Higher Learning

The Higher Learning team offers a unique combination of legal services customized for the business of post secondary education. We understand the legal issues, policy objectives and practical considerations that operate in the field of education. By drawing on a team of experienced practitioners across the firm we are able to offer a wide range of specialized services:

• Advising on compliance with the University Act and the College and Institute Act and other legislation affecting universities, colleges and institutes and their respective foundations.
• Advising on and incorporating not for profit corporations to represent colleges and institutes in their dealings with governments, industry and other stakeholders, and on the utilization of tax efficient structures for commercial enterprises undertaken by not-for-profit institutions.
• Advising on public private partnership arrangements involving universities, colleges and institutes, and development of communities on campus lands, including community plans and approvals.
• Advising on all aspects of development, from site acquisition and financing to enabling legislation, municipal zoning, construction contracting, bidding and tendering, architects agreements, property tax exemptions and long term leases.
• Advising on "agent of the Crown" exemption status relative to use and development of colleges and Foundations and other eligible properties.
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act concerns.
• Advising on employment issues, student discipline and conflicts of interest.
• Advising on charitable donations and issues relating to the charitable status of institutions.
• Litigation support on a broad range of issues, including employment and construction matters.
• Industry liaison and technology transfer and licensing and investments in start-up ventures using technology developed by the institution.
• Development of university policy on ownership of intellectual property, trademarks and licensing of technology and development and implementation of e-learning and on-line programs, including copyright and licensing of knowledge elements.

Our group provides services to a number of British Columbia universities, colleges, and institutes of learning, including*:

• British Columbia Institute of Technology
• Camosun College
• Capilano University
• Emily Carr University of Art + Design
• Great Northern Way Campus Trust
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Polytechnics Canada
• Simon Fraser University
• Trades Training Consortium
• Trinity Western University
• University of the Fraser Valley
• The University of British Columbia
• University of Victoria
• Vancouver Island University

Please feel free to contact any member of our group for more information about the services we offer.