fondation Montréal inc. on November 28, 2013. Entitled “The respective duties of business partners and investors”, Mr. Lavoie’s training workshop focused mainly on the duties of the officers, shareholders and directors of a corporation as well as on the level of involvement and the different investment products that can be offered to a potential investor.As part of such training, Mr. Robert Brouillette, President of Anges Québec, was invited by Mr. Lavoie to share with the participants his different experiences as an investor.The Fondation Montréal inc.’s mission is to facilitate the start-up of new businesses in Montreal, promote Montreal’s economic development and provide young business people with professional advice offered by business volunteers. This organization offers among other things training sessions in the form of practical workshops that allow the laureates of the Fondation to acquire knowledge and develop skills alongside other entrepreneurs experiencing the same challenges.

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  919. Lavery’s expertise in mining law is recognized in a special issue of the Engineering and Mining Journal

    Ms. Katia Opalka, Mr. René Branchaud and Mr. Sébastien Vézina, partners at Lavery, are mentioned for their mining law expertise in the November 2013 special issue of the Engineering and Mining Journal, which is entitled “Mining in Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador”. The E & MJ is an international publication with two-thirds of subscribers working for multinational mining companies in more than 120 countries.In an article entitled “Mine (pronoun)”, Ms. Opalka examines a few provisions contained in Bill 43, which proposed a new Mining Act for Quebec and was voted down by the Official Opposition at the National Assembly on October 30, 2013. The provisions included extending environmental requirements, consulting the public with regards to mining projects and filing ore processing feasibility studies to enter into a mining lease.On this latter issue, Mr. Branchaud points out that the obligation for mining firms to conduct feasibility studies for the transformation of minerals would prove unnecessarily costly for mining corporations. Mr. Vézina mentions that Lavery is seeing the rise of market practices wherein some assets, which might have been core assets a couple of months ago, are monetized in order to get additional liquidities.To consult this special issue, click here.

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  920. Four Lavery partners featured in Who’s Who Legal 100 2013 issue

    In its 2013 issue, the renowned legal directory Who’s Who Legal 100 has acknowledged the expertise of four Lavery partners in their respective areas of practice: Mr. Pierre-L. Baribeau – Management Labour and Employment Mr. Yvan Biron – Environment Mr. René Branchaud – Mining Mr. Ian Rose – Insurance & ReinsuranceSince 1996 Who's Who Legal has identified the foremost legal practitioners in 34 areas of practice. Drawing on an independent and thorough research that includes thousands of hours of interviews with leading lawyers and their clients, this publication features about 16,000 of the world’s leading private practice lawyers in over 100 countries, including Canada.For more information, click here.

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  921. Evelyne Verrier of Lavery takes part in the 2013 Insurance and Investment Convention

    Ms. Evelyne Verrier, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was a panelist at the 2013 Insurance and Investment Convention that was held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on November 27, 2013. As partner of this event organized by The Insurance and Investment Journal and that drew more than 500 participants, Lavery enjoyed broad exposure among the different players from the industry. Moreover, the firm was well represented with the participation of Jean Martel, Ad. E., Marc Beauchemin, Josianne Beaudry, Mary Delli Quadri and Leïla Yacoubi.The panel discussion that included Ms. Verrier, “Battle Royale of advisors vs. compliance: fact or fiction?”, was well attended. More than 150 people showed up to hear the panelists address a host of issues, such as the most frequent violations committed by advisors, designing a guide to good practices intended for clients and the best way to boost sales in full compliance with regulations.

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  922. Jean Saint-Onge recognized as leading litigation lawyer by Lexpert

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, was recognized among “Canada’s leading litigation lawyers” in the Lexpert special supplement that was included in the November 29, 2013 issue of The Globe and Mail.Mr. Saint-Onge’s expertise as a leading litigation lawyer was acknowledged particularly in the areas of class actions and product liability. He is also listed in other Lexpert publications, such as The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory and the Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada, as well as in Chambers Global and Best Lawyers in Canada.

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  923. Éric Gélinas of Lavery, author of an article on the rules pertaining to “market-to-market property”

    Mr. Éric Gélinas, a legal counsel practising in Lavery’s Business Law Group, is the author of an article entitled “Règles sur les "biens évalués à la valeur du marché" détenus par les institutions financières : Comment s’y retrouver”, which was published in Vol. 33, nº 4 of the Revue de planification fiscale et financière, a publication of the Association de planification fiscale et financière.In this paper, Mr. Gélinas reviews the specific tax rules set out in sections 142.2 to 142.6 of the Income Tax Act that pertain to “market-to-market property” held by financial institutions. The author also addresses the various exceptions under the Act which are applicable to certain financial institutions or to certain property held by financial institutions.

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  924. Luc Thibaudeau launches a book on consumer law in Quebec

    Mr. Luc Thibaudeau, a Litigation partner at Lavery, has authored the Guide pratique de la société de consommation, which was officially released at the Lavery Conference on November 26, 2013 in the presence of more than 100 guests.The book was published by Éditions Yvon Blais, a division of Thomson Reuters. All royalties from the books sold in 2013 will be donated by Mr. Thibaudeau to the Alzheimer Society of Montreal.In this work, Luc Thibaudeau analyzes the Quebec Consumer Protection Act, which governs the relationships entered into between a consumer and a merchant. Written in the context of the consumer society in which we all live, the book reviews the consumer protection mechanisms that are included in the act and the extent of that protection. Mr. Thibaudeau has successfully captured the duties and obligations of both the consumer and the merchant in a global perspective that emphasizes the economic importance of the consumer society.For more information, consult the press release for the event (in French) by clicking here.

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  925. Gérard Coulombe, principal lecturer at a conference focused on the relationships between the Director, Legal Services and the board of directors

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, acted as principal lecturer during a two-day conference focused on “The relationships between the Legal Services Department and the board of directors”. Organized by Federated Press, this event, which was held in Montreal on November 21-22, 2013, was designed for the Directors, Legal Services and Corporate Secretaries who wish to improve corporate governance.During this conference, Mr. Coulombe chaired a session that dealt with the challenges related to shareholder activism, including the different types of activist shareholders, executive compensation, the election of directors and shareholder proposals.To consult the Conference Program (in French), click here.

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  926. Leïla Yacoubi joins Lavery as an associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Leïla Yacoubi has recently joined the firm as an associate. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2013, Ms. Yacoubi has worked at the firm from 2010 to 2013 as a summer student and as an articling student. She will practise within the firm’s Business Law Group, particularly in the areas of securities law as well as the distribution of financial products and services.Along with her relevant expertise with respect to Canada’s financial system and mutual fund monitoring, Ms. Yacoubi is also coauthor of the volume “Structure du système financier canadien” (The Structure of Canada’s Financial System), which was published in the Jurisclasseur Québec encyclopedia at LexisNexis Canada.

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  927. Carl Lessard and Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur of Lavery, speakers on workplace absenteeism

    Mr. Carl Lessard and Ms. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, Labour and Employment Law partner and associate at Lavery, respectively, acted as speakers at a Labour and Employment Law breakfast conference that was held at the Lavery Conference Centre on November 13, 2013.This event, which focused on workplace absenteeism, drew about 50 people from various sectors, particularly the insurance industry. Mr. Lessard and Ms. Jolicoeur discussed several issues, such as the duties of the employer and insurer with regards to long-term absenteeism as well as the medical certificates required in these circumstances.

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  928. Evelyne Verrier of Lavery, panelist at the 2013 Insurance and Investment Convention

    Ms. Evelyne Verrier, a Litigation partner at Lavery, will be a panelist at the 2013 Insurance and Investment Convention that will be held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on November 27. Lavery is a partner of this event, which is organized by The Insurance and Investment Journal and will draw the different players from the industry.More precisely, Ms. Verrier will act as a panelist along with Ms. Marie-Élaine Farley, Vice-President, Legal and Corporate Affairs at the Chambre de la sécurité financière, and Mr. Michel Kirouac, Vice-President General Manager of Groupe Cloutier. Moderated by Mr. Alain Thériault, Director, Life Insurance and Investment at The Insurance and Investment Journal, the panel is entitled “Battle Royale of advisors vs. compliance: fact or fiction?” The panelists will address a host of relevant issues, such as the most frequent violations committed by advisors, designing a guide to good practices intended for clients and the best way to boost sales in full compliance with regulations.

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  929. Marie-Claude Cantin of Lavery, speaker on building safety

    Ms. Marie-Claude Cantin, a Litigation partner at Lavery, acted as speaker during the 2013 Conference, which took place on November 12 and focused on the modifications to the Safety Code. Organized by LVM, a large Canadian-based soil, materials and environmental engineering consulting group, this event drew more than 170 people, particularly building professionals, experts, owners and managers.During the conference, Ms. Cantin gave participants an overview of the new building provisions. She also discussed the responsibilities of the owners with regards to building façades, multi-storey garages and water-cooling towers as well as the penal sanctions set forth in the Building Act.To consult the Conference Program (in French) click here.

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  930. Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completes $250 million floating rate unsecured debentures financing

    On October 10, 2013, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed the offering of its Series 5 floating rate senior unsecured debentures due October 9, 2015 in the principal amount of $250 million. Cominar intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay amounts outstanding under its credit facility and for general trust purposes. The debentures were sold by a syndicate of agents co-led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of agents was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Maxime Bergeron (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and currently remains the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Quebec.

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  931. Gérard Coulombe of Lavery, panelist during an event organized by the Institute for Governance of Private and Public Organizations

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, acted as a panelist on November 13, 2013 during an event organized by the Young Directors of the Institute for Governance of Private and Public Organizations (YDIGPPO) with regards to its Incubator Training Program for Young Directors.The panel, entitled “The director’s duties and challenges”, drew more than 40 young directors enrolled in the Program. The two guest panelists, Mr. Coulombe and Ms. Paulanne Jushkevich, President and CEO of the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, shared their views on the duties of a corporate director (for-profit or non-profit organization) as well as their respective professional experiences.

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  932. Luc Thibaudeau of Lavery, speaker at the Seminar of the Fondation Claude Masse

    Mr. Luc Thibaudeau, a Litigation partner at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “L’application de la Loi sur la protection du consommateur au domaine immobilier”, that took place on November 7, 2013 during the Seminar of the Fondation Claude Masse under the theme Protecting the real estate consumer. Acknowledging that the housing sector accounts for 15% of all complaints filed with the Office de la protection du consommateur yearly, the conference speakers discussed the legal protections granted to real estate consumers and the extent of those protections.Established to recognize the exceptional contribution of a great legal scholar to consumer law, the mission of the Fondation Claude Masse is to support research, promote education and improve the administration of justice with regards to consumer protection.For more information about the Seminar (in French), click here. The Collected Papers of the Seminar will be published during the upcoming months.

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  933. Auguste Masson, a lawyer specializing in Business Law, joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Auguste Masson has joined the firm as a Business Law partner.Called to the Quebec Bar in 1984, Mr. Masson has been practising for more than 25 years in commercial and corporate law. He advises and represents a diversified client base that includes manufacturers of automotive and airplane parts, producers and distributors of pharmaceuticals as well as companies involved in food processing, collecting and processing recyclable materials, motion picture production, textiles, paint and furniture, and mining drilling.Over the years, he has assisted companies at all stages of their development, from their financing endeavours with venture capitalists and institutional investors through to mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations as well as the creation of a number of joint ventures. Mr. Masson has advised a vast array of business clients in implementing a wide range of projects in Canada and worldwide, such as strategic acquisitions,the creation of investment funds, commercial real estate development and asset protection for business owners."Lavery is delighted to welcome Auguste Masson. He enjoys an enviable reputation that extends to many aspects of business law. Our firm and our clients will greatly benefit from Auguste’s comprehensive knowledge of the corporate world and his management expertise", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  934. Louis Charette and Guillaume Lavoie of Lavery recognized for their volunteer work on behalf of the Fondation Montréal inc.

    Mr. Louis Charette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, and Mr. Guillaume Lavoie, a Business Law associate at Lavery, were recognized for their volunteer work on behalf of the Fondation Montréal inc. during a ceremony of presentation for the latest business award recipients that was held recently at Montreal City Hall. The Fondation Montréal inc.’s mission is to facilitate the start-up of new businesses in Montreal, provide young business people with professional advice offered by business volunteers and promote Montreal’s economic development. From left to right: Mr. Guillaume Lavoie, Business Law associate at Lavery, and Mr. Pierre LeBlanc, Head Volunteer at the Fondation Montréal inc.

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  935. Darina Bashilova of Lavery, author of an article in Premières en affaires magazine

    Ms. Darina Bashilova, a Business Law associate at Lavery, wrote an article entitled “Cautionnements et pièges à éviter lors du renouvellement ou de l’amendement d’un prêt” (Guarantees and pitfalls to avoid when renewing or amending a loan) in Premières en affaires magazine.Ms. Bashilova’s article focuses on the tacit termination of the guarantee that could happen when the obligations of the principal debtor are modified.The article (in French) is available by clicking here.

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  936. Michel Blouin and René Branchaud of Lavery recognized as mining law leaders in Lexpert Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining

    Mr. Michel Blouin and Mr. René Branchaud, Business Law partners at Lavery, have been recognized as mining law leaders in Leading Canadian Lawyers in Global Mining, a new Lexpert publication released in November 2013. This prestigious recognition is the result of extensive peer surveys conducted not only in Canada but also worldwide. The expertise of Mr. Blouin and Mr. Branchaud in the area of mining law is therefore recognized internationally. To consult this Lexpert publication (particularly pp. 8 and 10), click here.

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  937. Marie Cossette of Lavery at RDI to comment on the Quebec municipal elections

    Ms. Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, was a guest commentator on the Réseau de l’information (RDI) special evening coverage on the Quebec municipal elections that was broadcasted on November 3, 2013. RDI invited a few renowned individuals to comment on election results, including Ms. Cossette who was chosen because of her expertise in the areas of integrity and ethics.On November 4, Ms. Cossette was also invited to a morning edition of the téléjournal RDI to give her opinion on certain issues raised by the election results of the previous evening, such as the poor global voter turnout at those municipal elections. To view this excerpt of the téléjournal RDI (in French), click here.

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  938. Josiane L’Heureux and Zeïneb Mellouli of Lavery present a Lavery Conference on the hiring process

    Ms. Josiane L’Heureux and Ms. Zeïneb Mellouli, a Labour and Employment Law partner and associate at Lavery, respectively, gave a joint Lavery Conference on the hiring process intended mainly for corporate human resources directors and officers.This event, which took place at the Lavery Conference Centre on October 30, 2013 and drew more than 40 people, was a success. Ms. L’Heureux and Ms. Mellouli discussed various issues, such as the analysis of nomination packages, criminal record background checks, credit history checks, relevant provisions of the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, medical exams and the duty to accommodate.

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  939. Marc Beauchemin of Lavery, author of an article in Sécurité financière magazine

    Mr. Marc Beauchemin, a Business Law partner at Lavery, published an article entitled “Intervention de l’Autorité des marchés financiers relativement au problème des clients orphelins en assurance de personnes” (Intervention by the Autorité des marchés financiers with respect to orphan clients under insurance of persons contracts) in the September-October 2013 issue of Sécurité financière magazine, a publication of the Chambre de la sécurité financière.In this article, Mr. Beauchemin analyzes a Notice of the Autorité des marchés financiers intended for representatives and insurers under insurance of persons contracts. The Notice focuses on the obligations of these professionals with respect to clients that can find themselves without any representative and are thus considered orphan clients.To read this article (in French), click here.

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  940. Élisabeth Pinard of Lavery, speaker at a symposium on the rights of the child

    Ms. Élisabeth Pinard, a Family Law, Personal Law and Estate Law partner at Lavery, will give a conference entitled “The right of the child to have a relationship with his grandparents” during the Second Symposium on the Rights of the Child organized by the Éditions Yvon Blais, a Thomson Reuters publication.The conference will take place in Montreal on November 11, 2013 and Quebec City on December 2. More specifically, Ms. Pinard will discuss section 611 of the Civil Code of Québec, which deals with the relationship between the child and his grandparents, as well as the related case law.

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  941. Webinar given by Guy Lemay, Luc Pariseau and Audrey Gibeault of Lavery

    Mr. Guy Lemay, a Labour and Employment law partner at Lavery, as well as his colleagues, Mr. Luc Pariseau and Ms. Audrey Gibeault, Business Law partner and associate, respectively, recently gave a webinar on managing an errors and omissions insurance in the context of taxable benefits and deduction at source.This webinar was presented on the site of Québec Municipal, a web portal that connects together all municipal stakeholders (government departments, municipalities, regional county municipalities, urban communities as well as associations and other municipal entities), enabling them to share information, provide services and execute transactions.

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  942. Benjamin Gross and Étienne Guertin of Lavery, authors of an article in National Insolvency Review magazine

    Mr. Benjamin David Gross and Mr. Étienne Guertin, Business Law partner and associate at Lavery, respectively, are the authors of an article entitled “Sale by Judicial Authority : Conflict of Interest Rules Governing the Designation of the Officer Entrusted with the Sale”, that was published in the October 2013 edition of National Insolvency Review magazine.In this article, Mr. Gross and Mr. Guertin analyze a decision rendered by the Québec Superior Court in 2013. The ruling clarifies the role of the person entrusted with the sale by judicial authority (the “Designated Seller”) as an officer of the court, as well as the extent of the discretion that a court has, in light of the rules pertaining to conflicts of interests, when asked to ratify a hypothecary creditor’s recommendation to appoint a Designated Seller that is an employee of its legal counsel to act in this quality.To read this article*, click here (*Reproduced with permission of the publisher from National Insolvency Review, Vol. 30, No. 5, October 2013).

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  943. Gérard Coulombe of Lavery, panelist at a CBA-Québec conference lunch

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, acted as panelist during a conference lunch, jointly organized by the Québec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, that took place on October 15, 2013 in Montreal.This event was held under the theme “The interactions between the corporate counsel and the board of directors: Legal, operational and political considerations” (Les interactions entre le conseiller juridique et le conseil d’administration : aspects juridiques, opérationnels et politiques). This activity was the first of a series of six panels that will discuss issues of interest for corporate counsel, including the interactions with the board of directors, crisis management, internal inquiries, conflicts of interest and performance indicators.

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  944. 2013 Lavery Private Discussion Event of the Distribution of financial products and services Group: A successful conference!

    The 2013 Lavery Private Discussion Event organized by the Distribution of financial products and services Group was a success. More than 50 financial institutions professionals gathered in the Lavery Conference Centre on October 16, 2013 to take part in this conference entitled “Class actions and complex litigation for financial institutions”.Three renowned panelists took part in this event: Ms. Kathleen Rhéaume, Senior Legal Advisor, National Bank of Canada; Mr. François Reneault, Corporate Vice President, Claims, Intact Insurance; and Mr. J. Serge Sasseville, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Institutional Affairs, Québecor Média inc. Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, acted as moderator for the conference. The panelists discussed relevant topics, including some major class actions that took place in Quebec, risk management issues, the conduct of complex litigation and the management of media relations.From left to right: Jean Saint-Onge, J. Serge Sasseville, Kathleen Rhéaume et François Reneault

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  945. 2013 Inductees to the IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame

    On October 3, 2013, the Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) announced the names of the inaugural inductees to the Investment Industry Hall of Fame. Eight businessmen were honoured for their strong contribution to the growth and prosperity of Canada and the wealth of all Canadians.Mr. Jean Martel, a Business Law partner at Lavery, is a member of the inductees’ Selection Committee. Chaired by the former Premier of Manitoba, Gary Filmon, the committee is made up of five distinguished Canadians from diverse professional backgrounds. To know the names of the 2013 inductees, click here.

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  946. Lavery, host of the event Femmes de talent

    Hosted by Lavery, the event Femmes de talent took place at the Lavery Conference Centre on October 8, 2013. Organized jointly by the firm and its business partner, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton (RCGT), this successful event drew more than 60 people who were given the opportunity to hear the guest speaker, Ms. Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice President, Branch Banking and Chair, Quebec Market, TD Bank Group.Ms. Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, acted as MC while Ms. Louise Martel, a partner at RCGT, introduced the guest speaker. Ms. Marchildon’s conference focused on the role of women in business and on TD’s three-pronged view of diversity and inclusion: recruitment, management and development of employees; servicing customers and marketing itself; and community involvement.From left to right: Ms. Marie Cossette, Litigation partner at Lavery; Ms. Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice President, Branch Banking and Chair, Quebec Market, TD Bank Group; and Ms. Louise Martel, partner at RCGT

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  947. Bernard Larocque, speaker and author of an article on the obligation to defend in liability insurance

    Mr. Bernard Larocque, a Litigation partner at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “L’obligation de défendre de l’assureur : quel rôle joue l’avocat ?” (The insurer’s obligation to defend: The lawyer’s duty), which took place on October 4, 2013 during the Seminar on Recent Developments in Insurance Law that was organized by the Barreau du Québec.Mr. Larocque is also the author in co-operation with Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, an associate at Lavery, and with the participation of Ms. Sylvie Demers, a student at Lavery, of an article entitled “Obligation de défendre en assurance de responsabilité : quel rôle joue l’avocat ? ” (The obligation to defend in liability insurance: The lawyer’s duty), in the latest volume Développements récents en assurance published by the Barreau du Québec Continuous Training Program at the Éditions Yvon Blais.

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  948. Martin Bédard joins Lavery as an associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Martin Bédard has recently joined the firm as an associate. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2010, Mr. Bédard will practise in our Business Law Group, particularly in the area of taxation.Mr. Bédard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Université de Montréal and is currently completing a Master’s degree in taxation at HEC Montréal. Before joining Lavery, he practised for two years at an international law firm.

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  949. Lavery creates a new area of legal practice: Corporate and Business Integrity

    Lavery is pleased to announce the creation of a new area of practice, "Corporate and Business Integrity" whose team will be headed by Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at the firm.The Corporate and Business Integrity team is composed of the following partners: Daniel Bouchard Jules Brière, Ad. E. Marie Cossette Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E. Philippe Décary Jean-Simon Deschênes Raymond Doray, Ad. E. Philippe Frère Nicolas Gagnon André Laurin Don McCarty Katia Opalka Raphaël H. Schachter, Q.C., Ad. E. André Vautour The legal services provided by the team include risk management and media relations with respect to contentious disputes, directors’ and officers’ liability, management of reporting and whistle-blowing processes as well as crisis management."Issues related to corporate ethics and social responsibility are both frequent and ever-present. The main objective of our Corporate and Business Integrity area of practice will be to help corporations implement appropriate mechanisms to ensure their business integrity and compliance with applicable laws in Quebec, Canada and abroad", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner.For more information, visit the Corporate and Business Integrity page of Lavery’s website.

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  950. Jean-Philippe Lincourt, speaker on the issue of class actions at the Lavery Conference Lunch

    Mr. Jean-Philippe Lincourt, a Litigation associate at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “Le recours collectif : Guide de survie 2013” during a conference lunch that was held at Lavery’s Conference Centre on October 2. During this event, which drew more than 40 professionals from the insurance industry, Mr. Lincourt discussed various topics of interest, such as class action proceedings, recent case law and the prevention of class actions.   From left to right: Louis Charette, partner at Lavery; Jean-Philippe Lincourt, associate; and Anne Bélanger, partner at Lavery

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  951. Richard Burgos, author of an article on real estate in Lawyers Weekly

    Mr. Richard Burgos, a Business Law partner at Lavery, is the author of an article on real estate entitled “The Quebec due diligence rules of the game”, that was published in the October 4, 2013 edition of the magazine Lawyers Weekly.In this article, Mr. Burgos discusses the issue of due diligence reviews in real estate transactions in Quebec as compared with real estate requirements elsewhere in Canada. To read this article, click here.

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  952. Chantal Joubert and Louis-Martin Dubé, authors of an article on real estate in the 2013-2014 edition of the Corporate Counsel Directory and Yearbook

    Ms. Chantal Joubert and Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé, Business Law partners at Lavery, are the authors of an article that was published in the 2013-2014 edition of the Corporate Counsel Directory and Yearbook, an annual publication produced in partnership with Lexpert. Entitled “Real Estate in Your Daily Practice”, this article demonstrates the importance of real estate issues for corporate counsel.  The text written by Ms. Joubert and Mr. Dubé focuses on various topics of interest, such as the right of first refusal, contractual limitation periods, real guarantee and the letter of intent.To read this article, click here.

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  953. Jules Brière, author of an article in Synergie magazine

    Mr. Jules Brière, Ad. E., a Lavery partner, is the author of an article entitled “Modification du cadre législatif de la recherche” (Improvements to the legislative framework with regards to research) that was published in the August-September 2013 edition of Synergie, a publication of the Association québécoise d’établissements de santé et de services sociaux (AQESSS).Mr. Brière’s article is focused on An Act to amend the Civil Code and other legislative provisions with respect to research, which was assented to on June 14, 2013 and modified certain provisions with respect to research that are included in the Civil Code, and on An Act respecting health services and social services, particularly the complaint examination procedure set forth in article 34 of the Act.To consult this article (in French) click here.

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  954. Gérard Coulombe, new Chairman of the Board of the Canadian International Organ Competition

    Having been recently appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Canadian International Organ Competition (CIOC), Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, participated in a press conference, which was held on September 24 to announce the programming of the Second Annual Festival des grands orgues CIOC that will take place from October 25-27, 2013 in Montreal, under the Honorary Presidency of the Honourable Lucien Bouchard.The press conference was held in the presence of Mr. Gérard Coulombe, the Chairman Emeritus and CIOC Co-Founder, Mr. E. Noël Spinelli, C.M., C.Q., the Artistic Director and Co –Founder of the Competition, Professor John Grew, former Dean and Professor Emeritus of the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, and the CIOC Executive Director, Mr. Thomas Leslie.Mr. Coulombe’s volunteer work for the CIOC demonstrates the extent of Lavery’s involvement in the arts community. It also helps raise the profile of Montreal and enables the music-loving public to discover the best young organists in the world.

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  955. Marie Cossette comments the beginning of the Ménard Commission public hearings

    On September 23, 2013, Ms. Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, appeared on RDI network and Radio-Canada radio to comment the beginning of the public hearings of the Special Commission of Inquiry on the Spring 2012 Events (Ménard Commission), under the chairmanship of former minister, Serge Ménard. She participated to the TV programs Sous la loupe and RDI en direct broadcasted on RDI as well as to the Radio-Canada radio shows Pas de midi sans info and Le 15-18. Ms. Cossette appeared on these TV and radio broadcasts because of her comprehensive knowledge of commissions of inquiry and crisis management expertise.

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  956. Jean-Yves Simard speaks at Canadian Bar Association conference

    On September 20, 2013, Jean-Yves Simard, a litigation partner at Lavery, gave a presentation entitled "2013 Update on Insolvency Law in the Province of Quebec" at the 9th Annual Pan-Canadian Insolvency and Restructuring Law Conference held in Calgary and organized by the Canadian Bar Association.

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  957. Louis Payette and Jean Saint-Onge before the Commissions des institutions of the Québec National Assembly

    Mr. Louis Payette, Ad. E. and Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., Business Law and Litigation partners at Lavery respectively, appeared on September 13, 2013 before the Commission des institutions with regard to the submission of a brief by the Barreau du Québec concerning Bill 28 that intends to reform the Code of Civil Procedure. Led by the President of the Quebec Bar, Ms. Johanne Brodeur, Ad. E., the team also included Mr. Robert-Jean Chénier, Ad. E., Mr. Jocelyn Verdon and Mr. Dominique Trahan.Mr. Payette’s presentation was focused on judicial sales and the enforcement of mortgage debts whereas Mr. Saint-Onge discussed class actions, particularly the delicate issue of multijurisdictional class actions as well as the asymmetrical appeal rule at the authorization stage.The Minister of Justice of Québec, Mr. Bertrand St-Arnaud, thanked the Barreau du Québec for its informative presentation and expressed his willingness to have the new Code of Civil Procedure adopted by the National Assembly before February 2014.

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  958. Evelyne Verrier, speaker at the 2013 Legal Section Annual Meeting of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. (CLHIA)

    Ms. Evelyne Verrier, a Litigation partner at Lavery, will act as speaker at the 2013 Legal Section Annual Meeting of the CLHIA that will take place on October 2-3, 2013. Ms. Verrier will discuss significant life and disability insurance cases in Quebec over the last year.Lavery will be a sponsor of the event that will draw various Canadian life and disability insurance lawyers.

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  959. Jean Saint-Onge, member of the Class Action Defence Quarterly Advisory Board

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, has joined the Advisory Board of the Class Action Defence Quarterly, a scholarly journal published by LexisNexis Canada (Butterworths). The Board includes the Honourable Warren K. Winkler, Chief Justice of Ontario, Ms. Patricia Jackson from the law firm Torys, the Honourable Neil C. Wittmann, Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta, and Mr. Daniel Jutras, Dean of the McGill University Faculty of Law. Published four times a year, this high-quality publication is exclusively dedicated to class action topics.

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  960. Gérard Coulombe, recipient of the Lawyer Emeritus distinction

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, has received the Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) distinction from the Barreau du Québec during a ceremony that was held on September 23, 2013 at the Montréal Science Centre.This prestigious honorary distinction is awarded to members of the Barreau for their exceptional legal career. In the last 35 years, Mr. Coulombe has carried on a general practice in business and commercial law where he represents more specifically financial institutions, Crown corporations and multinational companies. He sits on the boards of directors of several corporations, including National Bank of Canada, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust and Club de hockey Canadien, Inc. As shown in the photo, the Montreal Canadiens recognized this accomplishment in their own way.

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  961. Bernard Larocque and Jean Hébert, speakers at the 7th General Meeting of COVÉA on September 20, 2013

    Bernard Larocque and Jean Hébert, Litigation partners at Lavery, have been invited at the 7th General Meeting of AA-COVÉA AIS on September 20, 2013. Mtre Larocque made a presentation with Mr. Marcel Lacoste, senior expert advisor at Crawford Canada, global services and Mr. Stéphane Santoni, director Pole Performance Material IRD, COVÉA, on the professional and ethical conduct expected from insurance adjusters in Quebec.COVÉA is a leading mutual insurance group consisting of MAAF, MMA and GMF, with a market share of nearly 20% in France. More than 400 persons attended the meeting, including French lawyers and insurance adjusters.

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  962. Emil Vidrascu, speaker at a seminar on the New Romanian Civil Code

    Emil Vidrascu, speaker at a seminar on the New Romanian Civil Code Mr. Emil Vidrascu, a Litigation partner at Lavery, has been invited to take part in a seminar that will take place in Bucharest, Romania, October 23-26, 2013. The seminar will focus on the New Romanian Civil Code that was adopted at the end of 2011 and was partly inspired by the Civil Code of Québec.Organized jointly by the Faculty of Law of the University of Bucharest, the Institut Juriscope de l’Université de Poitiers and l’Association Henri Capitant des amis de la culture juridique française, the seminar will be held under the theme “The New Romanian Civil Code: An Internal and External Perspective” and will draw several renowned speakers.During the seminar, Mr. Vidrascu will give a conference entitled “Développements jurisprudentiels sur des aspects du droit des obligations du Québec dont se sont inspirés les codificateurs roumains”. It is worth mentioning that a select group of Quebec lawyers acted as consultants from 1999 to 2003 to advise the Commission for the Reform of the Romanian Civil Code. This group of lawyers included Emil Vidrascu, Gil Rémillard, Jean Pineau, Jean-Louis Baudouin and Jacques Auger.

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  963. André Laurin conducts a training workshop on deliberative assemblies

    Mr. André Laurin, a Business Law partner at Lavery, conducted a training workshop on deliberative assemblies during the 5th Seminar of the Officers of Professional Corporations that took place in Quebec City from September 11-13, 2013.This seminar was attended by several hundred directors and executives from the 44 registered professional corporations in Quebec and by other professionals. During the workshop, Mr. Laurin discussed various issues with respect to meetings, including the management of these meetings and the measures that must be implemented by the facilitator, participants and management to maximize effectively and respectfully their respective contribution.

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  964. Marie Cossette, speaker for the Fédération Québécoise des Municipalités

    On September 12, 2013, Ms. Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “Votre municipalité est-elle prête à faire face à une gestion de crise médiatique” (Is your municipality ready to manage a media crisis?) before the members of the Fédération. Ms Cossette’s conference was delivered in the aftermath of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy last July.

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  965. Victoria Cohene joins Lavery as an associate

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Victoria Cohene has recently joined the firm as an associate. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2013 and a former articling student with the firm, Ms. Cohene will practise within the firm’s Litigation Group, particularly in the areas of family law and estate law.

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  966. Katia Opalka, author of an article posted on the World Services Group website

    Ms. Katia Opalka, an Environmental Law partner at Lavery, is the author of an article entitled “Environmental Law in Canada: The Landscape is changing fast” (Le droit de l’environnement au Canada : Un paysage en rapide mutation) that was posted on the World Services Group website.In this article, Ms. Opalka summarizes the highlights of Government of Canada initiatives from 2009 to 2011 that were designed to amend environmental statutes.To read this article, click here.

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  967. Lavery: 100 years of service

    In 2013, Lavery is celebrating 100 years of service to its clients. Founded in Quebec City in 1913, the firm has grown steadily to become Quebec’s leading independent law firm, with offices in Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa. Throughout its history, Lavery has had strong leaders with a deep understanding of the law, strategic vision and keen business acumen. “Lavery’s influence extends right across Quebec. Over the years, many of our people have been involved in issues that have profoundly affected our society and they have left an enduring mark on our profession. Our firm has always been at the forefront of practice areas that are emerging in response to our clients’ needs and an ever-changing business environment”, said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm. Our people have made Lavery what it is. Pioneers such as Onésime Gagnon, John L. O’Brien and Jacques de Billy, and Elizabeth C. Monk, the first woman to practise law in Quebec. Visionaries such as Harold Tansey and Louis-Philippe and A. Jean de Grandpré. Individuals and leaders with distinguished legal careers such as J. Vincent O’Donnell, Claude Lavery, Robert W. Mason, Pierre Cantin, Pierre Beaudoin, André Laurin, Michel Yergeau, Richard F. Dolan and Élise Poisson. Our story was written by individuals who had a vision for the future and a commitment to attract and develop new talent. “Since its inception, all of the firm’s decisions have been made with a single goal in mind: to support our clients and contribute to their success. Over the decades, the law has evolved to address new realities, and so have we. For example, we have pioneered new areas of practice focused on environmental protection, public law, access to information and the protection of personal information”, added André Vautour, Chairman of the Board. The legal community has acknowledged the calibre of our jurists by selecting dozens of judges from within our ranks, including the Honourable Richard Wagner, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, and the Honourable Jacques Chamberland, Justice of the Court of Appeal of Québec. In similar fashion, Lavery lawyers have been sought out by the business community to serve as corporate counsel in some of Canada’s leading companies. For more information, please consult the Centennial Brochure in the “Lavery: Your Business Fair and Square for 100 Years” section of the firm’s website Lavery.ca.

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  968. Bernard Larocque and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, authors of an article in La ChADPresse

    Mr. Bernard Larocque, a Litigation partner at Lavery, and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a Litigation associate at Lavery, published an article entitled “Jusqu’où l’assureur couvre-t-il des lieux où se déroulent des activités criminelles ?” (To What Extent are Insurers Required to Cover Premises where Criminal Activities are Conducted?) in the Fall issue of La ChADPresse, a publication of the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages.In their article, Mr. Larocque and Mr. Lacoste-Jobin summarize a decision rendered by the Court of Appeal of Québec on April 17, 2013 that focuses on the application of exclusion clauses contained in a home insurance policy in the context of criminal activities.To read this article (in French), click here (pp.14-15).

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  969. Eugene Czolij re-elected as President of the Ukrainian World Congress

    Eugene Czolij, a partner in the Litigation Group at Lavery, was recently re-elected as President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), for another five-year term, at the X UWC Congress held August 20-22, 2013 in Lviv, Ukraine. Over 550 participants from 31 countries attended the X Congress.The UWC is the international coordinating body for Ukrainian communities in the diaspora representing the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians. The UWC has member organizations in 33 countries and ties with Ukrainians in 14 additional countries. Founded in 1967 as a non-profit corporation, the UWC was recognized in 2003 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a non-governmental organization (NGO) with special consultative status.

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  970. Nicolas Gagnon and Jacques Perron recognized by Lexpert for their expertise in the area of infrastructure

    The September 2013 issue of the Globe and Mails’s Report on Business includes an insert entitled 2013 Lexpert/Report on Business Special Edition – Infrastructure in which Nicolas Gagnon and Jacques Perron, Business Law partners at Lavery, are recognized as leading lawyers in Canada in the area of infrastructure law. This special edition recognized lawyers who have contributed very effectively to the P3 model development and implementation. The P3 model is currently used in 100 fully operational projects in Canada.More precisely, this publication recognizes the scope of Mr. Gagnon Infrastructure Law practice, which embraces infrastructure and institutional projects, including P3s, and focuses on contracts, procurement, default remedy and litigation.The publication also underlines the scope of Mr. Perron Infrastructure and transportation law and commercial litigation law practice, including his more than 25 years’ experience in the railway industry.

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  971. Lavery represents the agents in the offering of Cominar’s 4.941% Series 4 debentures in the principal amount of $100 million

    On July 25, 2013, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed the offering of its 4.941% Series 4 senior unsecured debentures due July 27, 2020 in the principal amount of $100 million. Cominar intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay amounts outstanding under its credit facility and for general trust purposes, thus replacing shorter-term debt with longer-term debt without increasing its aggregate indebtedness. The debentures were sold by a syndicate of agents led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of agents was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  972. Marie Cossette comments on municipal elections for the RDI network

    Since August 25, Marie Cossette, partner who practices mainly in litigation at Lavery, has been commenting for the RDI news channel on the municipal elections in the Quebec City and Levis region. Elections will be held in more than 1,100 municipalities across Quebec on November 3.These elections are important since they will provide over 8,000 mayors and councillors who will play a key role in developing livable environments, in stimulating the economic, social and cultural development of their communities and in defending the interest of their citizens in the coming years.To watch the video of the interview, click here.

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  973. Philippe Décary, a lawyer specializing in Business law, joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Philippe Décary has joined the firm as a Business Law partner.Mr. Décary has built his practice through his work in large national firms, focusing, in particular, on the areas of domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity and corporate finance. He provides timely advice in response to the requirements of clients operating in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, product distribution, the service industries, technology, telecommunications, e-commerce, software, media, consumer products, agribusiness and food products, financial services, real estate, construction, biotechnology, energy, mining and transportation.In addition to assisting his clients in dealing with a broad range of legal issues, Mr. Décary is also a sought-after speaker for conferences, and has written articles on a wide range of subjects, including mergers and acquisitions of private and public corporations, the negotiation of commercial agreements, mining legislation, as well as access to capital by small and medium-sized businesses."Lavery is delighted to welcome such an outstanding lawyer. Philippe is a business advisor focused on the needs of his clients and determined to provide them with optimal legal solutions. He will truly be an asset to our Business Law Group", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.Mr. Décary holds an LL.B. from the University of Montreal and was called to the Quebec Bar in 2000. He also holds a CPA designation (chartered professional accountant), a CGA designation (certified general accountant), as well as a B.B.A. (Finance) from HEC Montréal and an M.Sc. in Administration (Finance) from the University of Sherbrooke.

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  974. Sébastien Vézina represents Jacques Martin, the new Assistant Coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, in his negotiations with the Penguins

    Professional hockey coach Jacques Martin called upon Sébastien Vézina, a Lavery partner, to represent him during the negotiation and conclusion of the agreement that led to his nomination as Assistant Coach of the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins.In this matter, Sébastien relied upon the assistance of two of his colleagues, Nicolas Joubert and Robert La Rosa. Sébastien Vézina specializes in business law and he advises, among others, decision makers and executives in the sports industry as well as participants in the sports media and entertainment industry on all questions pertaining to commercial and legal issues in their sphere of activities.

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  975. Marie-Claude Armstrong, René Branchaud, Guy Lemay and Raphaël H. Schachter, Q.C., Ad. E. of Lavery Named Best Lawyers' 2014 Lawyers of the Year

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Marie-Claude Armstrong, Mr. René Branchaud, Mr. Guy Lemay and Mr. Raphaël H. Schachter, Q.C., Ad. E. have been named 2014 Lawyers of the Year by Best Lawyers, a peer-review legal publication. Marie-Claude Armstrong has been named Lawyer of the Year 2014 Montreal, Family Law. René Branchaud has been named Lawyer of the Year 2014 Montreal, Natural Resources Law. Guy Lemay has been named Lawyer of the Year 2014 Montreal, Class Action Litigation. Raphaël H. Schachter, Q.C., Ad. E. has been named Lawyer of the Year 2014 Montreal, Criminal Defense. "On behalf of my partners at Lavery, I heartily congratulate our colleagues Marie-Claude Armstrong, René Branchaud, Guy Lemay and Raphaël H. Schachter on this recognition, acknowledging the expertise, professionalism and the quality of service that they offer to our clients", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. For more information, please visit Best Lawyers’ website at www.bestlawyers.com.

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  976. 36 Lavery Lawyers Included in the 2014 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 36 of the firm’s lawyers have been listed as leading Canadian practitioners in their respective areas of expertise in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2014. "We are delighted that 36 lawyers of our firm are included in the 2014 edition of this prestigious directory. This recognition acknowledges the expertise, quality of work and dedication of these lawyers and the entire Lavery team. I would like to congratulate our 36 colleagues who have been singled out for their contribution to our clients’ success and the development of our service offering", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. Among the Lavery lawyers listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2014, Raymond Doray, Ad. E., is a first-time honouree. The following lists the names of all Lavery lawyers included in the directory as well as their practice area(s): Armstrong, Marie-Claude Family Law Baribeau, Pierre-L. Labour and Employment Law Biron, Yvan Environmental Law Blouin, Michel Natural Resources Law Branchaud, René Natural Resources Law Cantin, Marie-Claude Insurance Law Charette, Louis Aviation Law; Product Liability Law; Transportation Law Coulombe, Gérard, Q.C., Ad.E. Corporate Law Czolij, Eugene Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Denis, Pierre Equipment Finance Law Doray, Raymond, Ad. E. Administrative and Public Law Dubé, Louis-Martin Real Estate Law Dumoulin, Josée Employee Benefits Law Gagnon, Nicolas Construction Law Gélinas, Michel Labour and Employment Law Gravel, Marie-Andrée Mergers & Acquisitions Law Hébert, Jean Insurance Law Jobin-Laberge, Odette, Ad. E. Insurance Law Larocque, Bernard Class Action Litigation; Insurance Law Lavoie, Guy Labour and Employment Law Lemay, Guy Labour and Employment Law; Class Action Litigation Mason, Robert W. Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation; Product Liability Law Nolan, Philip Tax Law Pariseau, Luc Tax Law Paul-Hus, Jacques Mergers & Acquisitions Law Payette, Louis, Ad. E. Banking and Finance Perron, Jacques Transportation Law Pinard, Élisabeth Family Law Rochefort, Marc Securities Law Rochette, Louis Health Care Law Rose, Ian Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law Saint-Onge, Jean, Ad. E. Class Action Litigation Schachter, Raphaël H., Q.C., Ad. E. Criminal Defense Simard, Jean-Yves Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Stotland, Gerald Family Law Vautour, André Information Technology Law; Technology Law For more information, please visit the Best Lawyers’ website at www.bestlawyers.com.

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  977. Lavery represents Hecla Mining with respect to the acquisition of a mining company

    Lavery recently acted as legal counsel for the province of Quebec in connection with the acquisition by Hecla Mining Company (“Hecla”) of Aurizon Mines Ltd. (“Aurizon”). The transaction is valued at Cdn$796 million. Hecla was also represented in Canada by Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP. Under the terms of the transaction, which was dealt with as a merger with a Hecla subsidiary under U.S. legislation, Hecla purchased all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Aurizon for an aggregate consideration of approximately Cdn$514 million and 56,997,790 common shares of Hecla. The transaction took the form of a plan of arrangement and was carried out in the wake of a struggle for control initiated by an unsolicited takeover bid for Aurizon launched by Alamos Gold Inc. on January 14, 2013. The Lavery team was made up of Michel Blouin, Sébastien Vézina, Maxime Bergeron and René Branchaud (mining law and securities), Nicole Messier (mining rights and real estate), David Eramian, Sive Burns and Ariana Lisio (M&A), Sophie Prégent (environmental and Aboriginal law) and Darina Bashilova (financing). Through this acquisition, Hecla becomes the owner of the Casa Berardi mine, located near the territory covered by the Plan Nord, which is expected to produce between 125,000 to 130,000 ounces of gold in 2013. With the shaft deepening project and the future development of an open pit mine, the mine is expected to operate for more than 10 years. The acquisition also includes several exploration and pre-development projects in Quebec that may contribute to increase production in the future. Hecla, based in Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, is a leading low-cost U.S. silver producer with operating mines in Alaska and Idaho, and is a growing gold producer with an operating mine in Quebec, Canada.

