Photo courtesy kevintookyourpicture@gmail.com
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers (CCCL) Annual Conference, which featured presentations, activities, and events surrounding the theme of procurement and infrastructure renewal. Taking place at Québec City’s Fairmont Château Frontenac in May, the two-day event was attended by more than 80 Fellows.
“Québec City, steeped in centuries of history, was the perfect setting for CCCL’s 20th Anniversary Conference,” said Olivier F. Kott, the organization’s outgoing president. “The timeless quality of the Old City provided a wonderful contrast to the dynamic world of construction law that we all work in. And it was such a beautiful place to catch up with good friends and colleagues, make some new acquaintances, and share best practices in the industry we are all so passionate about.”
Some of those best practices were discussed at the event’s panels and presentations, such as an interview with James Paul (president/CEO of Defence Construction Canada), Dan Genest’s overview of the New Champlain Bridge project, and Bruce Reynolds and Sharon Vogel’s talk on adjudication and lien legislation reform in Ontario. CCCL’s annual general meeting (AGM) also involved the election of a new Board of Governors, and was followed by more presentations discussing court rulings, material and equipment tariffs, and more.
Those seeking more levity from the event could take advantage of its social activities, including tours, an architectural cruise of the St. Lawrence River, and a dinner at Musée National Des Beaux-Arts du Québec.
At an anniversary dinner, Construction Canada contributor David Bristow, QC, LSM, C.Arb, was honored for his 60 years in the industry. (Click here to see some of Bristow’s legal columns.) Eight new Fellows were also inducted, as follows:
- Brendan D. Bowles of Glaholt LLP;
- Simon Grégoire of Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG);
- Stephanie Hickman of Cox & Palmer;
- Jasmin Lefebvre of Miller Thomson;
- Marcia Oliver of Advocates LLP; and
- John S. Haythorne of Dentons Canada LLP.
Officers were also elected for CCCL, including:
- T. Arthur Barry, QC, of Stewart McKelvey as incoming President;
- Matthew Alter of Cassels Brock & Blackwell as Vice-President;
- Kenneth Crofoot of Goodmans LLP as Secretary;
- Karen Martin of Dentons as Treasurer; and
- John Murphy of BLG as Program Coordinator.
CCCL is already gearing up for next year’s conference, which will be held May 31 to June 3 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta.
