Wayne Garnons-Williams and Michael Woods are pleased to announce that a strategic alliance has been developed between Garwill Law Professional Corporation and Woods, LaFortune LLP 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, inter-provincial and inter-tribal trade.
Wayne Garnons-Williams, senior lawyer and principal director at Garwill Law Professional Corporation stated that “the strategic alliance allows both firms to better provide international inter-tribal trade and investment advice and counsel to both foreign and domestic parties wishing to play a role in developing indigenous trade and investment – as combined our two firms bring to the clients a vast array of trade, investment and indigenous law knowledge”.
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 Wayne Garnons-Williams by phone at (613) 778-8685 or by email at wayne@garwilllaw.com or contact Michael Woods by phone at (613) 355-0382 or by e-mail at woods@wl-tradelaw.com.
Pictured from left to right are Gordon LaFortune, Managing Partner of Woods LaFortune LLP, Wayne Garnons-Williams, Senior Lawyer and Principal Director of Garwill Law Professional Corporation and Michael Woods, Partner, Woods LaFortune LLP.