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  978. Lavery represents the underwriters in the bought deal financing of Cominar's 4.00% series 3 debentures in the principal amount of $100 milion

    On May 2, 2013, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed the bought deal financing of its 4.00% Series 3 senior unsecured debentures due November 2, 2020 in the principal amount of $100 million. Cominar intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay amounts outstanding under its credit facility and for general trust purposes, thus replacing shorter-term debt with longer-term debt at a favorable long-term interest rate without increasing its aggregate indebtedness. The debentures were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc. and TD Securities Inc. The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  979. Josianne Beaudry, author of an article in Sécurité financière magazine

    Ms. Josianne Beaudry, a Business Law partner at Lavery, published an article entitled “Pour une divulgation pleine et entière des coûts liés au placement” (For a full disclosure of the costs of investments) in the June-July-August 2013 issue of Sécurité financière magazine, a publication of the Chambre de la sécurité financière.In this article, Ms. Beaudry discusses the new disclosure requirements implemented by the Canadian Securities Administrators, which are designed to protect investors by providing them with clear and meaningful information about their investments.To read this article (in French), click here.

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  980. Lavery represents Industrial Alliance in the renewal of its $1 billion base shelf prospectus

    On April 29, 2013, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. filed its short form base shelf prospectus providing for the sale of up to $1 billion of debt securities, class A preferred shares, common shares, subscription receipts, warrants, share purchase contracts and units. Industrial alliance was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities) and Philip Nolan (tax). Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company with operations in all regions of Canada as well as in the United States.

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  981. Jean Martel on the cover page of the July/August issue of Lexpert

    Mr. Jean Martel, Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, appears on the cover of the July/August issue of Lexpert magazine, which includes an article about the growing importance of lawyers specialized in financial regulation.This article argues that it is not the issues related to mergers and acquisitions per se that can make or break a transaction but rather the regulatory risks involved. Therefore the advice of lawyers specialized in financial regulation like Jean Martel is now of paramount importance to ensure the success of any transaction, especially when dealing with heavily regulated industries.For more information, click here.

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  982. A Lavery client wins a federal labour and employment law case

    Lavery is pleased about a decision rendered on July 3, 2013 by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), which ruled in favour of its client, Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. as well as Pharmaprix franchisees and Canada Post Corporation, by dismissing an application for certification filed by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. Mr. Guy Lemay, Ms. Josianne L’Heureux and Mr. Guy Lavoie, Labour and Employment Law partners at Lavery, played a key role in this victory.The Canadian Union of Postal Workers had filed an application for certification for the purpose of representing the employees working in postal outlets located in the retail premises of Pharmaprix franchisees.The CIRB concluded that the true employer of the employees who were the subject of the application for certification was the franchisee of each Pharmaprix establishment named in the application, and not the Canada Post Corporation since the franchisees met all the requirements of an employer.The CIRB was also of the view that it lacked the constitutional jurisdiction to rule on the application for certification of the union since although the operations carried out in postal outlets may be considered as forming an integral part of the service offered by Canada Post Corporation, which is under federal jurisdiction, Pharmaprix franchisees remain under provincial jurisdiction since (i) the services offered at postal outlets do not represent a significant part of Pharmaprix franchisees’ activities and (ii) that such services form an integral part of their retail mission.As the period for appealing is not yet expired, we invite you to follow the evolution of this decision on our website.

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  983. Katia Opalka, an expert in environmental and Aboriginal law, joins Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Katia Opalka, a corporate lawyer specialized in environmental and Aboriginal law, has joined the firm as a partner in our Montreal office.Ms. Opalka completed studies in Canadian history, civil law and common law at McGill University before beginning her career as a member of the national environmental law group in a major Canadian firm in 1998. Since then she has acquired extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, as an adviser to industry and an expert on environmental law enforcement. Between 2001 and 2008 she served as the Canadian legal officer for the NAFTA Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). There she worked in English, French and Spanish and gained a valuable understanding of environmental law enforcement policy and practice in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.Ms. Opalka helps clients identify and manage environmental and Aboriginal legal risks that can slow down or block project approval or materially affect the business condition of a company. In addition to her in-depth knowledge of Quebec environmental law, she brings to the table extensive expertise regarding federal jurisdiction over the environment, including species at risk, migratory birds, fisheries, and the duty to consult. Her experience covers the spectrum from natural resources through energy to manufacturing, and includes government and public relations, environmental assessments, class actions, contaminated sites and waste management.Ms. Opalka is an Adjunct Professor at the McGill School of Environment and a member of the Quebec and National Divisions of the Canadian Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources. She has published widely on environmental law matters and is a frequent speaker at commercial conferences.“Lavery is very pleased that Katia Opalka has joined our firm. She is a valuable addition to our environment, energy and natural resources team. Her expertise and her many contacts in other markets will contribute to consolidating our position as the go to business law firm in Quebec”, said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  984. Lavery represents Industrial Alliance in a $237.3 million bought deal financing

    On February 27, 2013, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. completed a bought deal financing pursuant to which it issued 6,330,000 Common Shares at a price of $37.50 per Common Share for total aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $237.3 million. The net proceeds of this offering will be used to redeem all of the outstanding 8.25% subordinated debentures due March 27, 2019 with a nominal value of $100 million and to redeem all of the Industrial Alliance Trust Securities – Series A (IATS) with a nominal value of $150 million. The Common Shares were sold to a syndicate of underwriters co-led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and including RBC Dominion Securities, Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc. and Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. Industrial Alliance was represented in-house by Douglas Carrothers, Vice-President, Legal Services and Corporate Secretary and Jennifer Dibblee, Director, Corporate Affairs, Legal Department; and by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax).Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company with operations in all regions of Canada as well as in the United States.

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  985. Louis Payette recognized as leading corporate lawyer and Jean-Sébastien Desroches as lawyer to watch

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Louis Payette, Ad. E., a Business Law partner at Lavery, is recognized as a leading corporate lawyer for his expertise in banking in the 2013 issue of Lexpert’s directory, Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada.In the same edition of this publication, Mr. Jean-Sébastien Desroches, a Business Law partner at Lavery, is considered a “Corporate Lawyer to Watch”. It is worth mentioning that lawyers are chosen based on individual results through Lexpert’s peer review survey.

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  986. Jean-Yves Simard, speaker before the members of an American association of commercial credit professionals

    Mr. Jean-Yves Simard, a Litigation partner at Lavery, gave a conference in Quebec City on June 20, 2013 before the members of the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) Midwest, an important trade association of commercial credit professionals.In his conference, Mr. Simard gave NACM Midwest members an overview of various bankruptcy and insolvency issues in Canada, such as the applicable laws and regulations, the main stakeholders as well as the current case law.

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  987. An important victory for a Lavery client before the superior court in a case involving directors' and officers' liability insurance

    In a decision rendered on June 21, 2013, the Superior Court of Québec agreed with Lavery in a case involving its client, AXA Insurance (now Intact Insurance). The case dealt with damages brought against AXA as insurer for the directors and officers of a large condominium corporation. Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, a Litigation associate at Lavery, argued this case.The appeal also included important requests for injunctive relief, which were all rejected by Justice Danielle Turcotte in a judgment delivered from the bench after four (4) days of trial. This decision recognizes the firm’s expertise with respect to directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

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  988. 17 Lavery partners ranked in the 2013 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 17 partners of the firm are ranked among the most recommended lawyers in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2013 edition of Thomson Carswell’s Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country. It is a reference guide for Canadian and U.S. corporate counsel and law firms in need of specialized legal services. The 2013 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory identifies the best lawyers in 64 practice areas based on the results of a thorough annual peer-review survey completed by more than a thousand respected legal professionals and a wide range of well-informed clients. Lavery lawyers are recommended in a vast array of fields, including banking, asset finance, mining law, directors’ and officers’ liability, mergers and acquisitions, employment law and labour relations, class actions, construction law, medical negligence, family law, and commercial insurance litigation. "In the 2013 edition of this legal directory, 17 Lavery partners were recognized for their first-rate expertise. I congratulate our 17 colleagues for this recognition and for their continued commitment to serving the needs of our clients", said Don McCarty, Lavery’s Managing Partner. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2013 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory : Marie-Claude Armstrong – Family Law Pierre-L. Baribeau - Employment Law and Labour Relations Michel Blouin - Mining René Branchaud – Mining Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Ad. E. – Corporate Commercial Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Pierre Denis - Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Josée Dumoulin* - Pension plans Nicolas Gagnon - Construction Law Jean Hébert - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad. E. - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Jean-François Lepage – Medical Negligence Robert W. Mason - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Louis Payette, Ad. E. – Banking and Financial Institutions Jacques Perron – Transportation (Road & Rail) Ian Rose – Litigation – Directors’ & Officers’ Liability Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E. - Class Actions; Litigation – Commercial Insurance; Litigation - Product Liability André Vautour - Technology Transactions *New posting For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  989. Gérard Coulombe to receive the Lawyer Emeritus distinction from the Barreau du Québec

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., a Business Law partner at Lavery, will receive the Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) distinction from the Barreau du Québec during a ceremony that will be held on September 23, 2013 at the Montréal Science Centre.Gérard Coulombe belongs to a short list of Lavery lawyers who have previously received this prestigious honorary distinction in recognition of an exceptional legal career. Called to the Barreau du Québec in 1969, Mr. Coulombe was, from 1972 to 1977, a special advisor to the Minister of Finance of Canada. This professional experience enabled him to develop thorough understanding of Canadian and international taxation.In the last 35 years, Mr. Coulombe has carried on a general practice in business and commercial law where he represents more specifically financial institutions, Crown corporations and multinational companies. He sits on the boards of directors of several corporations, including National Bank of Canada, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust and Club de hockey Canadien, Inc."Lavery is delighted that Gérard Coulombe is the recipient of the Lawyer Emeritus (Ad. E.) distinction. In a career that spans more than 40 years, Gérard has made a significant and multifold contribution to the legal profession: as a specialist in certain areas of practice, a skillful negotiator and dedicated mentor to young lawyers", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  990. Odette Jobin-Laberge and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin co-authors of a textbook published in the Thema Collection

    Ms. Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad. E., and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, Litigation partner and associate at Lavery respectively, are among the co-authors of a textbook on damage insurance that was published in June 2013 in the Thema Collection. Thema includes integrated and thematic publications that are drawn from encyclopedia JurisClasseur Québec, published by LexisNexis. Ms. Odette Jobin-Laberge and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin wrote Fascicle 3 with respect to property insurance. More specifically, the text covers topics such as insurable interest, scope of coverage, insurance carried as well as notice of loss and payment of indemnity.

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  991. Lavery Represents the Syndicate of Agents in the Re-opening of Cominar's 4.23% Series 2 Debentures in the Principal Amount of $100 Million

    On February, 8, 2013, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed the re opening of its 4.23% Series 2 senior unsecured debentures due December 4, 2019 in the principal amount of $100 million. The debentures were offered to the public by a syndicate of agents led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of agents was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  992. Bridge Loan by SIDEX

    Geomega Resources Inc. (“Geomega”) announced the grant of a $750,000 loan (the “Loan”) by SIDEX, Limited Partnership (“Sidex”) on May 10, 2013. The Loan is secured by Geomega’s tax credits receivable from Revenu Québec for the fiscal year ended in 2012 and related to mineral exploration. In connection with the Loan, Geomega issued 250,000 common shares to Sidex. The proceeds will be allocated to general and administrative purposes. Geomega, which owns 100% of the Montviel Rare Earths/Niobium project, is a Québec mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and sustainable development of economic deposits of minor metals, such as Rare Earth Elements, Niobium and Graphite, in Québec. Geomega is committed to meeting Canadian mining industry standards and distinguishing itself with its expertise, know-how and its support and respect for local communities and the environment. Geomega was represented by a team of Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P. comprised of Sébastien Vézina, Maxime Bergeron (securities) and Benjamin Gross (financing).

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  993. René Branchaud recognized for his expertise in corporate law

    The June 2013 issue of the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business includes an insert entitled 2013 Lexpert/Report on Business Special Edition – Corporate (ROB Corporate) in which René Branchaud, a Business Law partner at Lavery, is recognized as a leading corporate law practitioner in Canada.More precisely, this publication recognizes the scope of Mr. Branchaud’s mining law practice, which includes asset purchase, option and joint venture agreements, private placements, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance.To read this insert, please click here.

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  994. Marie-Claude Armstrong appointed head of a committee of the Bar of Montreal

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Marie-Claude Armstrong, a Litigation partner at the firm, has been appointed Chairperson of the Liaison Committee with the Superior Court, Family Matters of the Bar of Montreal. In that capacity, Ms. Armstrong will act as liaison between the judiciary and lawyers practising in family law so as to improve the judicial system with respect to family law to ensure the proper administration of justice and promote the interests of the litigant.

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  995. Marie Cossette on RDI Matin Week-End to comment on the Ménard Commission

    Ms. Marie Cossette, Litigation partner at Lavery, appeared on the TV program RDI Matin Week-End on Sunday, June 9 to discuss the mandate of the Special Commission of Inquiry on the Spring 2012 Events, which began its activities under the chairmanship of former minister, Serge Ménard.Appearing as a guest on the program because of her comprehensive knowledge of commissions of inquiry and crisis management expertise, Ms. Cossette said that the Ménard Commission has a far-reaching mandate that could be difficult to fulfill considering the many guidelines governing this mandate. Commenting on the absence of certain key actors from the work of the Commission, Ms. Cossette argued that participation should be fostered despite the problems already identified to enable the Commission to release a sound report.To watch the video of the interview, click here.

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  996. Lavery, sponsors an award of the Association québécoise d’établissements de santé et de services sociaux (AQESSS)

    During the Annual AQESSS Convention, Lavery was the sponsor of the 2013 AQESSS Award in Human Resources. Ms. Zeïneb Mellouli, a Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery, handed out the $5,000 award to the prize-winner, the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (IUGM) for a project entitled Nos bons coups en valeurs. More than 100 people were present during the awards ceremony and more than 400 attended the annual congress.The Prize in Human Resources is awarded to a AQESSS member that has put together a development project designed to include good human resources management practices into the work organization or the process of employee development, recruitment, recognition and retention.From left to right: Mr. Michel Gervais, chairman of the AQESSS Board of Directors; Ms. Micheline Noël, member of the IUGM Board of Directors; Ms. Diane Lavallée, director general of the AQESSS; Ms. Annick Branchaud, human resources advisor, IUGM; Ms. Marie-Élaine Proulx, host of Télé-Québec and head of the jury for the 2013 AQESSS Awards; Ms. Frédérique Laurier, executive assistant to the general manager, communications and public affairs, IUGM; Mr. Jean-François Miron, Director of Human Resources, IUGM; Ms. Geneviève Desrosiers, communications advisor, IUGM; and Ms. Zeïneb Mellouli, associate at Lavery

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  997. Jacques Perron, mentor of Droit de Cité’s grand finale winning team

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Jacques Perron, a Litigation partner at Lavery, acted as a mentor to a team made up of two Université de Montréal law students, Dominique Noel and Frédérik Forget, who won Droit de Cité’s grand finale that was held on May 30, 2013 during the Barreau du Québec Annual Congress. The winning team received a $5,0000 scholarship awarded by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr. Pierre Duchesne.Co-produced by the radio station CIBL 101,5, Juripop and the Barreau du Québec, Droit de Cité is a 30-episode radio broadcast series enabling young university or Cégep students to discuss major social issues within an open debate formula. Lavery is pleased to have taken part in an activity supported by the Barreau du Québec. Considering his long-standing teaching experience, Mr. Perron was the right choice to act as mentor.

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  998. A significant pro bono partnership agreement between the firm and YWCA Québec

    Lavery is pleased to announce the completion of a pro bono partnership agreement between the firm and YWCA Québec. Ms. Marie-Hélène Riverin, associate at Lavery’s Quebec City office, was actively involved in the negotiations leading up to the agreement, which represents one of the first partnerships under the auspices of Pro Bono Québec between a law firm and a community organization located in the Greater Quebec City Area.The partnership agreement provides that Lavery shall give YWCA Québec beneficiaries free lectures on various legal issues. The agreement also provides that free legal services shall be made available to YWCA Québec.Lavery and YWCA Québec already have an excellent working relationship. For the last three years, the firm has been offering volunteer training courses through the YWCA Québec program Leader et décisionnelle. The program offers beneficiaries and women in general valuable information on the operations of boards of directors."This partnership agreement between Lavery and YWCA Québec speaks eloquently to our firm’s commitment in the community. Even though we fully support the long-standing community involvement of several of our lawyers, we sincerely believe that pro bono initiatives at the firm level go hand in hand with various individual initiatives", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  999. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, speaker at a seminar of the Éditions Yvon Blais

    Ms. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, a Labour and Employment Law associate at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “Faire face à la responsabilité accrue en matière de santé et sécurité du travail” (Facing growing occupational health and safety liability claims) during a one-day seminar organized in Quebec City on May 15, 2013 by the publisher Éditions Yvon Blais as part of its training activities. The seminar drew some 50 people.The conference of Ms. Jolicoeur focused on penal fines imposed to employers under An Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety as well as on criminal negligence. Ms Jolicoeur also provided a summary of the recent case law in that regard.

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  1000. Pierre-L. Baribeau recipient of the 2013 pro Bono-Rajpattie-Persaud Award

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Pierre-L. Baribeau, a Labour and Employment Law partner at Lavery, has received the 2013 Pro Bono-Rajpattie-Persaud Award during the Annual Presidential Dinner of the Québec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (ABC-Québec) that was held on May 23, 2013 at the Hotel Hyatt Regency Montreal.This award recognizes each year the exceptional contribution of a member of ABC-Québec to the community. Mr. Baribeau’s long-standing community involvement is expressed by his commitment in various foundations and non-profit organizations. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Quebec Lung Association and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Boscoville 2000, a troubled youth help centre."Pierre Baribeau fully deserves this award handed out by ABC-Québec. Lavery is proud to have such a distinguished lawyer within its ranks. Whether he is representing important clients or doing community work, Pierre always stays true to his values. When a cause is dear to his heart, he wholeheartedly embraces it. For instance, in 2012, he reached the top of Island Peak in the Himalayas (Nepal) that stands at 6 189 m, to raise funds for research on respiratory diseases", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  1001. Lavery, sponsor of the 2013 Congress of the Quebec Bar

    Lavery is pleased to sponsor the 58th edition of the Congress of the Quebec Bar that will take place on May 30-31 and June 1, 2013 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The 2013 edition of the Congress will be held under the  theme "You are key to the solution". More specifically, the Congress will focus on the lawyer as an agent of social change and on the legal solutions he can provide to improve  society.Ms. Marie Cossette, a Litigation partner at Lavery, is a member of the Organizing Committee for the 2013 Congress. Her involvement shows the firm’s support for the Quebec Bar’s mission. Marie Cossette will also give a conference on crisis management during the Congress and will be a member of the jury for the finale of the show Droit de cité that will be broadcasted live from the Congress on Thursday, May 30.For more information about this event, click here.

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  1002. Marie-Claude Perreault, speaker at the Rassemblement pour la santé et le mieux-être en entreprise

    Ms. Marie-Claude Perreault, CIRC, a Labour and Employment Law partner at Lavery, gave a talk entitled “Les politiques alcool / drogue en milieu de travail : De l’accommodement aux ententes particulières” (Workplace alcohol and drug policies: From accommodation to specific arrangements) during the first edition of the Rassemblement pour la santé et le mieux-être en entreprise that was held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on May 13-14, 2013.Lavery was a sponsor for this event, which gave Ms. Perreault the opportunity to introduce a renowned speaker: Mr. Pierre Lavoie, a committed athlete who put together the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie to encourage elementary school pupils in Quebec to adopt healthy life habits.This conference, which drew more than 1,500 participants who are active in workplace health services in Quebec, represents the most significant event focused on innovative health initiatives and enterprise performance issues. The event also included a large Exhibitors’ Hall and offered many networking opportunities.

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  1003. A first term for Léa Maalouf on the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montreal

    During its Annual General Meeting, held on May 10, the Young Bar Association of Montreal (YBAM) announced the election results for various positions. Ms. Léa Maalouf, a Litigation lawyer at Lavery, was elected for a first term as administrator on the YBAM Board of Directors for 2013-2014.Founded in 1898, the YBAM represents lawyers with 10 years or less of practice, registered in the Montreal area. The mission of the YBAM is to defend and promote its members’ interests. It also offers various segments of the population consulting and legal information on a volunteer basis, besides organizing charitable activities. Overall, the YBAM seeks to improve access to justice and contribute to the well-being of the community.

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  1004. Dina Raphaël, author of an article in Sécurité financière magazine

    Ms. Dina Raphaël, a Litigation partner at Lavery, published an article entitled “Vous êtes au cœur d’une tourmente juridique : Que faire ?” (In the midst of legal turmoil: Your options) in the April-May 2013 issue of Sécurité financière magazine, a publication of the Chambre de la sécurité financière. In this article, which is intended for the members of the Chambre de la sécurité financière, Ms. Raphaël discusses the various ways of coping with a disciplinary complaint or a civil remedy. She also provides advice to help members of the Chambre avoid such legal turmoil. To read this article (in French), click here.

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  1005. Marc-Étienne Vien-Desbiens, recipient of the Lavery Cup at the 2013 edition of the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition

    Lavery is pleased to mention that Marc-Étienne Vien-Desbiens, a law student at Université Laval, was awarded the Lavery Cup for “Third Best Litigator” during the 35th edition of the Pierre-Basile-Mignault Moot Court Competition, which was held at Université Laval in 2013. This annual moot court competition involves the six Canadian Law faculties with a civil law section: Université Laval, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke, UQÀM, McGill University and University of Ottawa.From left to right: Ms. Anne-Marie Laflamme, chairperson of the competition and assistant dean of the Faculty of Law at Université Laval; Ms. Valérie Belle-Isle, associate at Lavery’s Quebec City office; and Marc-Étienne Vien-Desbiens, recipient of the Lavery Cup

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  1006. Marie-Claude Cantin and Louis-Martin Dubé, authors of an article on the Regulation to improve building safety

    Ms. Marie-Claude Cantin, a Litigation partner at Lavery, and Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé, a Business Law partner at Lavery, wrote an article entitled “New by-law regarding building safety: Imposes onerous obligations on owners” that was published in the last issue of Espace Montréal magazine, a quarterly publication.The article focuses on the Regulation’s new provisions with respect to façades and multistorey garages, which came into force on March 18, 2013. The two authors discuss the various obligations on owners created by these provisions.To read this article, click here.

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  1007. Julie Cousineau and Jean-Sébastien Desroches, speakers at the annual seminar organized by the Groupement des chefs d’entreprise du Québec

    Ms. Julie Cousineau and Mr. Jean-Sébastien Desroches, practising at Lavery in the areas of litigation and business law respectively, acted as co-speakers during the annual seminar organized by the Groupement des chefs d’entreprise du Québec, which was held on May 2, 2013 in Saint-Hyacinthe under the theme “Alliances et collaborations rentables” (Profitable Alliances and Partnerships).The event was very successful, drawing some 400 people, mostly business leaders from Quebec and Europe. In their conference, Ms. Cousineau and Mr. Desroches focused on the different types of strategic partnerships available to foster business growth.For more information (in French), click here.

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  1008. Marie-Claude Cantin in Quebec City for the Conference on the Regulation to improve building safety

    Ms. Marie-Claude Cantin, a Litigation partner at Lavery, acted as speaker during the Conference on the Regulation to improve building safety, which was held at the firm’s Quebec City office on May 1, 2013.This event was very successful. It drew more than 40 people from various professional sectors, including construction and engineering, real estate, education, health and insurance.The Conference, which was followed by a cocktail, dealt more specifically with the Regulation’s impact on the maintenance and inspection of façades and multistorey garages as well as on fire protection. In addition, this conference discussed the provisions with respect to water cooling towers that will become effective on May 12, 2013.

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  1009. Audrey Gibeault, author of an article in Canadian Tax Focus magazine

    Ms. Audrey Gibeault, CPA, CA, Business Law associate at Lavery, has published an article entitled “Unexpected Application of Part XII.2 Tax to a Canadian Personal Trust” in the May 2013 issue of Canadian Tax Focus, a publication of the Canadian Tax Foundation.Ms. Gibeault’s article deals namely with the tax issues related to the application of Part XII.2 Tax to a trust that is a resident of Canada, in circumstances where the trust’s beneficiaries have become non-residents of Canada under the Income Tax Act.To read this article, click here.

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  1010. Gérard Coulombe, panelist at the Conference Breakfast of the Institute of Corporate Directors – Quebec Chapter

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., Business Law partner at Lavery, was a panelist at a conference breakfast, entitled “Should boards fear or like activist investors?”, that was held on April 23, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.Organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors – Quebec Chapter, this event drew almost 300 people. The participants were very interested in hearing the panelists discuss the manner in which a board of directors should deal with activist shareholders.For more information, click here.

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  1011. Simon Lemay at the National Assembly of Québec for World Intellectual Property Day

    Mr. Simon Lemay, Intellectual Property Law partner at Lavery, was part of a delegation comprising patent agents, trade-mark agents and intellectual property lawyers who were present at the National Assembly of Québec on April 25 to hear elected members recognize World Intellectual Property Day during a motion without notice.World Intellectual Property Day is an initiative that was launched in 2000 by the World Intellectual Property Organization. Mr. Lemay and other members of the delegation emphasized the important work accomplished by IP professionals who actively contribute to innovation, economic development and the creation of wealth in Quebec.For more information [French], click here.

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  1012. The contribution of Jean-Philippe Lincourt recognized by Pro Bono Québec

    Pro Bono Québec salutes the contribution of Mr. Jean-Philippe Lincourt, associate in Lavery’s Litigation Group, in a Web page section entitled “In the Spotlight”. Mr. Lincourt is profiled in an article that is focused on a pro bono mandate he worked on for a client. After more than 200 hours, the mandate was successfully completed in accordance with the objectives set out by the client. Mr. Lincourt believes that his client’s situation demonstrates once again that access to justice is problematic for many Quebec citizens. To consult the text devoted to Mr. Lincourt, click here.

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  1013. Josianne Beaudry, Loïc Berdnikoff, Jean-Simon Deschênes and Nicolas Joubert appointed partners at Lavery

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Josianne Beaudry (Montreal), Loïc Berdnikoff (Montreal), Jean-Simon Deschênes (Quebec City) and Nicolas Joubert (Montreal) as partners of the firm.   Admitted to the Quebec Bar in 2000, Ms. Josianne Beaudry practises at our Montreal office in the area of business law with a focus on securities law. She advises financial sector participants on the application of regulations relating to securities and corporate governance. She assists clients carrying out public and private financings, corporate reorganizations, reverse takeovers and mergers and acquisitions. Ms. Beaudry also advises investment fund managers, dealers and portfolio managers for matters related to their registration and activities.       Mr. Loïc Berdnikoff is a member of the firm's administrative law team at our Montreal office. His practice includes access to information, protection of personal information, privacy matters, defamation, the application of the Canadian and Quebec charters of human rights and freedoms, and constitutional law. He regularly advises and represents many public bodies and private businesses in connection with recourses before the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec involving the confidential nature of documents, the application of professional privilege, and other privacy issues.       A member of the firm’s Business Law Group practising in our Quebec City office, Mr. Jean-Simon Deschênes represents businesses, entrepreneurs and institutions with respect to mandates in a variety of areas of legal practice, including commercial transactions, technology law, entertainment and intellectual property as well as financing and financial services. He holds a Certificate on the Introduction to Chinese Law from the University of Political Science and Law in Beijing.       Mr. Nicolas Joubert is a member of the Labour and Employment Law Group at our Montreal office. He advises large, medium and small businesses on labour law, particularly employment law, employment contracts, labour relations, occupational health and safety, discrimination and harassment. He regularly represents clients before the civil courts and administrative tribunals. Mr. Joubert also practises in the area of economic immigration and labour mobility, representing and advising various companies on the process of recruiting foreign workers and transferring key employees to Canada through intra-company transfers.        “We are very proud to welcome Josianne, Loïc, Jean-Simon and Nicolas as Lavery partners. This appointment undoubtedly represents an important milestone in their career as well as a recognition of the quality of their work in representing our clients. Over the years, they have acquired comprehensive expertise in their respective areas of practice, making them among the best lawyers in their field”, said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.  

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  1014. Marie-Claude Cantin and Louis-Martin Dubé take part in the second edition of the Conference on the Regulation to improve building safety

    Ms. Marie-Claude Cantin, a Litigation partner at Lavery, and Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé, a Business Law partner at Lavery, acted as speakers during the second edition of the Conference on the Regulation to improve building safety, which was held at the Lavery Conference Centre on April 24. The event’s second edition was very successful. It drew more than 50 people from various professional sectors, including construction and engineering, real estate, education, health and insurance.The Conference, which was followed by a cocktail, dealt more specifically with the Regulation’s impact on the maintenance and inspection of façades, multistorey garages as well as on fire protection. In addition, this conference discussed the provisions with respect to water cooling towers that will become effective on May 12, 2013. From left to right: Ms. Marie-Claude Cantin and Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé

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  1015. Marie-Andrée Gagnon, author of an article in Synergie magazine

    Ms. Marie-Andrée Gagnon, a Litigation associate at Lavery, is the author of the article entitled “Infections nosocomiales, hygiène et salubrité : Où est la frontière entre le clinique et le juridique ?” (Nosocomial infections, hygiene and sanitation: The fine line between clinical and legal considerations) that was published in the April-May 2013 edition of Synergie, a monthly publication of the Association québécoise d’établissements de santé et de services sociaux (AQESSS).Ms. Gagnon’s article is focused on civil, medical and hospital liability, the standards and guidelines with respect to the prevention of hospital-acquired infections as well as the establishment of a reliable system to ensure the proper planning, communication and implementation of hygiene and sanitation control measures.To consult this article (in French) click here.

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  1016. Michel Servant invited to chair the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2013 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal

    Michel Servant, a Business Law partner at Lavery, will be the Chairman of the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2013 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal. This competition recognizes the professional achievements of HEC graduates, aged 35 and under, in four different categories: Large Company, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), Entrepreneur and Young Professional. The award winners are selected by a jury of experienced business people.The awards will be handed out during a breakfast gala on Friday, May 17, 2013, at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. The 28th edition of the Prix Relève d’Excellence will take place under the Honorary Chairmanship of Pierre J. Blouin, HEC 82, Chief Executive Officer of MTS Allstream and Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. MTS Allstream is one of Canada’s leading national communication solutions companies.With over one hundred years of history and three international accreditations, HEC Montréal is Canada’s leading business school and ranked among the best worldwide. For more information about the event, click here.

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  1017. In memory of Jean Bélanger

    All of Lavery’s partners, associates and personnel would like to pay homage to Jean Bélanger, who passed away on April 15, 2013. Before his death, Mr. Bélanger was working at the firm Casavant Mercier, practising with Jean-Pierre Casavant, a former Lavery partner.A great legal mind, Jean Bélanger spent many years at Lavery. Each of us who had the privilege of working with Mr. Bélanger over the years was struck by his legal brilliance, his insatiable intellectual curiosity and his thorough knowledge of case law and the cases handled by the firm.He acted as a mentor and strategic advisor to many lawyers at Lavery, several of whom were later appointed to the bench. His patience, his generosity and his ability to help develop the personal strengths of his colleagues enabled them to achieve professional excellence.His proficiency as a teacher was recognized by the McGill University Faculty of Law where Mr. Bélanger taught insurance law for 10 years as well as by the Canadian Bar Association where he had been presenting for 26 years an annual review of important civil law cases.Throughout the years, many clients of the firm sought Jean Bélanger’s expert advice. Fond of culture, music lover, foodie at heart and a refined individual, Jean Bélanger was truly a man for all seasons.A great man has passed away but he will be remembered for his love for life and his loyalty to his family, colleagues, friends and a profession he has always cherished.

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  1018. Proxy fight: Lavery successfully advises Fancamp

    Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P. acted as special advisor to the Board of Directors of Fancamp Exploration Ltd. ("Fancamp") with regards to a proxy fight launched by a dissenting shareholder, which involved replacing Fancamp’s current board members. A team headed by Michel Blouin and including Sébastien Vézina, Jean Tessier and Maxime Bergeron provided advice to the management of Fancamp on the best possible way to cope with the proxy fight. More specifically, the Lavery team provided to Fancamp legal and strategic advice focusing on hostile takeovers and regulations concerning good governance as well as the smooth functioning of the meeting. In addition, Lavery offered to help Fancamp perform proxy verification so as to ensure that the voting results comply with the requirements set out by the Securities Transfer Association of Canada. The dissenting shareholder’s attempt was rejected at Fancamp’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting that was held on October 26, 2012 in Toronto. Michel Blouin, Sébastien Vézina and Jean Tessier were present at the Meeting to advise and assist the management of Fancamp and the Chairman of the Board. Sébastien Vézina acted as Secretary of the Meeting.

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  1019. Supreme Court decision on professional liability

    On April 4, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the application for leave with respect to the Québec Court of Appeal rulings in Audet c. Transamerica Life Canada and Souscripteurs du Lloyds c. Alimentation Denis & Mario Guillemette. These judgments deal primarily with the professional liability of financial security advisors as well as the validity of specific provisions included in professional liability insurance contracts. For more information, consult the following newsletters: Liability insurance, professional activities and gross fault: the Québec Court of Appeal sets the record straightBy : Bernard Larocque - August 2012 Professional liability insurance and gross fault: the Court of Appeal sings a different tune (new version)By : Bernard Larocque - October 2012 Investment and Financial Security Advisors: Respect your clients’ goals and document your files!By : Dina Raphaël - October 2012

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  1020. Lavery’s Strong Presence in the National Seminar on Class Actions of the Quebec Bar’s Continuing Education Services

    For the 9th consecutive year, Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., Litigation partner at Lavery, has organized and hosted the National Seminar on Class Actions of the Quebec Bar’s Continuing Education Services, which was held on March 21-22, 2013 at the Palais des congrès in Montreal.This seminar represents the most important professional training event in the area of class actions in Canada. It gathered a total of 35 speakers, class action lawyers and judges from everywhere in North America as well as about a dozen sponsors. The seminar enabled participants to receive leading edge training in this fast-evolving practice area that focused on recent developments in Quebec, Canada and the United States as well as the latest trends with respect to international class actions.Mr. Jean-Philippe Lincourt, an associate in Lavery’s class action team, gave a well-attended conference on landmark class action cases in Quebec in 2012.Mr. Saint-Onge was recently ranked as Lawyer of the Year 2013 in the category Class Action Litigation - (Montréal) by the legal directory The Best Lawyers in Canada.

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  1021. Lavery seminar on Life and Disability Insurance: A Successful Event

    Ms. Evelyne Verrier and Ms. Marie-Andrée Gagnon, Litigation partner and associate at Lavery respectively, acted as speakers, on March 20, at a seminar on life and disability insurance, which was organized jointly with the Association québécoise des directeurs de règlement en assurances collectives (AQDRAC).This event drew some 30 participants at the Lavery Conference Centre. The topics discussed focused on recent jurisprudential trends with respect to disability, updating jurisprudential tests with regard to the definition of disability, private healthcare and the change of insurer.

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  1022. Marie-Claude Cantin, Nicolas Gagnon and Louis-Martin Dubé – speakers at a conference on Bill 1: Integrity in Public Contracts Act

    Two Litigation partners at Lavery, Ms. Marie-Claude Cantin and Mr. Nicolas Gagnon, and a Real Estate partner, Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé, acted as speakers during an event focused on Bill 1: Integrity in Public Contracts Act.This event, which was held at the Lavery Conference Centre on March 14, drew about 100 people. The guest speaker was Mr. Eric Stevenson, Superintendent, Client Services and Distribution Oversight at the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), who gave the organization’s viewpoint on the challenges stemming from its mandate with respect to the new provisions included in An Act respecting contracting by Public Bodies, which lays the framework for companies contracting with a public body.Mr. Nicolas Gagnon discussed the legal challenges arising from this act for the various stakeholders in the construction industry. Ms. Marie-Claude Cantin and Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé also gave a presentation on the Règlement visant à améliorer la sécurité dans le bâtiment [Regulation to enhance building safety]. They described the new public building safety measures that came into force on March 18, 2013 as well as the obligations of building owners and managers, designers and entrepreneurs under the new regulation. From left to right: Mr. Eric Stevenson, Ms. Marie-Claude Cantin, Mr. Nicolas Gagnon and Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé

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  1023. Jean Saint-Onge and Michel Gélinas recognized as Leaders in their Field by Chambers Global

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., a Litigation partner at Lavery, and Mr. Michel Gélinas, a Labour Law partner at Lavery, are recognized as Leaders in their Field in the 2013 edition of the prestigious legal directory Chambers Global. The expertise of Mr. Saint-Onge is recognized in the category Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Defence) Canada, whereas the expertise Mr. Gélinas is recognized in the category Employment & Labour (Canada). In addition, in the same edition of this publication, Lavery is recognized in the category Dispute Resolution: Québec. The lawyers and law firms profiled in Chambers Global are selected following a rigorous process where thousands of interviews are conducted with a vast range of lawyers and their clients, i.e. commercial users of legal services, by a team of more than 140 full-time researchers. Moreover, the final selection is based on well-defined criteria, such as the quality of service provided to clients, legal expertise and commercial astuteness. For more information, click on the following links: Jean Saint-Onge Michel Gélinas Lavery

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  1024. Conference by Jean-Sébastien Desroches and Emil Vidrascu on shareholder agreements

    Mr. Jean-Sébastien Desroches and Mr. Emil Vidrascu, Business Law partner and Litigation partner at Lavery respectively, discussed the mechanisms of shareholder agreements during a breakfast conference that took place on March 14 at the Lavery Conference Centre. This event, held under the theme "Avoid litigation by using shareholder agreements", drew about 40 people, mostly small and medium-sized business owners. Mr. Desroches and Mr. Vidrascu informed the participants about the main strategies with respect to negotiating and implementing shareholder agreements within a corporation to ensure smooth business operations, prevent and resolve disputes as well as minimize various risks. From left to right: Mr. Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Business Law partner at Lavery, and Mr. Emil Vidrascu, Litigation partner at Lavery.

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  1025. The English-speaking section of the Bar of Montreal pays tribute to Vincent O,Donnell

    Lavery is pleased to announce that the English-speaking section of the Bar of Montreal today paid tribute to Mr. Vincent O’Donnell, Q.C., Ad. E., a renowned lawyer who practised at the firm for more than 50 years, for his outstanding legal career, by awarding him its first Lifetime Achievement Award.Mr. O’Donnell joined the firm in 1957, moving quickly through the ranks to become one of Canada’s foremost litigation lawyers. He has appeared before all levels of court in Canada, including at least 12 times before the Supreme Court. He has also argued precedent-setting cases in various areas, such as insurance law, professional liability and class actions.President of the Bar of Montreal from 1984 to 1985, he was actively involved in many committees of the Quebec Bar and the Canadian Bar Association throughout his career. In addition, Mr. O’Donnell’s reputation extends well beyond national borders. He has been a member of internationally renowned professional associations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the International Association of Defense Counsel."Lavery is delighted that the English-speaking section of the Bar of Montreal has recognized the remarkable career of a great legal mind. In addition to his invaluable contribution to the development of law, Mr. O’Donnell influenced generations of lawyers with his passion for the law and his sound legal reasoning. As a colleague, mentor, adviser, professor or friend, Vincent O’Donnell imprinted his distinctive mark on our profession and made a profound impression on several people during his long and distinguished career", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  1026. Dina Raphaël, Martin Pichette and Nathalie Durocher, speakers at Damage Insurance Day 2013

    Two litigation lawyers at Lavery, Ms. Dina Raphaël and Mr. Martin Pichette, and a litigation associate, Ms. Nathalie Durocher, will be conference speakers at la Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2013 (Damage Insurance Day 2013), an event organized by Le journal de l’assurance in co-operation with the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages and that will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal under the theme "S’unir pour gagner la confiance de l’assuré" (Together to win the trust of the insured). Lavery is proud to be a partner of this major event that brings together insurers, brokers, agents and claims adjusters. Martin Pichette will act as moderator of a conference entitled "Assurance des condominiums : des changements sont à l’horizon !" (Condo insurance: Some upcoming changes) that will focus on the changes that will have an impact on underwriting risks with respect to condo insurance. In addition, Dina Raphaël and Nathalie Durocher will take part in the conference "2013 marquera-t-elle l’avènement de la vente d’assurance sur Internet ?" (Selling insurance on the Internet in 2013?) where she will discuss the regulatory framework applicable to this practice as well as the changes needed to fully implement this practice and protect consumer rights. To read the event program (in French), click here.

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  1027. Lavery represents the syndicate of agents in the offering of $200 million of 4.23% series 2 senior unsecured debentures of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    On December 4, 2012, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed a public offering of $200 million aggregate principal amount of 4.23% Series 2 senior unsecured debentures due December 4, 2019, for total net proceeds to Cominar of approximately $199.0 million. The debentures were offered to the public by a syndicate of agents led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of agents was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  1028. Dina Raphaël recognized as a 'litigation future star' in Québec

    Ms. Dina Raphaël, partner in Lavery’s Litigation Group, has been recognized as a "litigation future star" in Québec in the second edition of the legal directory Benchmark Canada, the Guide to Canada’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, a publication of Benchmark Litigation which is the only legal directory in the United States to focus exclusively on US litigation. Ms. Raphaël’s expertise was recognized in the areas of product liability, general commercial, insurance and professional liability. Lawyers are selected following extensive interviews conducted with litigators and their clients.

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  1029. PwC Canada-Lavery Information and Networking Cocktail: A Successful Event

    The PwC Canada-Lavery Information and Networking Cocktail, that took place at the Lavery Conference Centre in Montreal on February 27, was a success. Held under the theme "How to attract, manage, motivate and retain talent in innovative ways within the mining industry in Quebec?", this event mostly drew representatives from mining corporations that are active in Quebec, particularly within Plan Nord territory. The event co-organizers, Mr. René Branchaud, partner and coordinator of Lavery’s Business Law Group, and Mr. Nochane Rousseau, PwC partner and leader of the Mining industry for the province of Quebec, invited participants to discuss the issue of leadership in the context of human resources management in the mining sector. Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., partner of Lavery’s Business Law Group, acted as master of ceremony for the event. The following persons shared their thoughts on various issues: Ms. Josiane L’Heureux, partner in Lavery’s Labour Law Group, focused on certain aspects of employment contracts and human resources management; Mr. Claude Gosselin, Vice President Operations and Maintenance at Aluminerie Alouette, spoke to the participants about managing and retaining talent in the mining sector; and Mr. Alain Robichaud, partner responsible for strategic management and organizational change at PwC, discussed the issues of leadership and human resources management in the mining industry. From left to right: Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., partner at Lavery; Alain Robichaud, partner, strategic management and organizational change, PwC; Josiane L’Heureux, partner at Lavery, and Claude Gosselin,Vice President Operations and Maintenance, Aluminerie Alouette

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  1030. Benjamin David Gross and Étienne Brassard – speakers at the Advanced Conference on Real Estate and Urban Development in Quebec

    Mr. Benjamin David Gross, partner, and Mr. Étienne Brassard, associate, both in Lavery’s Business Law Group, were speakers at the Advanced Conference on Real Estate and Urban Development in Quebec that was held in Montreal on February 27-28, 2013. Their joint presentation was titled "Le financement des projets immobiliers au Québec pour atteindre les objectifs d’affaires de vos clients" (i.e. "The Financing of Real Estate Projects in Quebec to Achieve Your Clients’ Goals").Hosted by the Canadian Institute, the Advanced Conference on Real Estate and Urban Development in Quebec allowed key players to share their expertise on a wide range of topics including real estate market trends, financing, environmental risk management, development agreements and management contracts as well as land use planning, urban planning and zoning.For more information about the Conference (in French only), click here.

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  1031. Marie Cossette and Lavery’s Quebec City office recipients of a 4-star Maestria for the 2012 Centraide Campaign

    Ms. Marie Cossette, director of the 2012 Centraide Campaign for Lavery’s Quebec City office and partner of the Litigation Group, has received the 4-star Maestria Major Donors in the small business category, awarded by Centraide Québec et Chaudière-Appalaches, during the 2012 Centraide Campaign recognition event that was held on February 26 at the Hôtel Château Laurier Québec.Since 2009, the Maestria is awarded to groups of employees working in a corporation or an institution who take part in a Centraide Campaign that helps generate high levels of participation. Ms. Cossette’s active involvement enabled our office to more than double the previous year’s total donations. As a result of the hard work of our Quebec City office employees, Lavery ranked among the top two or three law firms in the region with the most significant number of major donors.

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  1032. Eugene Czolij on the front page of the daily KyivPost

    Mr. Eugene Czolij, a partner in the Litigation Group at Lavery, was on the front page of the February 19, 2013 issue of KyivPost, Ukraine’s leading English-language newspaper. As President of the Ukrainian World Congress, an international coordinating body for Ukrainian communities in the diaspora representing the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians, Mr. Czolij spoke in favour of Ukraine becoming a member of the European Union.He pointed out that he will be in Brussels during the week of February 25, 2013 on the occasion of the European Union-Ukraine Summit, where he intends to promote Ukraine’s European integration. According to the President of the Ukrainian World Congress, Ukraine’s Euro-integration will give Ukrainians the opportunity to live in harmony within a European community that shares their values and respects the principles of the inviolability of state borders, democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights. It will also give them access to the largest economy in the world.To read the article published in KyivPost, click here.

