News

Ratcliff Proud to be Named One of Canada’s Best Law Firms of 2025

November 22, 2024

On October 23, 2024, The Globe and Mail released its selections for Canada’s Best Law Firms of 2025, and Ratcliff LLP is proud to be among the firms listed in the “Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Law” category.

Eight Ratcliff lawyers have been recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada

October 4, 2024

Ratcliff LLP is pleased to announce that for the second consecutive year, eight of our lawyers have been recognized by their peers in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ reflecting their high caliber work and exceptional skills and knowledge.

BC Law Reforms: First Nations Gain Direct Land Ownership Rights

June 6, 2024

The Government of British Columbia’s recent amendments to the Land Title Act and the Property Law Act, through the Land Title and Property Law Amendment Act, 2024, provide ways for all First Nations in BC to purchase and register land in BC.

Six Ratcliff Lawyers Recognized in Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2024

March 27, 2024

This recognition by Lexpert reflects Ratcliff LLP’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing quality legal services to its clients.

Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations Secure Groundbreaking Decision for Nechako River Rights

February 27, 2024

Court rules provincial and federal governments have a duty to protect Saik’uz and Stellat’en Nations’ Aboriginal rights from ongoing harm from Kenney Dam.

Reconciliation weighs heavily in balance of convenience in Ladysmith Maritime Society v Ladysmith (Town), 2023 BCSC 2285

January 9, 2024

Stz'uminus First Nation argued against a recent injunction application that would have delayed implementation of their Reconciliation Agreement.

Ratcliff LLP Honored as Elite Boutique in Indigenous Law by The Legal 500

November 23, 2023

Ratcliff recognized in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 as an Elite Boutique in the area of Aboriginal Law. The accolade reflects our commitment to excellence in Indigenous law.

Enhancing our Client Service in Yukon

October 16, 2023

Ratcliff’s Yukon team expands to a total of nine lawyers, strengthening our firm’s history of serving Indigenous communities in Yukon.

Tiičma Enterprises, a Leader in Indigenous Economic Development, Recognized for Remarkable Growth

September 18, 2023

Tiičma Enterprises, a wholly-owned economic development corporation of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’les7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN), has earned acclaim as Community-Owned Business of the Year for fostering self-reliance within its community.

Eight Ratcliff lawyers have been recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada

September 15, 2023

Best Lawyers recognized Ratcliff lawyers that demonstrate exceptional skill and knowledge across a range of practice areas, including Aboriginal Law and Trusts & Estates.

Five BC First Nations settle 20-year Treaty Land Entitlement claims with BC and Canada

April 17, 2023

Five First Nations in the Peace River region of northeastern British Columbia announced they have reached a significant agreement with the federal and provincial governments on their Treaty Land Entitlement claims.

Blueberry River First Nations signs momentous land management agreement with Province of B.C.

January 20, 2023

The Blueberry River First Nations Implementation Agreement lays the foundation for jointly managed land, water and resource development.

Ratcliff Partners Co-Chair PBLI Specific Claims 2023 Conference

December 8, 2022

On February 8 and 9, 2023, Indigenous leaders and administrators, government officials and policy advisors, legal professionals, researchers, and consultants will gather in Vancouver for the Pacific Business & Law Institute Specific Claims 2023 conference.

Ratcliff Selected as Indigenous Law Elite Boutique by The Legal 500

November 10, 2022

In the category of Indigenous Law, Ratcliff LLP was recognized for continued, top-tier legal service and ranked as Elite Boutique.

Sc’ ianew First Nation wins Community-Owned Business of the Year Award for M’i nuw’ilum Marina Inc.

October 6, 2022

Sc’ianew First Nation (Beecher Bay) awarded the BC Achievement Foundation Community-Owned Business of the Year Award for M'i nuw'ilum Marina Inc.

Ratcliff Ranked Among Top Law Firms Serving Indigenous Peoples

September 29, 2022

2023 edition of Chambers Canada recognizes Ratcliff in top tier of Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples

Blueberry River First Nations Membership Votes Overwhelmingly in Favour of Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement

June 16, 2022

Blueberry River First Nations membership voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Nations’ negotiated Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) settlement.

