Tom Beasley gave a presentation to the Archaeology Department at SFU on January 19, 2023 entitled the History, Evolution and Future of Underwater Archaeology in Canada. The SFU presentation was in part to start a discussion at SFU and beyond, on the creation of: a graduate program in maritime archaeology at SFU; and a Canadian Institute on Maritime Archaeology, virtual… more »
Tom Hawkins recently participated on a panel at the Canadian Board of Marine Underwriters Fall Conference 2022. The panel discussion considered issues on the changing environment of P&I claims, in particular the concerns for brokers and underwriters in placing appropriate coverage related to the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, and the likelihood of increasing claims costs going forward. As… more »
Bernard LLP is named by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Magazine in its second annual list of “Canada’s Best Law Firms” in the field of transportation law. This achievement distinguishes Bernard LLP as one of 15 firms recognized nationally, and the only transportation law boutique firm to be recognized in Vancouver. The selection of Bernard LLP was based… more »
On November 16, Tom Beasley was onboarded in Ottawa as a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society. This appointment is in recognition of Tom’s leadership in maritime archaeology, artificial reefs, maritime heritage, shipwreck discovery and preservation, scuba diving safety, marine conservation, and maritime museums in BC over the last 40 years. https://rcgs.org/about/fellows/… more »
On November 3, Tom Beasley presented a paper Administrative Delay: Blencoe 25 years later – Systemic Delays and Recommendations for Change, to the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC’s (CLE) Human Rights Conference. Tom was co-counsel for the BC Human Rights Commission at the Supreme Court of Canada in Blencoe, where the SCC narrowly allowed a human… more »
The partners of Bernard LLP are delighted to announce the recent addition of a new lawyer to the Firm. Buck Hughes has joined our litigation team to focus on maritime, employment and personal injury law, while also providing assistance to our business law group. Buck was called to the BC Bar in 2016. Buck brings high quality skills and experience… more »
Following the May 2021 AGM of the Vancouver Maritime Museum Society (VMM), Tom Beasley was elected President of the VMM Board. Tom replaced Peter Bernard who had been the VMM President for 8 years. Tom led a change in the diversity of the VMM Board members adding 3 indigenous women under 35, all who are involved in maritime activities… more »
Bernard LLP was successful in defending Catherwood Towing in the Supreme Court of British Columbia in a dispute over an indemnity provision. This litigation arose from the grounding of two barges while under tow by Catherwood Towing. The supplier of the barges claimed damages in an amount exceeding $800,000. Bernard LLP defended Catherwood Towing against this claim by arguing to… more »
Peter Swanson recently spoke at the 2022 Insolvency Institute of Canada conference held in Kelowna, B.C. from September 8-11. Peter was on a four person panel entitled: “The Intertidal Zone of Insolvency – Where the CCAA meets Admiralty Law.” Peter was the sole maritime lawyer in a sea of insolvency professionals and provided some background regarding the arrest and… more »
Peter Swanson recently spoke at an on-line seminar hosted jointly by the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CEITAC), the Vancouver Maritime Arbitrators Association (VMAA) and the CIETAC North America Arbitration Center entitled “The Enforcement of Arbitration Agreements and the Impact of Sanctions on International Arbitration.” Peter spoke on the question of enforcement of agreements to arbitration under Canadian… more »