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  1033. Gérard Coulombe at the Awards Gala for Excellence in Corporate Governance

    Mr. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., a Business Law partner at Lavery, took part in the 11th edition of the Korn/Ferry – Les Affaires Awards Gala for Excellence in Corporate Governance in Montreal on February 13, 2013. Mr. Coulombe was one of the four "directors with experience" invited by event organizers to join with six young directors to stimulate discussion. Mr. Coulombe’s long-standing experience in corporate governance has enabled him to advise many businesses on a wide range of important issues. He is also a member of the boards of directors of several corporations, including Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust, CH Group Inc. and Club de Hockey Canadien, Inc. and National Bank of Canada. He currently acts as Chairman of the Bank’s Conduct Review and Corporate Governance Committee.

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  1034. Valérie Boucher, author of a text published in the Thema Collection

    Ms. Valérie Boucher, a Business Law partner at Lavery, is the author of a text regarding the trust under Quebec Law which was published in December 2012 in the Thema Collection. Thema includes thematic publications that are drawn from encyclopedia JurisClasseur Québec, published by LexisNexis. Ms. Boucher’s publication presents a synthesis of the current substantive law on the subject of trusts in Quebec civil law and is meant to be a practical tool for those who are interested in the subject or have questions on particular aspects of it. Ms. Boucher’s text was previously released in JurisClasseur Québec’s Civil Law Collection.

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  1035. Lavery welcomes six new lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that six lawyers have joined the firm in the last few weeks. The new lawyers will be members of three of Lavery’s practice groups. Business Law Mr. Louis Thibault-Germain 2009 Mr. Simon Lacerte-Lamontagne 2007 Mr. Jean-Philippe Latreille 2010 LitigationMs. Laure Bonnave* 2012Ms. Émilie Laplante Paquin* 2012 Administrative LawMr. Guillaume Laberge* 2012 *Articling student at Lavery.The year of call to the Quebec Bar appears after each name. "The addition of these lawyers shows Lavery’s desire to attract young talent who will reinforce our practice groups. Three of these lawyers completed their articling with the firm, demonstrating our continued commitment to the development of professional skills within the firm, which is part of Lavery’s forward-looking business philosophy", said Don McCarty, Managing Partner of the firm.

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  1036. Benjamin David Gross gives a presentation at the Advanced Conference on Financing and Security Interests

    Mr. Benjamin David Gross, a Business Law partner at Lavery, was a speaker/lecturer at the Advanced Conference on Financing and Security Interests that was held in Montreal on January 30-31, 2013. This event drew about 50 people and was very successful. Mr. Gross gave a presentation on “Naviguer les zones grises associées aux outils de financement des équipements (bail, crédit-bail et VAT)”, which was well attended.Many topics with regard to financing and security interests were discussed during the Conference, which was hosted by the Canadian Institute, including the laws and regulations that govern security interests, the revision of financing and security interest agreements, equipment financing, project financing issues, cross-border financings, and the tax-related aspects of financial agreements.For more information about the Conference (in French only), click here.

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  1037. Élodie Brunet, author of an article in Premières en affaires magazine

    Ms. Élodie Brunet, lawyer at Lavery, wrote an article entitled “Un employeur peut-il interdire l’enregistrement par ses employés de conversations au moyen d’un téléphone cellulaire ?” (Can an employer forbid the recording of cell phone conversations by his employees?) in Premières en affaires magazine. Ms. Brunet’s article focuses on an employer’s managerial rights and his powers to forbid recordings for legitimate reasons in the context of labour relations, based on current case law.The article (in French only) is available by clicking here.

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  1038. Chantal Joubert, author of an article in the Revue Industrie & Commerce

    Ms. Chantal Joubert, partner at Lavery, wrote an article entitled “Vérification diligente et baux commerciaux” (Due diligence and commercial leases), which was published in the December 2012 issue of the Revue Industrie & Commerce. Ms. Joubert seeks to demonstrate that the due diligence process for commercial leases should not only apply to the provisions set out in a lease document but also extend to the provisions that are not included in the document.To read this article (in french only), click here.

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  1039. A New Lavery Management Team

    Lavery is pleased to announce the following changes to its management team. Following the appointment of André Vautour as Chairman of the Board of Directors in December 2012, Don McCarty became the firm’s new Managing Partner on January 1st, 2013. For Lavery, 2013 begins with new leaders who successfully combine decades of legal practice with long-standing management experience. An acknowledged expert in business law and in commercial and mass tort product liability litigation, Don previously practised law at Lavery from 1979 to 1997, before joining Imperial Tobacco Canada as Vice President, Law and General Counsel, a position he occupied from 1997 to 2012. Lavery and its clientele will benefit from his outstanding business law expertise, comprehensive knowledge of the legal services industry and senior corporate executive experience. André Vautour joined Lavery’s Business Law Group in October 2007. Prior to that, he practised law for almost 25 years at Desjardins Ducharme and he played a key role in the integration to Lavery of 34 lawyers from that firm. In addition to organizing and directing the work of the firm’s board of directors, as Chairman, André will team up with the new Managing Partner to help optimize and implement the firm’s vision and strategic direction."2013 marks Lavery’s 100th anniversary. I am delighted to rejoin my old firm, which has been servicing business in Quebec and Canada for so long. I want to thank our predecessors, Élise Poisson and Richard Dolan, for their contribution to the firm’s growth. Building on Lavery’s record of success as Quebec’s leading independent law firm, André and I will strive over the coming years to reinforce and expand Lavery’s value proposition", stated Don McCarty.

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  1040. GeoMegA Completed a Brokered Private Placement

    In November and December 2012, Geomega Resources Inc. completed a brokered private placement totaling 5,376,000 flow-through shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,688,000. The private placement was co-led by Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. and Marquest Asset Management Inc. acting as agents. Geomega Resources Inc. owns the Montviel Rare Earths/Niobium project which is located approximately 45 km west of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi and 100 km north of Lebel-sur-Quévillon in the southern territory covered by the Québec’s “Plan Nord”. The net proceeds from the private placement will be used to fund the development of the Montviel property. Geomega Resources Inc. was represented by a team of Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P. comprised of Sébastien Vézina, Maxime Bergeron, Robert La Rosa (securities) and Eric Gélinas (tax).

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  1041. Lavery in Lexpert’s leading case for 2012

    Lavery appears in Lexpert magazine’s case that leads the Top 10 Cases list for 2012: the decision rendered by the Supreme Court of Canada in the matter of a reference  concerning  the  proposed  Canadian Securities Act,  which  aimed  at  creating  a  single securities  regulator  in Canada. In its decision, the Supreme  Court  declared  the  proposed  federal securities  act  unconstitutional. In this case, a Lavery partner, Raymond Doray, Ad. E., and a former partner of the firm, Mathieu Quenneville, represented the Barreau du Québec. For more information on this case, click here to consult pages 48 and 54 of Lexpert.

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  1042. Course aux stages: Lavery’s participation to "Career Days"

    With regard to the course aux stages, Lavery will take part in the "Career Days" of the following universities: January 9: Université de Sherbrooke January 14: UQÀM January 16: McGill University January 17: Université de Montréal January 22: University of Ottawa January 24: Université LavalThese meetings are an excellent opportunity to inform students about the firm’s areas of practice and the main steps of our recruitment process.Our professionals will gladly respond to any questions regarding articling positions at Lavery and discuss career opportunities with the students.You want to know more about Lavery’s articling program? Consult the column Students.

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  1043. René Branchaud, a leading lawyer in the 2013 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada

    Mr. René Branchaud, partner at Lavery, has been recognized as a leading lawyer in mining law in the 2013 edition of the Lexpert®/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. He sits on the board of directors and is corporate secretary of several publicly listed mining companies. He is also listed in The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory 2012 in the field of Mining and the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada directory recognizes Mr. Branchaud as one of the best lawyers in Natural Resources Law.

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  1044. Jean Saint-Onge recognized as a leading US-Canada cross-border lawyer

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., partner at Lavery, was named a leading cross-border lawyer in the area of class actions in the 2012 edition of the directory Lexpert Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-border Litigation Lawyers in Canada. Mr. Saint-Onge has been involved in numerous precedent-setting cases and has represented major corporations in multijurisdictional and cross border class actions, more particularly in the areas of competition law and consumer law. He is listed among the leading practitioners in the fields of Class Actions-Litigation, Commercial Insurance-Litigation and Product Liability in The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2012. He has also been named Lawyer of the Year for 2013 by The Best Lawyers in Canada in the field of Class Action Litigation in Montreal.

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  1045. Lavery recognized by Lexpert magazine in one of the Top 10 Corporate Deals of 2012

    Lavery was recognized as a significant player in one of the Top 10 Canadian Corporate Deals, being the acquisition of Canmarc Real Estate Investment Trust by Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust in an amount of $838.2 million, as reported in the January 2013 issue of Lexpert magazine. In this transaction, a team of Lavery composed of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax) represented the syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. in connection with equity financings of Cominar totalling nearly $350 million. For more information on the transaction, click here to consult pages 40 and 42 of Lexpert.

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  1046. Jean Martel, member of the Investment Industry Association of Canada Hall of Fame Selection Committee

    Mr. Jean Martel, Ad. E., partner at Lavery’s Montreal office, was appointed by the Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) to sit on its Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The committee’s mandate will namely consist of selecting individuals who have played a key role in the development of the Canadian securities sector. Jean Martel is a member of several boards of directors, including TMX Group Inc. and the Business Development Bank of Canada. From 1995 to 1999, he acted as Chairman and CEO of the Quebec Securities Commission which became the Autorité des marchés financiers in 2004.In addition to Jean Martel, the IIAC Hall of Fame Selection Committee brings together influential Canadians: Gary Filmon, Consultant, The Exchange Group, and former Premier of Manitoba, Winnipeg Margaret Franklin, President and CEO, Kinsale Private Wealth Inc., Toronto J. Colin Dodds, President, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax Lois Mitchell, Senior Partner, Rainmaker Global Business Development, Calgary Chris Collingwood, President and CEO, Baine Johnston Corp., St. John’s James C. Baillie, Senior Counsel, Torys, Toronto

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  1047. Lavery represents Black Diamond in the acquisition of White Birch Paper Company in Quebec

    On September 18, 2012, Black Diamond Capital Management, L.L.C. and BD White Birch Investment LLC announced the acquisition of the assets of White Birch Paper Company, the second largest newsprint manufacturer in North America. This transaction represents an important milestone in the restructuring process of the business commenced more than two years ago and will ensure the long-term viability of the new company. Black Diamond, a US-based independently owned alternative investment firm, was represented in Quebec by a multidisciplinary team from Lavery, which included Jean-Yves Simard and Jonathan Warin (restructuring and insolvency), Catherine Maheu, Josée Dumoulin and François Parent (labour and employment; pension and benefits), Dominique Bélisle, Brigitte Gauthier, Chantal Joubert and Étienne Guertin (financing and real estate law), Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Guillaume Lavoie, Ariana Lisio and Maxime Bergeron (business transactions, mergers and acquisitions), Yvan Biron and Sophie Prégent (environment) as well as Philippe Asselin and Audrey Gibeault (tax law). The Lavery team demonstrated its expertise and worked closely with colleagues at Goodmans (Toronto) and Skadden (Chicago), both counsel to Black Diamond.

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  1048. Carl Lessard discusses the National Hockey League labour conflict on TVA Sports

    Mr. Carl Lessard, a partner at Lavery in labour and employment law, appeared yesterday night on the TV Show Le Premier Trio, produced by TVA Sports network, to discuss the recent judicial proceedings initiated by the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) with respect to the labour conflict, which has been raging for several months. An expert in labour relations, Carl Lessard dealt with various issues related to this conflict, including the revocation of certification, the judicial precedents in that regard in the United States and the risks that such proceedings could have on the outcome of negotiations.The comments of Carl Lessard can be read and viewed by clicking here (in French).

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  1049. Lavery ranks very well in the latest Financial Post League Tables

    During the third quarter 2012, Lavery distinguished itself as Canadian legal counsel to underwriters in connection with various transactions. According to the figures published in the Legal Post column of the daily Financial Post, Lavery ranked 9th among all Canadian law firms for debt and equity offerings, 10th for equity offerings and 8th for debt offerings.It is worth mentioning that Lavery finished ahead of several national leading firms, which shows the strength of our transaction activity. In 2012, Lavery was ranked Quebec’s number one regional law firm by Canadian Lawyer magazine.

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  1050. Lavery Announces the Appointment of André Vautour as Chairman of the Board of Directors

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of André Vautour as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He succeeds Richard Dolan who acted as Chairman for the last three years. "I am very honoured by this vote of confidence from the firm’s partners and determined to support our new Managing Partner, Donald McCarty, who will assume his duties in January, and promote Lavery’s continued development and the reinforcement of our business law branding, all of which will benefit of our clients for years to come", stated André Vautour. As Chairman of the Board of Directors, André Vautour will ensure along with the Managing Partner proper carriage of all of the firm’s major files, and take part in the preparation and elaboration of the firm’s strategic development plan as well as oversee its implementation. André Vautour will continue practising in the areas of corporate and commercial law with a focus on strategic alliances, joint ventures, investment funds, mergers and acquisitions of private corporations, and technology law. In addition, on October 31, 2012, he was appointed Denmark’s Honorary Consul for the province of Quebec. André Vautour joined Lavery’s Business Law Group in October 2007. Prior to that, as representative of the firm Desjardins Ducharme, where he was Managing Partner, he headed the committee responsible for the agreement that enabled the Montreal office of Lavery to welcome 34 lawyers from Desjardins Ducharme in business law, commercial litigation and insolvency. During the negotiations between the two firms, André Vautour developed a close professional relationship with Richard Dolan, who was then Managing Partner, which largely contributed to the success of this integration. Lavery’s Board of Directors wishes to thank Richard Dolan for his commitment, dedication and exceptional contribution to the growth of the firm and its successful positioning, first as Managing Partner for 10 years and then as Chairman of the Board of Directors since January 2010. André Vautour is recognized in the 2013 edition of the directory The Best Lawyers in Canada in the fields of Information Technology Law and Technology Law. He has also been named "Best Lawyers’ 2013 Lawyers of the Year in Montreal" by Best Lawyers in the field of Technology Law in Montreal. In addition, he is listed in The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory 2012 in the fields of Technology Transactions.

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  1051. Daniel Bouchard new Managing Partner of the Quebec City Office

    Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Bouchard as the new Managing Partner of the firm’s Quebec City office. Mr. Bouchard succeeds Louis Rochette who has acted as Managing Partner of our Quebec City office since 2004. "This is an excellent nomination for our Quebec City office", said Élise Poisson, Managing Partner of the firm. "In the last eight years, Louis Rochette has strongly contributed to the continued expansion and influence of the Quebec City office. Daniel Bouchard will enable us to build on this momentum and consolidate Lavery’s position in the legal services market." Member of the Quebec Bar since 1991, Daniel Bouchard practises mainly in the fields of municipal, environmental and administrative law. In addition, he has developed special expertise in the areas of land use planning and development, agricultural zoning, environment, municipal liability and municipal management. He regularly acts as barrister and solicitor for numerous municipalities, energy businesses, and municipal and other government bodies as well as for individuals dealing with public authorities. A renowned speaker and trainer, he has published many articles in various law reviews and other specialized publications. "I am very honoured by this nomination and I intend to reinforce our presence not only in the Capital Region but also elsewhere in Quebec", said Daniel Bouchard. "We have an excellent team and by putting together our respective strengths, Lavery will continue to provide our clients with exceptional service."

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  1052. Eugène Czolij recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Eugene Czolij, partner at our firm, was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal on November 30, 2012 during a special awards presentation ceremony, which was organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne in 1952. This distinction recognizes the significant contributions and accomplishments of Canadian citizens to a particular province or community.Lavery is proud to salute the unrelenting commitment of Mr. Czolij in the Ukrainian community, in Montreal, throughout Canada and around the world.Since 2008, Mr. Czolij is the President of the Ukrainian World Congress, an international coordinating body for Ukrainian communities in the diaspora representing the interests of over 20 million Ukrainians. The Ukrainian World Congress has member organizations in 33 countries and ties with Ukrainians in 14 additional countries.

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  1053. Lavery represents the syndicate of agents in the re-opening of Cominar real estate investment trust’s 4.274% series 1 senior unsecured debentures in the principal amount of $125 million

    On September 14, 2012, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed the re opening of its 4.274% Series 1 senior unsecured debentures due June 15, 2017 in the principal amount of $125 million, for total net proceeds to Cominar of approximately $125,6 million. The debentures were offered to the public by a syndicate of agents led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of agents was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  1054. Jean-Sébastien Desroches Winner of the 2012 Rising Star Award

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Jean-Sébastien Desroches, a business law partner at the firm, has received the Rising Star Award, given out by the Legal Lexpert Directory, during a gala that was held in Toronto on December 3, 2012. This Canada-wide contest pays tribute to lawyers under 40 who are considered rising stars in the legal profession in Canada. The winners are selected based on rigorous and well-delineated criteria: professional accomplishments, leadership, contribution to firm profitability, business acumen, vision, education and awards, and teamwork. The practice of Jean-Sébastien Desroches is primarily focused on commercial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and corporate reorganizations on behalf of public and private corporations. He represents Canadian, American and European clients in large-scale transactions where his leadership abilities enable him to provide unparalleled service to corporations that are active in a wide range of sectors, including finance, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and technology. Possessing comprehensive knowledge of his clients’ industries, Jean-Sébastien represents entrepreneurs in the development and implementation of commercial projects and joint ventures, with a focus on the transportation, infrastructure, aeronautic and energy sectors. He also advises clients in matters involving venture capital, investments, equity participation and transfer of businesses. "Jean-Sébastien Desroches has incomparable professional and human qualities that make him a legal expert respected by his clients and colleagues. Lexpert has acknowledged these qualities by giving him the Rising Star Award. In the course of his business law practice, Jean-Sébastien successfully combines versatility and specialization, the technical and human aspects of transactions, sharp argumentative prowess and a non-confrontational approach, successful execution of a transaction and the art of compromise. Jean-Sébastien is truly an example of level-headedness in a demanding profession as well as a great asset to Lavery", said Élise Poisson, Managing Partner of the firm. For more information, please visit the Lexpert Rising Stars website.

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  1055. Four women law students winners of the 2012 Lavery Awards of Excellence

    Lavery is pleased to announce the recipients of the firm’s 2012 Awards of Excellence: Ms. Despina Mandilaras – Lavery, de Billy Award of Excellence in Environmental Law, Université de Montréal Ms. Léa-Maude Coulombe - Lavery, de Billy Award of Excellence in Labour Law, Université de Montréal Ms. Emmanuelle Rodrigue - Jacques-Perron Award of Excellence at the Clinique des services juridiques, Université de Montréal Ms. Laurence Mainville – Lavery, de Billy Award of Excellence in Corporate Law and Business Corporations Law, Université LavalLavery congratulates these four women law students who have been rewarded for their outstanding academic results. These awards, three of which bear the name of the firm while the fourth bears the name of a renowned Lavery partner, Mr. Jacques Perron, show that Lavery attaches great importance to those who will be tomorrow’s legal leaders.

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  1056. Crisis Management Conference co-chaired by Marie Cossette: A successful event

    Co-chaired by Marie Cossette, partner at Lavery, the conference "Crisis Management: The legal advisor’s survival guide", sponsored by Lavery and that took place in Montreal on November 27, was very successful. This major event enabled participants (mainly in-house counsels and communications directors) to better understand and align the respective work of lawyers and public relations officers in crisis management situations.This conference included first-rate speakers who succeeded in putting into perspective the event’s three thematic topics: law, communications and media. Ms. Cossette gave the opening speech along with the other co-chair, Ms. Marie Grégoire, as well as a conference on the "lawyer and public relations officer duo". Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., partner at Lavery, discussed with the participants a few conflicts that were efficiently managed from a public relations standpoint.The participants were very pleased by the relevance of the subjects discussed and the quality of the speakers. Conference organizers were able to create a casual and yet studious climate that helped generate meaningful exchanges.For more information about this event (in French), click here.

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  1057. PME 2013 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal : A very successful first edition!

    The first edition of PME 2013, which was held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on November 22 and 23, 2012, has drawn several hundred people, mostly small and medium-sized enterprise executives and owners. Cosponsored by Lavery, this major event posted winning figures: about 4,000 participants, 150 experts, 75 conferences and 43 exhibit booths.Lavery is pleased to note that the conferences presented by Ms. Valérie Boucher ("Driving growth through acquisitions: How to successfully buy a business") and Ms. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur ("Dealing with a problem employee: How to put an end to workplace frustration") were a sellout.

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  1058. Lavery welcomes Carole Gélinas, real estate lawyer

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Carole Gélinas has joined its Real Estate Law Group as well as its Financing and Financial Services Group at the firm’s Montreal office.Ms. Gélinas has more than 25 years of experience in the review of title searches and verification of property titles. She provides active support to her colleagues, particularly with respect to mandates for the leasing, acquisition, sale and financing of real estate properties.Ms. Gélinas received her LL.B. from the Université de Montréal in 1986 and a diploma in notarial law from the same institution in 1987. She was a member of the Chambre des notaires from 1987 to 2003, and has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2003.

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  1059. GeoMegA Completed Private Placement

    In November 2012, Geomega Resources Inc. completed a brokered private placement totaling 4,620,000 flow-through shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,310,000. The private placement was co-led by Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. and Marquest Asset Management Inc. acting as agents. Geomega Resources Inc. owns the Montviel Rare Earths/Niobium project which is located approximately 45 km west of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi and 100 km north of Lebel-sur-Quévillon in the southern territory covered by the Québec’s “Plan Nord”. The net proceeds from the private placement will be used to fund the development of the Montviel property. Geomega Resources Inc. was represented by a team of Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P. comprised of Sébastien Vézina, Maxime Bergeron, Robert La Rosa (securities) and Eric Gélinas (tax).

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  1060. 2012 CBA-Québec/Lavery Legal Essay Writing Contest Awards

    During the Holiday Cocktail of the Québec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA-Québec), which was held on November 15, 2012, the awards were presented to the winners of the 2012 CBA-Québec Legal Essay Writing Contest. This year, the contest was organized in cooperation with Lavery and the Société québécoise d’information juridique (SOQUIJ). The objective of this contest is to recognize and promote the writing skills of law students. Lavery submitted the following question: "Does the interpretation given by the Court of Appeal of Québec in the case of Groupe Van Houtte inc. -vs.- Les développements industriels et commerciaux de Montréal inc., 2010 QCCA 1970 to the principle of the objective determination of the prestation of the obligation provided in Section 1373 C.c.Q. mean that a clause whereby a party to a contract may unilaterally and in a discretionary manner set or vary an essential element of the contract would be valid under Québec law?" The jury was made up of four Lavery partners: Ms. Odette-Jobin Laberge, Ad. E., Mr. Emil Vidrascu, Mr. Jean-Yves Simard and Mr. André Vautour. CBA-Québec congratulated them for the quality of their work; the members of the jury analyzed a total of 14 texts in a very short time. The first prize, offered by SOQUIJ and including a cash prize of $1,500, was awarded by Mr. Luc Boulanger-Milot to Mr. Mountagha Sow, from the Université de Montréal. The second prize, offered by CBA-Québec and including a cash prize of $1,000, was awarded by Mr. Emil Vidrascu to Ms. Charlotte Fortin, from Université Laval.

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  1061. Pierre-L. Baribeau receives the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Pierre-L. Baribeau, partner at our firm, was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal during the 5th edition of the event L’art de donner, which was held on November 21, 2012 to benefit the Quebec Lung Association (QLA).The QLA chose to honour Mr. Baribeau for his unrelenting commitment and dedication to this charity where he acts as President of the Board.The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne in 1952. This distinction recognizes the significant contributions and accomplishments of Canadian citizens to a particular province or community.Lavery is proud to salute the continuous involvement of Mr. Baribeau in the community. His commitment is expressed in different ways, including his genuine interest with any concerns raised by the community or his active participation in the various activities of many organizations.From left to right: Dr. Serge Carrière, former Dean of the Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine, administrator and philanthropist; and Mr. Pierre-L. Baribeau, partner at Lavery

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  1062. Lavery represents the syndicate of underwriters in the $287.5 million bought deal financing of units of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    On August 21, 2012, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust closed a public offering of 11,640,300 units for gross proceeds of $287.5 million. The units were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Geneviève Fournier and Jean Tessier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  1063. Valérie Boucher and Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur from Lavery, Speakers at PME 2013

    Ms. Valérie Boucher and Ms. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur, partner and associate of Lavery, will both give a conference presentation during the first edition of PME 2013, which will be held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on November 22 and 23, 2012. This major small and medium-sized enterprise event, cosponsored by Lavery, will gather more than 150 experts and give business leaders access to 75 conferences on a wide range of relevant issues.Ms. Boucher will speak on "Driving growth through acquisitions: How to successfully buy a business", while Ms. Jolicoeur will focus on "Dealing with a problem employee: How to put an end to workplace frustration".For more information, please visit the PME 2013 website (in French) : http://pme2013.com/

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  1064. Lavery article on the Plan Nord in the 2012-2013 edition of the Corporate Counsel Directory and Yearbook

    Lavery has published an article on the Plan Nord in the 2012-2013 edition of the Corporate Counsel Directory and Yearbook, an annual publication produced in partnership with Lexpert. Entitled "The Plan Nord – Issues and Challenges for the ‘‘Project of a Generation’’", the article was coauthored by Yvan Biron, Éric Gélinas and Carolina Manganelli.The text focuses on various issues of interest, such as the involvement of Aboriginal people in the Plan Nord, the environmental challenges related to this major project and Québec’s mining royalty regime. In addition, according to the latest information compiled by the Directory and Yearbook, Lavery is ranked 5th among the 15 largest law firms in Montreal.

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  1065. The Marie-Vincent Foundation thanks
    Jean Saint-Onge for his 25-year commitment

    In a recent issue of the magazine Les Affaires, the Marie-Vincent Foundation paid tribute to Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., partner at Lavery, for his involvement of more 25 years with this organization, a resource for children aged 12 and younger who have been victims of sexual abuse.The Foundation pointed out that Mr. Saint-Onge had acted as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a total of 16 years. It also stated that his perseverance and determination for all those years had largely contributed to the growth of the Foundation and the creation of the Centre d’expertise Marie-Vincent. Lavery also wishes to salute Jean Saint-Onge for his long-standing community involvement.

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  1066. André Vautour appointed Denmark’s Honorary Consul

    André Vautour, partner at Lavery, has been appointed Denmark’s Honorary Consul for the province of Quebec on October 31, 2012. Mr. Vautour is replacing his colleague, Michel Blouin, partner at Lavery, who held this diplomatic function for more than 23 years. Mr. Vautour’s main responsibilities will revolve around consular, commercial and cultural matters. They will include issuing provisional passports replacing a lost or stolen one, greeting Danish business people or government representatives in Quebec, establish contacts between Danish and Quebec cultural representatives or represent Denmark during events involving the Montreal consular corps.

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  1067. Sébastien Vézina appointed Corporate Secretary of Fancamp Exploration Ltd.

    Sébastien Vézina, partner at Lavery, has been appointed Corporate Secretary of Fancamp Exploration Ltd., a Canadian-based mineral exploration company, which manages several natural resources projects at different stages of development in Quebec, particularly in the regions of Fermont (Côte-Nord), the Gaspé Peninsula and Beauce.Fancamp is pleased with the appointment of Sébastien Vézina: " The experience of Mr. Vézina in governance, in financing for public corporations, in negotiating business agreements and development agreements in connection with the Plan Nord will significantly contribute to the evolution of Fancamp for years to come."Click here to read Fancamp’s press release.

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  1068. Lavery hosts a Premières en affaires conference lunch with Gérald Fillion

    Lavery is honoured to have hosted, on Thursday, October 25, 2012, a conference lunch entitled "A Book, An Author" presented by the magazine Premières en affaires. Mr. Gérald Fillion, a journalist for Radio-Canada since 2001, discussed the book "The Price of Civilization" from the American economist, Jeffrey D. Sachs.Gérald Fillion covers the economy and hosts " RDI économie", where he presents and analyzes economic news. The conference lasted one hour and involved Gérald Flllion, Ms. Margarita Lafontaine, editor of Premières en affaires, and 50 participants in a spirited exchange.

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  1069. Marie Cossette, cochairperson of the November 27, 2012 Crisis Management Conference

    Under the cochairmanship of Marie Cossette, partner at Lavery, the firm will be the sponsor of a conference entitled "Crisis Management: The legal advisor’s survival guide", that will take place on November 27 at the InterContinental Montreal Hotel. This major event is designed to offer practical tools and advice to better understand and then align the respective work of lawyers and public relations officers in crisis management situations. The Crisis Management Conference will include renowned speakers who are active in business, law, communications and media. Lavery will be well represented at this event. In addition to Ms. Cossette, who will give the opening speech along with Ms. Marie Grégoire as well as a conference on the "lawyer and public relations officer duo", Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., partner at Lavery, will inform the participants about some conflicts that were efficiently managed from a public relations standpoint. The Conference organizer, Insight Information, will ensure that this activity is recognized for Continuing Legal Education purposes by the Quebec Bar. The clients of Lavery who want to take part in this event are entitled to a 10% refund. To take advantage of this offer, please call the toll-free number 1 888 777-1707 and mention that Lavery is the event sponsor.

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  1070. Appointment of Jean Martel to the Board of Directors of Oceanic Iron Ore Corp.

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Jean Martel, Ad. E., has been appointed on October 19, 2012 to the Board of Directors of Oceanic Iron Ore Corp. Oceanic is a Vancouver-based mining corporation that is active in the territory covered by Plan Nord, particularly with regards to the development of iron properties in Ungava Bay. This new appointment adds to the various responsibilities already assumed by Mr. Martel as a member of other corporate boards.

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  1071. The Lavery Conference Lunch: A successful event!

    The firm’s Conference Lunch, which was held on October 24 and 25, 2012 at the Lavery Conference Centre, has gathered more than 130 people, most of whom work in the insurance industry. This event was held under the theme " Greatness and miseries of the insurer’s obligation to defend". For the benefit of the participants, the two speakers, Mr. Bernard Larocque and Mr. Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, discussed the fundamental principles of this obligation.From left to right: Bernard Larocque, partner at Lavery; and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin, associate at Lavery

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  1072. Lavery, host of a business lunch for Bavarian and Quebec businesses

    Lavery is pleased to have hosted, on October 23, a networking activity that was part of a business lunch organized by Quebec Manufacturers & Exporters (QME) and the State of Bavaria Quebec Office. This successful event drew some 70 people, including more than 50 business representatives from the Free State of Bavaria in Germany and the province of Quebec.Ms. Édith Jacques, partner at Lavery and Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors of QME board of directors, and Mr. Michael Gotschlich from the Department of Economy of Bavaria greeted the participants with a word of welcome. Mr. Frédéric Arsenault from the State of Bavaria Quebec Office and Mr. Simon Prévost from QME presented respectively the Bavarian and Quebec businesses. The presentations were followed by a networking activity.This event enabled the Bavarian delegation to know more about Plan Nord and the business opportunities related to this project, particularly in the areas of construction, infrastructure as well as energy and environmental technology.From left to right: Simon Prévost, President, Quebec Manufacturers & Exporters; Michael Gotschlich, Director of Foreign Trade, Europe and North America, Department of the Economy of Bavaria; Édith Jacques, partner at Lavery; and Frédéric Arsenault, economic and technology advisor, State of Bavaria Quebec Office

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  1073. Lavery represents the syndicate of agents in the offering of $125 million of 4.274% series 1 senior unsecured debentures of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    On June 15, 2012, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed a public offering of $125 million aggregate principal amount of 4.274% Series 1 senior unsecured debentures due June 15, 2017, for total net proceeds to Cominar of approximately $124.1 million. The debentures were offered to the public by a syndicate of agents led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of agents was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  1074. Lavery represents Intact Insurance regarding the tentative agreement reached with Option consommateurs for the settlement of the 1998 ice storm class action

    Intact Financial Corporation announced on October 23 that its insurance subsidiaries operating in Quebec have reached an agreement in principle with Option consommateurs for an out-of-court settlement of a class action lawsuit regarding the 1998 ice storm. This tentative agreement is subject to approval by the Québec Superior Court during the next few months. The class action suit launched by Option consommateurs sought to determine, among other things, whether the insurance companies had an obligation to compensate all policyholders included in the class action for additional living expenses incurred as a result of the power outages as well as the amount to be reimbursed. The 1998 ice storm was Canada’s most costly natural disaster. Approximately $1.6 billion was paid out to consumers by insurance companies, including more than $350 million by Intact subsidiaries. The agreement with Option consommateurs applies to more than 200,000 clients insured with Belair Insurance Company Inc., Allianz Insurance Company of Canada, AXA Assurances inc. and ING Insurance Company of Canada (Commerce Group). This agreement in principle involves only Intact Financial Corporation’s insurance subsidiaries and the class action suit against the 15 other insurance companies is still in progress. The amount of the agreement is $12.5 million. Mr. Jean Saint-Onge and Mr. Jean-Philippe Lincourt from Lavery represent Intact Insurance with respect to the proposed settlement this class action.

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  1075. Two new appointments for Marie Cossette

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Marie Cossette, partner of our firm, has been appointed as member of the Organizing Committee for the 2013 Congress of the Quebec Bar and as member of the Comité Affaires-Cultures for the Chambre de commerce de Québec. These two nominations represent worthy additions to an already extensive involvement with respect to professional and community activities, particularly in the areas of culture, education and law.

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  1076. 2012 Lavery Discussion Event: A successful conference!

    The 2012 Lavery Discussion Event on the Distribution of financial products and services was a success. Almost 65 people gathered in the Lavery Conference Centre on October 10 to take part in this seminar, which was focused on recent developments and trends with regards to investigations, inspections and remedies. More specifically, the Lavery speakers discussed important concerns related to the growing application of the legislation and power to act of the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), including the scope of AMF powers, the role of registered firms and persons and the expectations of the AMF in that regard as well as the best practices and related recommendations. This Discussion Event involved the participation of Ms. Lise Girard, chief prosecutor at the Autorité des marchés financiers. From left to right: Marc Beauchemin, partner at Lavery; Josianne Beaudry, associate at Lavery; Daniel Alain Dagenais, partner at Lavery; Lise Girard, chief prosecutor at the Autorité des marchés financiers; Nathalie Durocher, associate at Lavery; and Evelyne Verrier, partner at Lavery.

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  1077. Some 200 corporate lawyers take part in the 2012 Lavery seminar!

    The 2012 edition of the Lavery seminars took place on Tuesday, October 16 at the Centre Mont-Royal in Montreal under the theme "Risk Management". Some 200 corporate lawyers participated to this training activity, which was presented in the form of workshops and involved 14 lecturers, including 12 from Lavery and two external lecturers.The proposed program was comprehensive and dealt with various subjects of interest for corporate lawyers. The day began with a plenary session focused on "The corporate lawyer and the duties towards third parties with respect to information". The training activity continued with six workshops that dealt with the following issues: Certain provisions with regards to commercial leases, including from an acquisition standpoint The financing of occupational health and safety How to read an insurance policy The restrictive covenant provisions in credit agreements Consumer law and class actions Precautionary measures with respect to lobbying and the relations with public authoritiesOnce again, the Lavery seminar was a success. This seminar is a major initiative among those organized by Lavery to meet the needs of its business partners.

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  1078. Dina Raphaël quoted in an article published in the journal Finance et Investissement

    Ms. Dina Raphaël, partner at Lavery and an expert in the area of insurance law, is quoted in an article of the journal Finance et Investissement and entitled "Assurance responsabilité : des contrats à revoir". The text deals with an important judgment where the Québec Court of Appeal ruled that the provision excluding gross fault, which is included in a liability insurance policy, was of no force or effect. Ms. Raphaël pointed out, among other things, that the judgment will compel insurers and policyholders to review the exclusions written into liability insurance policies. However, any exclusion for gross fault is not necessarily null and void. Click here to read this article (in French only).

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  1079. Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., winner of a 2012 Zenith Award!

    Gérard Coulombe, Q.C., partner at Lavery, was given a Zenith Award on October 11 during a gala event in Toronto. This distinction is awarded by the legal directory Lexpert to recognize annually the work of lawyers who are Canadian leaders in the legal profession. According to Lexpert, Gérard Coulombe distinguished himself as a leading practitioner in business law and tax law. In the latter case, as a special advisor to the Minister of Finance of Canada from 1972 to 1977, Gérard Coulombe had the responsibility to negotiate agreements between Canada and more than 40 countries, with the aim of avoiding double taxation. This advertisement was published in a special issue of Lexpert devoted to the 2012 Zenith Awards.

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  1080. Appointment of Justice Richard Wagner to the Supreme Court of Canada

    Lavery is proud of the appointment, last October 5, of Mr. Justice Richard Wagner, a former lawyer of the firm, to the Supreme Court of Canada. After completing his law degree at the University of Ottawa in 1979, Justice Wagner practised for almost 25 years at Lavery. An articling student with the firm in 1980, he was hired as an associate the same year, and became a partner in February 1988.A thorough and passionate jurist, Justice Wagner became an accomplished and recognized litigator in the areas of commercial litigation, professional liability and construction law. He was diligent in responding to the requirements of Lavery's clients, attentive to the needs of his colleagues, and also contributed as a mentor and educator to the success of many young lawyers at Lavery.In addition to participating actively in several committees of the firm, Justice Wagner was always very involved in the legal community. Among other things, he was a founding fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers in 1998, and was elected as the bâtonnier of the Bar of Montreal for 2001-2002. He also sat on the board of directors of the Quebec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, chairing the Construction Law Section in 2003-2004. In June 2005, he received the Quebec Bar's Award of Merit for his contribution to the legal profession.In September 2004, he was appointed as a judge to the Québec Superior Court, a position he held until he was appointed to the Québec Court of Appeal in February 2011. For Lavery, the appointment of Justice Wagner to the highest court in the country is an honour that brings credit to the firm as a whole.

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  1081. Carolyne Corbeil author of an article in Industrie & Commerce magazine

    Carolyne Corbeil, lawyer at Lavery, is the author of a text that was published in the September-October 2012 issue of Industrie & Commerce, and entitled "Nouvelles embûches pour l’employé offrant ses services par l’entremise d’une société". In this article, Carolyne Corbeil analyzes the impact of a new provision in the Canadian Income Tax Act that significantly increases the tax rate applicable to personal services businesses (PSB). She particularly examines the rules to qualify for the status of PSB, the regime governing this category of business and the new tax measure proposed by the Minister of National Revenue.Click here to read this article (in French only).

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  1082. Dina Raphaël and Nathalie Durocher co-authors of an article in Premières en affaires magazine

    Dina Raphaël and Nathalie Durocher, respectively partner and lawyer at Lavery, published a text in the August-September 2012 issue of Premières en affaires, entitled "Votre contrat d’assurance sur Internet". In this article, they focus on the legislative and legal challenges of a fast-growing phenomenon: the online distribution of insurance products. Ms. Raphaël and Ms. Durocher observe that the insurance industry is currently going through significant changes and the Internet represents a very interesting marketing tool for the industry. In their concluding comment, they point out that such a tool must be used with caution and according to the current laws governing the distribution of insurance products and the formation of the insurance contract while taking into account consumer rights. Click here to read this article (in French only).

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  1083. Marie-Claude Perreault in a short video of the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés

    Marie-Claude Perreault, CIRC, partner at Lavery, appears in a short video of the Ordre, which is focused on the key human resources trends from an occupational health and safety standpoint. In her comments, Ms. Perreault briefly discusses three major challenges that corporate human resources managers are confronted with:• the importance of good governance with respect to occupational health and safety files;• the financial management of employment injury files; and• the management of psychological injury files.Click here to view the video :www.portailrh.org/StudioRH/MCPerreault

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  1084. Lavery represents Black Diamond in the acquisition of White Birch Paper Company in Quebec

    On September 18, 2012, Black Diamond Capital Management, L.L.C. and BD White Birch Investment LLC announced the acquisition of the assets of White Birch Paper Company, the second largest newsprint manufacturer in North America. This transaction represents an important milestone in the restructuring process of the business commenced more than two years ago and will ensure the long-term viability of the new company. Black Diamond, a US-based independently owned alternative investment firm, was represented in Quebec by a multidisciplinary team from Lavery, which included Jean-Yves Simard and Jonathan Warin (restructuring and insolvency), Catherine Maheu, Josée Dumoulin and François Parent (labour and employment; pension and benefits), Dominique Bélisle, Brigitte Gauthier, Chantal Joubert and Étienne Guertin (financing and real estate law), Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Guillaume Lavoie, Ariana Lisio and Maxime Bergeron (business transactions, mergers and acquisitions), Yvan Biron and Sophie Prégent (environment) as well as Philippe Asselin and Audrey Gibeault (tax law). The Lavery team demonstrated its expertise and worked closely with colleagues at Goodmans (Toronto) and Skadden (Chicago), both counsel to Black Diamond. 

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  1085. Lavery Welcomes Nine New Lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that nine lawyers have joined the firm during the last months. Adding these young professionals to the Lavery team demonstrates the firm’s willingness to attract new talent and optimize its service offering in areas of practice that respond to the needs of business clients in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada. These new lawyers will be members of three of the firm’s practice groups. Business Law Year of CallMs. Bianca Laliberté 1999Ms. Catherine Méthot* 2010Ms. Audrey Gibeault 2011Mr. Maxime Bergeron* 2011Mr. Étienne Guertin* 2012 LitigationMr. Michael Beeson 2011Mr. Alexis Devroede-Languirand* 2012Mr. Dominic Boisvert* 2012 Labour and Employment LawMs. Paméla Kelly-Nadeau* 2012*Articling student at Lavery. "The addition of these talented lawyers shows that Lavery gives priority to succession planning. We are dedicated to developing the skills of these young men and women within our firm. In this regard, our commitment is particularly expressed through our support of articling students. Among the nine new Lavery lawyers, six completed their articling at our firm", says Élise Poisson, Lavery’s managing partner.

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  1086. Donald McCarty to Become Managing Partner of Lavery in January 2013

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Donald McCarty will become the firm’s managing partner commencing January 1st, 2013. He is currently Vice President, Law, as well as General Counsel and Secretary of Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCan). Donald McCarty previously practised law at Lavery from 1979 to 1997, becoming a partner in 1987. A member of the Québec Bar and the Law Society of Upper Canada, he developed a practice specializing in business and environmental law, serving a number of local and multinational clients mainly in the fields of natural resources and environmental services.Mr. McCarty joined ITCan in 1997 and two years later was appointed Vice President, Law, and General Counsel. In addition to managing the Law Division, he sat on the company’s board of directors and was a member of its Canada Leadership Team. He notably oversaw a number of major financial transactions and commercial restructurings, and guided the company through events and issues that have shaped and defined the business activities not only of the company but of the industry. He also implemented innovative legal strategies for the management of major litigation and in 2005 received the Canadian General Counsel Award, presented by National Post and ZSA Legal Recruitment, in the category of Litigation Management and Corporate Restructuring."This appointment to the leadership of our firm is part of the ongoing implementation of our strategic vision," said Richard Dolan, chairman of Lavery’s board. "For many years, Lavery has been known for its business law positioning and for a range of services focused on the needs of the business community. With the arrival of Don, our clients will benefit from the experience of a senior business and litigation lawyer, while our firm will gain the expertise of a high-level corporate executive with a profound understanding of the legal services industry."

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  1087. Lavery Launches its New Plan Nord Blog

    Lavery is pleased to announce the launch of its new Plan Nord blog. This blog will regularly provide information to its readers on various relevant topics, including articles on the business opportunities created by Plan Nord, current news, legislative and regulatory updates as well as on Plan Nord events organized by Lavery. "Lavery’s blog contributors have thorough knowledge of the areas targeted by Plan Nord, such as mining law, environmental law, Aboriginal law, energy and natural resources, labour relations, transportation and infrastructures, and municipal law", said René Branchaud, a Lavery partner who is actively involved in Plan Nord projects. here. --> We also invite you to follow us on Twitter.

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  1088. Louis Rochette receives the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

    During a ceremony, which was held in the presence of close family members, Louis Rochette, partner at Lavery, was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, that was created to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne in 1952. This honorary distinction recognizes Canadian citizens who have made a significant contribution to a particular province or community in Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to the country. Our congratulations to the recipient of this commemorative medal, Louis Rochette!

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  1089. Four new appointments for Jean Martel!

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Jean Martel, Ad. E., partner of our firm, has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of TMX Group Inc., which owns and operates the Montréal Exchange, Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange and Alpha Exchange. In addition, Jean Martel was named Chair of three (3) important TMX Group Board Committees: the Montréal Exchange Rules and Policies Committee, the Toronto Stock Exchange Rules and Policies Committee, and the Group’s Regulatory Oversight Committee.The responsibilities of the first two committees are to approve all rules and policies governing the listing and negotiation of shares and derivatives on the Toronto Stock Exchange and Montréal Exchange.The third committee is responsible for monitoring any conflict of interest that may arise due to control of the Group by 14 Canadian institutions – including many banks and pension funds such as National Bank and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec – and to this effect, the committee interacts and reports yearly to the Ontario Securities Commission.These responsibilities are therefore highly strategic and will increase Lavery’s visibility and expertise in the area of consulting with respect to the monitoring and operations of the Canadian securities market. Our congratulations to Jean!