Tsawwassen First Nation reaches settlement agreement in English Bluffs Specific Claim

April 28, 2022

As part of the settlement, the Tsawwassen First Nation will receive $7.7 million as recognition that Canada failed in its obligation to protect the Nation from an exploitative sale of land.

Ratcliff Joins Forces with Experienced Yukon Lawyer, Victoria Fred

March 9, 2022

Victoria Fred will strengthen our ability to provide leading legal advice to our existing Yukon clients as well as meet and collaborate with new communities in the north.

Next Step in Fight to Protect Nechako Fisheries and Aboriginal rights

February 4, 2022

First Nations will appeal BC Supreme Court ruling to hold mining company responsible for harm to Nechako River and fisheries.

Court finds Rio Tinto Alcan harming Nechako fisheries and infringing Aboriginal rights

January 10, 2022

Court decision finds that the Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations have proven that Alcan’s operation of the Kenney Dam has caused significant historic and ongoing harm to the Nechako River.

Register Now! Free Ratcliff Webinar – 2021 In Review: Major Cases & Legal Updates

December 1, 2021

It’s been a year of significant achievements for Ratcliff’s clients – in and outside of court. On Friday, December 10, 2021.

Ratcliff LLP Recognized in The Globe and Mail’s Best Law Firms 2022

November 17, 2021

Ratcliff LLP was recognized in The Globe and Mail's Best Law Firms 2022 for outstanding work in the Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Law category.

LOTA Notice to clients

September 23, 2021

The Land Owner Transparency Act (“LOTA”) came into force in B.C. effective November 30, 2020, This legislation will impact almost everyone who acquires or currently holds an interest in land through a corporation, partnership, or trust (including a bare trust). The LOTA imposes disclosure obligations that impact anyone who already holds an interest in land as of November 30, 2020, or who acquires an interest in land after November 30, 2020. If you currently hold a registered interest in land in British Columbia through a corporation or society, as a trustee (including through a bare trustee), or through a partnership, you may be required to file LOTA disclosures before November 30, 2021.

Blueberry River First Nation Wins Landmark Treaty Rights Case

July 9, 2021

The BC Supreme Court ruled that the province failed to adhere to its obligations to the Blueberry River First Nation under Treaty 8. The Treaty mandates that all signatory Nations be allowed to practice their traditional modes of hunting, trapping, and fishing.

Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of Federal Carbon Pricing

March 26, 2021

The Supreme Court acknowledged that climate change is a “threat to the future of humanity” in a judgment that supports a uniform, national (and international) response to the climate crisis.

B.C. First Nations’ lawyers say Ottawa failed to consult on Trans Mountain expansion

December 17, 2019

The federal government failed to share information, imposed unrealistic deadlines and refused to consider changes proposed by First Nations that would be affected by the proposed Trans Mountain expansion project.

Court allows Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations to seek new declaratory relief in Alcan Claim

February 28, 2019

The BC Supreme Court Justice granted Saik'uz and Stellat'en First Nations permission to amend their court claim to seek declaratory relief should they prove their allegations against Rio Tinto Alcan.

Teslin Tlingit Council v. Canada

January 15, 2019

On January 15, 2019, Chief Justice Veale of the Yukon Supreme Court declared that Canada has a legal obligation to negotiate a self-government Financial Transfer Agreement with Teslin Tlingit Council.

Odds stacked against parents fighting Ministry

November 20, 2018

Ratcliff won two cases this year on behalf of a mother whose baby was taken away from her three days after birth. Few parents receive such representation when dealing with the children’s ministry, making it harder for them to get their kids back.

Squamish Nation and Coldwater Indian band celebrate victory against Trans Mountain expansion project

August 31, 2018

The Federal Court of Appeal quashed the approval for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project on the basis that Canada failed to fulfill its duty to consult First Nations, including the Squamish Nation and Coldwater Indian Band.

