Michael Woods and Wayne Garnons-Williams are pleased to announce that a strategic alliance has been concluded between Woods, LaFortune LLP and Garwill Law Professional Corporation to facilitate cooperation in providing advice and guidance to clients in the growing field of First Nations/International Trade, Business and Investment law. The firms are also jointly supporting the work of the International Inter-Tribal Trade and Investment Organization, a cross-border organization that focuses on the development of First Nations/International Trade Law and the re-invigoration of First Nations’ participation in international, interprovincial and inter-tribal trade.
Michael Woods, Senior Partner at Woods, LaFortune LLP, stated “The Supreme Court of Canada has established that First Nations have the right to economically benefit from land under aboriginal title… Because of these decisions, First Nations have a significant role to play in trade relations, including regulation of investment on First Nations’ land, and have to be considered by government and investors alike.”
The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Tsilhquot’in Nation v. B.C. has changed the landscape in Canada by making it clear that First Nations have economic rights over land subject to aboriginal title. These rights will affect business, trade and investors seeking to do business on First Nations’ land. To discuss the implications of the Tsilhquot’in decision and the impact it may have on your business or investment feel free to contact Michael Woods by phone at (613) 355-0382 or by e-mail at woods@wl-tradelaw.com or contact Wayne Garnons-Williams by phone at (613) 778-8685 or by e-mail at wayne@garwilllaw.com.