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  1090. 36 Lavery Lawyers Included in the 2013 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 36 of the firm’s lawyers have been listed as leading Canadian practitioners in their respective areas of expertise in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2013. "We are delighted that 36 lawyers of our firm are included in the 2013 edition of this prestigious directory. This recognition acknowledges the expertise, quality of work and dedication of these lawyers and the entire Lavery team. I would like to congratulate our 36 lawyers who have been singled out for their contribution to our clients’ success and the development of our service offering", said Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner. Among the Lavery lawyers listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2013, three are first-time honourees: Guy Lavoie, Philip Nolan and Jacques Perron. The following lists the names of all Lavery lawyers included in the directory as well as their practice area(s):  Armstrong, Marie-Claude Family Law Baribeau, Pierre-L. Labour and Employment Law Biron, Yvan Environmental Law Blouin, Michel Natural Resources Law Branchaud, René Natural Resources Law Cantin, Marie-Claude Insurance Law Charette, Louis Aviation Law; Product Liability Law; Transportation Law Coulombe, Gérard, Q.C. Corporate Law Czolij, Eugene Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Denis, Pierre Equipment Finance Law Dubé, Louis-Martin Real Estate Law Gagnon, Nicolas Construction Law Gélinas, Michel Labour and Employment Law Gravel, Marie-Andrée Mergers & Acquisitions Law Hébert, Jean Insurance Law Hotte, Jean-François Labour and Employment Law Jobin-Laberge, Odette Insurance Law Larocque, Bernard Class Action Litigation; Insurance Law Lavoie, Guy Labour and Employment Law Lemay, Guy Labour and Employment Law; Class Action Litigation Mason, Robert W. Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation; Product Liability Law Nolan, Philip Tax Law Pariseau, Luc Tax Law Paul-Hus, Jacques Mergers & Acquisitions Law Payette, Louis, Ad. E. Banking and Finance Perron, Jacques Transportation Law Pinard, Élisabeth Family Law Raphaël, Dina Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law Rochefort, Marc Securities Law Rochette, Louis Health Care Law Rose, Ian Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law Saint-Onge, Jean, Ad. E. Class Action Litigation Schachter, Raphaël H., Q.C., Ad.E. Criminal Defense Simard, Jean-Yves Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Stotland, Gerald Family Law Vautour, André Information Technology Law; Technology Law   For more information, please visit the BEST LAWYERS website at www.bestlawyers.com.

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  1091. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., Michel Blouin and André Vautour of Lavery Named Best Lawyers' 2013 Lawyers of the Year

    Lavery is proud to announce that Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., Mr. Michel Blouin and Mr. André Vautour have been named Best Lawyers’ 2013 Lawyers of the Year by Best Lawyers, a peer-review publication in the legal profession. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., has been named Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year 2013 Montréal Class Action Litigation. Michel Blouin has been named Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year 2013 Montréal Natural Resources Law. André Vautour has been named Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year 2013 Montréal Technology Law. "On behalf of Lavery, I sincerely congratulate Jean Saint-Onge, Michel Blouin and André Vautour for this recognition acknowledging the expertise, professionalism and integrity that they demonstrate toward our clients and their professional peers", stated Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner. For more information, please visit the BEST LAWYERS website at www.bestlawyers.com.

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  1092. Lavery represents the syndicate of underwriters in the $172.5 million bought deal financing of units of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    On May 30, 2012, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust closed a public offering of 7,279,500 units for gross proceeds of $172.5 million. The units were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  1093. Lavery ranks well in the most recent Financial Post League Tables

    During the second quarter 2012, Lavery distinguished itself as Canadian legal counsel to underwriters in connection with various transactions. According to the figures published in the Legal Post column of the daily Financial Post on August 8, Lavery ranked 12th among all Canadian law firms for debt and equity offerings, 11th for equity offerings and 12th for debt offerings. It is worth mentioning that Lavery finished ahead of several leading firms, which shows the strength of its transaction activity.

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  1094. A conference by Craig Alexander, Senior Vice President & Chief Economist of TD Bank Group

    Lavery is pleased to say that the special conference given at our office on August 15 by Craig Alexander, Senior Vice President & Chief Economist of TD Bank Group, was a success. Almost 50 business people attended this event to hear Mr. Alexander talk about "The Economic and Real Estate Outlook ". Lavery wishes to thank Benjamin David Gross , Louis-Martin Dubé and Justin Cohen, who pulled off a masterstroke of organization by inviting Craig Alexander, a world-renowned speaker and a leading figure in the area of finance.From left to right: Benjamin David Gross, partner in Lavery’s Business Law Group; Craig Alexander, Senior Vice President & Chief Economist of TD Bank Group; Justin Cohen, investment advisor at TD Waterhouse; and Louis-Martin Dubé, partner in Lavery’s Business Law Group

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  1095. Jean Saint-Onge: A good-hearted and dedicated man

    A partner in Lavery’s Litigation Group, Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., is profiled in the August-September issue of Lambert magazine. This article focuses on Jean Saint-Onge’s commitment and involvement over the past 25-years with the Marie-Vincent Foundation, which supports children under 12 who are victims of sexual abuse. Very dedicated to this cause, Jean Saint-Onge believes that lawyers are agents of change in our society which explains the major role he has played min the creation, in 2005, of the Centre d’expertise Marie-Vincent and the Chaire de recherche interuniversitaire Marie-Vincent .

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  1096. The Olympic farewell of an exceptional athlete

    Although the results of the final of the 3-metre springboard event did not meet Alexandre Despatie’s expectations, Lavery wishes to say again how proud we are to have supported this remarkable athlete as a sponsor since 2009. Following Alexandre’s injury in Madrid, during pre-Olympic training, his chances to take part in the London Games appeared slim. However, this exceptional athlete showed once again his courage and determination.The Olympic motto, "The important thing is not to win but to participate", reveals its true meaning for Alexandre under these circumstances. Considering that London was his last Olympic Games, it seems timely to reflect on what Alexandre has accomplished throughout a glorious career that spans almost 15 years: not only two Olympic medals and three world titles but also the combined titles of world champion in all three diving disciplines: 1-metre springboard, 3-metre springboard and 10-metre platform. It represents a record that could never be broken considering the growing specialization of diving. However, Alexandre’s biggest accomplishment is perhaps that he has been a source of inspiration for an entire generation of divers. These talented young women and young men are now and for the years to come Canada’s new breed of divers.Bravo Alexandre!

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  1097. Alexandre Despatie qualified for the 3-metre springboard individual event

    After having qualified for the semi-finals yesterday, Alexandre Despatie has advanced today, August 7, to the final of the 3-metre springboard individual event, which will take place this evening, London time. A proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery will support Alexandre in this competition that will also be his Olympic swan song.

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  1098. Three Lavery lawyers recognized as leading corporate lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that three partners of the firm have been named in the 2012 issue of Lexpert’s directory, Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada. Michel Blouin and René Branchaud are among the experts mentioned in mining law whereas Louis Payette is recognized for his expertise in banking. It is worth mentioning that lawyers are chosen based on individual results through Lexpert’s peer review survey.

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  1099. A worthy performance from Alexandre Despatie and Reuben Ross at the 3-metre springboard synchro

    A proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery salutes the worthy performance of Alexandre and his teammate Reuben Ross today at the 3-metre synchro event where they finished in 6th place. The fact that Alexandre was able to take part in this event after sustaining an injury only a few weeks ago is a victory by itself and eloquent proof of his courage and determination. Lavery will be cheering for Alexandre during his other competition next week: the 3-metre individual.

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  1100. Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion shine!

    Once again, the Canadian diving team distinguished itself! Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion won the bronze medal in the 10-metre synchronized platform event. Alexandre Despatie's quickly reacted to these good news on his Twitter account: " Yeaaaaaah! Une autre médaille de bronze! Good job girls!"So far it is Canada’s fourth medal since the London Olympics began and, worth mentioning, two of them were obtained by our diving team. Acknowledging the solid team spirit that unites our divers, Alexandre Despatie will undoubtedly be fired up for each of the diving events in which he will compete.A proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery wishes Alexandre the best of luck in the upcoming 3-metre synchro and the 3-metre individual.

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  1101. Émilie Heymans and Jennifer Abel win the bronze medal at the 3-metre synchro

    On Day 2 of the Summer Games, on Sunday, July 29, two of Alexandre Despatie’s teammates, the divers Émilie Heymans and Jennifer Abel, gave Canada its first medal in London. On his Twitter account, Alexandre quickly congratulated his teammates for this well deserved third place. At 20, Jennifer grabs her first Olympic medal. For Émilie, this fourth medal in four consecutive Olympic Games makes her the only female diver in Olympic history to achieve such a feat and the first Canadian athlete (male or female) to have set this record during the Summer Games.This wonderful achievement is a good omen for the Canadian diving team and it will represent an additional source of motivation for Alexandre and his partner Reuben Ross who will take part in the 3-metre synchro competition on Wednesday, August 1st. A proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery wishes Alexandre the best of luck in the upcoming 3-metre synchro and the 3-metre individual.

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  1102. Lavery represents the syndicate of underwriters in the $201.2 million bought deal financing of units of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    On February 28, 2012, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust closed a public offering of 9,168,950 units for gross proceeds of $201.2 million. The units were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Dundee Securities Ltd. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the third largest diversified real estate investment trust in Canada and the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec. 

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  1103. Olga Farman co-signs an article on Quebec’s strategies in the life sciences industry in Premières en Affaires

    Olga Farman, a Lavery partner, is the co-author of an article about the government of Quebec’s strategies in the life sciences area, published in the April-May 2012 issue of Premières en Affaires. The article lists the strategies – which it presents as catalysts for innovation – that have been implemented to ensure the stability and more particularly the prosperity of the biopharmaceutical industry in Quebec. It also specifies the main pillars of the strategy for research and innovation in Quebec: more competitive and internationally recognized research; more creativity and entrepreneurship in the general population; increased productivity and competitiveness through innovation; major projects that bring people together. Read the article (in French only).

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  1104. Major Psychological Victory for Alexandre Despatie

    Lavery wishes to congratulate Alexandre Despatie for his exemplary courage and tenacity. Last Friday, the triple world champion and double Olympic medalist performed an inward triple flip – the very dive during which he hurt himself and suffered a mild concussion hardly a month ago in Madrid.Even if he didn’t do the dive in a competition, it is a major victory for Alex. All agree that he is a great source of inspiration.A proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery anticipates the pleasure of seeing him perform at the 2012 London Olympics next month.

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  1105. Lavery: In synch with Alexandre Despatie since 2009

    The Lavery law firm is pleased to have been a sponsor of the diver Alexandre Despatie for more than three years and to help him achieve his Olympic dream. Alexandre Despatie’s strength of character is one of the qualities that sets him apart. In 2011, an injury kept him out of competition but he came back strongly in 2012. Recently, he suffered an injury during training in Spain that could have ruined his chances to take part in the London Olympics, which will be his last Olympic Games. Once again, Alexandre Despatie has shown his strength of character and he will participate in the Summer Games. Managing Partner at Lavery, Élise Poisson points out that the partnership between the firm and a remarkable athlete like Alexandre Despatie is a great privilege. "At Lavery, we feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to support this tremendous athlete. For the past 15 years, Alexandre Despatie has made Quebec and Canada proud, just as much for his exceptional competition results as for his endearing personality", says Élise Poisson.

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  1106. In Synch with Alexandre Despatie since 2009

    Three-time world champion and twice Olympic medalist, Alexandre Despatie is a Canadian diver from Laval, Quebec. He is the first, and so far the only, diver to have won the title in all three individual events (1m, 3m, and 10m springboards) at the FINA World Championships. He also holds numerous senior national titles. Lavery has been proudly sponsoring Alexandre Despatie since 2009 and is looking forward to supporting him throughout the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England.Exclusive interview with Alexandre DespatieLavery is pleased to offer its clients an exclusive interview with Alexandre Despatie. Considering that we’re only a few weeks away from the official opening of the London Olympic Games, this interview comes at a perfect time. Alexandre shares with readers some highlights of his career. He points out the importance of being adequately prepared before major competitions and what it takes to succeed in such a demanding discipline. He also mentions his objectives for the London Olympic Games. In short, the interview helps us to better comprehend why Alexandre Despatie has remained, for the last 15 years, one of his sport’s greatest champions.Follow Alexandre Despatie on Twitter!Please click on the suggested link to follow Alexandre Despatie on Twitter before and during the London Olympic Games: https://twitter.com/#!/ADespatieNewsAugust 8, 2012The Olympic farewell of an exceptional athleteAugust 7, 2012Alexandre Despatie qualified for the 3-metre springboard individual eventAugust 1, 2012A worthy performance from Alexandre Despatie and Reuben Ross at the 3-metre springboard synchroJuly 18, 2012Major Psychological Victory for Alexandre DespatieJuly 11, 2012Lavery: In synch with Alexandre Despatie since 2009June 14, 2012Lavery salutes the courage and determination of Alexandre DespatieMay 11, 2012Canada Cup diving Grand Prix: Despatie wins the silver medalFebruary 22, 2012Alexandre Despatie Makes a Dramatic Comeback on his Road to the OlympicsFebruary 8, 2011Alexandre Despatie two-time gold medal winner at Canadian Winter NationalsDecember 3, 2010Alexandre Despatie wins gold at the CAMO Invitation diving competitionNovember 18, 2010Alexandre Despatie - Male Athlete of the YearOctober 12, 2010Three’s the charm for Alexandre Despatie, gold medal winner at the XIX Commonwealth GamesJune 29, 2010Alexandre Despatie wins gold at the Summer NationalsJune 8, 2010Alexandre Despatie Competed in ChinaMay 3, 2010Lavery Congratulates Alexandre Despatie for his Success at the Canada CupApril 22, 2010Lavery highlights Alexandre Despatie’s victories in MexicoApril 8, 2010Lavery highlights Alexandre Despatie’s return to competitionJuly 29, 2009Lavery congratulates Alexandre DespatieJune 1, 2009Lavery partners with Alexandre Despatie

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  1107. Economic Mission in the Plan Nord territory: Mission accomplished!

    Lavery’s Plan Nord group and its partners PricewaterhouseCoopers, Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec and AGC Communications jointly organized an economic mission in the Plan Nord territory from June 17-19.A total of 43 people took part in this mission, including a majority of Quebec business leaders. The participants visited the towns of Matagami, Chibougamau, Fermont, Sept-Îles, Labrador City and Wabush. They also met with the mayors of these municipalities, local business people and the Cri community of Oujé-Bougoumou, and visited the facilities of the mining companies Xstrata Zinc, Arcelor Mittal and Rio Tinto/IOC.For the participants, this mission was very successful. It enabled them to become better acquainted with the Plan Nord territory, its residents and the companies that do business in this part of Quebec. In addition, the tour has helped develop a business network and encourage a greater understanding of the wide range of business opportunities offered in this vast territory.

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  1108. Great Success for Lavery’s Annual Summer Cocktail

    On June 13, 2012, about 130 people took part in the firm’s summer cocktail. This annual event, which was held at the chic hotel Le Saint-Sulpice in the heart of Old Montreal, has enabled Lavery lawyers and partners to meet with present or prospective clients in a relaxed and festive setting. Once again, the cocktail was a genuine success.

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  1109. University Certification Presentation Ceremony with Regards to a Continuing Education Program in Business

    Lavery is pleased to have welcomed at our office, on June 12, the partners involved in a continuing education program in business for a university certification presentation ceremony to employees of Distinction Group Inc. (GDI), a Canadian leader in the areas of industrial and commercial maintenance. This program, entitled "Gérer et superviser efficacement" (Managing and supervising efficiently), is managed by the Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal and tailored for first-level managers within a company.A Lavery partner, Marie-Claude Perreault has been actively involved in the program’s implementation, ever since its launch in 2008, as a trainer for the module entitled Fulfilling the role of a first-level manager. "This module gave me the opportunity to deal with various subjects of interest for Distinction Group employees who enrolled in this training course, including human resources management, the development of harmonious labour-management relations, the laws on labour standards, the respect of health and safety standards as well as the rules associated with the protection of personal information", she pointed out.GDI’s president and CEO, Claude Bigras, is happy that the company chose to invest in the training of its first-level managers. "This program has endowed GDI with the undeniable advantages of team management skills, knowledge of labour relations laws and conflict resolution as well as the human relations techniques, methods and skills required for a more efficient, healthy and lasting project and operations management", he said.The Assistant Dean of the Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal, Monique Kirouac, welcomed the second certification presentation ceremony. "On April 6, 2010, during an official ceremony, GDI managers were the first recipients of this new official university certification awarded by our Faculty. On June 12, 2012, many GDI managers were awarded a certification for having successfully completed this continuing education program. In short, the program represents an excellent initiative that draws academia and business closer together".In addition, the president and CEO of the firm Relais Expert-Conseil, Luc Chabot, is pleased by the partnership with the Université de Montréal. "Our firm has worked in close cooperation with the Faculté de l’éducation permanente to develop a new management training program perfectly suited to the actual and complex needs of today’s businesses. Each module of the program has been thoroughly analysed and I’m very happy to note the remarkable success this continuing education program in business has had with GDI employees".Lavery would like to join the Université de Montréal and Relais Expert-Conseil in congratulating the recipients of the 2012 certifications and in thanking GDI’s senior management team for its continued support that contributes to the long-term success of the program.From left to right: Denise Pellerin, psychologist, coach and trainer; Marie-Claude Perreault, Partner at Lavery and trainer; Luc Chabot, President and CEO of Relais Expert-Conseil; Monique Kirouac, Assistant Dean, Academic Studies, Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal; Yves André Godon, Executive Vice-President, GDI; Valérie Korozs, Associate at Lavery and trainer; and Éric Robillard, trainer.

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  1110. Lavery represents the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec with respect to an investment of $98.5 M in GENIVAR

    The law firm Lavery is pleased to announce that it has represented the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (hereinafter the « Caisse ») in connection with a $98.5 M investment in the company GENIVAR. This investment is part of the proposed acquisition by GENIVAR of UK-based WSP Group plc, a consulting firm with operations in more than 30 countries. The Lavery team was headed by Jean-Sébastien Desroches (mergers and acquisitions) and included namely Josianne Beaudry (securities law), Sive Burns (mergers and acquisitions) and Jean Tessier (securities law). With regards to this transaction, the Caisse subscribed for 4,105,305 subscription receipts in GENIVAR inc. [TSX: GNV]. The subscription was made through private placement and the closing date of this subscription is scheduled close to June 27, 2012. Under the terms of the Subscription Agreement, each subscription receipt will be issued at a unit price of $24 for a total purchase price of $98,527,320. Each subscription receipt gives the right to receive, following the closing of the acquisition of WSP Group plc, one common share of GENIVAR’s share capital, without additional consideration or formality.

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  1111. Lavery salutes the courage and determination of Alexandre Despatie

    Just like all Quebecers and Canadians who cheer for Alexandre Despatie, Lavery was shocked to learn that Alexandre suffered an injury during training before the Madrid Diving Grand Prix in Spain. We wish him a speedy recovery and acknowledge his remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks at certain moments in his career.Proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie since 2009, Lavery is convinced that Alexandre will confidently be back on the diving board for the Olympic Games in London.

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  1112. Olga Farman wins the Women of Distinction Award of the YMCA Québec

    Lavery is pleased to mention that Olga Farman, a Lavery partner, is the recipient of the 2012 edition of the Women of Distinction Award of the YMCA Québec in the category Affaires et professions. This prestigious award, which recognizes the contribution of exceptional women to the development of Quebec, is based on rigorous and demanding criteria. Olga Farman has met all the requirements of these awards. Through the varied nature of her commitment that touches upon the areas of law and culture, her leadership among her peers as well as in connection with various professional and social projects, her creativity in the complex and fast-evolving life sciences sector, and her ability to consider each potential obstacle as a new challenge to undertake, Olga Farman represents a model of professional achievement and community involvement. To know more about the Women of Distinction Awards, please click here. (in French)

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  1113. Brian C. Elkin publishes an article in the American magazine For The Defense

    Brian C. Elkin, partner at Lavery, is the author of an article entitled "Bound by Provisions – Choice of Forum in Common Law Canada", which was published in the May 2012 issue of For The Defense, a monthly publication of the Defense Research Institute, a U.S.-based organization of civil defence lawyers with an international membership.In this article, the author draws attention to recent court decisions in the common law provinces of Canada, which reflect an important trend that risk managers and lawyers advising clients, who are involved in cross-border transactions, should be aware of.Click here to read this article.

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  1114. Jocelyne Gagné appointed Judge of the Federal Court

    Lavery is very pleased with the appointment of Jocelyne Gagné, partner of our firm, as a Judge of the Federal Court, as of June 1, 2012.With more than 20 years of legal experience, Jocelyne Gagné has focused her practice on civil and commercial litigation where, as a litigator, she represented clients before all levels of court in Quebec.A renowned speaker and an executive member of the Canadian Bar Association since 2007, the year that she joined Lavery, Jocelyne Gagné has successfully managed important files in various practice areas, including the liability of banks, construction law and real estate law.At Lavery, we know that Jocelyne Gagné will take up this new professional challenge with the same level of competence and dynamism she has always demonstrated.

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  1115. An economic South-North Mission in the Plan Nord Territory

    Lavery, in collaboration with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Québec Manufacturers and Exporters, Investissement-Québec, and AGC Communications, is organizing a South-North economic mission within the Plan Nord territory. From June 17 to 19, we will guide the executives of companies and organizations that would like to take advantage of the new business opportunities that Plan Nord will generate. The program includes guided tours of mining development facilities owned by Xstrata in Matagami, Arcelor Mittal in Mont-Wright, and Rio Tinto/IOC in Labrador City, meetings with the executives of these companies, and business meetings with the mayors, economic development agents, major work providers, local entrepreneurs, and Aboriginal communities living on the territory. Companies and organizations that take part in this mission will have the opportunity to find out about the business potential and identify South-North business opportunities, foster and develop a South-North business network, create new business alliances and partnerships, and gain a better understanding of the needs and operations of the major work providers within the mining industry. Several companies and organizations have already confirmed their participation. You can contact René Branchaud at [email protected] or 514 877-3040 for more information. You can register online, on the website of Manufacturers and Exporters  or by phone at 514 866-7774. Consult the Mission Guide (français seulement)

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  1116. Appointment of Michel Yergeau as Judge of the Superior Court of Québec

    Lavery is very pleased to announce the appointment of Michel Yergeau, partner of our firm, as a Judge of the Superior Court of Québec, as of June 1, 2012.During his 26 years at Lavery, Michel Yergeau distinguished himself by his administrative skills and his legal expertise. For a total of 13 years, he held the strategic position of Chairman of the firm’s Board of Directors and he set up our group in Environmental Law.A renowned jurist, Michel Yergeau made his mark in various practice areas, mainly environmental law, Aboriginal law, civil law and administrative law. He is also a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.At Lavery, we know that Michel Yergeau will fulfill his new responsibilities with the same level of competence, integrity, impartiality and discipline he has always demonstrated.

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  1117. A third term for Frédéric Pagé on the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montreal (YBAM)

    During its Annual General Meeting, held in Montreal on May 18, the YBAM announced the election results for various positions. Frédéric Pagé, a lawyer at Lavery, was elected for a third term as administrator on the YBAM Board of Directors for year 2012-2013. Founded in 1898, the YBAM represents lawyers with 10 years or less of practice, registered in the Montreal area. The mission of the YBAM is to defend and promote its members’ interests. It also offers various segments of the population consulting and legal information on a volunteer basis, besides organizing charitable activities. Overall, the YBAM seeks to improve access to justice and to contribute to the well-being of the community.

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  1118. René Branchaud quoted in an article published in La Presse about the Plan Nord

    Mr. René Branchaud, partner at Lavery and an expert in mining law, is quoted in an article published in La Presse newspaper on May 3 and entitled "Les fusions venues du froid". Mr. Branchaud points out that the Plan Nord generates significant interest with mining industry suppliers (ex.: equipment, technology, services, etc.) and Asian corporations, particularly from China. According to him, this interest could lead to an increase in mergers and acquisitions within the scope of the Plan Nord.Click here to read this article (in French only).

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  1119. 20 Lavery Partners Ranked in the 2012 Edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 20 partners of the firm are ranked among the most recommended lawyers in Canada in their respective practice areas in the 2012 edition of Thomson Carswell’s Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive publication to legal talent in the country. It is a reference guide for Canadian and U.S. corporate counsel and law firms in need of specialized legal services. The 2012 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory identifies the best lawyers in 64 practice areas based on the results of a thorough annual peer-review survey completed by more than a thousand respected legal professionals and a wide range of well-informed clients. Lavery lawyers are recommended in a vast array of fields, including banking, asset finance, mining law, environmental law, mergers and acquisitions, employment law and labour relations, class actions, construction law, medical negligence, family law, and commercial insurance litigation. "In the 2011 edition of this legal directory, 15 Lavery partners were recognized as opposed to 20 partners in 2012. This significant increase reflects our lawyers’ quality and diversity of expertise. I congratulate our 20 colleagues for this recognition and for their continued commitment to serving the legitimate needs of our clients", said Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner. The following Lavery partners are listed in the 2012 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory : Marie-Claude Armstrong* – Family Law Pierre L. Baribeau - Employment Law and Labour Relations Michel Blouin - Mining René Branchaud – Mining Louise Cérat - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Gérard Coulombe*, Q.C. – Corporate Commercial Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Pierre Denis - Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Nicolas Gagnon - Construction Law Jean Hébert - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Jean-François Hotte – Labour Relations Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad. E. - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Guy Lemay* – Class Actions Jean-François Lepage* – Medical Negligence Robert W. Mason - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Louis Payette, Ad. E. - Banking & Financial Institutions Jacques Perron* – Transportation (Road & Rail) Ian Rose* – Litigation – Directors’ & Officers’ Liability Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E. - Class Actions; Litigation – Commercial Insurance; Litigation - Product Liability André Vautour - Technology Transactions Michel Yergeau, Ad. E. - Environmental Law *New postingFor more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  1120. Michel Blouin and René Branchaud recognized for their expertise in corporate law

    The June 2012 issue of the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business, published on May 25, includes an insert entitled 2012 Lexpert/Report on Business Special Edition – Corporate (ROB Corporate) in which Michel Blouin and René Branchaud, both Lavery partners, are recognized as leading corporate law practitioners in Canada. To read this insert, please click here.

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  1121. Sébastien Vézina nominated Corporate Secretary of GeoMegA Resources

    Sébastien Vézina, a Lavery Partner, has been made Corporate Secretary of GeoMegA Resources, a Quebec-based mineral exploration company that focuses on finding economically viable deposits of minor metals in Québec. This nomination takes place in the context of management changes that, as Patrick Godin, Chairman of the Board of the company said, "aim to keep the momentum gained in developing the Montviel deposit while strengthening investor relations and Montviel’s position in the Plan Nord."

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  1122. Study by the Board of Trade of Metropoiltan Montreal: “Natural Resources: Leverage for the City’s Growth”

    On April 18, 2012, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal released the results of its study entitled “Natural Resources: Leverage for the City’s Growth.” The study aims to measure the weight and importance of the natural resources sector in the metropolitan Montreal area economy and to consider, in particular, the direct and indirect jobs that depend on it, the foreign investments that can be ascribed to it, and the expenditures that are made in the area by the firms involved in it. The study also considers the question of the Plan Nord and of the potential spinoffs of the Plan’s investments for metropolitan area companies. This part of the study identifies, in particular, business opportunities associated with the planned public infrastructure projects and with the anticipated private investments. Finally, the reader will find a series of lines of thinking addressed to public decision-makers and other actors concerned with the success of the natural resources sector, in order to maximize the positive spinoffs of this ambitious plan for Québec and its metropolitan area.The highlights of the study include:  In terms of total investment and operating expenditures, natural resources will generate estimated spin-offs of $51.8 billion in the Montréal metropolitan area over the next 25 years. The exploitation of natural resources and the implementation of the Plan Nord will create or maintain around 14,335 jobs in the city per year, for 25 years. To maximize the economic spin-offs of the exploitation of natural resources in the metropolitan area, the actors concerned will have to implement concrete strategies with four major goals in mind: Put in place a business environment conducive to the development of natural resources; Propose and strengthen training programs to allow development of a sufficient number of specialized human resources; Maximize linkage in the value chain, both upstream and downstream; Highlight the distinctive qualities of our resources and enhance their value in the marketplace.

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  1123. Evelyne Verrier gives a presentation on legal updates in life and disability insurance at the 2012 CLHIA Conference

    Last May 3, Evelyne Verrier, a Lavery partner, gave a presentation during a workshop on case law highlights in life and disability insurance over the past year, at the 2012 Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association’s Claims Section Annual Conference.The workshop dealt mainly with the following topics: misrepresentation, burden of proof, designation of beneficiaries, duty to inform and duty to advise, contract interpretation, action in damages, and definition of disability. Ms. Verrier frequently appears before the courts in disputes concerning life and disability insurance, and damage insurance. She also has expertise in the distribution of financial products and services.

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  1124. Guillaume Lavoie will give a training organised by the Fondation du maire, next June 14

    Guillaume Lavoie, a lawyer with Lavery, will be giving the members of the Fondation du maire a one-day training on shareholders’ agreements and the potential issues arising from the rights and powers provided to the shareholders of a start-up company and the adoption of the rules regarding the management of such company, next June 14. The non-profit organization supports young Montréal companies through grants and various services like this free training seminar. Mr. Lavoie evaluates applications submitted to obtain a grant from the foundation and carries out various coaching activities for the foundation’s training program in order to help business members of the foundation who are seeking expertise and advice in business law.

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  1125. Canada Cup diving Grand Prix: Despatie wins the silver medal

    Lavery warmly congratulates Alexandre Despatie for his performance at the 2012 Canada Cup – FINA Diving Grand Prix, held this weekend at Montréal’s Olympic Park Pool. The triple world champion and double Olympic medalist, who won the silver medal in men’s 3m springboard, said he felt increasingly confident, after a pause of almost one year caused by a knee injury. "Combined with the bronze medal he won at the 2012 FINA World Cup in London in February, this podium indicates that Alexandre is making a very impressive return to the competition,” said Élise Poisson, Lavery Managing Partner. “Our whole team is very proud to support such a talented and competitive athlete.” Lavery has sponsored Alexandre Despatie since June 2009. The 2012 Olympic Trials will be held at the same venue, next May 25 to 27.

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  1126. Pierre-L. Baribeau climbs Island Peak, a peak in the Himalayas (Nepal), to raise funds for research on respiratory diseases

    Pierre-L. Baribeau, a Lavery partner, is a member of an expedition that aims to raise funds to help the Foundation of the Hôpital Sacré-Cœur de Montréal support research on respiratory illnesses. The team, which left Québec City April 13, intends to climb Mount Everest – nothing less! Last April 25, during the first leg of the trip a group of six trekkers – including Mr. Baribeau – and their guide reached the top of the Island Peak (6 189 m), after a “fairly trying” ascension which three of their companions had to give up.For more information or to make a donation, click here (French only).

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  1127. Lavery sponsors the 2012 Compliance and Consumer Complaints Annual Conference, May 9 to 11, with Dina Raphaël and Philippe Frère as lecturers

    “Managing Agent Misconduct,” such is the title of the conference that Dina Raphaël and Philippe Frère, both partners at Lavery, will give in the context of the 2012 Compliance and Consumer Complaints Annual Conference, organized by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA). Lavery is among the sponsors of the conference, entitled “It's your reputation. Manage the risks.”, which will take place in Montreal next May 9 to 11.

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  1128. Lavery top-ranked regional law firm in Quebec

    Lavery is once more ranked first among Quebec regional law firms for 2012 by the Canadian Lawyer magazine. This recognition is the result of a survey conducted by Canadian Lawyer among lawyers, managing partners and corporate legal advisors of well-established businesses throughout Canada to determine the standing of Quebec’s major regional law firms. “We are very honoured by this recognition which speaks to Lavery’s importance in Quebec,” stated Managing Partner Ms. Élise Poisson. “The scope of our firm and the depth of its expertise, together with a thorough understanding of the issues and challenges faced by businesses operating in Quebec, allow us to offer a complete range of top quality legal services to the business community through a careful balance of expertise, efficiency in the delivery of legal services and cost.” Lavery is a privileged firm for businesses active in Quebec, corporate legal counsels and law firms located outside the province that require professional legal services in Quebec. Lavery is a member of the World Services Group along with five other Canadian firms, all of which are leaders in their respective market. This allows Lavery to provide its clients with an effective platform for dealing with their legal needs from coast to coast. For more information, please visit the Canadian Lawyer magazine website at: canadianlawyermag.com/4155/the-home-field-advantage.html

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  1129. Sébastien Vézina represented Marc Bergevin, the new General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens, in the negotiations with the Habs

    Marc Bergevin called upon Sébastien Vézina, a Lavery partner, to represent him during the negotiation and conclusion of the agreement that lead to his nomination as Executive Vice-President and 17th General Manager of the history of the Montreal Canadiens. Sébastien Vézina specialises in business law and he advises, among others, decision makers and executives in the sports industry on all questions pertaining to commercial and legal issues in their sphere of activities.

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  1130. GeoMegA Completed Private Placement

    In March and April 2012, Geomega Resources Inc. completed a brokered private placement in two tranches totaling 3,904,454 units and 1,803,333 flow-through shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,500,000. The private placement was co-led by Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. and National Bank Financial Inc. acting as agents. Geomega Resources Inc. owns the Montviel Rare Earths/Niobium project which is located approximately 45 km west of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi and 100 km north of Lebel-sur-Quévillon in the southern territory covered by the Québec’s "Plan Nord". The net proceeds from the private placement will be used to fund the development of the Montviel property through the preliminary economic assessment, exploration on the corporation’s graphite properties and for working capital purposes. Geomega Resources Inc. was represented by a team of Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P. comprised of Sébastien Vézina, Emilie Duguay (securities) and Éric Gélinas (tax).

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  1131. GeoMegA Completed Bridge Financing

    On March 16, 2012, Geomega Resources Inc. completed a $1,500,000 bridge financing secured by receivables from Revenu Québec tax credits related to mineral exploration granted by SIDEX, Limited Partnership. Geomega Resources Inc. owns the Montviel Rare Earths/Niobium project which is located approximately 45 km west of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi and 100 km north of Lebel-sur-Quévillon in the southern territory covered by the Québec’s "Plan Nord". The net proceeds from the financing will be used to fund the development of the Montviel property through the preliminary economic assessment, exploration on the corporation’s graphite properties and for working capital purposes. Geomega Resources Inc. was represented by a team of Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P. comprised of Sébastien Vézina, Emilie Duguay (securities) and Benjamin Gross (financing and financial services).

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  1132. Next May 14, Lavery will hold a conference lunch in Val D’Or, with Relais Expert-Conseil and IME, on human resources in the context of the Plan Nord

    Lavery, Relais Expert-Conseil and IME invite business managers and HR executives to a conference lunch entitled “Le Défi Humain du Plan Nord : Une Approche Intégrée” (the Plan Nord challenge in terms of human resources: an integrated approach). The lecturers will be Marie-Claude Perreault, a Lavery partner, Luc Chabot, president of Relais Consultant, and Karl Mongrain, president of IME.This event, a courtesy of Lavery, Relais Expert-Conseil and IME, will take place at noon next May 14, at L’Édifice Géopolis, 1740 Chemin Sullivan, in Val D’Or. Please make reservations early with Mr. Pierre Potvin, either by telephone, at 819-355-2769 or toll-free at 1-866-956-8288, or by email at [email protected].

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  1133. Lavery partners in an expertise committee on governance for SMEs: two seminars are scheduled

    SME owners and administrators are offered the opportunity to attend two seminars on governance thanks to a partnership between Lavery and the Institute for governance of private and public organizations, a partnership in which the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, BDC, Investissement Québec, and RCGT also take part.The role of the expertise committee is to reflect on ways to help non-listed SMEs develop a better governance structure. The theme of the first seminar is how to build and manage a good SME board of directors or advisory committee. André Laurin, a Lavery partner, will act as trainer for the second seminar, on how to improve one’s performance within a board of directors. Both activities are in French.Here are the titles and schedules of the seminars: Bâtir et gérer un bon conseil d’administration ou un comité consultatif de PME (1 day, April 30, May 17 and June 1st) Améliorer sa performance au sein d’un conseil d’administration d’une PME (2 days, May 9 - 10, and May 23 - 24 2012)

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  1134. Ian Rose will take part in the conference on the liability of directors and officers, in Montréal, next May

    Ian Rose, Partner at Lavery, will give a presentation about Secondary Market Recourses under the various Canadian Securities Acts (e.g. Bill 198), at the Third Edition of the Conférence sur la Responsabilité des Administrateurs et Membres de la Direction (Directors’ & Officers’ Liability Conference), to be held in Montreal next May 15 and 16. The event, organised by Federated Press, is intended, among others, for business directors, officers and managers who wish to update their knowledge in terms of “droit corporatif et régie d’entreprise”.For more information about the Conference program (in French only), click here.

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  1135. An article by Sébastien Vézina about Plan Nord is published in Industrie & Commerce magazine

    Sebastien Vézina, Partner at Lavery, is the author of an article entitled “Le Plan Nord : maximisez vos occasions d’affaires” (How to maximize business opportunities regarding Plan Nord), in the March–April, 2012, issue of Industrie & Commerce. Mr. Vézina describes various types of participations in development projects as well as their respective advantages and the means that the government of Quebec and interested parties have at their disposal to create business opportunities in this specific context.Click here to read this article (in French only)

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  1136. Gérard Coulombe re-elected to the Board of Directors of the National Bank

    The shareholders of the National Bank of Canada recently re-elected Gérard Coulombe Q.C., a Lavery partner, to its Board of Directors, for a one year term. Mr. Coulombe who sits on the Board of the Bank since 1994 was also appointed Chair of the Conduct Review and Corporate Governance Committee, and member of the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors.

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  1137. Lavery holds an event on the Aboriginal Communities and the Plan Nord with Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come

    On Wednesday, April 4, 2012, over 70 people attended a special event entitled “The Aboriginal Communities and the Plan Nord”, organized by the firm’s Energy and Natural Resources Group in collaboration with Groupe-conseil Entraco for the benefit of representatives from businesses that are interested in the opportunities created by the Plan Nord. On this occasion, Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come, from the Grand Council of the Crees, presented the aboriginal community’s view of the Plan Nord. Richard Dolan, partner and Chairman of the Board of Lavery, and Louis Archambault, President of Groupe-conseil Entraco and an expert in aboriginal and environmental affairs, among others, sat at the head table. The event, which was followed by a cocktail, was held at the Lavery Conference Centre.  From left to right : Mr. Louis Archambault, President of Groupe-conseil Entraco; Mr. Richard Dolan, partner and Chairman of the Board, Lavery; and Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come, Grand Council of the Crees.

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  1138. Simon Lemay Re-appointed Chairman of the Board of Centre jeunesse de Québec

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Simon Lemay, partner at its Quebec City office, has been re-elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Centre jeunesse de Québec — Institut universitaire (CJQ-IU) for 2011-2012.This institution, which is part of the national capital’s health and social services network, offers psychosocial protection and rehabilitation services – including social emergency services – that are designed to help troubled youth and their families achieve a greater degree of wellness on the personal, family or social level.As a university institute, the CJQ-IU also carries out research, professional training and practice assessment, and it relies on some 1200 employees and a budget of a little over $87 million to accomplish its mission.

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  1139. Pierre-L. Baribeau, Chairman of the Quebec Lung Association and Chairman of the Governance and Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors of the CHUM

    Already an active member of various organizations and foundations, Pierre-L. Baribeau, partner at Lavery, has been named Chairman of the Quebec Lung Association, a registered charity that is deeply involved in the field of respiratory health matters, as well as Chairman of the Governance and Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors of the “Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal” (CHUM). CHUM primarily offers specialized medical care and services to adults regionally and supra-regionally.

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  1140. Jean Saint-Onge is among the speakers invited at the 9th National Symposium on Class Actions, presented by Osgoode Professional Developments

    Jean Saint-Onge, partner at Lavery, is among the speakers invited at the 9th National Symposium on Class Actions, presented by Osgoode Professional Developments in Toronto next April 26 and 27. This conference brings together class action specialists from across Canada, as well as in-house and private practitioners specializing in this area of practice.

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  1141. In memory of Pierre M. Lepage

    All of Lavery’s partners, associates and personnel would like to pay homage to the memory of Pierre M. Lepage, who passed away last March 26.Called to the Quebec Bar in 1976, Mr. Lepage built an outstanding reputation in both commercial litigation and banking law. He was a much sought-after lawyer renowned for his expertise and deep knowledge and understanding of restructuring and insolvency law, representing as he did financial institutions, companies in financial difficulty, as well as accounting firms specializing in business recovery and insolvency.The author and creator of numerous legal courses offered by the Institute of Canadian Bankers in collaboration with various Canadian universities, Mr. Lepage also distinguished himself as a lecturer in banking law at the Université de Montréal and the École des Hautes Études Commerciales.He was more than just a colleague to Lavery members. He was an exceptional teacher and acted as a mentor to several members of the firm. His clients appreciated his genius for finding simple and practical solutions to problems that seemed insoluble. A persuasive and respectful man with a gift for writing and a sense of humour all his own, he was considered by many as a friend. He will be truly missed by all of the firm’s members and clients.On behalf of the entire team at Lavery, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

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  1142. Lavery and PwC hold a cocktail on Plan Nord

    René Branchaud, Lavery partner and coordinator, Business Law, and Nochane Rousseau, partner and leader, Mining and PwC’s Plan Nord Initiative, invited the executives of business organisations in the mining industry to attend a cocktail focused on information and networking pertaining to Plan Nord, last Tuesday March 21. M. Charles Riopel, Investment Director at Investissement Québec, spoke before an audience of over 50 people who attended the event at the Lavery Conference Centre.From left to right : René Branchaud, Lavery, Charles Riopel, Investissements Québec and Nochane Rousseau, PWC

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  1143. Michel Servant invited to preside the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2012 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal

    Michel Servant, a partner at Lavery, will be the President of the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2012 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal. This competition recognizes the professional success of HEC’s graduates, aged 35 and under, in four different classes: Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Entrepreneurs and Young Professionals. The prize-winners are selected by a jury of experienced business people.This event will take place as a Gala-Breakfast on Friday, May 11, 2012, at the Centre Sheraton Montréal. It will be the 27th anniversary of the Prix Relève d’Excellence in 2012 and Jacques Daoust, HEC 72, President and Chief Executive Officer of the new Investissement Québec, created with the merger of Investissement Québec and Société générale de financement du Québec, will be the Honorary President. Investissement Québec’s mission is to foster the growth of investment in Québec.HEC Montreal is the first business school in Canada and arguably Canada’s leading business school with over one hundred years of history and three international accreditations.

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  1144. Josiane L'Heureux and Élodie Brunet co-sign an Article in the Janary/February Issue of Industrie et Commerce

    Josiane L’Heureux and Élodie Brunet, respectively Partner and Associate at Lavery, have co-authored an article entitled “La responsabilité accrue des administrateurs à l’égard des cotisations impayées à la Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail”, published in the Industrie et Commerce magazine. In this article, Mss. L’Heureux and Brunet explain that since January 1st, 2011, if a body corporate fails to pay its premiums to the Quebec worker's compensation, health and safety board (CSST), any member of the Board could be personally held responsible for the unpaid premiums, including penalties and interests. However, the authors specify that the bill makes provisions for the exemption of administrators who can prove that they have exerted a reasonable degree of care, diligence and skill in the circumstances.To read the article (available in French only), click here.

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  1145. Dina Raphaël is invited to speak at a conference about the online sale of damage insurance products, in the context of the “Journée de l’assurance de dommages 2012” (Day of damage insurance 2012)

    Dina Raphaël, a partner in the firm’s Litigation Group, was a guest speaker for a lecture on the online sale of damage insurance products, March 15. The presentations, which were held in the context of the “Journée de l'assurance de dommages 2012” (Day of damage insurance 2012), mainly intended to clarify the issues raised by the online sale of damage insurance in the absence of a regulatory framework.

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  1146. Jean Saint-Onge is the organizer and moderator of the Quebec Bar’s Continuing Education Seminar, on the theme of Class actions

    Once again, Jean Saint-Onge, partner at Lavery, is the organizer and moderator of the Continuing Education Seminar of the Quebec Bar, which this year is called “Class Actions: Recent Developments in Québec, in Canada and the United States”. The event, which is to be held March 15th and 16th at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal, features no less than 35 speakers from several jurisdictions in North America. Anne-Marie Lévesque, also from Lavery, will do a presentation on recent class action judgments in Québec.

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  1147. Lavery represents Industrial Alliance in $250 million offering of 4.75% fixed/floating subordinated debentures

    On December 14, 2011, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. closed a public offering of 4.75% Fixed/Floating Subordinated Debentures for gross proceeds of $250.1 million. The subordination debentures were offered on an agency basis by a syndicate of dealers led by RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and TD Securities Inc., including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., Casgrain & Company Limited and Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. Industrial Alliance was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company with operations in all regions of Canada as well as in the United States.

