When a resident of B.C. dies without a will, administration of their estate typically falls under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). However, if the person was ordinarily resident on an Indian reserve or crown land at the time of their death, their estate is subject to the laws of the Indian Act.
It means the deceased normally resided on an Indian reserve, however, they didn’t necessarily need to be living on a reserve at the time of their time.
If there’s uncertainty about their resident status, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) can make this determination with a death certificate. ISC is also responsible for probating the person’s will with approval from the Canadian Minister of Indigenous Services.
ISC can usually reach a determination without going to court. However, if the situation is complicated, witnesses may have to testify and the minister will review the file. Some cases may reach the B.C. Supreme Court.
Many businesses have been forced to close, limit their hours, or reduce their capacity. Despite a vaccine, the economic impact will likely continue, particularly in the face of new strains of the virus.
On January 28, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court addressed “inadequacies in current legal responses to internet defamation and harassment” by creating a new tort of internet harassment and cyber bullying.
While the global pandemic has been incredibly disruptive, the Court is embracing these changes and the legal community is using the tools available to move matters through the court system despite challenges.
Interesting reasons for judgment were recently released in the case. In this wills and estates case, a brother and sister entered into a contentious dispute surrounding the estate of their mother.