In this issue - #98 April 30, 2007

Pushor Mitchell won the Corporate Community Citizen of the Year Award at the recent Central Okanagan Civic and Community Awards.

Scott Seegert has combed through the more than 7 million inventions filed with the US Patent and Trademark office to find the dumbest schemes ever proffered.

The European Commission will launch proposals aimed at reviving its campaign to create a common patent system for Europe that would cut costs for companies and simplify legal procedures.

Please join us for an introductory estate planning seminar.

Pushor Mitchell is pleased to host the Downtown After Five on Wednesday, May 30th.

On April 25, 2007, the B.C. Provincial Government introduced legislation intended eliminate mandatory retirement for British Columbians who turn 65.  Bill 31 introduces amendments to the Human Rights Code, R.S.B.C. 1997, c.210 that extend the definition of discrimination based on age to protect persons aged 65 and older.

Unionized employees who have complaints about how they are treated by their employer -including claims where personal injury has resulted from the treatment – must pursue their complaints using the grievance and arbitration processes all collective agreements contain.
 

In the United States, a recent federal court decision involving the enforceability of a 27-year-old non-compete agreement serves as a reminder that in the U.S., as in Canada, employment agreements and HR policies should be reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

In Richmond, Virginia, a high school art teacher has been fired from his teaching position as a result of his off-hours activities.  It seems that his artistic preferences were not to the liking of his employer.
 

In a recent edition of his weekly column, “Legal Ease”, which appears nationally in a variety of print and electronic media, Robert Smithson addressed the challenge faced by companies which conclude that executives have inappropriately obtained bonus payments and other compensation.

In a recent edition of BDO Dunwoody’s electronic newsletter, “News Flash”, BDO recommends treating employees well, letting them use their skills, and giving them a chance to learn. 

In another weird episode involving a teacher, a seventh grade teacher in Yonkers, New York has been barred from classes for having pupils draw male genitalia on the blackboard.
 

Changes to the Assessment Act that were introduced on April 24, 2007 mean that strata hotel units will now be assessed based on their actual use

The Virginia Tech shootings sparked criticism of U.S. gun control laws around the world Tuesday.