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  1148. Alexandre Despatie Makes a Dramatic Comeback on his Road to the Olympics

    Lavery extends its warmest congratulations to Alexandre Despatie for his spectacular return to the centre stage of international competitive diving. Lavery is delighted with his results at the World Cup diving event in London and particularly with his bronze-winning performance in the men’s individual three-metre event after almost a one-year absence from the sport.  “For the past four years, we have supported Alexandre Despatie because he is a passionate, hard-working, honest and proud competitor. He is now definitely on his way to the London Olympics in July and Lavery’s entire team will be rooting for him along his entire journey,” declared Managing Partner, Élise Poisson. These latest results are just part of an exceptional career, not only in his discipline, but in all of sport.

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  1149. Pierre-L. Baribeau Appointed to the Board of the CHUM

    As of January 23, Pierre-L. Baribeau, partner at Lavery, has become a member of the Board of Directors of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), the largest francophone university medical center in North America.Mr. Baribeau was recently elected Administrator and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Quebec Lung Association as well as Administrator of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Lung Association, representing Quebec and he is also Administrator and President of the Board of Boscoville 2000, Administrator and Secretary of the Foundation of l'Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, Administrator of the Corporation of Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential School Settlement (CCEPIRSS), and Secretary of the Board of the Canadian corporation Moving Forward Together.

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  1150. Lavery represents the syndicate of underwriters in the $143.7 million bought deal financing of units of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    On December 22, 2011, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust closed a public offering of 6,594,100 units for gross proceeds of $143.7 million. The Units were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including Desjardins Securities Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Guillaume Lavoie and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Cominar is the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  1151. Lavery Represents the Syndicate of Underwriters in the $112 Million Bought Deal Financing of Units of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    On October 20, 2011, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust closed a public offering of 5 207 000 units for gross proceeds of $112 million.The Units were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp. and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd.The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Guillaume Lavoie (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax).Cominar is the largest commercial property owner in the Province of Québec.

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  1152. Lavery Represents Industrial Alliance in a $200 Million Private Placement of Common Shares

    On September 15, 2011, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. closed a private placement of 6,000,000 Common Shares for gross proceeds of approximately $200 million. The Common Shares were sold to Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. Industrial Alliance was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Geneviève Fournier (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company with operations in all regions of Canada as well as in the United States.

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  1153. Pierre Denis, Benjamin D. Gross and Étienne Brassard, Speakers at the Canadian Institute

    Pierre Denis, Benjamin D. Gross and Étienne Brassard gave presentations at a Canadian Institute advanced seminar on financing and security on January 25th and 26th at the Omni Hotel Mont-Royal in Montreal.The objective of this seminar was to help professionals deal with the latest developments in financing and security on property in order to better represent their clients and defend their financial interests. Participants benefited from the expertise of Mr. Denis and Mr. Brassard who spoke of financing and taking security on aircraft and the eventual coming into force in Canada of the Cape Town Convention and of Mr. Gross who spoke about intercreditor agreements.

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  1154. Lavery welcomes Carolyne Corbeil, Tax Lawyer

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Carolyne Corbeil is joining its Business Law Group’s Tax Law, and will be working out of the firm’s Montreal offices where she will practise tax planning.Before joining Lavery, Carolyne Corbeil developed her expertise serving as a director in tax for private companies in one of Canada’s largest professional services consulting firms in Canada.Ms. Corbeil received her LL.B. from the Université de Sherbrooke in 2005, and obtained her MBA from the same university in 2006. Ms. Corbeil has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2007 and, in 2008, completed the Specialized Superior Tax Studies Diploma offered by HEC Montreal.

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  1155. Michel Blouin and René Branchaud among the leaders in the Mining Law Sector in Canada

    The 2012 edition of The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada confirms that Michel Blouin and René Branchaud, both Lavery partners, are pre-eminent Mining Law practitioners in Canada. The well-known publication, a survey-based guide to legal talent in 39 practice areas, is a top resource for North-American in-house counsel and law firms seeking for premier Canadian legal expertise.

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  1156. Lavery.ca goes mobile

    We have just launched a mobile version of our website! Smartphone users can now access it quickly and easily by entering the same address as for our main website.

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  1157. Three Lavery lawyers named among the leading US-Canada cross-border lawyers

    Lavery is pleased to announce that three of its partners have been named in Lexpert's following guides: 2011 Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Corporate Lawyers in Canada Michel Blouin, Mining Law Olga Farman, Corporate Lawyer to Watch 2011 Leading US/Canada Cross-Border Litigation Lawyers in Canada Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., Class Actions These guides highlight the leading cross-border lawyers across a variety of specialty areas of importance, Lawyers are chosen based on individual results through Lexpert’s peer review survey.

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  1158. Véronique Morin presents a workshop at the human resources seminar on knowledge management

    On December 1, Véronique Morin, lawyer at Lavery, was a lecturer for a workshop entitled “Transfert de connaissances en relations de travail et médias sociaux : l’apport d’un groupe de discussion” (The transfer of knowledge in work relationships and social media: the benefits of group discussions), which offered practical exercises in order to show participants the significance of such groups by basing it on social media.Lavery was a sponsor of this event organized by the Association québécoise d'établissements de santé et de services sociaux (AQESSS).

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  1159. Marc Beauchemin and André Vautour participate in a conference on regulatory conformity for the financial services

    On December 1, Marc Beauchemin and André Vautour participated in the Canadian Institute’s 2nd conference on regulatory compliance for financial services. Held at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, the conference was on the requirements of additional examinations by regulatory authorities.Mr. Beauchemin and Mr. Vautour’s presentation, called “Gérer les risques inhérents à l’impartition à toutes les étapes de la relation avec le fournisseur” (Managing risks from outsourcing in all the steps of a relationship with a supplier), discussed many factors that represent challenges when outsourcing as well as practical methods to use in an outsourcing agreement.

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  1160. Jean Saint-Onge, Chair of the Board of Fondation Marie-Vincent, appears in Cyberpresse

    Jean Saint-Onge, partner at Lavery and Chair of the Marie-Vincent Fondation, in the presence of other members of the Foundation, including Claude Mongeau, CN President and Chief Executive Office and honorary president of the 2011 fundraising campaign, last November to announce that this campaign helped raise 1,350,000 dollars to benefit children under 12 who are victims of abuse, notably sexual abuse. For the past 35 years, the Foundation has raised funds to support prevention, education, and aid initiatives for children and their families. Cyberpresse spoke of this successful campaign on its website. The full article (in French only) is available by clicking here.

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  1161. Lavery welcomes Carolina Manganelli, Aboriginal Law Lawyer

    Lavery is pleased to welcome Carolina Manganelli to the Administrative and Regulatory Law Group in the firm’s Montreal offices. Ms. Manganelli practises in the areas of aboriginal law, environmental law, energy and natural resources, mining law and government affairs.She has extensive expertise in aboriginal law, constitutional law and human rights, and previously worked for several years at the Department of Justice of Canada, in the Aboriginal Affairs Portfolio, most recently as Executive Assistant in the office of the Assistant Deputy Attorney General. From 2000 to 2002, she participated in several international missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Ms. Manganelli has pleaded before several administrative tribunals as well as the Superior Court and Court of Appeal of Quebec. She has also represented clients before both the Quebec and Canadian Human Rights Commissions as well as the Police Ethics Commissioner.Ms. Manganelli holds an LL.M. in human rights law with an award of "Merit" from University College London, in London, United Kingdom, and received her LL.B. and B.C.L. degrees from McGill University in 2000. She also obtained a B.A. in sociology, with a minor in Canadian ethnic studies, with distinction, from McGill in 1996. Ms. Manganelli has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2005.She speaks fluent English, French, Italian and Greek, as well as Spanish and Serbo-Croatian.

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  1162. Dina Raphaël and Nathalie Durocher, Speakers on risk management for the financial sector

    On November 16 and 17, Dina Raphaël, partner at Lavery, and Nathalie Durocher, lawyer at Lavery, were speakers at the 4th edition of the “Conformité et gestion des risques pour les marchés financiers” conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Montreal. Ms. Raphaël and Ms. Durocher’s presentation was called “Changement de culture : ligne directrice proposée par l’Autorité des marchés financiers à l’égard des assureurs en matière de pratiques commerciales” (Change of Culture : Proposed Guidelines from the Autorité des marchés financiers for insurers in regards to commercial practices).

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  1163. Cocktail Lavery 2011

    Some 175 people attended Lavery’s annual cocktail that was held in the modern, industrial surroundings of the Panoramic Hall at the Montréal Science Centre on Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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  1164. Véronique Morin Gives a Lecture at the Certified Human Resources Advisors’ Congress

    The professional corporation of Quebec’s human resources managers, the Ordre des Conseillers en ressources humaines (CRHA), invited Véronique Morin to give a talk at the International Congress of Francophone HR managers, the theme of which was Innovation and Creativity. Over 1500 people attended the event, which took place in Quebec City last October 17 and 18. Ms Morin’s lecture was titled “Employment contracts: innovating in order to recruit and retain employees”.

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  1165. The Right to Privacy and the Protection of Personal Information in a Claims Process

    October 26 and 27, 2011, at the Lavery Conference CentreToday, insurers must deal with increasingly stringent rules in terms of privacy and the protection of personal information. What are these rules, and how can insurers avoid them from becoming major stumbling blocks when processing a claim? Over 80 people attended lectures on this topic byMarie-Andrée Gagnon (liability, damage insurance, and personal insurance) and Loïc Berdnikoff (administrative law, personal information, and privacy) at the Lavery Conference Centre, last October 26 and 27. During the event, participants were particularly encouraged to get acquainted with the various legislative schemes that apply to insurers and to third parties they are liable to interact with, and they received much practical advice about accessing the required records and information when processing a claim.

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  1166. Seminar on the e-Distribution of Insurance Products

    Last October 13, several persons involved in the compliance and distribution of financial products and services attended a Lavery Seminar titled “e-distribution of insurance products”, about present issues in the online distribution of insurance products.Lawyers who are active in the practice group on the Distribution of Financial Products and Services talked about the concerns that the use of new technologies presently generate in the insurance industry, with the special participation of Eric Stevenson, manager of distribution practices at the AMF.

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  1167. Jean-Simon Deschênes wins JCI Canada’s Award of the Most Outstanding Senator

    JCI Canada (Junior Chamber International Canada) recently awarded Jean-Simon Deschênes the prestigious award of Most Outstanding Canadian Senator for 2011.JCI Canada is an affiliate of the Junior Chamber International, a world federation of young entrepreneurs and business leaders. JCI Canada comprises some 35 chapters that are active in communities from one ocean to another and are made up of young individuals who want to bring about positive change within themselves, their community and the world.

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  1168. Lavery becomes the first Canadian member of the Lease Enforcement Attorney Network (LEAN)

    Lavery, through it partner Benjamin David Gross, was invited to become, and has recently become, a member of LEAN, a comprehensive network of lawyers specialising in leasing law. LEAN and its clients can now count on the assistance of Lavery’s team in negotiating, drafting or registering their Quebec leases, as well as in enforcement matters related thereto. Founded in 1999, LEAN is a non profit association of carefully selected law firms distinguished by an excellent reputation in the industry and long and broad experience in leasing. In order to meet the growing need for effective enforcement counsel, the Lease Enforcement Attorney Network continues to add experienced, reputable law firms to its list of members. LEAN is present in 37 locations in the Unites States and Lavery is its first Canadian member. More about LEAN.

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  1169. LAVERY CONFERENCE - Risk Management: Employment Contracts, Compensation and Pension Plans of Non-Unionized Employees

    On September 27, 2011, 140 corporate counsel attended this Lavery Conference held (in French) at the Centre Mont-Royal in Montreal.The day started with a plenary session entitled “Blogs and social media: New issues" followed by workshops on the following subjects: Aspects of employment contracts: Constraints and precautions Reporting and complaints of harassment in the workplace Excess benefit plans: Issues to consider Tax treatment of the various components of compensation and severance pay Inquiries and inspections by public authorities: Scope of their powers and measures to take in response Issues to be negotiated and verified with respect to employment contracts and pension plans in the context of a proposed purchase and saleOur guest speakers, Suzanne Ménard and Stéphane Paré, of AON Hewitt, then led the plenary session on the theme of “Employment proposal and generations: A matter of flexibility".This activity was recognized by the Quebec Bar for purposes of the mandatory continuing education of lawyers.

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  1170. Pierre L. Baribeau is elected to the Board of the Quebec Lung Association

    Mr. Pierre L. Baribeau, partner at Lavery, was newly elected Administrator and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Quebec Lung Association. This not-for-profit organisation, which has 80,000 members, is dedicated to promoting respiratory health and preventing lung disease–particularly tuberculosis and asthma–through research, education and services. Let us mention that Mr. Baribeau has recently been re-elected on the Boards of Directors of three other organisations: as Administrator and President of the Board of Boscoville 2000, a well known centre dedicated to children and young people, and to the Quebec and Inuit communities; as Administrator and Secretary of the Foundation of l'Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, a major hospital centre affiliated with the Université de Montréal, and; as Administrator of the Corporation of Catholic Entities Party to the Indian Residential School Settlement (CCEPIRSS).

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  1171. Robert W. Mason, Jacques Paul-Hus and Louis Payette, AD.E of Lavery Named Best Lawyers' 2012 Lawyers of the Year

    Lavery is proud to announce that Mr. Robert W. Mason, Mr. Jacques Paul-Hus and Mr. Louis Payette, Ad. E., have been named Lawyers of the Year for 2012 by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Robert W. Mason has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Montreal Product Liability Law Lawyer of the Year. Jacques Paul-Hus has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Montreal Mergers & Acquisitions Law Lawyer of the Year. Louis Payette, Ad.E, has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2012 Montreal Banking and Financial Lawyer of the Year. “I sincerely congratulate Robert W. Mason, Jacques Paul-Hus and Louis Payette, Ad. E. for this recognition which acknowledges the expertise, quality of work and integrity that they have demonstrated toward our clients as well as their professional peers”, stated Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner. For more information, please visit the BEST LAWYERS website at bestlawyers.com

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  1172. Olga Farman Appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Olga Farman has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec. The Orchestre symphonique de Québec (OSQ) is a major cultural organisation serving the Quebec City metropolitan area. The OSQ and its 66 musicians perform the works of Quebec, Canadian and international composers. The Orchestre also presents every year top quality school programs and regularly collaborates with the Conservatoire de musique de Québec and the Faculté de musique de l'Université Laval. Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner, stated: “From the outset of her practice, Olga Farman has distinguished herself with her vision and commitment to our clients as well as her contribution to the welfare of the Quebec City region. We are extremely proud of her appointment as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Orchestre symphonique de Québec and intend to support her in her endeavours.” Olga Farman is a member of the firm's Business Law Group and specialises in Health and Life Science Law. She possesses a broad understanding of the organisational structure of healthcare institutions, research funding methods and the rules governing the legal and administrative activities of health care institutions. She specialises in the preparation and negotiation of technology transfer licensing agreements, research and development, distribution and basic and clinical research contracts and intellectual property rights agreements. For more information concerning her appointment, please consult the Orchestre symphonique de Québec’s website.

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  1173. Lavery welcomes Brigitte Gagnon as Director of Professional Development

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Brigitte Gagnon, a lawyer specializing in professional development and knowledge management, has joined the firm as Director of Professional Development. Brigitte Gagnon has almost 20 years of experience, including ten years in private practice in the field of banking and commercial litigation. Over the past ten years, she has held the management posts of Knowledge Manager and National Director of Professional Development with a national law firm.In addition to possessing strong expertise in planning and managing the professional development of lawyers and other legal professionals, Brigitte Gagnon is certified for Cycle 1 and 2 of the Training Program in Professional Coaching (PECP-2009) and has been a certified professional coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF) since 2010.Brigitte Gagnon has been a member of the Association for Legal Career Professionals (NALP) since 2004, of the Professional Development Consortium (PDC) since 2006, and of the International Coach Federation (ICF) since 2007. She has also been a member of the Continuing Education Committee of the Quebec Bar since 2009.

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  1174. Bernard Larocque is named treasurer of Pro Bono Québec

    The general assembly of Pro Bono Québec nominated Mr. Bernard Larocque treasurer, upon renewing its Board of Directors. The non-profit organization created by the Barreau du Québec in 2008 has a mission to initiate, promote and coordinate pro bono (free) legal work for citizens or groups of citizens that are not eligible for Legal Aid, cannot access legal services or a lawyer, and have a case that is exceptional, involves issues of public importance or could cause them permanent harm, or a cause that could improve laws, the legal system or the Quebec, Canadian or international justice systems.

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  1175. 35 Lavery Lawyers are Included in the 2012 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada

    Lavery is pleased to announce that 35 of the firm’s lawyers have been listed as leading practitioners in their field of expertise in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2012. “We are very proud that 35 of our firm’s lawyers have been selected for inclusion in this prestigious directory. This recognition acknowledges the expertise, work quality and dedication of these individuals as well as our entire team. I would like to congratulate our 35 lawyers who have been singled out for their contribution to our clients’ success and the development of our service offering,” declared Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner. Among the Lavery lawyers listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2012, ten are first-time honourees: Louis Charette, Eugene Czolij, Pierre Denis, Marie-Andrée Gravel, Bernard Larocque, Jacques Paul-Hus, Dina Raphaël, Marc Rochefort, Louis Rochette and Jean-Yves Simard. The following lists the names of all Lavery lawyers included in the directory as well as their practice area. Marie-Claude Armstrong – Family Law  Pierre L. Baribeau - Labour and Employment Law Yvan Biron – Environmental Law Michel Blouin – Natural Resources Law Pierre Bourque - Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Director and Officer Liability; Administrative and Public Law René Branchaud - Natural Resources Law Marie-Claude Cantin - Insurance Law Louis Charette – Aviation and Transportation Law; Product Liability Law Gérard Coulombe – Corporate Law Eugene Czolij – Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Pierre Denis – Equipment Finance Law  Nicolas Gagnon, Construction Law Michel Gélinas - Labour and Employment Law Marie-Andrée Gravel – Mergers and Acquisitions Law  Jean Hébert – Insurance Law Jean-François Hotte - Labour and Employment Law Odette Jobin-Laberge – Insurance Law Bernard Larocque – Class Action Litigation; Insurance Law Pierre M. Lepage - Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Guy Lemay - Class Action Litigation; Labour and Employment Law Robert W. Mason - Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation; Product Liability Law Jacques Nols – Personal Injury Litigation; Legal Malpractice Law Jacques Paul-Hus – Mergers and Acquisitions Law  Louis Payette - Banking and Finance Élisabeth Pinard – Family Law Dina Raphaël – Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law Marc Rochefort – Securities Law  Louis Rochette – Health Care Law  Ian Rose - Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law Jean Saint-Onge – Class Action Litigation Raphaël H. Schachter – Criminal Defense Jean-Yves Simard – Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Gerald Stotland – Family Law André Vautour - Information Technology Law; Technology Law Michel Yergeau - Environmental Law For more information, please visit the BEST LAWYERS website at bestlawyers.com

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  1176. Lavery welcomes Louis-Martin Dubé, Real Estate Law Specialist

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Louis-Martin Dubé, a prominent lawyer and commercial real estate and financing specialist, is joining the firm as a partner and member of the real estate law team in Montreal. The Lavery real estate team serves the firm’s clients in various real estate and commercial transactions and its lawyers work closely with other lawyers of the firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions, construction, environment and land-use planning. Louis-Martin Dubé has twenty-five years of experience in his practice area, acquired at large national law firms and a major Canadian financial institution. He advises and represents real estate owners, institutions, developers, pension funds and asset managers, lenders and large-space users in a broad range of real estate acquisition, development, financing and leasing transactions. He provides counsel and services notably in transactions of purchase, sale and financing of office buildings, shopping centres, industrial assets and residential complexes. He also represents owners in all aspects of real property ownership, including development, management and leasing. Louis-Martin Dubé is a frequent speaker on current real estate law issues: for more than ten years he has co-hosted the case law review presented annually at the Canadian Bar Association. He is also a member of the Quebec Bar standing committee on secured transactions and is recognized in The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory, since the 2010 edition, among lawyers repeatedly recommended in property development. "We are very proud to welcome Louis-Martin Dubé to our team, given that his expertise and professional competence are well recognized and appreciated. His experience in the management of complex real estate and financing transactions will benefit many of our clients," said Élise Poisson, Managing Partner.

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  1177. Lavery welcomes Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur Labour and Employment Lawyer

    Lavery is pleased to welcome Ms. Marie-Hélène Jolicoeur to the Labour Law Group of its Montreal office. From the beginning of her career, Ms. Jolicoeur has specialized in labour law, labour relations, health law, occupational health and safety and civil litigation.Ms. Jolicoeur received her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Université de Montréal and has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2007. She is coauthor of Droit de la santé, Lois et règlements annotés, Bulletin Droit de la santé (BDS) and Droit de la santé en bref published by Éditions Yvon Blais.Ms. Jolicoeur is also a member of the board and Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Secretary of the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal.

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  1178. Lavery Welcomes Éric Gélinas, Tax and Estate Planning Specialist

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Éric Gélinas, M.Fisc., a prominent lawyer and tax and estate planning specialist is joining the firm as a partner and member of the Business Law team. Éric Gélinas has over twenty years of experience in corporate tax matters related to business succession and estate planning.Mr. Gélinas has developed a unique expertise in complex domestic and international tax reorganisations related to mergers and acquisitions as well as business successions. Over the years, he has participated in many reorganisations, privatisations, sales and acquisitions involving major national and international companies.Mr. Gélinas holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) and Masters of Law (LL.M.) from the Université Laval and a Masters in Taxation (M.Fisc.) from the Université de Sherbrooke. He has been a member of the Quebec bar since 1993 and professor of taxation in the Department of Accounting and Taxation of the Université de Sherbrooke’s School of Business since 2010. He is also a frequent speaker and has authored several publications in his field of expertise.

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  1179. Lavery assists Stornoway in developing agreements with the Government of Quebec for the extension of Highway 167

    Lavery is pleased to announce that its Energy and Natural Resources team counselled and assisted the Stornoway Diamond Corporation (hereafter referred to as Stornoway) in the development of two agreements with ministries of the Government of Quebec concerning a 243-kilometer extension of Highway 167 to connect the communities of Chibougamau and Mistissini with the Renard Diamond Project, which could become Quebec’s first diamond mine.The signing of the two Stornoway agreements with, on the one hand, the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune and, on the other, the ministère des Transports was announced in Chibougamau on August 1st. These agreements set out the terms for Stornoway’s financial participation in the construction and maintenance costs for the Highway 167 Extension.This is one of the five major infrastructure projects announced on May 9, 2011 by the Government of Quebec as part of its Plan Nord and designed to provide access to areas with the greatest potential for economic development.Lavery’s Energy and Natural Resources Law team consists of 20 lawyers who complementary expertise makes it possible to respond to the needs of energy, mining and other natural resource companies in Quebec.

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  1180. Michel Blouin becomes a member of the Board of Stornoway Diamond Corporation

    Mr. Michel Blouin, partner at Lavery, was appointed to the Board of Directors of Stornoway Diamond Corporation, one of Canada's leading diamond exploration and development companies. Michel Blouin specializes in securities law for the mining industry and, more specifically, he handles incorporations, mergers and acquisitions and reorganizations of mining companies. He is listed in The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory 2011 in the field of Mining, and the 2010 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada directory recognizes Mr. Blouin as one of Canada's best lawyers in Natural Resources Law.

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  1181. Lavery represents IAMGOLD Corporation in a private placement of flow-through shares in the amount of $43.3 million

    On February 24, 2011, IAMGOLD Corporation closed a private placement of flow-through shares at the price of $25.48 per share for a total amount of $43.3 million.IAMGOLD was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Michel Servant and Guillaume Lavoie (corporate and securities) and Philip Nolan (tax).IAMGOLD is a leading mid-tier mining company producing approximately one million ounces annually from six gold mines (including current joint ventures) on three continents.

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  1182. Lavery welcomes Émilie Duguay to its Business Law Group in Montreal

    Montreal, July 20, 2011 - Lavery is pleased to welcome Ms. Émilie Duguay to the Business Law Group of its Montreal office. Ms. Duguay has specialized in Securities Law throughout her career, and her specific experience was representing a financial institution and a public corporation as in-house counsel. She will provide Lavery’s clients with legal advice in matters pertaining to securities law, corporate law and governance, capital restructuring and commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. Ms. Duguay received her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Université de Montréal and has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2006. She has also completed a CSI (Canadian Securities Institute) training program in securities trading.

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  1183. Sophie Prégent and Frédéric Pagé, co-authors of an article in the June issue of the Industrie & Commerce magazine

    Lavery associates Sophie Prégent and Frédéric Pagé have co-authored an article entitled “Développement des ressources: l’enjeu autochtone” (Resource Development: the Aboriginal Question), published in the Industrie & Commerce magazine. In this article, Ms. Prégent and Mr. Pagé discuss natural resource project development and the aboriginal law issues it raises. What should businesses know? How should they proceed? We invite you to read the article by clicking here. It is only available in the French language.

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  1184. The cabinet council renews Olga Farman's term on the Board of Directors of the Québec City Convention Centre

    Last June 22, the cabinet council of the Government of Québec nominated Olga Farman to serve on the Board of Directors of the Corporation of the Québec City Convention Centre. Olga, who is a partner and a member of the firm's Business Law and Life Sciences groups, sits on the Board since 2007. The Corporation of the Québec City Convention Centre administers and manages the Québec City Convention Centre, with a mission to attract conventions and international events, and position the Québec region as a destination of choice for business events.

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  1185. Jean Martel Becomes President of BDC’s Governance/Nominating Committee

    Last June 8, Mr. Jean Martel, associate at Lavery, was elected President of the Governance/Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). The Committee advises the Board of Directors of the BDC in matters of corporate governance. It also makes recommendations to the Board on questions such as the composition and mandates of the Board and its committees, and on the appointment or reappointment of the Chairperson, the directors, and the President and CEO.The Chairpersons of the other main BDC committees of the Board, i.e. the Audit Committee, the Human Resources Committee, the Credit/Investment and Risk Committee and the Pension Funds Investment Committee, currently sit on the Governance/Nominating Committee of the BDC.

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  1186. Special Dinner for CFOs raises $225,000 for young victims of child abuse

    Nearly 40 CFOs from the Quebec business community and over 100 professionals participated in the third fundraising dinner organized by the Marie-Vincent Foundation on May 19. The event was part of the 2011 fundraising campaign presided by Mr. Claude Mongeau, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CN. Lavery was among the sponsors of the event. Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, one of the firm’s Partners, is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Marie-Vincent Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting Québec children under 12 who are victims of child abuse, more specifically of sexual abuse. The funds donated will help finance prevention, education and support programs for young victims and their families. From left to right | Denis Pétrin, Transat AT, Jocelyn Lauzière, Agropur, Denis Mathieu, Uni-Select, Jean Saint-Onge, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Marie-Vincent Foundation, Pierre Despars, Gaz Metro, Sylvain Gascon, Desjardins Marché des capitaux, Luc Jobin, CN, Lucie Joyal, Executive Director Marie-Vincent Foundation, Pierre Alary, Bombardier et Georges Pothier, host for the evening.

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  1187. Frédéric Pagé Becomes a Member of the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montréal

    Last May 20, the Young Bar Association of Montréal (YBAM) chose the members of its new Board of Directors for 2011-2012. Mr. Frédéric Pagé, a lawyer at Lavery, was elected Administrator of the YBAM and he will take on the Presidency of the Continuing Education Committee. Founded in 1898, the Young Bar Association of Montreal (YBAM) represents lawyers with 10 years or less of practice, registered in the Montreal area. The mission of the YBAM is to defend and promote its members’ interests. It also offers various segments of the population consulting and legal information on a volunteer basis, besides organizing charitable activities. Overall, the YBAM seeks to improve access to justice and to contribute to the well-being of the community.

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  1188. 230 Corporate Counsels Attend the Lavery Seminar on Litigation Risk Management

    Last June 14, Lavery held a seminar on litigation risk management for corporate counsels at Le Centre Sheraton Montréal. Besides a plenary assembly and a lunch and learn session, this event – which is accredited by the Barreau du Québec in the context of Mandatory Continuing Education – offered no less than six workshops on a variety of themes: an overview of litigation management; inquiries and inspections; communicating with the media; litigation alternatives; injunctions and safeguard orders; and litigation allowances. The fact that 230 corporate counsels attended was a clear indication of the relevance of the seminar, offered as a courtesy of Lavery.

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  1189. A Successful Annual Cocktail

    Last June 8, some 150 people, including 95 clients and 40 lawyers at Lavery, gathered for the firm’s traditional summer cocktail. Triple World Champion and Olympic Medalist Alexandre Despatie – who was actually celebrating his birthday – paid the guests a visit. Every year, Lavery lawyers and partners invite present and prospective clients to this event, which took place this year at the Ex-Centris, on St. Lawrence Boulevard, in Montréal, amidst the F1 festivities.

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  1190. Another Lavery Partner Has Been Awarded the Title of Avocat émérite (Ad. E.)

    Montréal, June 22, 2011 – Lavery is pleased to announce that the Barreau du Québec has awarded Mr. Raphaël Schachter, Q.C. the title of Avocat émérite (Ad.E.). This honour was created in 2007 to recognise sustained and outstanding contributions made by a select group of lawyers to the advancement of the profession, the work of the Barreau or their social or professional environment. Mr. Schachter joins an elite group of recipients, nine of whom are partners at Lavery. “We are honoured that the Barreau du Québec has awarded the distinction of Avocat émérite to our colleague, Raphaël Schachter, who has had a remarkable career in criminal and penal law. Because of his commitment, professional rigor and a set of strong personal values, he has provided our clients, often under difficult circumstances, with counsel and services of the highest quality,” Élise Poisson, Managing Partner, stressed. From the beginning of his career, Mr. Schachter has practised exclusively in the areas of criminal law, penal law and the penal aspects of competition law. He has appeared before courts of every level in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada on numerous occasions. After practicing as a Quebec Crown Prosecutor from 1969 to 1972 and Federal Crown Prosecutor from 1972 to 1976, Mr. Schachter became a senior partner in the law firm of Lapointe, Schachter, Champagne & Talbot. He later joined Lavery, de Billy as a partner and created the first criminal and penal law department in any major law firm in the Province of Quebec to serve the business community. Appointed Queen's Counsel in 1986, and inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1994, Mr. Schachter was President of the Quebec Section from 2006-2008. He also authored an article on criminal law ethics and published in a textbook entitled Taking the Law Into Your Own Hands: Child Abduction and the Defence of Necessity, which compiled the texts of eight guests of honour who lectured at the University of Windsor Law Faculty during the previous eight years. Mr. Schachter is listed in the 2010 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada in the area of criminal law. On April 8, 2011, the Université de Montréal launched the Raphaël Schachter, Q.C., Scholarship Fund that will be administered by its Faculty of Law. This fund will provide support to students, organisations or initiatives associated primarily with the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law and aimed at promoting or improving various aspect of criminal law including the fight against judicial mistakes.

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  1191. Louis Charette and Bernard Larocque speak at the Conference on Recent Developments in Insurance Law

    On May 27th, Louis Charette and Bernard Larocque, both partners at Lavery, gave a conference entitled “Les montants de rétention ‘self-insured retention’: quelle est leur étendue en droit civil québécois?” at the Conference on Recent Developments in Insurance Law, organized by the Continuing Education Department of the Quebec Bar.Although infrequent, self-insured retentions are sometimes found in certain liability insurance policies, and raise complex legal problems in Quebec civil law. Mr. Charette and Mr. Larocque summarized the current state of the law in Quebec in this regard and discussed some of the issues raised by these retentions, which our courts will eventually have to address.This seminar inspired the publication of a text in a book called “Développements récents en droit des assurances” published by the continuing education department of the Quebec Bar, Editions Yvon Blais, and authored by Louis Charette, Bernard Larocque and Maude Lafortune-Bélair.

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  1192. Dina Raphaël and Nathalie Durocher, Speakers at the 2011 Annual Convention of the Canadian Association of Insurance Women

    On May 27, Dina Raphaël, partner at Lavery, and Nathalie Durocher, lawyer at Lavery, were speakers at the 45th Annual Convention of the Canadian Association of Insurance Women at the Delta Centre-Ville Hotel in Montréal. Ms. Raphaël and Ms. Durocher gave a presentation called “À l’ère du web : formation du contrat d’assurance et preuve des documents technologiques” in front of approximately 40 participants.

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  1193. Michèle Gamache is awarded the Jules-Deschênes Prize By the Canadian Bar Association

    Montreal, May 19, 2011 – Lavery is pleased to announce that the Quebec Division of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) has decided to honour a lawyer at the firm, Michèle Gamache, by awarding her the Jules-Deschênes Prize for 2011. This prestigious award, which recognizes the contribution of a member of the Quebec Division of the CBA who has shown exceptional dedication and outstanding team spirit through her ongoing commitment to the Association, was presented to Ms. Gamache at the annual President’s Dinner of the CBA-Quebec Division, held on May 12, 2011. Michèle Gamache became a member of the CBA in 1999. She has sat on the Quebec Division's Executive Committee since 2003 and has chaired its Communications Committee since 2004. In 2005, she joined the CBA National Communications Committee which she has chaired since 2010. She also joined the Board of the Law for the Future Fund in 2011 and was a member of the CBA By-laws Revision Committee from 2005 to 2011. “We are very honoured that Michèle Gamache is the winner of the Jules-Deschênes Prize in recognition of her contribution to our legal profession and to the Quebec Branch of the CBA. This award is a tribute to the quality and depth of her commitment to the profession and brings honour to the entire team at Lavery,” said Élise Poisson, managing partner.

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  1194. Stéphanie Chartray, recipient of the Jacques Perron Award of Excellence

    Montreal, May 16, 2011 -Lavery congratulates Stéphanie Chartray, a law student at the University of Montreal and recipient of the “Prix d’excellence Jacques Perron”. Ms. Chartray received her prize last April 7 at the Faculty of Law’s annual “Cocktail de la reconnaissance”.Mr. Perron, a partner at Lavery, was a lecturer at the University of Montreal for 25 years. He created the “Prix d’excellence Jacques Perron” which is given every year to a student for his or her outstanding work in the Bureau des services juridiques, a legal aid clinic that he helped establish in 1973.

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  1195. 15 Lavery Partners are Ranked in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory

    Montreal, May 17, 2011 – Lavery announces that the 2011 edition of Thomson Carswell’s Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory has ranked 15 of the firm’s partners among the most recommended lawyers in the country in their respective areas of practice. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory is the most comprehensive guide to legal talent in Canada and is a resource of choice for Canadian and U.S. corporate counsel and law firms in need of leading edge legal expertise. The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory identifies the best lawyers in more than 60 practice areas based on the results of an exhaustive annual peer-review survey completed by more than a thousand respected legal professionals and a wide range of well-informed clients. Lavery’s lawyers are recommended in fields such as banking and financial institutions, financing, mining law, environmental law, information technology and e-commerce law, employment and labour law, class actions, medical liability, and commercial insurance litigation. “The lawyers at Lavery continue to distinguish themselves for the quality of their work and the recognition of their skills in their respective areas of practice, reflecting the culture of our firm and our commitment to providing the full range of legal services to business clients. I congratulate our 15 colleagues for this recognition and for their great contribution to the success of our clients,” said Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner. The following are the lawyers at Lavery listed in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2011: Pierre L. Baribeau - Employment and Labour Law (Management)  Michel Blouin - Mining Law René Branchaud – Mining Law Louise Cérat - Litigation – Commercial Insurance  Pierre Denis - Asset Equipment Finance/Leasing Nicolas Gagnon - Construction Law Jean Hébert - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Jean-François Hotte - Employment and Labour Law (Management)  Odette Jobin-Laberge - Litigation – Commercial Insurance Robert W. Mason - Litigation – Commercial Insurance; Litigation – Product Liability Jacques Nols - Medical Liability (Defendants) Louis Payette - Banking & Financial Institutions Jean Saint-Onge - Litigation - Class Actions; Litigation – Commercial Insurance; Litigation - Product Liability André Vautour - Computer & IT Law; Technology Transactions Michel Yergeau - Environmental Law For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at: www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  1196. Gérard Coulombe participates in a symposium on the challenges of French-speaking people on boards of directors following 50 years of governance in Quebec

    On April 27, 2011, Gérard Coulombe, Partner at Lavery, participated in a symposium on the challenges of French-speaking people on boards of directors entitled: “50 ans de gouvernance au Québec : les défis de la présence francophone au sein des C.A.” This symposium brought together experienced administrators who have witnessed five decades of changes (1960-2010) to discuss the future of French-speaking members on the boards of directors of large-scale companies in Quebec and Canada. Organized by the Institut sur la gouvernance d’organisations privées et publiques, this event was held at the Loews Hotel Vogue in Montreal.

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  1197. Dina Raphaël and Nathalie Durocher, Speakers at the 2011 Damage Insurance Forum

    On April 6, Dina Raphaël, partner at Lavery, and Nathalie Durocher, lawyer at Lavery, were speakers at the 2011 Damage Insurance Forum organized by the Chambre de l'assurance de dommages at the Hôtel de Mortagne in Boucherville. As the only members of a law firm invited to contribute to this forum, Ms. Raphaël and Ms. Durocher gave a presentation called “À l’ère du web : formation du contrat d’assurance et preuve des documents technologiques” in front of approximately 60 participants.

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  1198. The Faculty of Law of the Université de Montréal creates the Raphaël Schachter, Q.C., Scholarship Fund

    Montreal, April 14, 2011 – Lavery is pleased to announce that, on April 8, 2011, the Université de Montréal launched the Raphaël Schachter, Q.C., Scholarship Fund that will be administered by its Faculty of Law.The fund will make it possible to support students, organisations or initiatives associated primarily with the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law and aimed at promoting or improving various aspect of criminal law.Mr. Schachter is one of the main contributors to this endowment fund created by the Faculty of Law with support from other donors.Mr. Raphaël Schachter, Q.C., a partner with Lavery, was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1986. In 1994, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and served as President of its Quebec Section from 2006 to 2008. He practises exclusively in the areas of criminal law, penal law and the penal aspects of competition law. He has appeared before courts of every jurisdiction in Canada, including, on numerous occasions, the Supreme Court of Canada. Upon joining Lavery, he created the first criminal and penal law department within a major Quebec law firm serving the business community. He is recognized in the 2010 directory, The Best Lawyers in Canada, in the field of Criminal Defence.

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  1199. Lavery Welcomes Three New Partners: Valérie Boucher, Olga Farman and Mathieu Quenneville

    Montreal, April 13, 2011 - Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of three of its lawyers as partners: Valérie Boucher, Olga Farman and Mathieu Quenneville. Valérie Boucher has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1999 and joined Lavery in 2000. She is a member of the Business Law group and specializes in commercial and corporate law. Ms. Boucher has participated in numerous share and asset sales and acquisitions and played an important role in many corporate reorganizations for various sized businesses. She represents entrepreneurs and investors with respect to the acquisition of interests in private issuers and advises entrepreneurs on various legal issues relating to their businesses, including distribution and supply contracts. She also possesses an in-depth knowledge of trust law. In 2003, Olga Farman was admitted to the Quebec Bar and joined Lavery as member of the Business Law and Life Sciences group. Ms. Farman represents numerous clients in the fields of university research, intellectual property and the development of medicine and technology. She has extensive knowledge of the structural organization and rules regulating the legal and administrative activities of health care institutions as well as the methods for funding research. She is an expert in the preparation and negotiation of technology transfer licensing agreements, research and development, distribution and basic and clinical research contracts and agreements for the attribution of intellectual property rights. In November 2010, Ms. Farman was recognized as a Rising Star in Canadian legal circles at the Lexpert Rising Stars Awards Presentation. Since being called to the Quebec Bar in 2000, Mathieu Quenneville has developed considerable expertise in administrative, constitutional, environmental and land-use planning law. Mr. Quenneville joined Lavery in 2004 and has been involved in a number of significant administrative and constitutional cases. Mr. Quenneville has represented clients before various judicial courts including the Supreme Court of Canada. He has published several articles on land-use planning law and constitutional law. “We are very proud to welcome Valérie, Olga and Mathieu as partners in the firm. Their professional achievements, values and thoroughness make them accomplished professionals. Their commitment to our clients demonstrates the quality of our new generation of lawyers,” Élise Poisson, Managing Partner, stated. From left to right: Olga Farman, Mathieu Quenneville and Valérie Boucher

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  1200. Lavery Supports the Grand Maillet of the Université Laval’s Faculty of Law

    Montreal, April 7, 2011 – It is with great pleasure that Lavery announces its three-year association, 2011 to 2013, with the Gala du Grand Maillet of the Université Laval’s Faculty of Law, which henceforth will be known as the Gala Grand Maillet Lavery. It will take place tonight, April 7, at Quebec City’s Cabaret du Capitole.The Grand Maillet Lavery is the official gala recognizing excellence and commitment among professors and students of Université Laval’s Faculty of Law. During this event, 17 awards will be presented to professors or lecturers for their teaching quality and passion and to students for their academic excellence. Five other awards will honour students for their university and social commitment.Mr. Louis Rochette, Managing Partner of Lavery’s Quebec City office, will present the Grand Maillet Award, the evening’s main honour, to a student who has demonstrated significant, active and continuing involvement as well as positive leadership within the Université Laval’s Faculty of Law throughout his or her baccalaureate studies.

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  1201. Daniel Bouchard gives a conference at a INQAP seminar

    On March 30, 2011, Daniel Bouchard, partner at Lavery, was the main speaker at a seminar for the Institut québécois d’affaires publiques (INQAP). The seminar was on innovative ways to maintain relations with elected officials and local and regional managers.Sponsored by Lavery, the event welcomed business people, professionals and consultants in Montreal and will be held in other areas of Quebec.

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  1202. Lavery Welcomes Étienne Brassard to its Business Law Group

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Étienne Brassard is joining the Business Law Practice Group of its Montreal office. He provides legal advice and serves client needs mainly on matters related to financial and banking transactions, the negotiation of credit agreements and security interests.He also advises clients in connection with purchases and sales of assets and shares, corporate reorganizations, and the negotiation and preparation of various commercial contracts.Mr. Brassard received a Bachelor’s in Law from Université de Montréal and a Master’s in Law from Université de Montréal / China University of Political Science and Law. He was also awarded multiple distinctions including two scholarships in 2007, the Excellence Scholarship from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral studies of Université de Montréal and the Aubrey-Vincent-Senez Scholarship. He is a member of the Quebec Bar since 2007.

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  1203. Gérard Coulombe, Panelist at an Information Briefing on Social Media

    On March 22, Gérard Coulombe, Partner at Lavery, was a panelist in an information briefing called “Social Media: Are you Monitoring the Conversations? What Question Directors Should ask about the Risks Related to Social Media?” that hosted numerous corporate directors and senior executives. This information briefing, hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), was held at the Sofitel in Montreal.

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  1204. Lavery Welcomes Marie Cossette, Specialist in Civil and Commercial Litigation and Government Affairs

    Montreal, March 22,2011 – Lavery is pleased to announce that Marie Cossette, a well-known lawyer and specialist in civil and commercial litigation, government affairs and professional law is joining the firm as a partner. Ms. Cossette has twenty years of experience in representation before various judicial courts and administrative tribunals. Marie Cossette has acquired a particular expertise in public commissions of inquiry. She served as Assistant Chief Counsel of the Commission of Inquiry into the Collapse of the Concorde Overpass (Johnson Commission) created in 2006, Senior Counsel of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities (Gomery Commission) created in 2004 and Counsel for Sûreté du Québec officers during the Poitras Commission of Inquiry created in 1996. Marie Cossette has authored or co-authored several publications on the operation of public inquiries, the role of counsels in these commissions and professional law. She often serves as a legal analyst for Société Radio-Canada and Réseau de l’information (RDI), work that has provided her with relevant experience in media relations. “We are very honoured to welcome Marie Cossette to our team because her competence and professional rigor are widely recognized and appreciated. Her experience and accomplishments in complex and controversial civil and commercial litigation, professional law and government affairs will greatly benefit our clients,” Élise Poisson, Managing Partner, declared.

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  1205. Raymond Doray, Ad.E., inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers

    Montreal, March 9, 2011 – Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Raymond Doray, Ad.E., was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers on March 5, 2011, during its 61st Spring Meeting held in San Antonio, Texas. The College is devoted to improving the standards of trial practice, the system of justice and the ethics of the trial bar. Its newly-revised Code of Pretrial and Trial Conduct articulates aspirational standards of conduct far more demanding than the minima set forth in ethical and civility codes. The American College of Trial Lawyers is the only professional organization in the world to count among its members every member of the Supreme Court of the United States and every member of the Supreme Court of Canada. As a member of the administrative law team at Lavery, Raymond Doray heads the information law practice and, more particularly, is involved in issues pertaining to access to information, privacy and defamation as well as the application of the Canadian and Quebec charters of rights and freedoms. He also specializes in constitutional law. Since 2002, he has written, and continually updates, a 2,000-page treatise on rights of access to information and the protection of personal information. “We are very proud of Raymond Doray’s induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers because it is a recognition of his remarkable legal knowledge as well as his expertise and ethical conduct in litigation before judicial courts and administrative tribunals,” Élise Poisson, Managing Partner, declared. With Raymond Doray’s induction, eight of Lavery’s lawyers are currently members or fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

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  1206. Maude Lafortune-Bélair gives a presentation on law and psychiatry

    On February 22, Maude Lafortune-Bélair gave a presentation called “Droit et psychiatrie : analyse pratique de la notion de quérulence” at a breakfast-conference organized by Lavery and the Collège des médecins du Québec.Dr. Gilles Chamberland, Psychiatrist, also participated in this presentation examining predominantly the pathological and medical aspects of the querulous phenomenon.This continuing education seminar animated by Jean Saint-Onge was intended for managers and leaders of professional orders in the health sector.

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  1207. Lavery Welcomes Marc Beauchemin, a Commercial and Financial Institutions Law specialist

    Montreal, February 24, 2011 – Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Marc Beauchemin, a lawyer specialising in commercial and financial institutions law is joining our Montreal office as a member of Lavery’s Distribution of Financial Products and Services team. Fifteen (15) experienced lawyers will now constitute this unit, making it one of Montreal’s most important legal teams in the field of the distribution of financial products and services. Marc Beauchemin has accumulated over 25 years of experience in commercial and financial institutions law. He primarily advises and represents financial institutions, including Canadian and foreign-based banks, savings banks, credit unions, trust companies, insurance companies and securities brokers. His advice and services are sought after particularly in major transactions involving the purchase or sale of companies or financial product portfolios or corporate organisations and reorganisations. He has also represented several financial institutions in matters related to the enactment of laws or bylaws aimed at regulating their structure or activities. “Marc Beauchemin’s competence, experience and track record reinforce the expertise that our Distribution of Financial Products and Services team can offer to all of our clients whether it be in the form of preventive counsel or representation before authorities that regulate the administration and distribution of financial services,” Élise Poisson, Managing Partner, declared.

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  1208. 2010: Another Active Year for Lavery’s Securities Law Team

    Montreal, February 23, 2011 – Lavery is pleased to announce that its Business and Securities Law team was involved in a number of notable transactions valued at over $1.7 billion in 2010 which included the following transactions: Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed a $86.25 million public offering of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures. Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Philip Nolan and Guillaume Lavoie advised the syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. Pharmaxis Ltd., a publicly-traded Australian company, acquired Topigen Pharmaceutical Inc., a clinical-stage Canadian biopharmaceutical company, in a share exchange transaction. Benoit Morel, Luc Pariseau, Phillipe Asselin and Catherine Rioux advised Pharmaxis Ltd. in this transaction valued at approximately $25 million. Industrial Alliance, Insurance and Financial Services Inc., completed a $200 million public offering of common and preferred shares. The shares were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Philip Nolan and Guillaume Lavoie acted on behalf of Industrial Alliance. TSO3 Inc. completed a $16 million public offering of common shares. The shares were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by Canaccord Adams and Versant Partners Inc. Claude Lacroix, René Branchaud, Josianne Beaudry and Marie-Eve Clavet represented TSO3 Inc. Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completed a $115 million public offering of units. The units were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Philip Nolan and Guillaume Lavoie advised the underwriters. Richmont Mines Inc. completed a $16.5 million public offering of common shares. The shares were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by Desjardins Securities Inc. René Branchaud and Josianne Beaudry represented the underwriters. OMERS Private Equity Inc. acquired Logibec Groupe Informatique Ltd. for a consideration of approximately $235.5 million. Lavery acted as Quebec counsel to OMERS with a team comprised of Michel Servant, François Renaud, Benjamin Gross, Édith Jacques, Catherine Maheu and Guillaume Lavoie. IAMGOLD Corporation completed a $41.5 million private placement of flow-through shares. Michel Servant, Philip Nolan and Guillaume Lavoie acted for IAMGOLD. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. executed a share purchase agreement with LJVH Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Littlejohn & Co., LLC, in connection with its acquisition of Van Houtte Inc. for a cash purchase price of $915 million. Lavery acted as Quebec counsel on behalf of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. Lavery’s team consisted of Carl M. Ravinsky, Melanie Chartrand, Jean Tessier, Sive Burns, Chantal Joubert, Catherine Rioux, France Legault, Catherine Maheu, Yvan Biron and Sophie Prégent. Golden Goose Resources Inc. and Kodiak Exploration Ltd. agreed to combine business operations by way of a plan of arrangement. Benoît Morel, Josianne Beaudry, Philippe Asselin and Jocelyne Gagné represented Golden Goose Resources Inc. in this share exchange transaction valued at over $20 million. “Our Business and Securities Law team was once again very active throughout 2010,” declared Marc Rochefort. “Lavery is major player in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions in Quebec and, given the current climate, we look forward to an equally active year in 2011.”

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  1209. Jocelyne Gagné on the Advising Council of the Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie

    Lavery is proud to mention that Ms. Jocelyne Gagné, partner at the firm, was named to the Advising Council of the Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie. Her expertise in business law will be an asset to the development of the Fondation over the course of the next few years. In this role, Ms. Gagné also joined the Organizing Committee of the Grande Soirée P.G.L. 2011, which will be held on April 14, 2011 at the Delta Hotel in Montreal. This event will feature comedian Yvon Deschamps. Tickets can be purchased from members of the Organizing Committee and the Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie at 514 288-3888, extension 244. For more information, click here. The form to purchase tickets or to make a donation is available by clicking here.

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  1210. Lavery hosts the Honorable Peter Van Loan and the Manufacturiers et Exporteurs du Québec

    On February 14, Lavery held a conference with the Honorable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Commerce, and the Manufacturiers et Exporteurs du Québec, which revealed the Harper government’s plan with regard to free trade such as targeting new markets and creating more jobs and prosperity in Canada.This conference hosted nearly 30 executives from the business industry in Lavery’s new Montreal offices.

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  1211. Michel Servant invited to preside the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2011 Committee of Réseau HEC Montreal

    Michel Servant, a partner at Lavery, will be the President of the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2011 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal. This competition recognizes the professional success of HEC’s graduates, aged 35 and under, in four different classes: Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Entrepreneur and Young Professional. Prize-winners are selected by a jury of experienced business people.This event will take place as a Gala-Breakfast on Friday, May 20, 2011, at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.It will be the 26th anniversary of the Prix Relève d’Excellence in 2011 and Louis R. Chênevert, HEC 79, Chairman and CEO of United Technologies Corporation (Pratt & Whitney, Otis, Carrier, Sikorsky, etc.), the 37th largest company in the United States according to the Fortune 500 list, will be the Honorary President.HEC Montreal is the first business school in Canada and arguably Canada’s leading business school with over one hundred years of history and three international accreditations.

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  1212. Alexandre Despatie two-time gold medal winner at Canadian Winter Nationals

    Proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie, Lavery is pleased to recognize this champion’s two gold medal wins, one for the men’s three-metre synchronized event with his partner, Reuben Ross, and the other for the men’s three-metre dive, at the Canadian Senior Winter National, which was held from February 3rd to February 6, 2011.Moreover, Lavery congratulates Alexandre Despatie for being selected to lead the 2011 Canadian diving team as headlined by Diving Canada. The national diving team will focus on the two major international competitions this year: the FINA World Aquatic Championships in Shanghai, China from July 16th to July 31st and the Pan Am games in Guadalajara, Mexico from October 14th to Octobert 30th.

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  1213. Louis Charette and Bernard Larocque, Speakers at a Canadian Fire Alarm Association Seminar

    On February 3, 2011, Mr. Louis Charette and Mr. Bernard Larocque, both partners at Lavery, will be speakers at the Canadian Fire Alarm Association’s technical seminar, Quebec section. This seminar offers presentations on various technical, legal and practical aspects of the codes in effect and more than 200 members of the Association will attend.The seminar will be held (in French only) Quality Hotel Olympic Parc in Montreal as of 7:30 a.m.

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  1214. Evelyne Verrier, Speaker at the 10th Edition of the Canadian Institute’s Conference on the Management of the Claims and Proceedings in Insurance Disability

    On January 27 and 28, Evelyne Verrier, partner at Lavery, was a speaker at the Canadian Institute’s conference on the management of the claims and proceedings in insurance disability. Ms. Verrier’s presentation, entitled “L’octroi de dommages : derniers développements et impacts concrets sur vos pratiques et votre gestion des dossiers d’invalidité,” assessed the latest jurisprudence pertaining to the award of damages.

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  1215. 4th Edition of “Les sûretés réelles dans le Code civil du Québec” by Louis Payette, Ad. E., Considered a Benchmark

    Lavery is proud to mention that the 4th edition of “Les sûretés réelles dans le Code civil du Québec” by Louis Payette, Ad. E. was published in May 2010. Mr. Payette first published this book in 1994 following the coming into force of the Quebec Civil Code and he has updated it three times. The first and second editions of the book were awarded The Foundation of Legal Research’s Walter Owen Book Prize, which recognizes “excellent legal writing and to reward outstanding new contributions to Canadian legal literature.” This book has become an essential point of reference for lawyers in this field as well as for courts hearing cases on the subject. The new edition has become essential following legislative amendments made in 2009 with respect to the creation and the maintaining of pledges, the sections added to the Quebec Civil Code relating to the obtainment of security on securities and security entitlements, as well as the evolution of interpretations in doctrine and case law. “We are very proud of the exceptional contribution to banking law and commercial law Louis Payette offers our clients, his colleagues and the entire legal community,” said Élise Poisson, Managing Partner at Lavery. “His reputation, expertise and commitment contribute to quality of Lavery’s service offering.” The Best Lawyers in Canada and The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory list Mr. Payette as a leading practitioner in the field of banking law in Canada.

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  1216. Jean Martel on the front page of Finance et Investissement

    Jean Martel, partner at Lavery, gave an interview to the Finance et Investissement magazine for an article called “Les défis de la finance québécoise sont nombreux” (The Quebec Economy Faces Many Challenges) written by journalist Jean-François Parent. Seen on the cover page of this publication, Mr. Martel shared his expertise in financial law by answering various questions pertaining to the Quebec economy.The full article (in French only) is available by clicking here.

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  1217. Nadine Landry and Nicolas Joubert author an article in the magazine Industrie & Commerce

    Nadine Landry et Nicolas Joubert, lawyers at Lavery, wrote an article entitled “Devoirs et obligations des employeurs qui font appel à de la main-d’œuvre étrangère et modifications à venir” (The Rights and Obligations of Employers that Call on a Foreign Workforce and Future Amendments) published in the magazine Industrie & Commerce. In this article, Ms. Landry and Mr. Joubert discuss a growing importance of foreign workers in the labour market and the vulnerability of some of these workers who will be affected by the recent amendments to the Canadian government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which will come into force on April 1, 2011.The full article (in French only) is available on page 22 of the latest edition by clicking here.

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  1218. Lavery Launches a New Advertising Campaign. Your Business. Fair and Square.

    Montreal, December 9, 2010 – Lavery is launching a new advertising campaign to reassert its “Law > Business” market positioning and emphasize its lawyers’ commitment to the success of their clients’ businesses through top quality service and counsel. This new campaign, composed of one main firm ad and a series of ads promoting specific practice areas, demonstrates the scope of expertise that Lavery can provide its clients to help them achieve success. During the coming months, ads featuring the slogan “Your Business. Fair and Square.” will run in the business pages of major newspapers, in business magazines, on the firm’s website and on the Internet. All of these messages are featured in a lively presentation available as of today on the Lavery website (lavery.ca) and on YouTube. A first advertisement aimed at recruiting law students for summer employment was launched at the beginning of November. It provides students with a specific email address ([email protected]) and gives them access, through a mobile application, to a microsite (laviealavery.ca) exclusively designed for them, by entering a matrix barcode (QR) on their smartphone. This mobile application also appears on all new ads of this campaign. Each ad comprises a matrix barcode that sends the reader to Lavery’s homepage and to the description of the firm’s expertise in targeted areas. “Lavery is known as a top business law firm in Quebec and more and more businesses are retaining our services due to the diversity and depth of our expertise as well as our understanding of their concerns and challenges,” declared Mr. André Vautour, Partner and member of the firm’s Marketing Committee. “With this campaign, we want to express our unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of the business community with an outstanding service and a constant dedication to the success of our clients.”

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  1219. Alexandre Despatie wins gold at the CAMO Invitation diving competition

    Lavery is proud to recognize Alexandre Despatie’s achievements at the CAMO Invitation diving competition last weekend. The firm is proud to sponsor this champion who won two gold medals during this competition last Sunday, one for the three-metre springboard the other for the three-metre synchro event with partner Reuben Ross.

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  1220. Gérard Coulombe and Valérie Boucher linked to Finance Montreal

    On Monday, November 29, 2010, a new financial organization called Finance Montreal was officially launched. Gérard Coulombe, partner at Lavery, was part of the temporary committee for the development and set up of this organization, which comprises, as founding members, the major players in the Quebec financial industry. Finance Montreal’s mandate is to stimulate the creation and development of financial enterprises in Montreal specifically, and Quebec in general. It aims to identify, support and promote promising and innovative initiatives that benefit the financial sector. Finance Montreal will leverage the mutual co-operation of its members and a close relationship with universities and management schools in order to support the development of the financial sector of Montreal and Quebec. With this in mind, Lavery is proud to announce that Valérie Boucher, lawyer at Lavery, was named Secretary of Finance Montreal.

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  1221. Véronique Morin co-presides over a conference on human resources and labour law

    On November 23rd and 24th, Véronique Morin, lawyer at Lavery, co-chaired a conference called “RH & droit de l’emploi au sein du secteur public et parapublic,” which aimed at providing a forum for and responding to the questions and concerns of human resources administrators and lawyers practising labour and employment law in the public and parapublic sectors.In addition to presiding over the first day of this two-day conference, Ms. Morin was also the speaker of the presentation called “Droit de gérance de l’employeur du secteur public : notions pratiques pour s’en prévaloir efficacement.”Held by the Canadian Institute, this conference was recognized by the Quebec Bar and took place at the Mont-Royal Omni Hotel in Montreal.

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  1222. Olga Farman Named a Rising Star in Canada

    Montreal, November 26, 2010 – Lavery is pleased to announce that Ms. Olga Farman was honoured as a Rising Star in Canadian legal circles at the Lexpert Rising Stars Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation held in Toronto on November 25. The purpose of this annual competition organized by the legal magazine Lexpert is to honour Canada’s most promising lawyers under the age of 40 for their professional accomplishments, leadership, vision, entrepreneurial skills, concern for client satisfaction and teamwork. Ms. Farman is a member of the firm's Business Law Group and specializes in Health and Life Sciences Law. She possesses a broad understanding of the organizational structure of health care institutions, research funding methods and the rules governing the legal and administrative activities of health care institutions. She specializes in the preparation and negotiation of technology transfer licensing agreements, research and development, distribution and basic and clinical research contracts and intellectual property rights agreements. Ms. Farman works with major health sector clients and counsels the MSSS and others on the evolution of the rules governing research agreements in Quebec and Canada. She also advises biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies on all aspects of their operations and product development phases. Ms. Élise Poisson, the firm’s Managing Partner, said: “From the outset of her practice, Olga Farman has distinguished herself, particularly in her field, by her enthusiasm, energy and commitment to our clients. We are very pleased that she has been recognized as one of our profession’s rising stars in Canada and will continue to support her in the development of our services in Health and Life Sciences Law for the benefit of all of our clients.” For more information, please visit Lexpert’s website at www.lexpert.ca/risingstars.

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  1223. Alexandre Despatie - Male Athlete of the Year

    Proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie, Lavery is pleased to recognize that the Aquatic Federation of Canada (AFC) has selected Alexandre Despatie as recipient of the Male Athlete of the Year Award 2010 in recognition of his exceptional achievements of winning 3 Gold medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. This outstanding performance establishes Alexandre as one of the most successful Canadian athletes and the most dominant athlete in his own sport in the Commonwealth Games’ history.Lavery is extremely proud to support this remarkable Quebec athlete.The Aquatic Federation of Canada (AFC) is the voice of Olympic aquatic sports, Diving, Swimming, Synchro and Water Polo, both domestically and internationally.

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  1224. Raphaël Schachter, Speaker at the Quebec/Jewish Law Symposium

    Mr. Raphaël Schachter, Q.C., was invited to speak at the Quebec/Jewish Law Symposium held at the Chabad of Westmount. The Quebec Bar recognized this activity as part of the Continuing Education program. The topic of Mr. Schachter’s conference was, “How Does a Criminal Lawyer Defend a Client that He Knows is Guilty.”The evening was chaired by the former Minister of Justice of Quebec, the Honourable Justice Herbert Marx, of our Superior Court. Other participants included Justice William Fraiberg, Mr. Harvey Yarosky and Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe, Harvard law professor. Approximately one hundred people, mainly judges and lawyers, attended the symposium.

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  1225. Catherine Rioux speaks of the terms and conditions of loyalty cards

    On November 12, Catherine Rioux, Business Law Group member at Lavery, published an article on the terms and conditions of loyalty cards called “The Legal Framework with Respect to Reward Programs” available in Legal Matters, the online legal page of The Gazette. Ms. Rioux’s article makes reference to a recent class action filed by loyalty card holders.

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  1226. Ian Rose, Speaker at the Federated Press Conference

    Ian Rose, partner at Lavery, was a speaker at the 2nd seminar on “La responsabilité des administrateurs et membres de la direction,” at the Federated Press Conference in Montreal on November 4th and 5th. Mr. Rose conference more specifically pertained to secondary market class action recourses in Canada called “Marché secondaire : Recours en responsabilité civile statutaire et recours collectifs.”

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  1227. Olga Farman named Lawyer of the Week in The Gazette

    On October 29th, Olga Farman, lawyer at Lavery specializing in health law and life sciences was named “Lawyer of the Week” in The Gazette’s online legal page Legal Matters. Further to this nomination, Ms. Farman was interviewed by The Gazette and this interview was featured on November 1st.

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  1228. Michel Yergeau and Jean Saint-Onge, Members of the Board of Fondation Lafontaine-Cormier

    Michel Yergeau, Ad. E., was appointed Chair of the Fondation Lafontaine-Cormier on October 26th. Spearheaded by Quebec Court of Appeal’s J. J. Michel Robert, the Fondation Lafontaine-Cormier will work to promote Quebec’s judicial heritage through educational activities and conservation of documents and objects or buildings of historical importance related to justice. Also members of the Board of Directors are Mr. Richard W. Pound, Ad. E., Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., the Honourable Pierrette Rayle, Senator Serge Joyal, Mr. Babak Barin, Ms. Sylvie Champagne and leader of the bar, Mr. Michel Doyon.

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  1229. Jean Saint-Onge Organizes and Hosts a Conference on Class Actions

    The field of class actions is flourishing and the related case-law is in constant evolution. On October 28th and 29th, Jean Saint-Onge, partner at Lavery, hosted a conference on class actions called “Recours collectifs : Développement récents au Québec, au Canada et aux États-Unis” as a continuing education seminar of the Quebec Bar. This conference was held at the Palais des Congrès in Montreal and welcomed no less than 34 speakers specializing in class actions from various jurisdictions in North America. Jean-Philippe Lincourt, lawyer at Lavery specializing in class actions, actively participated in the organization of this seminar.

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  1230. The Université de Montréal Honours Ms. Élise Poisson

    Montreal, November 1, 2010 - Lavery is proud to announce that Ms. Élise Poisson, Managing Partner, has been honoured by the Association des diplômés de l’Université de Montréal at the closing dinner of the Mois des diplômés, which was held on October 29th at the Centre des sciences de Montréal. During this event, eight alumni who graduated in 1985 from the Université de Montréal and distinguished themselves by their professional, social or community achievements as well as the excellent reputation that they built in Quebec, were recognized. “We are proud of this recognition given to Élise Poisson,” declared Mr. Richard Dolan, Chairman of the Lavery’s Board of Directors. “This honour, attributed to her professional success, reflects on all the members of the firm.”

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  1231. Lavery Highlights Quebec SME'S Dynamism at the National Bank's SME Awards Ceremony

    Montreal, October 29, 2010 - Lavery is proud to collaborate with the National Bank Recognition Program for SMEs, which has recognized the excellence of Quebec entrepreneurs for 17 years. Further to the announcement of the regional award winners, which recognized, in September, the excellence and performance of 44 SMEs, small businesses, export SMEs and agribusiness SMEs from all areas of Quebec, the gala evening for the National Bank’s SME Awards is an opportunity to reveal the provincial winners and to pay tribute to SMEs that clearly distinguished themselves in Quebec last year.“We would like to congratulate all provincial and regional winners as well as all SMEs that participated in this inspiring annual competition organized by the National Bank,” declared Ms. Édith Jacques, partner and member of the Business Law Group at Lavery. “This competition gives SMEs the chance to establish a reputation, boost their human resources’ sense of pride and develop business connections to foster their growth.”Lavery has always been engaged in the development of businesses in Quebec and has adopted a distinct Law > Business approach to depict the dedication of its 175 lawyers and all other professionals in order to contribute to the success of the business community in which SMEs play an important part thanks to their drive, performance, innovativeness and ability to create numerous jobs.

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  1232. J. Vincent O'Donnell, Q.C., Ad.E., and André Vautour of Lavery Named Best Lawyers' 2011 Lawyers of the Year

    Lavery is proud to announce that Mr. J. Vincent O’Donnell, Q.C., Ad.E., and Mr. André Vautour have been named Lawyers of the Year by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. For more than a quarter of a century, Best Lawyers designates “Lawyers of the Year” in high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Best Lawyers compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. Only a single lawyer in each practice area in each community is honoured as the “Lawyer of the Year” in recognition of his/her abilities, professionalism and integrity. J. Vincent O’Donnell, Q.C., Ad.E., has been named the “Montreal Best Lawyers Director and Officer Liability Lawyer of the Year” for 2011. André Vautour has been named the “Montreal Best Lawyers Information Technology Lawyer of the Year” for 2011.

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  1233. Dina Raphaël and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin hold a training seminar on the insurance contract formation and technological documents

    Dina Raphaël and Jonathan Lacoste-Jobin held a training seminar called “Insurance Contract Formation and Technological Documents in the Web Era” on October 19th and 20th for insurance adjusters and brokers. This training was on the insurance contract formation and technological documents. During the seminar, the speakers discussed the online formation of insurance contracts and the principles governing the proposal and issuance of an insurance contract in connection with new technologies. The purpose of this presentation was also to explain the regulations governing document management in an insurance context, both in terms of use and conservation of technological documents and to describe their eligibility as evidence.

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  1234. Judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada - A Municipality Cannot, by by-law, Prohibit the Operation of an Activity Within Federal Jurisdiction in a Zone on its Territory

    On October 15, 2010, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered a decision in which it concluded that a municipality cannot establish a zone within which the operation of a federal activity is prohibited, in this case, an aerodrome. The operators of the aerodrome and aviation company were represented by a team from the firm of Lavery led by Mathieu Quenneville, which also included Jules Brière, Odette Jobin-Laberge, Yvan Biron and Sophie Prégent. Originally, the municipality of Sacré-Cœur brought a motion for an injunction against an aviation company and its managers to prevent them from operating an aerodrome within a zone of its territory. Initially, this motion was granted by the Superior Court, but the Court of Appeal set aside that decision, holding that a municipal by-law which prescribes zones within which an aerodrome can be prohibited is constitutionally inapplicable. The Attorney General of Quebec, which intervened in the file before the Superior Court in support of the municipality's claims, applied to the Supreme Court of Canada for a ruling on the validity of the disputed by-laws and, ultimately, that the aviation company be obliged to comply with the land use planning by-law of the municipality of Sacré-Cœur. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of the Attorney General of Quebec. According to the Supreme Court, the real object of the by-law was not related to zoning and did not fall under any provincial head of power. Rather, its essence was to regulate the location of aerodromes in the municipality, a matter within the exclusive federal jurisdiction over aeronautics. The provisions of the municipal by-law prohibiting aeronautical activities in the zone in question were therefore declared invalid by the Court. This decision clarifies the framework for the constitutional analysis applying not only to aeronautics, but to any activity involving the division of constitutional powers, particularly in relation to radiocommunications, telecommunications, navigation, railway transportation and extra-provincial transportation.

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  1235. Four Lavery Partners Nominated by Peers as Leading Practitioners in Who’s Who Legal: Canada 2010

    Lavery is proud to announce that four of its partners have been recognized by their peers as leading practitioners in Canada in their field of expertise in Who’s Who Legal: Canada 2010. Nominees are selected based on comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsels and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only specialists who meet independent international research criteria are listed. This recognition reflects our lawyers’ established expertise and excellent skills. The following Lavery partners have been recommended in the 2010 edition of Who’s Who Legal: Canada 2010. Yvan Biron (Environmental Law) Robert W. Mason (Product Liability) J. Vincent O’Donnell (Insurance Law) Michel Yergeau (Environmental Law)  

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  1236. Josianne Beaudry Featured in The Gazette

    On October 13th, Josianne Beaudry, Business Law Group member at Lavery, wrote an article called “Stock Options instead of a Pay Hike : Is this Good for Me?” published in Legal Matters, the online legal page of The Gazette. Ms. Beaudry’s article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of receiving stock options rather than salary increases from employers.

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  1237. Bernard Larocque and Odette Jobin-Laberge, Speakers at a training seminar for litigation lawyers at the Canadian Institute

    On October 19th, Bernard Laroque, in collaboration with Odette Jobin-Laberge, both partners at Lavery, will be speakers at the Canadian Institute during a training seminar for litigation lawyers on the competitive advantage needed for litigation lawyers to distinguish themselves before the courts entitled: “L’avantage compétitif dont vos avocats de litige ont besoin pour se démarquer devant les Tribunaux, leurs clients et dans la gestion de leurs dossiers.” Mr. Larocque’s and Ms. Jobin-Laberge’s presentation pertains to art of writing in litigation as well as writing techniques required to present efficient and persuasive summons before the courts. It will be held in French only at the Hôtel Omni Mont-Royal in Montreal at 9 a.m. For more information on this conference, please click here.  

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  1238. Three’s the charm for Alexandre Despatie, gold medal winner at the XIX Commonwealth Games

    Proud sponsor of Alexandre Despatie, Lavery is pleased to recognize this champion’s triple gold medal wins in diving, the first for the men’s one-metre springboard event, the second for the men’s three-metre springboard and the third for the men’s three-metre synchronized event with his partner Reuben Ross on October 10th, 11th and 12th at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.With these wins, Despatie became the 9th man to win eight medals or more at the Commonwealth Games, having won himself nine medals in total throughout his career to date. Lavery is extremely proud to support this remarkable Quebec athlete.

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  1239. Nicolas Gagnon, Member of the Surety Association of Canada’s Board of Directors

    For 2010-2011, Nicolas Gagnon, partner at Lavery, will be a member of the Surety Association of Canada’s Board of Directors, an association formed by a group of companies who believe that the surety industry needs a voice that is independent of its cousins in the insurance industry.Mr. Gagnon, who specializes in construction and surety law, will provide a sound judgement and counsel to the Surety Association of Canada's members in their objective to build on their successes to ensure a more surety friendly environment for the contruction and business communities in Canada.

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  1240. Lavery retained by Goodmans LLP in the acquisition of Van Houtte

    Montreal, October 5, 2010 - A team of professionals at Lavery was retained by Goodmans LLP to help represent the interests of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc., a company based in Vermont, in its acquisition of the A.L. Van Houtte Coffee business, which is based in Quebec. Lavery’s services were retained, in particular, for the due diligence review, consultation on the purchase agreement and to assist generally with Quebec matters; particularly, commercial issues, environmental law, labour law, real estate law and litigation. Lavery’s team was mainly made up of following lawyers: Carl M. Ravinsky, Melanie Chartrand, Jean Tessier and Sive Burns (corporate/commercial), Chantal Joubert and Catherine Rioux (real estate), France Legault and Catherine Maheu (labour and employment) and Yvan Biron and Sophie Prégent (environmental law).

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  1241. René Branchaud holds a conference at the TSX Venture Exchange

    On September 28th, René Branchaud, partner at Lavery specializing in securities law, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law, was a speaker at the TSX Venture Exchange for a seminar on the management of a public corporation. Mr. Branchaud’s conference was on securities investments.

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  1242. Lavery hosts nearly 300 corporate counsels at a conference on risk management and commercial contracts

    Montreal, September 30, 2010 - On September 21st, Lavery held a conference on risk management and commercial contracts. This series of Lavery’s conferences hosted nearly 300 corporate counsels at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.At this conference, Lavery’s lawyers presented both plenary sessions and numerous seminars and Alain Dubuc, a La Presse columnist, made a presentation on “Les conseillers juridiques d’entreprise créent-ils de la richesse?”

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  1243. Sophie Prégent’s article is published in Industrie & Commerce

    Sophie Prégent, lawyer at Lavery, wrote an article entitled “La Loi sur la qualité de l’environnement entre dans une nouvelle ère” (The Regulation Respecting the Administration of the Environment Quality Act Enters a New Era) published in Industrie & Commerce. In this article, Ms. Prégent summarizes Bill 89 and describes the implications of the imminent legislative modifications in the environmental sector. The full article (in French only) is available on page 39 of the latest edition by clicking here.

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  1244. Sébastien Vézina, Speaker at the Information Session on IFRS and Taxation for Mining Exploration Companies

    Montreal, September 29, 2010 - Sébastien Vézina, member of Lavery’s Business Law Group, reviewed the recent developments pertaining to the mining sector on September 22nd during an information session on IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and taxation. This information session was organized by Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton and was held in Montreal at the Fairmont Hotel, Queen Elizabeth.

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  1245. Jean Saint-Onge, Speaker at the Canadian Institute

    Montreal, September 24, 2010 - On September 28th and 29th, Jean Saint-Onge, partner at Lavery, will participate in a presentation on class actions called “Managing Litigation Complexity and Planning Strategy through Trial” at the Canadian Institute’s 11th Annual Forum. This conference will be held in Toronto. Mr. Saint-Onge’s will participate in a panel on cross-Canada class actions and recent developments on class actions in Quebec. For more details, click here.

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  1246. François Parent’s article on pension plans is published in Avantages

    Mr. François Parent, Partner at Lavery specializing in pensions and benefits, wrote an article entitled “L’asymétrie des régimes complémentaires de retraite : une problématique toujours non résolue” (The Asymmetry of Supplemental Pension Plans: A Problem Still Unresolved) published in the online magazine Avantages, a Quebec reference in benefits. Mr. Parent’s article examines whether some changes made to the Quebec legislative and regulatory framework governing defined benefit plans may have an impact on the asymmetry issue.The full article (in French only) is available by clicking here.

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  1247. Sarah Talpis-Guillet authors an article for The Gazette

    On September 20th, Sarah Talpis-Guillet, associate at Lavery specializing in corporate and commercial law wrote an article entitled “Protecting Names in the Facebook Age” published in the online section of The Gazette called Legal Matters. Ms. Talpis-Guillet’s article examines the protection of names and trademarks within the scope of social networks.

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  1248. Michel Desrosiers will be a speaker at the 13th World Human Resources Congress

    Montreal, September 22, 2010 - Michel Desrosiers will be a speaker at the 13th World Congress, which will be held from September 27 to 29, 2010 at the Palais des congrès in Montreal.The World Federation of People Management Associations holds its Congress every two years, which welcomes over 3,500 HR professionals from the four corners of the globe. This year, it offers a diversified program with close to 100 outstanding speakers, an Exhibitors’ Hall with some 175 exhibitors, as well as various social activities including an evening’s entertainment showcasing an exceptional artist.Facing similar people management and development challenges, participants will have the chance to discuss not only local, national and international trends and practices, but also other issues such as their expanding role and the increasingly complex nature of their mandates. Mr. Desrosiers presentation will pertain to the negotiation of collective agreements in 2010.

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  1249. 25 Lavery Lawyers are Named to the 2011 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada

    Montreal, September 2, 2010 – Lavery is proud to announce that 25 of the firm’s lawyers are listed as leading practitioners in Canada in their field of expertise in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2011. The Best Lawyers in Canada 2011 is based on a rigorous national survey involving more than 320,000 detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers across the country. Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner, stated that: “This recognition reflects these lawyers’ and our team’s expertise, quality of work and dedication. I would like to congratulate our 25 lawyers for their leadership and contribution to our clients’ success and to the development of our service offering.” The Lavery lawyers recommended in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2011 are: Marie-Claude Armstrong - Family Law Yvan Biron - Environmental Law Michel Blouin - Natural Resources Law René Branchaud - Natural Resources Law Pierre Bourque - Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Director and Officer Liability Marie-Claude Cantin - Insurance Law Paul Cartier - Insurance Law; Legal Malpractice Law; Personal Injury Litigation; Product Liability Law Gérard Coulombe - Corporate Law Michel Gélinas - Labour and Employment Law Jean Hébert - Insurance Law Jean-Francois Hotte - Labour and Employment Law Odette Jobin-Laberge - Insurance Law Pierre M. Lepage - Insolvency and Financial Restructuring Guy Lemay - Class Action Litigation; Labour and Employment Law Robert W. Mason - Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation; Product Liability Law Jacques Nols - Personal Injury Litigation J. Vincent O'Donnell - Class Action Litigation; Corporate and Commercial Litigation; Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law; Legal Malpractice Law; Personal Injury Litigation; Product Liability Law; Securities Law Jean Saint-Onge - Class Action Litigation Louis Payette - Banking Law Élisabeth Pinard - Family Law Ian Rose - Director and Officer Liability; Insurance Law Raphaël H. Schachter - Criminal Defense Gerald Stotland - Family Law André Vautour - Information Technology Law; Technology Law Michel Yergeau - Environmental Law For more information, please visit BEST LAWYER’s website.

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  1250. Marc Dagenais speaks to the Gazette about the Mining Industry

    August 31, 2010 - Possessing significant experience in the mining sector, Marc Dagenais, partner at Lavery, discussed the implications of Bill 79 on Quebec’s mining sector with journalist Peter Hadekel from The Gazette. According to Mr. Dagenais, the industry is concerned about two potential impacts from Bill 79: higher costs and lack of certainty about the new regulations. Furthermore, he asserts that the disclosure requirements in the new bill also pose a problem to the industry, mainly because the requirements are not clearly stated the bill.  Lavery’s Mining Law Group, which comprises some twenty professionals, is very active in the mining industry and has assisted numerous companies achieve their business development objectives, both here in Canada and elsewhere in the world, namely by helping them set up various financial structures and implement strategic alliances.

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  1251. René Branchaud reviews Bill 79 with the National Post and the Gazette

    René Branchaud, a partner in Lavery’s Montreal office, who practices in the mining and securities groups, discussed the implications of Bill 79 on Quebec’s mining sector with journalist Jim Middlemiss from the National Post and The Gazette. The amendments would require companies to fund in advance 100% of the closing costs in the first five years of operation. According to Mr. Branchaud, an idea to help miners deal with the financing obligations is the creation of an environmental trust, which Lavery is currently pushing the government to adopt on behalf of mining producers.

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  1252. Lavery welcomes Karine Pelletier, Business Lawyer

    Montreal, July 19, 2010 – Lavery is pleased to welcome Ms. Karine Pelletier to its Quebec City office’s Business Law practice group. Ms. Pelletier will mainly represent corporate clients in the field of transactional law, particularly in areas related to commercial transactions and mergers and acquisitions.Admitted to the Quebec Bar in 2006, Ms. Pelletier received her law degree (LL.B.) from the Université Laval in 2005. She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and of the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Québec. Before joining Lavery, she worked in a Quebec-based major law firm.

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  1253. René Branchaud has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Dynacor Inc.

    Montreal, July 15, 2010 - Lavery is proud to announce that René Branchaud has been named Chairman of the Board of Dynacor Inc. Mr. Branchaud has served on Dynacor's Board as Company Secretary since 2007. Partner at Lavery, Mr. Branchaud has been with the firm since 1983. Mr. Branchaud practises in the areas of securities law, mergers and acquisitions and corporate law and serves on the board of directors. He is corporate secretary of several public companies and non-profit organizations.

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  1254. Bernard Larocque Appointed to ProBono Quebec’s Board of Directors

    Montreal, July 12, 2010 - Bernard Laroque has been appointed to the Board of Directors of ProBono Quebec, a charity that promotes and coordinates pro bono legal work to resolve cases that are exceptional, raise issues of public interest or in which citizens or groups of citizens who do not have the financial resources to defend their rights could suffer permanent harm. Lavery is an active member of Pro Bono Québec, which hopes to become a meeting place for bringing together and generating pro bono legal initiatives aimed at improving access to justice.In addition, Mr. Larocque will continue to serve on the approval committee as he did last year.

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  1255. Lavery Number 1 in Quebec

    Montreal, July 5, 2010 – Élise Poisson, Managing Partner, is proud to announce that the Canadian Lawyer magazine ranked Lavery first among Quebec regional law firms in 2010. This recognition is the result of a survey that Canadian Lawyer conducted to determine the standing of Quebec’s major regional law firms. It was carried out in May of 2010 among lawyers, managing partners and corporate legal advisors of well-established businesses throughout Canada. Lavery placed first in this ranking and was acknowledged as the year’s leading regional law firm in Quebec. Canadian Lawyer conducted a similar survey to determine the ranking of the principal regional law firms in the western and central parts of the country as well as in the Atlantic Provinces.  “We are very honoured by this recognition which speaks to Lavery’s importance in Quebec,” Ms. Élise Poisson stated. “The scope of our firm and the depth of its expertise, together with a thorough understanding of the issues and challenges faced by businesses operating in Quebec, allow Lavery to offer a complete range of top quality legal services to the business community through a careful balance of expertise, delivery of legal services and cost.” Lavery is a privileged firm for businesses active in Quebec, corporate legal advisors and law firms located outside the province that need professional legal services in Quebec. In addition to its 170 lawyers, Lavery is a member of the World Services Group along with six other Canadian firms, all of which are leaders in their respective market. This allows Lavery to provide its clients with an effective platform for dealing with their legal business needs from coast to coast. For more information, please visit the Canadian Lawyer website at www.canadianlawyermag.com.

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  1256. Alexandre Despatie wins gold at the Summer Nationals

    Lavery, proud sponsor of the Olympic champion Alexandre Despatie, would like to highlight his gold medal in diving on the men’s three-metre tower on Saturday at the Canadian Summer Nationals competition in Saskatoon. In the final, Despatie opened with a backward dive mostly for scores of 9.0 and went on to dive consistently for scores of 8.0 and 8.5.

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  1257. Lavery welcomes Diana Darilus, Tax Lawyer

    Montreal, June 22, 2010 – Lavery is pleased to welcome Ms. Diana Darilus to the tax law team of its Montreal office’s Business Law Practice Group. Ms. Darilus will serve clients mainly in matters related to corporate taxation and consumption taxes as well as the elaboration of tax and estate planning.  Ms. Darilus received her law degree from the Université de Montréal in 2007 and studied at the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University for a semester. In addition, she was on the Dean’s Honour List of her graduating class of the Faculty of Law. Ms. Darilus was also awarded a scholarship in taxation from the Quebec Ministry of Finance and completed a Master’s degree (LL.M.) in taxation at HEC Montreal in 2010. She is a member of the Quebec Bar since 2010.

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  1258. Caroline Harnois was interviewed on Canal Argent on the deductibility of legal fees incurred in respect to child or spousal support

    While at Canal Argent for the show called ‘En Affaires’ recently, Caroline Harnois answered questions on the precise regulations with regard to the deductibility of the legal fees related to obtaining, varying, enforcing or rescinding a child or spousal support order. This interview mirrored the In Fact and In Law newsletter on the same issue published last March by Marie-Claude Armstrong and Julie Brisson. We invite you to watch the video of the interview (in French) by clicking here.

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  1259. Louis Charette holds a conference at the Canadian Institute

    On June 8th and 9th, Louis Charette was a speaker at the Canadian Institute during a seminar on risk management following the processing of general liability and property insurance claims. Mr. Charette’s presentation, which was held in Montreal, was on insurance policies intended for manufacturers and professional sellers.

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  1260. 16 Lavery Partners are Listed in The Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory

    Montreal, June 16, 2010 – Lavery is pleased to announce that Thomson Carswell’s Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory 2010 (14th edition) recommends 16 of the firm’s partners as leading practitioners in Canada in their field of expertise. The Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory is the most comprehensive guide to legal talent in Canada and is a resource of choice for corporate counsels and Canadian and American law firms in need of leading edge legal expertise. The Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory identifies the leading firms and lawyers in more than 60 practice areas based on the results of an exhaustive annual peer-review survey completed by more than a thousand respected legal professionals and a wide range of well-informed clients. Lavery’s lawyers are recommended in fields such as labour and employment, energy law, aboriginal law, mining law, medical liability, insurance litigation, professional liability and directors’ liability, financial institutions law, environmental law and technology and e-business law. Élise Poisson, Lavery’s Managing Partner, stated that: “This recognition reflects these lawyers’ and our team’s quality of work and dedication. I would like to congratulate our 16 lawyers for their contribution to our clients’ success and to the development of our service offers.” The following Lavery lawyers are recommended in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2010: Pierre L. Baribeau - Employment Law (Management) / Labour Relations (Management)Ann Bigué - Aboriginal Law /Energy (Electricity)Michel Blouin - Mining René Branchaud - MiningPaul Cartier - Litigation – Commercial Insurance / Litigation – Product LiabilityPierre Denis - Asset Equipment Finance / LeasingJean Hébert - Litigation – Commercial InsuranceJean-François Hotte - Employment Law (Management) / Labour Relations (Management)Odette Jobin-Laberge - Litigation – Commercial InsuranceRobert W. Mason - Litigation – Commercial Insurance / Litigation – Product LiabilityJacques Nols - Medical Negligence (Defendants)J. Vincent O’Donnell - Litigation – Commercial Insurance / Litigation – Directors’ & Officers’ Liability / Litigation – Product Liability / Professional Liability Louis Payette - Banking & Financial InstitutionsJean Saint-Onge - Litigation - Class Actions / Litigation – Commercial InsuranceAndré Vautour - Computer & IT Law / Technology TransactionsMichel Yergeau - Environmental Law For more information, please visit LEXPERT’s website at: www.lexpert.ca/directory.

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  1261. Lavery participates in the privatization of Logibec Groupe Informatique in an amount of $235M

    Lavery is serving as counsel in Quebec for the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) with regard to the privatization of Logibec Groupe Informatique Ltd. (Logibec) by OPE LGI Inc. by way of a take-over bid in an amount of 235 million dollars. Logibec, which has 420 employees, specializes in information systems for the health and social services sector. OPE LGI Inc. is a new acquisition company established by OMERS, the private equity arm of OMERS Worldwide, and in which the Société générale de financement du Quebec has agreed to make a minority equity commitment.

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  1262. Alexandre Despatie Competed in China

    Lavery would like to emphasize Alexandre Despatie’s efforts at the Diving World Cup competition in Changzhou, China. The firm is proud to sponsor Alexandre who, once again, competed eagerly to earn a medal which, unfortunately, he lost by a narrow margin in the final dive. Knowing Alexandre’s competitive nature, he’ll have another go at it soon!

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  1263. Luc Thibaudeau is one of the speakers invited by the Retail Council of Quebec

    On July 7, 2010, at the Hôtel Auberge Universel, Me Luc Thibaudeau will give a talk about Act 60, which will modify the Consumer Protection Act and all regulations arising. As soon as it is introduced on June 30, 2010, this new law will have a major impact on retail businesses. In effect, retailers will have to review all practices concerned with finances, operations, and sales and marketing, as rapidly as possible. For more information or to register for this seminar, please contact the Retail Council of Quebec via its Website: www.cqcd.org

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  1264. Jean-François Lepage is a speaker at a conference at the Canadian Bar Association

    On May 25th, Jean-François Lepage participated in a presentation at the Canadian Bar Association in Montreal on the Experts in Medical and Hospital Liability Law: Key Players with Many Sides. This conference was on the expert’s role in court, the implications behind the quality of an expert’s work and drafting the report in writing, in light of the recent decisions rendered by the Quebec Superior Court.

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  1265. Lavery participated in a project on CONTINUING EDUCATION IN BUSINESSES in collaboration with the Université de Montréal and Groupe Relais Expert-Conseil.

    On April 6, 2010, in Montreal, Mr. Claude Bigras (to the left), Chief Executive Officer of Distinction Group and Mr. Paré, President, and Mr. Poulain, Director of Human Resources of Distinction Maintenance Services, were accompanied by Ms. Rachida Azdouz, Assistant Dean, and Louise Blanchette, Director of the Curriculum Development for Continuing Education at the Université de Montreal, Mr. Luc Chabot, President and CEO of Relais Expert-Conseil, and Mrs. Marie-Claude Perreault from Lavery (second row, to the left) as well as a few trainers from the university graduation ceremony. An important client of our firm, DISTINCTION MAINTENANCE SERVICES INC. (industrial and commercial maintenance company, member of Distinction Group), invested in the training of its first-level managers in order to endow their Company with the undeniable advantages of team management skills, knowledge of labour relations laws and conflict resolution, as well as human relations techniques, methods and skills, required for a more efficient, healthy and lasting project and operations management. DISTINCTION MAINTENANCE SERVICES INC. was rewarded for its efforts during an official ceremony on April 6th in Montreal when 72 of its employees became the first recipients a new official university certificate awarded by the Faculté de l’éducation permanente de l’Université de Montréal. These students were the first to complete the first of four modules of this new university training called: “Gérer et superviser efficacement” (managing and supervising efficiently). This new program has an integrated approach and is aimed at people who want to become first-level managers or managers who want to upgrade their skills in their field of practice. The Université de Montréal, in partnership with RELAIS EXPERT-CONSEIL, has been working since 2008 on this new management training, which is adapted to the real and complex needs companies have today. This program is composed of the four following modules: Developing better relational skills Fulfilling the role of a first-level manager  Managing operations efficiently Supervising a team proactively Partner and Coordinator of the Labour and Employment Group at Lavery, Marie-Claude Perreault collaborated in this pilot project as a trainer for the module on a first-level manager’s responsibility and role. The training comprised information on human resources management, the development of harmonious labour-management relations, the laws on labour standards, the respect of health and safety standards as well as the rules and regulations associated with the protection of personal information. Lavery would like to join the Université de Montréal and Relais Expert-Conseil in congratulating the recipients as well as DISTINCTION MAINTENANCE SERVICES INC.’s Senior Management for paving the way to developing a healthy and lasting management for the years to come. For more information, please read the press release (pdf) issued by the Université de Montréal or simply access the article “Gérer et superviser efficacement” (Managing and supervising efficiently) on the website. For references: DISTINCTION MAINTENANCE SERVICES DISTINCTION GROUP - GDI RELAY CONSULTANT LAVERY UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL

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  1266. Raymond Doray - Speaker at the Professional Liability Underwriting Society

    Montreal, May 10, 2010 - The Professional Liability Underwriting Society invited Raymond Doray to speak at a conference on “Privacy Liabilities Exposed” last Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at the Centre Mont-Royal in Montréal. The Speakers : Gave an overview of Canadian and Quebec legislative framework Presented on de-mystifying Privacy Liabilities Spoke about the recent headlines of Privacy Breaches and their ramifications; and Provided information on insurance responses.

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  1267. Richard Burgos and Catherine Rioux to offer training for start-up companies to AQT members

    On June 2, 2010, as part of a one-day training session organized by the Quebec Technology Association (AQT), Mr. Richard Burgos and Ms. Catherine Rioux, lawyers practicing business law at Lavery, will offer training for AQT members on the subject of good negotiating practices for start-up companies. AQT is a non-profit organization that represents ICT companies and regroups their management in order to support them in the attainment of their growth objectives and facilitate access to best business practices. Lavery supports AQT and is actively involved with the organization, particularly by means of the seat it holds on the AQT Start-up Committee. Lavery also publishes its own newsletter, Lavery Technology, which is of particular interest to AQT members and other ICT firms.

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  1268. Lavery Congratulates Alexandre Despatie for his Success at the Canada Cup

    Sponsor of the Quebec native champion, Lavery would like to congratulate Alexandre Despatie’s victory at the Canada Cup diving competition held on May 1st and 2nd in Montreal at the Olympic Stadium. Alexandre claimed the gold medal with his partner Ruben Ross for the 3-metre synchro event on Saturday as well as the gold medal for the three-metre springboard on Sunday.This was Alexandre’s first win in Montreal since 2007, as well as his first win with his partner, Ruben Ross. Lavery is proud to support Alexandre’s efforts and congratulates him for his success!

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  1269. Lavery welcomes a new business law partner

    Montreal, April 28, 2010 – Lavery is pleased to announce that Mr. Benjamin David Gross has been admitted to the firm’s partnership. Mr. Gross practices as a member of the Business Law group, with particular emphasis on banking and security on property, real estate law, consumer protection law and mining law at our offices in Montreal.Mr. Gross’ professional activities have included providing counsel to (i) asset based lenders, factoring companies and lessors in respect of drafting and negotiating documents for vendor programs as well as financing of heavy equipment and aircraft; (ii) financial institutions, lending syndicates, and borrowers, in respect of traditional and non-traditional commercial financing arrangements for companies operating in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, mining, film, medical care and sanitation, real estate investment and management and professional sport; and (iii) financial institutions, financing companies and major retail stores and franchises in respect of consumer financing, credit card programs and advertising.Mr. Gross has also contributed one chapter to the book Manuel de droit de la concurrence, entitled “Recours collectifs en vertu de la Loi sur la concurrence,” (laws, analysis and comments) by Lavery.Admitted to the Quebec Bar in 2001 after completing a law degree (B.C.L. and LL.B) at McGill University and a year at the Faculty of Commerce of the same university, Mr. Gross joined Lavery in 2001.

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  1270. Gerald Stotland, Partnet at Lavery, to Arbitrate Family Law Disputes in Ontario

    Montreal, April 27, 2010 - Gerald Stotland, a partner at Lavery, has been accredited to arbitrate family law matters in the province of Ontario. He is one of the few bilingual lawyers who is member of both the Quebec Bar and the Law Society of Upper Canada to receive this certification.Arbitration in family law can be advantageous for certain parties who seek an alternative to Court. According to Mr. Stotland, “access to the courts can often result in long delays and consequently prove to be unduly expensive. In many instances, arbitration allows the parties to have immediate access to an expert well-versed in family law who will render a decision which will, once registered, have the same effect as a Court Order”.Benefits of arbitration are speed and expertise. Parties may still resort to courts should they decide to appeal the arbitrator’s decision. Parties should seek an arbitrator in family law that has in-depth knowledge and experience. Mr. Stotland brings with him years of legal experience as a recognized expert in the field.Mr. Stotland’s expertise has long been established throughout Canada. Fluent in English and French, he has been representing clients in Quebec and Ontario for over 35 years. He also counsels other lawyers as well as accountants, addressing family law aspects arising in the context of business and personal financial planning. Mr. Stotland is the former President of both the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Canada) and the Canadian Bar Association Family Law Section for the Quebec region. He is recognized by his peers as a leading practitioner in Family Law in both The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory and Best Lawyers in Canada.

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  1271. Lavery now has a tenth lawyer named Advocatus Emeritus (Ad. E.)

    Montreal, April 27, 2010 – Lavery is pleased to announce that Jean Martel has been named Advocatus Emeritus (Ad.E.) by decision of the General Council of the Bar of Quebec. This title was created in 2007 to recognize the exceptional contribution of certain lawyers to the advancement of the profession or the work of the Bar. Mr Martel will therefore join the group of 158 lawyers currently holding this distinction among the 23 000 members of the Québec Bar. Jean Martel’s practice is focused both on a national and international level on securities, financial institutions, financial services and corporations. In these fields, he advises regulators and industry groups of the securities and financial services sectors, institutional investors and leading participants of the Canadian capital markets, and business corporations both private and public. As Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance for Québec and Deputy Minister responsible for the Financial Sector, from 1988 to 1994, he was in charge of the public policy and law-making process with regards to financial institutions, securities, financial services and labor-sponsored investment funds. From 1995 to 1999, he chaired the Commission des valeurs mobilières du Québec (CVMQ). He is notably a member of the Board of Directors of the TMX Group Inc., the public corporation that operates the Toronto Stock Exchange (the senior stock market of Canada), the Montreal Exchange (the Canadian market for standardized derivatives) and the TSX Ventures Exchange (the Canadian Market for small and medium size companies), and of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). The name of Jean Martel will now be added to the nine other Lavery lawyers who have previously received the same honour: Ann Bigué, Pierre Bourque, Jules Brière, Raymond Doray, J. Vincent O’Donnell, Odette Jobin-Laberge, Louis Payette, Jean Saint-Onge and Michel Yergeau.

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  1272. Lavery highlights Alexandre Despatie’s victories in Mexico

    As sponsor of the Quebec athlete, Lavery wishes to salute Alexandre Despatie’s victories in the three-metre springboard event at the recent competitions in Veracruz, Mexico during the FINA Diving World Series. By winning a gold medal on April 16 and a silver medal on April 20, Alexandre has once again shown the talent and perseverance that make him a genuine champion. The last time that Alexandre climbed onto the first step of the podium was at the Pan American Games in 2007 in the international 3-metre springboard event.

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  1273. Lavery welcomes Spiridoula Vassilopoulos specializing in business and financial law

    Montreal, April 14, 2010 – Lavery is pleased to welcome Ms. Spiridoula Vassilopoulos as a member of the Financing and Financial Services group at our offices in Montreal, where she represents both lenders and borrowers in the negotiation and preparation of their financing and security documentation. Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2003 after receiving her law degree from the University of Ottawa, then to the Quebec Bar in 2005, Ms. Vassilopoulos also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University. Before joining Lavery, she practiced with other law firms in Ontario and Quebec.

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  1274. Lavery highlights Alexandre Despatie’s return to competition

    As sponsor of Quebec champion Alexandre Despatie, Lavery wishes to highlight the perseverance and courage shown by this young athlete who, after having recovered from a number of injuries over the last few seasons, was rewarded with a sixth place finish in the men’s three-metre springboard event during the first leg of the FINA Diving World Series held in Qingdao, China on March 27, 2010.

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  1275. The Lavery Conference on “La gestion de risques en matière immobilière” is a great success

    On March 18, Lavery hosted a number of corporate lawyers at a seminar on “La gestion de risques en matière immobilière” at Fairmont’s The Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.Following up on the success of its previous seminar, Lavery was pleased to repeat the performance on March 18, with 175 corporate lawyers attending this latest event.Here is a brief summary of the day’s activities:13 experienced speakers2 large group sessions, entitled: Some notions related to building ownership and real rights Purchase options and renewal options in commercial leasesA choice of 3 workshops on themes of great interest: Insurance and non-liability clauses in leasing contracts Hidden public law costs liable to affect buildings Legal constraints in carrying out construction work by owner/builders1 reliable source of information, recognized and free of cost*3 hours of training as per the Quebec Bar by-law respecting the professional training of advocates, for all participants registered for the whole seminar**1 excellent occasion for exchanging with one’s peersOur lawyers also write articles on a variety of subjects of great interest, which are regularly posted on our lavery.ca website.************************** Lavery seminars are recognized by the Quebec Bar as part of its mandatory continuing education program.** Since April 1, 2009, Quebec lawyers are obliged to undertake 30 hours of professional training in every 24-month period.

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  1276. Lavery represents the syndicate of underwriters in the $86.25 million bought deal financing of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    Montreal, February 25, 2010 – On January 12, 2010, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust closed a public offering of $86.25 million aggregate principal amount of Series E 5.75% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures.The Debentures were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., Canaccord Financial Ltd., CI Capital Markets Inc. and Genuity Capital Markets G.P.The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Guillaume Lavoie (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax).Cominar is the largest commercial property owner and manager in the Province of Québec.

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  1277. Luc Thibaudeau will be a speaker at the Conférence sur le droit de la publicité et du marketing.

    During this conference on advertising and marketing law, to be held in Montreal on March 25 and 26, 2010, Mr. Luc Thibaudeau, a partner with Lavery, will address the conference on the reform of the Consumer Protection Act. Among other issues, Mr. Thibaudeau will cover a number of specific clauses and go over the objectives of the Consumer Protection Act with respect to advertising.

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  1278. Jean Saint-Onge becomes a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America

    Mr. Jean Saint-Onge, a partner at Lavery practicing in litigation, has been offered the prestigious title of Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. The Litigation Counsel of America is an honorary society composed of less than one half of one percent of the lawyers in North America. Nominations of fellows are by invitation only and are highly selective, being based on accomplishment and excellence in litigation. Mr. Saint-Onge practices in the areas of commercial insurance, class actions, competition and antitrust, product liability as well as the distribution of financial products and services.

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  1279. Lavery announces the appointment of Richard Dolan as Chairman of the Board

    Montreal, February 18, 2010 – Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Dolan to the position of Chairman of the Board. After having led the firm during the last 10 years, he succeeds Michel Yergeau who was Chairman of the Board for more than 13 years. “I am highly honoured by the trust my partners have shown me and determined to provide every support for our new Managing Partner, Élise Poisson, in pursuing the development of Lavery and reinforcing our Business Law positioning in the years to come,” Mr. Dolan declared. As Chairman of the Board, Richard Dolan will continue his activities with the World Services Group, in addition to playing an active role in client development for the firm’s benefit. A specialist in corporate and commercial law, his practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and commercial transactions. Mr. Dolan joined the firm's Business Law Group in 1979 and was a partner in the Business Law Group from 1986 to 1996, during which he represented numerous Canadian and foreign clients establishing, acquiring or selling businesses in Canada, the United States and South America. From 1996 to 2000, he served as Senior Vice-President, Law and General Counsel, with one of the firm's clients, a leading international engineering and construction firm. He was also a member of the Management Committee and the Operations Review Committee of that firm while continuing to practise in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and being involved in several major infrastructure privatizations, including the privatization of Highway 407 in Ontario.

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  1280. Bernard Larocque presents a review of the jurisprudence in insurance law in 2009 for the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association

    On February 17, Bernard Larocque, a partner at Lavery, gave a speech to the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association. He took as his subject a review of the jurisprudence in insurance law in 2009.During this conference, among other things, Mr. Larocque discussed formation of the contract, remedial work and liability insurance warranty, as well as the wide variety of liability insurance.

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  1281. Michel Servant invited to preside the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2010 Committee of Réseau HEC Montreal

    Michel Servant, a partner at Lavery, will be the President of the Prix Relève d’Excellence 2010 Committee of Réseau HEC Montréal. This competition recognizes the professional success of HEC graduates aged 35 and under, in four different classes: Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Entrepreneur and Young Professional. Prizewinners are selected by a jury of experienced businesspeople.This event will take place at a Gala-Breakfast on Friday, May 14, 2010, at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel. It is the 25th anniversary of the Prix Relève d’Excellence this year and Patrick Palerme, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Capital Canada, will act as Honorary President.HEC Montreal is the first business school in Canada and arguably Canada’s leading business school with over one hundred years of history and three international accreditations. 

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  1282. Speech by Manon Robert for the Canadian Association of Paralegals

    Manon Robert, paralegal and administrative trainer at Lavery, gave a speech on case management during the Litigation Conference of the Canadian Association of Paralegals, which was held on February 10, 2010.The Canadian Association of Paralegals noted Manon Robert’s dynamism, professionalism and extensive expertise in litigation.

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  1283. Conference given by our insurance law specialists

    At a breakfast conference on the mornings of January 26 and 27, Bernard Larocque and Jean Bélanger presented our clients with a review of the jurisprudence in 2009 as it affects insurance law. This annual activity provides a look back over the legal decisions of the past year.

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  1284. Jean Martel Reappointed to BDC’s Board of Directors

    Jean Martel has been reappointed by the Minister of Industry of Canada to the Business Development Bank board of directors for a period of four years. BDC’s Chairman, John MacNaughton, said he was extremely pleased with the news of the reappointment, which will ensure continuity in board membership. He extended his warmest congratulations to Jean and thanked him for his continued commitment to BDC.Jean Martel joined the BDC board of directors in September 2006. As a partner at Lavery, he practises in the field of financial law — securities, corporate financing, the distribution of financial services and products, and the regulation of financial institutions and capital markets.

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  1285. Lavery Welcomes Business Law Specialist Daniel Des Aulniers

    Quebec City, January 26, 2010 - Lavery, the largest independent law firm in Quebec, is pleased to announce that Daniel Des Aulniers has joined its ranks as a member of its Business Law Group. Mr. Des Aulniers will be practicing in his area of expertise, Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law, at the firm’s Quebec City office.Called to the Quebec Bar in 1976, Mr. Des Aulniers has been practicing with other law firms for over 25 years. As a specialist in Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law, he has played an active role in the turnaround of major national and provincial businesses. He represents both trustees and debtors before all the jurisdictional levels of Quebec’s courts.Mr. Des Aulniers will advise the firm’s clients and represent them in various insolvency-related matters.

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  1286. Lavery Spearheads the Purchase of the Montreal Canadiens by the Molson Brothers and Their Partners

    Since the spring of 2009, Lavery has played a key role in the purchase of the Montreal Canadiens, the Bell Centre and its related businesses by a group of investors headed by the Molson brothers. The Molson brothers initially retained Lavery’s services to help them prepare an offer to purchase all the Gillett family’s holdings in the Montreal Canadiens and the Bell Centre businesses. The first phase of the mandate involved the due diligence review of the entities targeted by the proposed purchase, including the hockey club, the Bell Centre real estate complex and the Gillett Entertainment Group. Lavery was also involved in setting up the Molson led partnership that would make the offer to the Gillett family. Once the Gillett family had accepted the Molson group offer to purchase, Lavery became the advisor to the group and started working on the partnership agreement, at the same time as negotiating the credit facilities with the lenders and the purchase agreement and other related documents with the Gillett family representatives. When the Molson group decided also to purchase all the interests held by Molson Coors Brewing Company put up for sale by the Gillett family, Lavery’s instructions were extended to preparing and negotiating this second offer to purchase with Molson Coors' representatives, followed by the preparation of this second purchase agreement and related documentation. The team from Lavery also had to ensure that the Quebec Government had all the information necessary to adopt the order-in-council authorizing Investissement Québec to participate in financing the purchase. At the same time, other members of the Lavery team held regular talks with representatives of the National Hockey League to enable them to obtain the consent of the League’s Board of Governors for the proposed transactions. "We are very proud to have made a major contribution to such an important transaction in the North American professional sports industry. The members of our team successfully led all the legal aspects of an extremely complex acquisition file on behalf of all the members of the purchasing group headed by the Molson brothers," said Jacques Paul-Hus. The following lawyers from Lavery were involved in completing: Richard Dolan, Gérard Coulombe, Jacques Paul-Hus, Francis Desmarais, André Paquette, Marie-Andrée Gravel, André Vautour, Sébastien Vézina, Guillaume Lavoie and Valérie Boucher (corporative/commercial); Chantal Joubert and Nicole Messier (real estate); Catherine Maheu and Josiane L’Heureux (labour and employment); Josée Dumoulin (pensions and benefits); François Renaud, Pierre Denis and Benjamin Gross (financing); Luc Pariseau (tax).

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  1287. Valérie Boucher Writes on Trusts in the JurisClasseur Québec Encyclopedia

    Valérie Boucher is the author of the 20th volume of the JurisClasseur Québec encyclopedia – Biens et publicité des droits, published by LexisNexis. In this volume, Ms. Boucher summarizes the essential elements of the law of trusts in Quebec.The JurisClasseur Québec encyclopedia is a work that is designed to meet the needs and realities involved in the current practice of law in Quebec, and was written by an outstanding team of authors.Valérie Boucher practises in the areas of business law, corporate law and the law of trusts. She has had a significant role in numerous reorganizations of small, medium and large businesses, and has been actively involved in various transactions for the acquisition and sale of shares and assets.

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  1288. Raphaël Schachter on the Board of the American College of Trial Lawyers Canadian Foundation

    Raphaël Schachter, Q.C. has been asked and has accepted to be on the Board of the American College of Trial Lawyers Canadian Foundation. He will represent the Province of Quebec.The Foundation, afforded charitable status by the Canadian Revenue Agency (Revenu Canada), will be chaired by the Honorable Jack Major, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.Appointed as Queen's Counsel in 1986, and inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1994, Mr. Schachter was President of the Quebec Section of the American College of Trial Lawyers from 2006 to 2008. He practises exclusively in the areas of criminal law, penal law and the penal aspects of competition law.

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  1289. Lavery Represents Industrial Alliance in $100 Million Bought Deal Financing of Preferred Shares

    On October 15, 2009, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. closed a public offering of 4,000,000 Non-Cumulative Class A Preferred Shares Series E for gross proceeds of $100 million. The Preferred Shares were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by Scotia Capital Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc., including National Bank Financial Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., Casgrain & Company Limited, Dundee Securities Corporation, HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc., Industrial Alliance Securities Inc. and Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. Industrial Alliance was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Benoit Mallette and Guillaume Lavoie (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax). Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company that offers a wide range of life and health insurance products, savings and retirement plans, RRSPs, mutual and segregated funds, securities, auto and home insurance, mortgage loans and other financial products and services. Industrial Alliance is among the 100 largest public companies in Canada.

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  1290. Lavery announces the appointment of the firm's new Managing Partner. Élise Poisson succeeds Richard Dolan.

    Montreal, December 8, 2009 – Lavery is pleased to announce the appointment of Élise Poisson as the firm's managing partner commencing January 1, 2010. Ms. Poisson succeeds Richard Dolan, who directed the firm for the past 10 years, becoming the first woman to occupy the position of managing partner in Lavery's history. "All of Lavery's partners, associates, other professionals and employees are enthusiastic about the appointment of Élise Poisson as managing partner", said Richard Dolan, the outgoing managing partner. "Her professional dedication and the high quality of her work on the management team over the past five years have fully prepared her to take on her new functions". Élise Poisson joined Lavery after obtaining her bachelor of law from the University of Montreal in 1985, and has remained with the firm ever since. She became a partner in 1994 and has been a member of the board of directors since 2004. She is a respected litigator in the areas of commercial law and extraordinary recourses, and has represented a broad range of commercial, industrial and institutional clients before all levels of the courts. "Under the leadership of Richard Dolan, Lavery has adapted to the reality of the business world and has put the talent and expertise of all the firm's members to work for our clients in the business community", said Ms. Poisson. "In the coming years, we will continue strengthening the firm by consolidating our expertise so that we remain in tune with our clients, understand their business realities and anticipate their needs, while also focusing on recruiting and developing the best legal talent, and highlighting our firm's distinctiveness". Richard Dolan will remain a member of the firm's board of directors.

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  1291. Lavery represents the syndicate of underwriters in $115 million bought deal financing of 6.50% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust

    On September 22, 2009, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust closed a public offering of $115 million aggregate principal amount of Series D 6.50% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures.The Debentures were sold to a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., including RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., Canaccord Capital Corporation, Blackmont Capital Inc. and Genuity Capital Markets G.P.The syndicate of underwriters was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Guillaume Lavoie (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax).Cominar is the largest commercial property owner and manager in the Province of Québec.

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  1292. Jean Saint-Onge invited to speak at the Vingt-deuxièmes Entretiens du Centre Jacques Cartier

    Jean Saint-Onge, a partner at Lavery, will be a guest speaker at the Vingt-deuxièmes Entretiens du Centre Jacques Cartier to be held in Lyons, France, on November 30 and December 1, 2009.For this symposium, whose theme is "The Civil Law Culture: An Obstacle or Asset to Doing Business?", Jean Saint-Onge's speech will be entitled "Collective redress: An efficient instrument or consumerist drift?"Les Entretiens Jacques Cartier is a major annual event held in France in the Rhône-Alpes region, and one out of every four years in Quebec. By holding this event, the Centre Jacques Cartier, created in 1984, affirms its commitment to engage in a constructive dialogue with the territorial communities.

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  1293. Jean Saint Onge to Moderate Seminar on Recent Developments in Class-Action Suits

    On October 29 and 30 2009, Jean Saint Onge will, for the sixth straight year, moderate the Quebec Bar Continuing Education Seminar on Class-Action suits: recent developments in Quebec, Canada, the United States and Europe. This continuing education activity will bring together no less than 32 lecturers from several jurisdictions, who will speak to participants about the most recent developments in the area of class actions. Jean Philippe Lincourt has been closely involved in organizing this seminar. For his part, Yvan Biron will act as moderator for the panel discussion on environmental class-action suits, which will be held on October 29.

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  1294. Ian Rose - Speaker at the Canadian Institute’s Forum on Directors’, Officers’ and Fiduciaries’ Liability

    Last October 21, Ian Rose, a Lavery partner, gave a lecture entitled Exploring Trends in D&O Liability – Certain Canadian Trends at the Canadian Institute’s 12th Annual Forum on Directors’, Officers’ and Fiduciaries’ Liability held on October 21st and 22nd, 2009 in Toronto. His presentation focused on exposures to liability from the current economic climate and credit crisis, increased class action activity in the secondary markets, and the possible implications of Quebec law on D&O liability in certain circumstances.Mr. Rose specializes in complex litigation involving products liability and professional liability, as well as directors' and officers' liability.

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  1295. The Lavery Seminar, a Remarkable Event with 350 Participants

    On September 22, 2009, Lavery held a seminar intended for corporate lawyers under the theme of Risk Management.Here is a look back at this very successful event: 9 seasoned lecturers 350 participating corporate lawyers 7 workshops and 7 subjects of great interest 1 reliable, free and recognized* information source 3 hours of training recognized for the purposes of the By-law respecting the professional training of advocates** for participants registered for the entire seminar 1 great opportunity to exchange with peers.The seminar featured workshops covering the following subjects:The role of corporate counsel and the constraints he facesAlternate solutions to the employment agreement: how to plan one’s workforce without increasing the responsibilities of the employer?Environment management: what to do to minimize the risks for the enterprise?Class actions: a measure for improving access to justice or pro consumer drift?Privacy and protection of personal information within enterprises doing business in Quebec, Canada and abroadSurviving the insolvency of your business partners, whether they are clients or suppliersActivist shareholders: who are they? What are their goals and how to cohabit with them?This seminar is just one of the numerous steps Lavery is taking towards meeting the needs of its business partners. Stay abreast of our activities and firm news by visiting lavery.ca.________________________________________________________ *The Lavery seminar is an activity recognized by the Quebec Bar for the purposes of the mandatory continuing professional education** Since April 1, 2009, lawyers in Quebec are required to participate in 30 hours of professional training per 24 month period.

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  1296. Guy Lavoie — Quebec representative on the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers

    Guy Lavoie was elected as the representative from Quebec on the board of directors of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE) at its 6th annual conference held in Chicago, Illinois from September 10 to 12, 2009. This appointment will enable him to play a direct role in promoting CACE in Quebec. He will sit on the board for a two-year term.Guy Lavoie has broad expertise and experience in labour and employment law and occupational health and safety matters. He advises and represents the firm’s clients before various administrative tribunals in both collective and individual employment relations matters, and in occupational health and safety and discrimination and harassment cases. He also works in conjunction with members of the firm’s Business Law Group on labour and employment law issues connected with the implementation of mergers and acquisitions.

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  1297. Lavery represents Osisko Mining Corporation in C$149.5 Million Bought Deal Financing

    On September 1, 2009, Osisko Mining Corporation closed a public offering of 21,361,250 common shares, which included the exercise in full of the over-allotment option, at a price of $7.00 per common share for gross proceeds of more than C$149.5 million.  The common shares were sold on a bought deal basis through a syndicate of underwriters led by Thomas Weisel Partners Canada Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and including Dundee Securities Corporation.  Osisko was represented by a team from Lavery consisting of René Branchaud, David Pineault and Benoît Mallette (corporate and securities), and Philip Nolan (tax).  Osisko is listed on the TSX (OSK) and the Deutsche Boerse (EWX) and holds a 100% interest in the Canadian Malartic gold deposit in Québec, Canada.

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  1298. Evelyne Verrier will co-chair the Managing & Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference

    At the request of the Canadian Institute, Evelyne Verrier, a Lavery partner, will co-chair the 9th Managing & Litigating Disability Insurance Claims Conference, which will be held on September 23 and 24 in Montreal.As part of this event, Ms. Verrier will deliver a lecture entitled “Issues related to critical illness insurance claims: where do we stand?”, which will particularly deal with critical illness insurance coverage, hybrid hypothecary-critical illness products, the interpretation of the moratorium period clause, time limit for contestation, fraud and false statements.

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  1299. Jean-Simon Deschênes, senator of the Junior Chamber International

    The Junior Chamber International (JCI) has awarded a Senatorship to Jean-Simon Deschênes, a lawyer with Lavery, a distinction conferring him with a lifetime membership in JCI for his commitment and influence locally, nationally and internationally. During 2008, Mr. Deschênes held the position of president of Junior Chamber International Canada (JCI Canada), a national federation with 30 local chapters across the country whose objective is to facilitate the integration of young business people aged 18 to 40 into their respective communities and Canada. In 2009, he continued his involvement with JCI Canada as chairman of the board of directors.

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  1300. Lavery Represents the Syndicate of Dealers in Gaz Métro's $100 Million Offering of First Mortgage Bonds

    On June 18, 2009, Gaz Metro inc. completed an offering of $100 million of 4.93% Series L First Mortage Bonds, which were assigned an A rating by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and DBRS Limited.The Series L Bonds were offered by a syndicate of dealers led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., and including Desjardins Securities Inc, National Bank Financial Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., RBC Dominion Securiteis Inc., TD Securities Inc., Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. and Casgrain & Company Limited. Lavery represented the syndicate of dealers with a team that included Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Guillaume Lavoie (Corporate and Securities) and Philip Nolan (Tax).With nearly $3,6 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is Québec's leading natural gas distribution company.

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  1301. Three partners from Lavery speak at the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers

    Catherine Maheu, Guy Lavoie and Guy Lemay were invited to give presentations at the 6th annual conference of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers that was held in Chicago from September 10 to 12. In their presentations, they considered such subjects as recent developments in Quebec employment law, class action suits in employment law, and cyber-harassment in the workplace (through new technologies such as blogs, e-mail, etc.).The Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers is a national non-profit association of management-side labour and employment practitioners, with several hundred members across Canada. CACE’s objectives are notably to provide input on policy and legislative reform from a legal perspective and to promote excellence in the specialized field of labour and employment law.

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  1302. Lavery welcomes Marc Dagenais, Mining Law Specialist

    Montreal, September 9, 2009 – Lavery, Quebec’s largest independent law firm, is pleased to welcome Marc Dagenais to the firm's Business Law Group. Mr. Dagenais will practise in his area of specialization of mining law out of the firm's Montreal offices.  Called to the Quebec Bar in 1990, Mr. Dagenais began his career with the legal department of Cambior Inc., where he practised until 2006, when he held the positions of Vice President, Legal Affairs, and Corporate Secretary. From 2007 to date, Mr. Dagenais was a partner in and Vice President, Legal Affairs of MinQuest Capital Inc., a private investment fund manager specializing in the mining industry.  Mr. Dagenais will advise the firm’s clients and represent them in various mining-related matters.  In addition to a bachelor of civil law from the Université de Montréal, Mr. Dagenais holds a bachelor’s degree in management accounting (B.B.A.) from the Université du Québec à Montréal.

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  1303. A Lavery partner receives the Pierre-Nadon award

    Jacques Nols, a Lavery partner, health law expert and internationally recognized specialist of the rules of golf has been awarded the Pierre-Nadon award by Golf Québec following a vote by specialized columnists. The award recognizes the involvement of a volunteer towards sports development in Quebec. Jacques Nols is a member of the Kanawaki Club and has been Chairman of both the Associations of Québec (which became Golf Québec) and Canada (RCGA). He received the award in recognition of his dedication, his competence and his passion for golf.

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  1304. A Lavery partner at the Canadian Institute’s 10th Annual National Forum on Class Action Litigation

    Jean Saint-Onge will participate in a panel on September 23, 2009 as part of the Canadian Institute’s 10th Annual National Forum on Class Action Litigation. The other panel members will be Joel S. Feldman, Sidley Austin LLP (Chicago), Tony Merchant, Q.C., Merchant Law Group LLP (Regina), Peter Cavanagh, Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (Toronto) and Glenn M. Zakaib, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP (Toronto). The subject of their discussions will be Navigating Multijurisdictional Hurdles: Key Issues and Update on National Class Actions.

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  1305. Lavery congratulates Alexandre Despatie

    Lavery warmly congratulates Alexandre Despatie for winning two bronze medals at the 2009 World Aquatics Championships in Rome. Alexandre’s performance in a major international sports competition rewards the efforts of this young exceptional Quebec diver and is a testimony to his values.Lavery associated itself to Alexandre Despatie under a long term sponsorship agreement which underlines its will to contribute towards this remarkable athlete reaching his ambitious goals. All the members of the Lavery team are proud to support Alexandre’s efforts and congratulate him on his recent successes.

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  1306. A Lavery partner to sit on the judging panel of the Investment Industry Association of Canada

    Jean Martel, a Lavery partner specializing in financial law, is one the six distinguished business leaders with experience in the financial markets who will judge the candidates for the inaugural IIAC Industry Scholarship Award. The other members of the jury will be: Doug Hall, currently Chair of Nova Scotia Business Inc., and former Managing Director of RBC Dominion Securities, Halifax; The Honourable Tom Hockin, most recently the Chair of the Expert Panel on Securities Regulation; Harold MacKay, former Managing Partner and Chairman, MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman LLP, Regina; Joe Oliver, past President and Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada; and The Honourable David L. Emerson, currently Executive Chair of the British Columbia Transmission Corporation and former Minister of International Trade of Canada.The scholarship will be awarded to an employee of an IIAC member firm who demonstrates professional excellence, serves the community and contributes to the betterment of the investment industry and the capital markets. Jean Martel's presence on the panel is a recognition of his extended experience and involvement in the field of financial law - securities, corporate financing, regulation and governance of financial institutions, financial services and securities markets - on the national and international scenes.

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  1307. Lavery welcomes Steve Boucratie

    Montreal, July 6, 2009 - Lavery, the largest independent law firm in Quebec, is pleased to welcome Steve Boucratie as an associate in the firm's Business Law Group at its Montreal offices. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2006, Mr. Boucratie previously worked with another firm, where his practice was focused on private financing and the negotiation of commercial contracts. Mr. Boucratie will advise and represent the firm’s clients in various private financing and commercial law matters. In addition to a bachelor's degree in civil law from Université de Montréal, Mr. Boucratie holds a graduate degree in common law and transnational law from Université de Sherbrooke and a bachelor of business administration from HEC Montréal.

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  1308. Meet with our lawyers specialized in general liability and property insurance law matters

    Dina Raphaël, Louis Charette and Anne-Marie Lévesque will lecture as part of the “Réclamations et litiges d’assurance-responsabilité générale et de biens dans un climat économique précaire” [General Liability and Property Insurance Claims and Litigation in a Precarious Economic Climate] seminar sponsored by the Canadian Institute. The seminar, which will be held on June 11 at the Omni Hotel in Montreal, is recognized and accredited by the Quebec Bar for mandatory professional development purposes. Our three specialized insurance lawyers will lecture, in particular, on insurance against pollution and other environmental disasters and the means that directors and officers may use to overcome the new challenges in insurance law matters.

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  1309. Labour law specialists at Lavery give client seminar

    On June 9, 2009, a luncheon was given to the clients of the firm's Labour and Employment Law Group. The three speakers, Nicolas Joubert, Guy Lavoie and Guy Lemay, updated key subjects in labour and employment, such as the conditions under which benefits can be reduced in the context of a recession, the financial consequences of an employer's mischaracterization of a self-employed worker, the issues surrounding the use of blogs and other Internet sites by employees, and class action suits in employment law.

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  1310. Denis Michaud to speak on the local and governmental liabilities

    On June 4, 2009, on the occasion of an event organized by The Canadian Institute entitled « Responsabilité municipale et gouvernementale », Mr. Denis Michaud, a partner at Lavery and an expert in municipal legal matters, will be giving a lecture bearing the title « Surmontez les défis posés par la responsabilité municipale en matière de sécurité incendie : responsabilité, moyens de défense et immunités ». This program is specifically designed for legal advisors, lawyers, legal clerks and other professionals who either work directly or indirectly with municipalities and governmental bodies.

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  1311. Lavery partners with Alexandre Despatie

    Montreal, June 1, 2009 – Lavery, Quebec’s largest independent law firm, has concluded a long-term sponsorship arrangement with Quebec diver Alexandre Despatie, three-time world champion and two-time Olympic diving medalist. Alexandre Despatie won two gold medals at the 2005 FINA World Championships in Montreal, a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and another silver medal at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. He is the first diver ever to hold the title of world champion in three diving events, and is aiming for nothing less than the gold medal at the London Olympic Games in 2012. "Alexandre is a dynamic and determined young athlete who is open to the world. He is a champion - capable of overcoming obstacles, respectful of his competitors, and always delivering a remarkable performance. He has set high goals for himself in the coming years, and we are pleased to be able to help him in achieving these goals through this sponsorship," said Richard Dolan, Lavery’s managing partner. "Our athletes need our support, not only during but before the Olympic Games as well, in order to continue to make us proud of their achievements." In the coming years, Alexandre Despatie will participate in various firm activities, and act as ambassador for the values he shares with all members of the Lavery team.

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  1312. Evelyne Verrier to speak at the Annual Convention of the Quebec Bar

    On May 29, 2009, on the occasion of the Annual Convention of the Quebec Bar, Evelyne Verrier, a partner at Lavery, will speak on aspects of professional practice at the Sheraton Montreal Hotel.This workshop, which is designed for lawyers working as in-house counsel, will focus on the documentation handled by in-house counsel, and on managing litigation, litigation costs as well as writing skills.

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  1313. Firm victory in the Court of Appeal

    On May 14, 2009, the Court of Appeal rendered judgment in the case of Kingsway General Insurance Co. v. Duvernay Plomberie et Chauffage inc.2, which was pleaded by Marie-Claude Cantin with the assistance of Odette Jobin-Laberge, Ad.E.This is a significant judgment on civil procedure (article 216 of the Code of Civil Procedure) which brings to a close a series of sometimes conflicting judgments on an important issue.The Court of Appeal allowed the insurer, who denied coverage of a claim by an insured under a property insurance policy, to implead or call into warranty the third party that it alleged was responsible for the dispute.In this case involving a claim for water damage, Kingsway denied coverage of its insured for several reasons, in particular, due to the exaggerated claim and false statements made by it. However, Kingsway sought to implead the plumber, Duvernay, which the Court of Appeal allowed, on the basis that the plumber had allegedly caused the loss which gave rise to the claim by its insured, so that it could be found liable for the loss.Lavery represented Kingsway.______________________________________2 2009 QCCA 926, Justices Gendreau, Morissette and Bich

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  1314. Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completes a $57.5 million public offering of 4,792,050 units

    On April 21, 2009, Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust (“Cominar”), one of the largest commercial property owners and managers in the Province of Québec with a real estate portfolio of 215 high quality properties, completed a public offering of 4,792,050 units, after full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option in respect thereof.The offering was completed on a bought deal basis through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by National Bank Financial Inc. and BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., and included RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., Canaccord Capital Corporation, Blackmont Capital Inc. and Genuity Capital Markets G.P., for total net proceeds to Cominar of approximately $54.9 million, after deducting the underwriters’ fee and the estimated expenses of the offering.The underwriters were represented by Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P., with a team that comprised Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Guillaume Lavoie (corporate finance and securities) and Philip Nolan (tax).

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  1315. Luc Pariseau will speak at the Association de planification fiscale et financière conference

    The Association de planification fiscale et financière (the fiscal and financial planning association) has organized a conference called "ACHAT/VENTE ET FUSION D’ENTREPRISE - Mise à jour technique et considerations pratiques (Buying/selling and corporate mergers - technical update and practical considerations)" to be held at the Montreal Bonaventure Hilton on May 14, 2009.Luc Pariseau, a partner with Lavery in the Business Law Group who specializes in tax law, will offer an analysis of key legal decisions handed down recently and will comment on the impact they have on corporate restructurings that usually accompany the acquisition or sale of a company.

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  1316. Ann Bigué, a Lavery partner specializing in aboriginal law, will be delivering a lecture at the request of the Management and Economics Society of The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum

    At the request of the Management and Economics Society of The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, Ann Bigué will be delivering a lecture on May 13th, 2009 in Toronto. This talk is featured as part of the CIM’s Mining Finance and Management Day. Ms. Bigué will address community relationships and issues in a presentation entitled “Aboriginal and Other Local Communities as Partners”.

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  1317. Lavery Assists ING Locally in Selling Quebec Retail Portfolio to RioCan

    On March 12, 2009, a fund managed by ING Real Estate Canada completed the sale of a portfolio of six grocery-anchored retail properties located in the greater Montreal area to RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust. Four of the properties were acquired by RioCan on a 50-50 basis with a private investor. The buyer group completed the acquisition with financing from First National Financial Corporation on two of the properties that were jointly acquired.Richard Burgos, a Lavery partner, assisted ING in Quebec.

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  1318. Ian Rose to moderate international panel of experts discussing the legal and insurance issues arising from the global credit crisis

    The Canadian Chapter of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) is organizing its 2009 Seminar to be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, in Montreal. Ian Rose, a Lavery partner and member of the organizing committee, will moderate a panel discussion by a group of experts including Hugues Lacroix, of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Montreal; Kevin LaCroix, of OakBridge Insurance Services, Minneapolis; Dr. Faten Sabry, of NERA Economic Consulting, New York; and David B. Williams, of Chubb Insurance Company of Canada, Toronto. The subject of the discussion will be The Global Credit Crisis: Where we are, where we’re going; D&O, E&O and other liabilities.

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  1319. Marie-Claude Perreault gives seminar on “New proven strategies to reduce legal liability in the workplace”

    Marie-Claude Perreault, a Lavery partner, will chair the Advanced Conference on Labour and Employment Law – “Nouvelles stratégies éprouvées pour réduire la responsabilité légale en milieu de travail” (New proven strategies to reduce legal liability in the workplace) organized by The Canadian Institute, which will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 and 29, 2009 in Montreal. Ms. Perreault will deliver the opening address and make a presentation concerning increased occupational health and safety liability.

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  1320. Lavery Assists RioCan REIT in Quebec

    On April 3, 2009, RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust ("RioCan") completed a $180 million offering of 8.33% Series L, senior unsecured debentures due on April 3, 2014. The offering was completed under RioCan’s shelf prospectus dated June 13, 2008 and underwritten by a syndicate of underwriters led by RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and including BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., Scotia Capital Inc. and TD Securities Inc. Michèle Gamache of Lavery assisted RioCan in Quebec. RioCan is Canada's largest real estate investment trust that owns and manages Canada’s largest portfolio of shopping centres with ownership interests in a portfolio of 247 retail properties.

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  1321. Two more Lavery lawyers named Advocatus Emeritus (Ad. E.)

    Lavery is pleased to announce that Ann Bigué and Jules Brière will receive Advocatus Emeritus (Ad. E.) awards on May 28th at the Québec Bar’s annual convention in Montreal. The title of Advocatus Emeritus, which follows the names of recipients of this honour, was created in 2007 to recognize the professional excellence and outstanding contribution of a lawyer to the advancement of the profession or of the Bar’s work. Ann Bigué practices administrative, constitutional and regulatory law, with an emphasis on matters related to aboriginal law, as well as energy and natural resources law. She is recognized for her expertise in aboriginal and treaty rights. She has assumed leadership in complex litigation matters and has extensive experience in the negotiation of agreements between governments, Aboriginal communities and developers related to energy and natural resource development projects in Canada. Ms. Bigué is recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading lawyer in the field of aboriginal law. She is also named in the Best Lawyers in Canada directory as a leading lawyer in the area of regulatory matters relating to energy. Jules Brière practices constitutional, administrative and social (health) law, as well as public domain law (hydro-electricity production, transportation and distribution, forestry and land management). He has, on many occasions, advised governments as well as various government departments and public and parapublic agencies on the legal aspects of the management and development of resources in the public domain, the legal regime pertaining to the protection of agricultural land, and activities and relations between the government and Aboriginal peoples.As a jurist, Mr. Brière also took part in the planning, drafting and review before parliamentary committees of many government bills introduced in the National Assembly of Québec. He is the author of several publications dealing with administrative law and constitutional law. In addition, he has held the Chaire de rédaction juridique Louis-Philippe-Pigeon de l'Université Laval since 2006. Seven Lavery lawyers have previously been named Advocatus Emeritus: Odette Jobin-Laberge, Pierre Bourque, Raymond Doray, J. Vincent O’Donnell, Louis Payette, Jean Saint-Onge and Michel Yergeau.

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  1322. Our class action specialists represent Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

    Lavery lawyers represented Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (Maple Leaf) in the class action suits filed in Quebec on behalf of people who were victims of listeriosis during the summer of 2008. On April 3, 2009, the Quebec Superior Court approved a national settlement agreement, which was also approved in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Almost 27 million dollars will be paid to the victims. Jean Saint Onge and Jean-Philippe Lincourt represented Maple Leaf in this matter.

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  1323. Four new partners named at Lavery

    Montreal, April 7, 2009 – Lavery is pleased to announce that four associates practising in the Montreal office have been admitted into the firm’s partnership, namely Philippe Asselin, Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Josiane L’Heureux and Martin Pichette. Philippe Asselin joined Lavery in 2003 and practises with the Business Law Group, more particularly in tax law. He was called to the Quebec Bar in 2000, has a D.E.S.S. in taxation from the École des Hautes Études Commerciales and practised with a major accounting firm before joining Lavery. Jean-Sébastien Desroches practises with the Business Law Group, primarily in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and corporate reorganizations. He joined Lavery in October 2007. He was called to the Quebec Bar in 2000 and holds a master's degree in business law from the Université Laval. Josiane L’Heureux joined Lavery in 2003 and practises with the Labour and Employment Law Group. She was called to the Quebec Bar in 1998. Prior to joining the firm, she represented various labour unions and practised with the labour relations group of a major Quebec business. Martin Pichette joined Lavery in 2005 and practises with the Litigation Group, more particularly in construction, damage insurance, professional liability and commercial litigation. He was called to the Quebec Bar in 2000 and holds bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from the University of Ottawa.

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  1324. Our specialists in natural resources represent Xstrata

    The Court of Québec, in a decision written by the Honourable Mr. Justice François Godbout, has just ordered the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune to re-register, in the Register of real and immovable mining rights, the 83 claims that the Ministère had decided to cancel due to noncompliance with a minor formality, that is, because the licence of the person who did the staking was inactive at the time of the staking. Xstrata had argued before the Court that the revocation of the mining rights previously granted was disproportionate and unreasonable and only concerned a mere technicality. Xstrata thus retains the exclusive right to search for mineral substances on the lands that are the subject of the claims. Xstrata was represented by a team composed of Michel Blouin, Mathieu Quenneville and Sophie Prégent (Environment and Natural Resources).

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  1325. The Firm's Construction and Surety Law Specialists Give Seminar

    On March 24, 2009, a breakfast seminar entitled “Construction Contracts and Performance and Payment Bonds” was given to our clients in the construction and surety industry. The three speakers, Daniel Alain Dagenais, Nicolas Gagnon and Pamela McGovern, discussed key construction issues such as choosing the right type of contract, bonding of projects — advantages and consequences — and recent developments in legal construction hypothecs (builder's liens).

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  1326. Appointment to the Class Action Committee

    Mtre Jean-Philippe Lincourt has recently been appointed as a member of the Quebec Bar’s committee on class actions.The mandate of this committee is, in particular, to discuss the workings of the courts when dealing with class actions, to reflect on procedural tools that would facilitate their management, to assess the suitability of the rules of practice of the Superior Court that apply to them, and to propose amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure and to the rules of practice. Mtre Jean Saint-Onge chairs the committee.

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  1327. Marie-Claude Perreault gives seminar “Dependencies and Productivity”

    Marie-Claude Perreault, a Lavery partner, will give a lecture on March 11, 2009 for the Société de développement économique de Drummondville as part of a conference on Dependencies and Productivity. The subject of her lecture will be the management of problems related to dependency (alcohol, drugs, gambling) in the workplace and, more specifically, the legal aspects of policies, screening tests and the handling of such problems.

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  1328. Osisko Mining Corporation Closes C$402 Million Bought Deal Financing

    On February 25, 2009, Osisko Mining Corporation closed a prospectus offering of 88,550,000 units, which included the exercise in full of the over-allotment option, at a price of $4.55 per unit, for gross proceeds of more than $402 million.Osisko was represented by André Le Bel, Vice President, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary, and a team from Lavery consisting of René Branchaud, David Pineault and Benoit Mallette (Corporate and Securities) and Philip Nolan (Tax).The securities of Osisko are listed on the TSX (OSK) and the Deutsche Boerse (EWX). Osisko holds a 100% interest in the Canadian Malartic gold deposit in Quebec, Canada through a wholly owned junior explorer. Canadian Malartic, one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold resources, is located in a mining district near an extensive, existing mining infrastructure.

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  1329. Lavery, de Billy welcomes a new partner in Labour and Employment Law

    Lavery, de Billy is pleased to announce that Guy Lavoie has joined the firm as a partner and member of its Labour and Employment Law Group. Mr. Lavoie will practise in the firm's Montreal offices. Called to the Quebec Bar in 1986, Mr. Lavoie was previously with a national firm, where his practice was focused on labour and employment law.Mr Lavoie has extensive expertise and experience in labour and employment law and occupational health and safety. He will advise the firm’s clients and represent them before various administrative tribunals in labour relations and employment law matters, occupational health and safety, discrimination and harassment. He will also work in conjunction with the firm’s Business Law Group on the full range of labour and employment law issues related to mergers and acquisitions.Mr. Lavoie has been listed as a recommended lawyer since 2002 in the Labour and Employee Benefits Handbook published by the Practical Law Company of London, in the United Kingdom.

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  1330. Ian Rose gives seminar to AGRAQ

    Ian Rose, a partner at Lavery, gave a seminar on January 22, 2009 to the Quebec Risk and Insurance Management Association (QRIMA) on Manufacturer's Liability in Quebec in light of the Supreme Court of Canada Decision in ABB v. Domtar.

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  1331. Lavery, de Billy welcomes a new labour and employment lawyer

    Lavery, de Billy is pleased to welcome Valérie Korozs, attorney, to its Labour and Employment Law Group in the firm's Montreal offices. Called to the Quebec Bar in 2004, Ms. Korozs worked previously with Stikeman Elliott L.L.P., where her practice focused on labour and employment law.Ms. Korozs will advise the firm’s clients and represent them before the courts and administrative tribunals in labour relations and individual employment law matters, occupational health and safety, and human rights and freedoms. She will also work closely with the firm’s Business Law Group on the full range of labour and employment law issues involved in various corporate transactions.A graduate of the Université de Montréal in 2003, Ms. Korozs has participated in numerous moot court competitions. She was a member of the winning team that was awarded first prize in the Gale Cup Moot Competition in 2003, and represented Canada at the Commonwealth Moot Competition in Australia in the same year. In 2004, she won the prize for best pleader as a member of the Montreal Bar School team at the Jean-Pictet international moot court competition held in France. In 2002, she also completed an introductory program on the Chinese legal system at the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing. 

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  1332. A Lavery, de Billy Partner named Rising Star by Lexpert

    Lavery, de Billy is pleased to announce that Sébastien Vézina, a partner and a member of the firm’s Business Law Group specializing in securities law, has been recognized as one of the country’s best young lawyers in the Lexpert’s Rising Stars – Leading Lawyers Under 40 annual competition. This honour was conferred on him during a special event held at the Arcadian Court in Toronto on November 25.The purpose of this annual competition, organized by Lexpert, is to identify and recognize the top young lawyers in the country working as in-house counsel, in government or in private practice. The winners are selected by Lexpert magazine and an advisory board made up of experienced lawyers representing all regions and fields of practice in the country.“We’re proud of Sébastien’s contribution, both working with our clients and within the firm, and of this prestigious recognition by Lexpert”, said Richard Dolan, the managing partner of Lavery, de Billy. “Sébastien is representative of the group of young lawyers who are developing their talents within our firm and continuing the tradition of excellence and attentive service that has built Lavery’s reputation with our clients”.

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  1333. Lavery, de Billy represents Industrial Alliance in $100 Preferred Shares Offering

    LAVERY, DE BILLY L.L.P. represented Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in its $100 million offering of Non-Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Class A Preferred Shares Series C that closed on November 25, 2008. The Lavery, de Billy team was composed of Marc Rochefort, René Branchaud, Michel Servant and Guillaume Lavoie (corporate/securities), and Philip Nolan (tax).The syndicate of underwriters was led by Scotia Capital Inc. and included National Bank Financial Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc. Desjardins Securities Inc., Industrial Alliance Securities Inc., Dundee Securities Corporation, HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc. and Laurentian Bank Securities Inc.Founded in 1892, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is a life and health insurance company that offers a wide range of life and health insurance products, savings and retirement plans, RRSPs, mutual and segregated funds, securities, auto and home insurance, mortgage loans and other financial products and services.

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  1334. Pamela McGovern, a Partner at Lavery, de Billy, co-chairs the Construction Superconference organized by the Canadian Institute – held last November 25th and 26th in Montreal

    An experienced speaker, Pamela McGovern chaired the first day of the conference and gave the opening remarks. In her speech on November 26th, she discussed a subject of great interest to the construction industry: Surety Bonds and Insurance: Critical Issues to consider at the Prequalification Stage and Afterward.

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  1335. Pamela McGovern, a Partner at Lavery, de Billy, acts as Course Leader at the Construction Claims Conference organized by Federated Press – held last November 13th and 14th

    Pamela McGovern shared her expertise on insurance law, surety bonds and construction law with an audience of lawyers, engineers and corporate executives in the field of risk management, as well as construction, insurance and other fields. Ms. McGovern’s presentations dealt with Surety Bonds and Environmental Responsibilities.

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  1336. Lavery represents the Quebec Railway Corporation Inc. in sale of Railway Subsidiaries to CN and Logistec Corporation

    On November 1, 2008, the Canadian National Railway Company acquired the three principal railway subsidiaries of the Quebec Railway Corporation Inc. and its rail-freight ferry operation for an aggregate purchase price of $C49.8 million. Prior to such transaction, Logistec Corporation and Logistec Stevedoring (Atlantic) Inc. acquired from the Quebec Railway Corporation Inc. all of the shares and inter-company debt of Sydney Coal Railway Inc. for an aggregate net cash disbursement estimated at $C11 million. The Quebec Railway Corporation Inc. was represented in all the transactions by Lavery with a team led by André Vautour and that included Jean-Sébastien Desroches, Sarah Talpis-Guillet, Jamil Chammas (corporate) and Dominique Bélisle (financial services).

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  1337. Lavery, de Billy represented the syndicate of dealers in Gaz Métro inc.’s $150 million offering

    LAVERY, DE BILLY L.L.P., represented the syndicate of dealers in the Gaz Métro inc.’s $150 million offering of 5.40% Series L First Mortgage Bonds closed on October 14. The Lavery, de Billy team was composed of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant and Guillaume Lavoie (corporate/securities), and Philip Nolan (tax).On October 14, 2008, Gaz Métro inc. announced the closing of its $150 million of 5.40% Series L First Mortgage Bonds (the “Series L Bonds”) guaranteed by Gaz Métro Limited Partnership (“Gaz Métro”).The dealers’ syndicate was led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., and included Desjardins Securities Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., TD Securities Inc., Laurentian Bank Securities Inc. and Casgrain & Company Limited.The Series L Bonds, bearing interest at the rate of 5.40% per annum, will mature on April 15, 2013. Standard & Poor’s Rating Services and DBRS Limited have each assigned an “A” rating to the Series L Bonds.Gaz Métro is a leading Quebec energy company and one of Canada’s largest natural gas distributors. Gaz Métro serves some 171,000 customers through an underground pipeline network of almost 10,000 km.

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  1338. Top Aboriginal Law and Energy lawyer joins Lavery, de Billy

    Montreal, September 10, 2008 – Lavery, de Billy is pleased to announce that Ann Bigué has joined the firm as a partner and a member of its Environment, Energy and Natural Resources law team.Her practice focuses on administrative, constitutional and regulatory law, with an emphasis on matters related to natural resources, energy and aboriginal rights. Prior to joining Lavery, de Billy, she practiced at McCarthy Tétrault for more than 25 years.Ann is frequently called upon by corporate clients to deal with issues relating to aboriginal and treaty rights in connection with energy and natural resources development projects. She has assumed leadership in complex litigation matters relating to aboriginal rights in the context of hydroelectric and forestry development projects in Quebec. She also has extensive experience in the development and realization of Canadian energy, mining and industrial projects as well as in forestry development activities.She is recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading lawyer in the field of aboriginal law. She is also named in the Best Lawyers in Canada directory as a leading lawyer in the area of regulatory matters relating to energy.Ann is a governor of the Association Pipeline Longitude 75o. She is a member of the U.S. Energy Bar Association, the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association, the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association, the Association québécoise pour l’évaluation d’impacts and the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation.She is also member of the National Council and of the Quebec Branch Council of the Canadian Bar Association and a past member of the Executive Committee of the Quebec Division. Over the years, she has represented the Barreau du Québec on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee for Québec (Québec-West).

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  1339. Four business law attorneys join Lavery, de Billy

    The law firm of Lavery, de Billy is pleased to announce that four new lawyers, Nicolas Dufresne, Catherine Rioux, Valérie Martin and Louis-Philippe La Rocque, have joined its Business Law Group. Nicolas Dufresne, specializing in commercial law, was called to the Quebec Bar in 2000. He has a Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B.) from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Concordia University. In addition to corporate financing and the taking of security, which form the cornerstone of his practice, he has related experience in corporate restructuring, intellectual property and real estate. Catherine Rioux has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2005 and earned her Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B.) from the Université de Montréal. Most of her practice centers on mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts and corporate reorganizations. Valérie Martin has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2004 and earned her Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B.) from the Université de Montréal. She joins the Financing Group. She also brings experience in commercial leases, mortgage documentation and commercial contracts of every kind. Louis-Philippe La Rocque was called to the Quebec Bar in 2008 and has a Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B.) from the Université de Montréal and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University. A member of the Business Law Group, developing his practice primarily in the areas of commercial transactions and mergers and acquisitions.

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  1340. Lavery, de Billy has two new Avocats émérites (Ad.E.)

    The law firm of Lavery, de Billy is pleased to announce that lawyers Raymond Doray and Louis Payette have been named Avocats émérites (Ad.E.) following a decision by the General Council of the Bar of Quebec. The title of Avocat émérite was created in 2007 to recognize the exceptional contribution of certain lawyers to the advancement of the profession or the work of the Bar. Raymond Doray heads the information law practice and, more particularly, is involved in issues pertaining to access to information, privacy and defamation, as well as the application of the Canadian and Quebec charters of rights and freedoms. He also specializes in administrative and constitutional law. He represents several public and private corporations as well as media organizations in matters relating to the confidentiality of documents, the validity of certain government decisions and the right to one’s reputation and privacy. He is legal counsel for a number of major corporations, professional orders, public bodies and media organizations in matters relating to administrative and constitutional law. In 2002, Mr. Doray published a 2,000-page treatise on access to information rights and the protection of personal information with Éditions Yvon Blais/Carswell and wrote a chapter of the book entitled Droit du commerce électronique published by Les Éditions Thémis. On June 1st, 2004, he was awarded the Quebec Bar Foundation's Prix Répertoire for his book Accès à l'information – Loi annotée, jurisprudence, analyse, commentaires. He is also the author of the chapters on professional confidentiality and conflicts of interest in a guide published by the Quebec Bar of which he is the Vice-President. Mr. Doray is listed in The Canadian Legal LEXPERT® Directory in the field of public law litigation. Louis Payette practises commercial law, particularly in the areas of secured transactions (mortgage financing, equipment financing, structured finance) and loan syndications, real estate trusts and other commercial trusts, and implementation of securitization programs in Quebec for pools of loans and receivables. In recent years, he served on the Canadian delegation to the Organization of American States in connection with the preparation of a model Personal Property Security Act for the Latin American states and recently participated in the implementation of mortgage financing programs in countries in Africa and Eastern Europe. Mr. Payette taught at the Faculty of Law of the Université de Montréal for many years and prepared the proficiency course on the subject of several transactions for judges and legal practitioners in Quebec in connection with the coming into force of the Quebec Civil Code in 1994. These courses resulted in the publication of a book entitled Les sûretés réelles dans le Code civil du Québec (Walter Owen Book Prize 1996 and 2002) which is now in its third edition and is a reference book widely used by both practitioners and all levels of courts The Lexpert/American Lawyer Media Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada and The Best Lawyers in Canada list Mr. Payette as a leading practitioner in the field of banking law. In 2007, he received the Canadian Bar Association’s Paul André Crépeau Medal awarded to a jurist who has contributed to the advancement of the international aspects of private law and commercial law in Canada. The firm already had five Avocats émérites—attorneys Odette Jobin-Laberge, Pierre Bourque, J.-Vincent O’Donnell, Jean Saint-Onge and Michel Yergeau.

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  1341. Canadian Royalties conclut son financement de 137 500 000 $

    On March 18, 2008, Canadian Royalties Inc. completed a short form prospectus offering of $137,500,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior unsecured debentures due March 31, 2015, including the exercise of the over-allotment option of $12,500,000 aggregate principal amount of debentures granted to the syndicate of underwriters led by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and including Raymond James Ltd and Desjardins Securities Inc.Canadian Royalties Inc. was represented by in-house counsel Luciana Zanella who was assisted by Lavery, de Billy, with a team composed of Sébastien Vézina, Josianne Beaudry, David Pineault, Benoît Mallette and Michèle Gamache (Translation).

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  1342. Sale of all of the shares of SNF Inc.

    After more than six months of negotiations, Mtre. Marc Talbot has brought to a successful conclusion a major transaction involving the sale of all of the shares of SNF Inc. and 16 of its subsidiaries. Ms. Sonia Guérin assisted him in this matter.Although it has not yet given its opinion on the transaction and its terms, the Competition Bureau has authorized the closing of the transaction further to an out-of-court agreement reached in the context of injunction proceedings filed by the Commissioner to prevent the finalization of the sale. This will be published in the April edition of Lexpert magazine. 

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  1343. Class action and competition law: Toyota wins in the Court of Appeal

    For the first time, the Court of Appeal has rendered a decision on a class action instituted under the Competition Act. A unanimous decision in favour of our client, Toyota Canada Inc. and 37 of its dealers in the Montreal region, was handed down on February 26, 2008.It is not enough to establish the appearance of an infringement of the Competition Act to be authorized to institute a class action.The class action was instituted by the Petitioner, André Harmegnies, who claimed that the “Access Toyota” program set up by Toyota Canada Inc. breached the Competition Act (the “Act”). More specifically, he alleged that the program breached the Act in that Toyota and its dealers unduly restricted competition and artificially inflated the price of vehicles. The Court of Appeal unanimously confirmed the judgment rendered by the Honourable Justice Hélène Poulin of the Quebec Superior Court on February 12, 2007, who had refused to authorize the class action.The Court of Appeal began by pointing out that, at the authorization stage, the judge has a certain discretionary power in assessing the conditions necessary to bring a class action. It also held that it is well established that the judge’s discretion should be respected and the Court of Appeal will only intervene if that discretion is manifestly unfounded or the analysis underlying it contains an error of law.Furthermore, with respect to the appearance of right, the Court of Appeal was of the opinion that the Petitioner did not show that the 37,000 members of the group had suffered damages. On the contrary, the allegations, which had to be assumed to be true, were only based on hearsay and vague and imprecise impressions. Accordingly, the Petitioner was unable to demonstrate that he or the members of the group had suffered a loss. The Court of Appeal held that it is not sufficient to allege that there is automatically damages because of an alleged breach of the law.The Court of Appeal also held that a class action is not the appropriate way to punish a person who breaches the law, but rather, it is a vehicle which can be used to compensate a group of people who have suffered real losses in common.With respect to the issue of common questions, the Court of Appeal confirmed that, even if we accept that there was a loss, [Translation] “The loss suffered by certain members of the group is subject to considerable individual variations and subjective unknown elements”. Firstly, the Court notes that the fact that the purchase price could not be negotiated may constitute a loss for those who like to bargain but, on the contrary, it could be an advantage for those who do not like to bargain, not to mention the difficulty of putting a dollar amount on the damage resulting from being deprived of the possibility of negotiating the price.Secondly, the exact value of each vehicle purchased or leased also depends on factors which are essentially individual and specific (inclusion in the price of accessories, options or after-sale service as well as any exchange value of the automobile, the transaction date, the date new models came out and old ones were liquidated, etc.).Finally, the Court held that it is essential to demonstrate the collective nature of the damages suffered and a class action is not appropriate where it would give rise at the hearing on the merits to a multitude of mini-trials due to numerous subjective factors.The Court added that, [Translation] “In this case, the judge deciding on the merits would have to conduct a detailed review of a multitude of individual factors and take into account a series of varied circumstances before being able to determine whether one of the members suffered a loss and, where applicable, the scope thereof.”In summary, this case is especially important as it provides a warning to any person wishing to institute a class action in competition law in that it is not sufficient to establish an appearance of an alleged infringement of the Competition Act. It must also be shown prima facie that the person and those he intends to represent also suffered a loss as a result of said infringement.In this case, Guy Lemay and Jean Saint-Onge were responsible of the file, assisted by Anne-Marie Lévesque. 

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  1344. Canadian Royalties Closes $25 Million Financing

    Canadian Royalties Inc. (TSX: CZZ) recently announced the closing of a non-brokered private placement of an aggregate 7,246,377 common shares at a price of $3.45 per common share for aggregate gross proceeds of CAN$ 25 million with Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta Oy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMC Norilsk Nickel. Norilsk Nickel is the world’s largest producer of nickel and palladium.The proceeds of the offering will be used by the Corporation to continue the development of its Nunavik Nickel Project, located near Xstrata Nickel’s Raglan Mine in Nunavik, Quebec.To complete this transaction, Sébastien Vézina, from Lavery, de Bily L.L.P., assisted Luciana Zannella, corporate secretary for Canadian Royalties.

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  1345. Thirty-four Business Lawyers Join Lavery, de Billy

    Lavery, de Billy is pleased to announce that thirty-four lawyers specializing in business law, commercial litigation and bankruptcy and insolvency, together with some forty translators, paralegals and legal and administrative support staff from the Montreal office of Desjardins Ducharme have joined the Lavery, de Billy team as of October 1, 2007. Eighty Business Lawyers Lavery, de Billy now has a combined force of 175 lawyers, with 80 lawyers specializing in business law and 95 lawyers specializing in virtually every other area of the law. “With the addition of these professionals, we will provide our clients with access to 80 business lawyers who have expertise and leading-edge skills in all practice areas required to meet the needs of the business world, including corporate finance, securities, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, real estate, commercial and class action litigation, and bankruptcy and insolvency” said Mr. Richard Dolan, Managing Partner of the firm. “Our clients can also count on the know-how and resourcefulness of another 95 lawyers specializing in other areas of the law including labour and employment, civil and professional liability, insurance, environmental, information and privacy, construction, transportation, intellectual property, criminal and family law” added Mr. Michel Yergeau, the firm’s Chairman. “This combination of forces will be beneficial to all our clients since it will allow us to continue to serve them well while providing them with access to a broader range of services and increased depth of expertise” noted Mr. Gérard Coulombe

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  1346. 2007 Prix de la Justice du Québec Award Minister Jacques P. Dupuis honours our partner, Mtre Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E.

    On October 15, 2007, the Minister of Justice and Minister of Public Security, Mr. Jacques P. Dupuis, awarded the Prix de la Justice Award to our partner, Mtre Jean Saint-Onge, Ad. E., in recognition of his exceptional contribution to promoting the well-being of children who are victims of mistreatment. The event was held in the National Assembly’s Legislative Council chamber in the presence of the family and friends of the recipient. Mr. Justice J. J. Michel Robert, Chief Justice of the Quebec Court of Appeal and chairman of the selection committee, was also in attendance.When presenting the award to him, the Minister of Justice highlighted Mtre Saint-Onge’s commitment to promoting the fundamental values of justice within Quebec society: accessibility, quality and universality.For more than 20 years, Mtre Saint-Onge has devoted himself through the Marie-Vincent Foundation to the cause of children who are victims of mistreatment. He has made the Foundation’s mission his own, which is to help Quebec children less than 12 years old who are victims of mistreatment, and more particularly sexual abuse. The Foundation raises funds to finance preventive and educational activities and provide support to the young victims and their families.“To be faithful to a cause for twenty years is already remarkable in itself. But to devote oneself voluntarily, without counting one’s hours, with conviction and fervour, as is the case for Mtre Saint-Onge, wins our admiration and respect” said the Minister.Mtre Saint-Onge was also honoured in early 2007 by the Québec Bar, which simultaneously conferred on him the Mérite 2007 award and a new honour, the title of Advocatus Emeritus (Ad. E.). 

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  1347. Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust completes a $110M offering of convertible debentures

    On October 10, 2007 Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust, one of the largest commercial property owners and managers in the Province of Quebec, completed a public offering of $110 million principal amount of 5.80 % convertible unsecured subordinated debentures.The offering was completed on a bought deal basis through a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. that comprised RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., Canaccord Capital Corporation and Genuity Capital Markets G.P.The underwriters were represented by a team of Lavery, de Billy comprised of Marc Rochefort, Michel Servant, Réda Saad and Jean-Michel Fournier (corporate finance and securities) and Philip Nolan (tax). 

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  1348. Daniel Alain Dagenais involved in organizing an international conference on sustainable consumption

    On October 3 and 4, Daniel Alain Dagenais will participate in the organization of the second international conference of the Fondation Claude Masse on the theme “For a general framework of action favouring sustainable consumption”.This conference will bring together speakers from England, France, Sweden and the United States, who will present the initiatives taken by their countries to promote sustainable consumption.Also, speakers from Quebec and elsewhere in Canada will continue the discussion on Canadian actions and acquired knowledge in this field. The focus will be on energy, the food sector and waste management.The Fondation Claude Masse is dedicated to issues related to consumer law.

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  1349. CLHIA Annual Conference: Evelyne Verrier will speak

    The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) is organizing a conference to be held from September 26 to 28 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Evelyne Verrier will be a speaker at the Quebec Affairs Workshop. This annual conference brings together legal advisors working for life and health insurance companies in Canada and some private practice lawyers.

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  1350. Canadian Royalties completes a $75 million primary distribution

    Canadian Royalties Inc. recently announced the closing of a $75 million treasury offering of 27,300,000 common shares at the price of $2.75 per share. This transaction was accomplished with the support of a syndicate of underwriters composed of BMO Capital Markets, Desjardins Securities Inc., Raymond James Ltd. and Blackmont Capital Inc.This financing marks the transition from exploration to development. The funds raised will be used for the procurement of the equipment necessary to carry out the corporation’s Nunavik Nickel Project, located near Xstrata Nickel’s Raglan Mine in Nunavik, Quebec.Michel Blouin, Sébastien Vézina and Benoît Mallette advised Canadian Royalties in this financing.

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  1351. Merrex Gold completes a private placement for over $7 million

    Merrex Gold Inc. recently announced the completion of a private placement of 7,792,000 shares at the price of $0.95 per share for a total of $7,402,400. The transaction was completed with the support of a syndicate composed of Pacific International Securities Inc., Paradigm Capital Inc. and Wellington West Capital Markets Inc.The funds raised will be used to fund exploration and development activities related to the corporation’s projects in Mali, including diamond drilling at Merrex’s Siribaya Gold Project.Michel Blouin and Sébastien Vézina advised Merrex Gold in this financing. 

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  1352. Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2007: new mentions!

    Our lawyers are named once again in the new edition of the Lexpert Directory. The lawyers listed are all members of our labour and employment law team. Here is the list of new nominees:Jean Beauregard: labour relationsMichel Gélinas: labour relationsJean-François Hotte: occupational health and safety

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  1353. Evelyne Verrier and Marie-Claude Perreault participate in a CPBI conference

    From September 24 to 26, the Canadian Pension and Benefits Institute (CPBI) will holds its 2007 Quebec Regional Conference at the Manoir Richelieu. Evelyne Verrier will act as the moderator of the discussion following Marie-Claude Perreault’s presentation on the duty to accommodate. The event usually brings together over 500 participants working in the investment, pension plan and group insurance industry.

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  1354. Two new appointments for Élisabeth Pinard

    Élisabeth Pinard was recently named a member of the Ethics and Conduct Committee of the Board of Directors of Université Laval. Her two-year mandate runs form June 26, 2007 to June 25, 2009, inclusively.She will also serve on the Court of Appeal Committee of the Québec Bar for 2007-2008.

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  1355. The Best Lawyers in Canada 2008 presents the lawyers who will be listed

    The Best Lawyers in Canada directory recently presented the list of lawyers who will appear in its second edition, in 2008. The list includes five new names from Lavery, de Billy:Paul Cartier: Product LiabilityJean-Pierre Casavant: Product LiabilityRobert W. Mason: Product LiabilityJ. Vincent O’Donnell: Product LiabilityIan Rose: Insurance Law 

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  1356. The Quebec Bar Organizes a Conference on Class Actions

    With the collaboration of our partner, Jean Saint-Onge, the continuing professional education department of the Quebec Bar will again offer its members a thematic workshop. To be held on October 25 and 26, the workshop will be entitled “Recours collectif: Développements récents au Québec, au Canada, aux États-Unis et en Europe” [Class actions: recent developments in Quebec, Canada and the United States]. Mr. Saint-Onge will chair the conference, in addition to being a speaker. Michel Yergeau will also participate as a speaker.

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  1357. Two Lavery, de Billy lawyers receive the Bar of Quebec’s Mérites 2007 awardTwo Lavery, de Billy lawyers receive the Bar of Quebec’s Mérites 2007 award

    Exceptionally, the Bar of Quebec is giving the Mérite du Barreau award for this year to two lawyers from our firm. Michel Yergeau will receive a Mérite award to draw attention to the whole of his professional work, including the development of environmental law and public consultation practices in Quebec. Jean Saint-Onge will also receive a Mérite award for his continued support of the Bar of Quebec as well as his contributions to the community, notably as Chairman of the Board of the Fondation Marie-Vincent for the past 10 years. The Bar of Quebec will also honour 30 lawyers, including Odette Jobin-Laberge, J. Vincent O’Donnell, Jean Saint-Onge and Michel Yergeau, when a new title is awarded: Ad.E. This honorary title recognizes the excellence of lawyers having outstanding careers. Recipients will be able to add the letters Ad. E. following their name.

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  1358. Lavery, de Billy advises Stingray Resources Inc. on a $50M deal

    Stingray Resources Inc. has conducted a prospectus financing for more than $50M. The proceeds from the financing enabled it to fund the entire acquisition of the El Pilar project, purchased from Xstrata plc. Stingray Resources Inc. is a Canadian mining exploration company that concentrates its activities in Mexico.Michel Blouin and Sébastien Vézina advised this client with respect to the financing and acquisition while Philip Nolan and Luc Pariseau reviewed the tax aspects of the acquisition of El Pilar.

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  1359. Lavery, de Billy welcomes 35 lawyers in business law, commercial litigation and bankruptcy and insolvency

    Lavery, de Billy L.L.P. is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement in principle to have thirty-four (34) lawyers specialized in business law, commercial litigation and bankruptcy and insolvency join its ranks sometime before the end of September 2007, together with a team of translators and paralegals.These lawyers, currently practicing with the Montreal office of Desjardins Ducharme, are experienced professionals enjoying enviable reputations within the legal and business communities. They will contribute their experience and expertise to an already accomplished team of lawyers, continuing to provide quality legal services and meeting the evolving needs of clients in the business world. With its combined force of 180 lawyers, Lavery, de Billy would continue to be one of Quebec’s largest law firms serving a broad range of national and international clients.The agreement in principle is subject to certain conditions, including ratification by the partners of Lavery, de Billy.

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  1360. Eloda Corporation carries out a $15M private placement

    Eloda Corporation has entered into an agreement with Research Capital Corporation (RCC) for a private placement of common shares for up to $15M. The proceeds from the private placement will be used to fund the purchase of capture stations as part of Eloda’s expansion in the U.S. and for general working capital purposes. Eloda Corporation is a company which provides a new generation of capture-index-verify applications for television advertising without the traditional need for pre-encoding.Sébastien Vézina and Benoit Mallette advised Eloda on the financing and acquisition aspects, whereas Philippe Asselin reviewed the tax aspects of the transaction. 

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  1361. Lavery, de Billy represents Menu Foods in three class actions

    Lavery, de Billy has been retained to represent Menu Foods, a manufacturer and distributor of dog and cat foods (Iams, Purina, Nutro, Eukanuba), in connection with three class actions recently filed in the Quebec Superior Court for the district of Montreal.These lawsuits result from a recall by Menu Foods in March 2007 following allegations that pets had died due to kidney failure related to the consumption of its food, which is distributed across North America.Multi Foods’s defence will be lead by Jean Saint-Onge, with the assistance of Jean-Philippe Lincourt and Anne-Marie Lévesque.

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  1362. Michel Blouin Knighted by the Queen of Denmark

    In recognition of his valued services as Consul, the Queen of Denmark appointed our partner Michel Blouin as a First Class Knight of the Danebrog Order.This order of chivalry was founded in 1219. It was reorganized in 1691 by King Christian V and membership was limited to 50 knights. In 1808, King Frederic VI opened up the Order, which progressively came to be used for rewarding exceptional civil and military accomplishments. Membership in the Order, which may also be granted to foreigners, is not awarded frequently. 

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  1363. Brian Elkin Appointed President of Canadian Defence Lawyers

    Since June 1, 2007, Brian Elkin holds the presidency of Canadian Defence Lawyers. The mission of this Canada-wide association is to provide continuing education to civil defence lawyers and insurance industry workers and protect the interests of these two groups. With more than 1,000 members, the association closely collaborates with the Defence Research Institute.

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  1364. Three Lavery, de Billy Lawyers Will Lecture at a Labour Law Event

    On September 24 and 25, 2007, Pierre Baribeau will co-chair the third conference on the duty of accommodation in the workplace organized by Insight Information. In addition, Mr. Baribeau will give a lecture, the theme of which will be “To risk or to test?” Véronique Morin will also lecture. The theme of her presentation will be “Case Law Examples and Legislative Orientations on the Issue of the Aging Workforce: Specifics in the Event of Employment Termination or Accommodation Requests”. For her part, Vicky Lemelin will lead a workshop, the theme of which will be “Absences Related to Certain Dependencies: Accommodation or Termination?” The event will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel, in Montreal.

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  1365. Lavery, de Billy Plays a Key Role in Organizing a National Conference of the World Services Group

    On April 19, 2007, in Toronto, the Canadian member firms of the World Services Group (WSG) welcome clients and business acquaintances at a conference on new developments in insurance and litigation. Entitled 2007 Insurance and Litigation National Update, this event features speakers from various WSG member law firms in Canada.Ian Rose played a key role in organizing this national conference, in which Jean Bélanger, Guy Lemay and Jean Saint-Onge are participating as panel members. 

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  1366. A Brazilian Judge Orders the Return of a Child Abducted by his Mother: a First in that Country

    In a decision issued on March 19, 2007, Judge Wilney Magno de Azevedo Silva, of the 16th Federal Court of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), ordered the return to Québec of a child abducted by his mother and taken to Brazil. Even though Brazil, like Canada, is bound by the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, it is the first time that such an order has been issued in that country. The father was represented by Gerald Stotland and Caroline Harnois.

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  1367. Véronique Morin and Marie-Claude Perreault to Give Presentations at a Conference on Psychological Harassment in the Workplace

    On May 22 and 23, 2007, in Montreal, Insight Information will hold its fourth conference on psychological harassment in the workplace. Véronique Morin and Marie-Claude Perreault will lead, respectively, discussions on “The recourses of the alleged victim: what should the employer anticipate?” and “Is the psychological harassment complaint well founded? How to manage the resulting absenteeism? How to manage the claims with third-party payers? In what circumstances is the employer entitled to demand that the employee return to work?”

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  1368. Gerald Stotland Participated as a Panel Member at an International Conference

    On March 5 and 6, 2007, the International Bar Association and the American Bar Association held the 12th International Wealth Transfer Practice Conference in London, the main theme of which was “Civil and common law planning for the multinational family”. Gerald Stotland participated as a member of a panel of experts who discussed prenuptial agreements and matrimonial property regimes.

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  1369. André Champagne Appointed Chairman of the Fondation Jean Lapointe

    André Champagne was recently appointed Chairman of the Board of the Fondation Jean Lapointe, an organization that raises funds to support decisive interventions in the fight against alcoholism and other addictions. Here is an announcement of his appointment, as it appeared in the March 10, 2007 edition of the Les Affaires newspaper.

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  1370. Lavery, de Billy a Finalist for Centraide’s Solidaires 2006 Awards

    Lavery, de Billy finds itself among the finalists for Centraide’s Solidaires 2006 awards, in the Campaign Leaders category (999 employees or less), which will be distributed during the Distinctions evening on April 26, 2007. This category recognizes exceptional efforts made to increase donations of $1,000 and more. This year, ours is the only law firm nominated in all categories of awards. 

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  1371. Luc Thibaudeau to Speak on Bill 48

    On May 16, 2007, Luc Thibaudeau will participate in a conference on Bill 48, the theme of which will be “E commerce, direct marketing and remote-parties contracts: get ready for the new rules!” Organized by the Conseil québécois du commerce de détail, the event is aimed at informing its members about the impacts of Bill 48 on remote-parties transactions (telephone, Internet, catalogue, direct marketing).

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  1372. Lavery, de Billy Welcomes World Services Group Members in Montreal

    Lavery, de Billy will host this year’s annual general meeting of the World Services Group (WSG) on September 7th and 8th. The law firms and other service providers that are members of this non-exclusive network will gather in Montreal for the occasion. You may recall that WSG has members in over 135 countries serving more than 200,000 clients. 

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  1373. Marie-Claude Armstrong is a Speaker at a Symposium of the Quebec Bar

    On April 27th, Marie-Claude Armstrong will address a symposium hosted by the Professional Development Department of the Québec Bar. The theme of the symposium will be Successions et fiducies personnelles [successions and personal trusts] and she will deliver her presentation entitled Annulation de testaments pour motifs de captation ou d’indignité [annulment of wills for reasons of unworthiness or captation].

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  1374. Pamela McGovern is a Moderator and Panellist at a Conference on Construction

    Pamela McGovern will participate as a moderator and panellist at the second Conférence avancée sur la gestion des litiges dans le domaine de la construction [second advanced conference on managing construction litigation issues] organized by the Canadian Institute and to be held on May 23rd and 24th. She will take part in a panel discussion entitled “ discussion stratégique “ [strategic discussion] during which the speakers will exchange views on the best strategies to adopt in order to avoid adverse impacts of a stakeholder’s bankruptcy or insolvency at any phase of a construction project.

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  1375. Daniel Alain Dagenais is a Co-organizer of an International Conference

    Daniel Alain Dagenais is involved in the organization of an international conference on sustainable consumption to be held in Montreal on October 3rd and 4th. The conference will take place under the leadership of the Fondation Claude Masse, of which he is a director.The foundation’s mission is to support research and the dissemination of knowledge in the fields of law, economics and other fields concerned with consumer affairs and the functioning of markets. The foundation also aims to promote the development of, and compliance with, legislation in the areas of consumer affairs, competition and market operations.

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  1376. Spectra/Premium Industries Inc. Completes privatization

    Spectra/Premium Industries Inc., a leader in the manufacture of fuel tanks and related components for the automobile and light-truck aftermarkets, was privatized in a $94 million management buy-out transaction. This transaction consisted of the merger of this manufacturing company with 6651399 Canada Inc., a newly incorporated company controlled by Spectra’s senior management and a group of institutional investors. Pursuant to the merger, the shareholders of Spectra received $2.85 in cash for each share held. Senior management was represented by René Branchaud, Luc Pariseau, Philippe Asselin, Richard Burgos, Isabelle Lamarre and Benoît Mallette, from Lavery, de Billy.

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  1377. Metro prevails in Superior Court

    Our client Metro, a major player in the Quebec retail food industry, secured an important victory in a judicial review case in Superior Court.Everything began in October 2004 when commissioner Pierre Cloutier, of the Commission des relations du travail (CRT) allowed a motion filed by Lavery, de Billy on behalf of Metro asking that no driver be physically transferred from the Mérite 1 warehouse to the Pierre-de-Coubertin warehouse, which had been acquired through a 1992 transaction to which Steinberg was a party. The CSN was seeking the physical transfer of 19 drivers.In March 2005, the CRT had allowed a motion for review and set aside the decision of commissioner Cloutier. ruling that it was “defective in substance”. A year later, the Superior Court allowed the application for judicial review filed by Metro on the grounds that the CRT had acted unreasonably in finding the decision rendered by commissioner Cloutier defective in substance.On January 11, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of the CSN and upheld the judgment of the Superior Court. The initial decision of commissioner Cloutier has thus been reinstated. Pierre Beaudoin and Ève Beaudet advised Metro in this matter.

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  1378. A committee of the Quebec Bar invites one of our lawyer to join

    Véronique Morin accepted the invitation of the labour law committee of the Quebec Bar to participate in its deliberations. The mandate of the committee is to analyze labour law legislation and make recommendations. The works of the committee must be ratified by the Administrative Committee and thereafter becomes the position of the Bar.

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  1379. The 2007 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide unveils its Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada

    Several lawyers of our firm are named in The 2007 Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada. As its name indicates, this publication is the result of a partnership between a Canadian publication, Lexpert, and a U.S. publication, American Lawyer. The following Lavery, de Billy lawyers are named:Pierre L. Baribeau in labour law, Pierre Cantin, Jean-Pierre Casavant and Robert W. Mason in product liability, J. Vincent O’Donnell in commercial litigation, professional liability and product liability and Michel Yergeau in environmental law.

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  1380. Two partners of the firm to provide training to ADMQ members

    Two partners of the firm will provide training for the Association des directeurs municipaux du Québec. The training sessions will be held from February 28 to June 7, 2007 and will be held in several cities in Quebec.Daniel Bouchard will conduct a workshop entitled “ Accès aux documents municipaux : rappels et nouveautés” [Access to municipal documents: reminders and new developments]. The workshop will deal with Bill 86 entitled An Act to amend the Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information and other legislative provisions, which came into force on June 14, 2006.Marie-Claude Perreault will conduct a training session entitled “Actualités en relations de travail” [Latest developments in labour relations]. This training session will deal with current high-profile issues such as psychological harassment, the duty of accommodation, disciplinary measures and the preparation of litigation before any type of tribunal.

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  1381. Quebec Bar to organize a workshop on class actions

    With the collaboration of our partner, Jean Saint-Onge, the continuing professional education department of the Quebec Bar will again offer its members a thematic workshop. To be held on October 25 and 26, the workshop will be entitled “Recours collectif: Développements récents au Québec, au Canada, aux États-Unis et en Europe” [Class actions: recent developments in Quebec, Canada, the United States and Europe]. Mr. Saint-Onge chairs the class actions committee of the Quebec Bar. 

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  1382. The Fondation Jean Lapointe has a new chairman

    André Champagne was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Fondation Jean Lapointe at the meeting of its Board held on January 26, 2007. The purpose of the foundation is to raise funds for the Maison Jean Lapointe, which is a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics, drug addicts and compulsive gamblers. In addition to his new functions, Mr. Champagne will continue to act as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Maison Jean Lapointe.

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  1383. The Superior Court denies authorization to institute a class action against three of our clients

    Our firm was recently successful in defending against a class action. After a four-day hearing on the motion for authorization, Judge Pierre Isabelle, of the Superior Court of Quebec, denied authorization to institute a class action against our clients James MacLaren Industries Inc., Brascan Power Services Inc. and Nexfor Inc.The class action was initiated on behalf of the riparian owners along the Rivière du Lièvre affected by the water level of the Rapides des Cèdres impounding dam in the Outaouais region.The Superior Court confirmed that our clients were neither the owners nor the managers of the impounding dam, their role being limited to making use of the hydraulic forces of the river to generate power.The class action was authorized against the Attorney General of Quebec, as the owner and manager of the impounding dam, but was denied against the Attorney General of Canada.Michel Yergeau and Jean Saint-Onge were in charge of the matter for our clients. They were assisted by Jean-Philippe Lincourt in the preparation of the case and at the hearing. 

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  1384. A client in the mining industry is named Entrepreneur of the Year

    Canadian Royalties Inc. was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the annual symposium of the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association. The company was awarded this prize in recognition of the progress achieved on the Raglan South Nickel Project in Northern Quebec. The company’s growth is closely linked to the various developments relating to this project, which is its main asset.In 2003, Canadian Royalties Inc. received the Prospector of the Year award for the discovery of a significant section of this nickel project.

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  1385. Pierre Cantin is admitted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers

    Pierre Cantin has recently been admitted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. The College ranks among the most prestigious legal associations in North America. It groups the best trial lawyers in the United States and Canada. Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province.Only seasoned trial lawyers whose careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civic responsibility and collegiality are admitted.Mr. Cantin joins a very exclusive group, of which our partners Michel Yergeau, Pierre Beaudoin, Robert W. Mason, Vincent O'Donnell and Raphaël Shachter are already members. 

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  1386. Madeleine Roy is appointed to the Board of Directors of SGF

    Madeleine Roy was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Société générale de financement (SGF) last June. The SGF is an industrial and financial holding corporation established by the Quebec government in 1962. Its numerous achievements have contributed significantly to the expansion of Quebec’s economy.

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  1387. The Université Laval and the Quebec Bar call on Élisabeth Pinard

    Élisabeth Pinard has been appointed as a member of the Discipline Committee of the Quebec Bar for the Quebec region for the fiscal year 2006-2007. This Committee is responsible for hearing complaints filed against lawyers for breaches of the law or the Bar’s regulations and imposing sanctions, where warranted.She has also been elected to the Board of Directors of the Université Laval for a three-year term, as the representative of the Fondation de l’Université Laval in her capacity as its outgoing president.

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  1388. Many Lavery, de Billy lawyers are named in Best Lawyers in Canada

    The U.S. publication Best Lawyers, which offers a classification of the best lawyers in the United States in some 80 areas of the law, entered into an agreement this year with the National Post and its Legal Post section for the publication of a new Canadian classification. In order to develop this classification, Best Lawyers surveyed thousands of lawyers across Canada over a two-year period. Weekly since October 18, 2006, the National Post has been featuring lawyers who have distinguished themselves in various areas of the law. Many of our lawyers will be featured throughout the year, including Pierre-L. Baribeau, Pierre Cantin, Paul Cartier, Jean-Pierre Casavant, Nicolas Gagnon, Jean Hébert, Odette Jobin-Laberge, Louis-André Leclerc, Guy Lemay, Robert W. Mason, Pamela McGovern, Jacques Nols, J. Vincent O’Donnell, Jean Saint-Onge, Raphaël Schachter, Gerald Stotland and Michel Yergeau.

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