B.C. promotes breastfeeding for infants in government care after court ruling

August 29, 2018

The Ministry of Children and Family development has committed to an action plan in response to court rulings in favour of Huu-ay-aht First Nations represented by Ratcliff LLP.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations to receive $4.2 million in funding

August 21, 2018

The federal government will be providing $4.2 million in funding to support the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Social Services Project.

Vaughn Palmer: New model for land management takes shape with northern First Nation

July 25, 2018

Blueberry River First Nations and the B.C. government try mediation as an alternative to the courtroom to negotiate Blueberry's claim of treaty right infringement.

Court orders Huu-ay-aht child returned to mother’s care

March 15, 2018

Provincial Court ruled in favour of a Huu-ay-aht mother, ordering that her baby must be returned to the custody of her mother no later within days.

B.C. watchdog lambastes province’s ‘awful’ child welfare strategy

March 6, 2018

Just three weeks after obtaining an order in BC Supreme Court to allow a young indigenous mother sufficient access to her newborn to allow for breastfeeding and to foster a maternal bond.

B.C. Supreme Court order providing Indigenous mother daily access to newborn could set national precedent

February 23, 2018

A BC Supreme Court ruling that orders the provincial government to ensure an Indigenous mother has daily access to her newborn child so she does not lose her maternal bond.

B.C. Supreme Court overturns B.C. Oil and Gas Commission pipeline approval

December 19, 2017

The B.C. Supreme Court overturned a B.C. Oil Commission pipeline approval due to failure to consult with Fort Nelson First Nation and address their concerns about the impact of a natural gas pipeline on caribou.

Coldwater Indian Band successful against Kinder Morgan in Federal Court of Appeal

September 27, 2017

The Federal Court of Appeal has ordered Ottawa to renegotiate the terms under which the Trans Mountain pipeline crosses a Coldwater Band reserve, raising new questions about the fate of Kinder Morgan Inc.’s federally approved plan to expand the pipeline.

Specific Claims Tribunal decision stands for Huu-ay-aht First Nation as Canada discontinues review

September 6, 2017

Canada withdrew its application for a judicial review of a Specific Claims Tribunal decision in Attorney General of Canada v Huu-ay-aht First Nation. The Specific Claims Tribunal decision awarding the Nation $13.8 million in compensation for breaches of duty will stand.

Collision between Indigenous hunting and oil development rights set for legal showdown in B.C. court

June 10, 2017

Ratcliff represents the Blueberry River First Nation who are fighting to stop the incremental erosion of its land and treaty rights.

Coldwater Indian Band and Squamish Nation challenge Trans Mountain pipeline

January 17, 2017

Three First Nations have announced they're taking legal action challenging the federal government's approval of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.

Specific Claims Tribunal awards $13.8 million to Huu-ay-aht First Nations

December 14, 2016

The Specific Claims Tribunal released a decision--its first addressing the issue of compensation--awarding more than $13.8 million to Huu-ay-aht First Nations for breaches of fiduciary duty committed by Canada between 1948 and 1969.

Ratcliff lawyers put First Nations Consultation at centre stage before NEB

January 22, 2016

In a heated final argument Thursday, Squamish First Nation lawyer Aaron Bruce told the NEB that it cannot recommend the Trans Mountain expansion project’s approval because the federal government “recognizes the current process is deficient to address First Nations concerns.”

Ratcliff represents city of Burnaby at NEB Trans Mountain hearings

January 21, 2016

The National Energy Board (NEB) should suspend its review of the Trans Mountain pipeline until Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reforms the national regulator, said Ratcliff lawyer Gregory McDade on behalf of the City of Burnaby.

Blueberry River First Nations wins important historical claim in Specific Claims Tribunal

November 12, 2015

The Blueberry River First Nations, represented by Ratcliff have won an important historical claim at the Specific Claims Tribunal of Canada.

Supreme Court of Canada denies leave to Rio Tinto Alcan; Upholds Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations win at B.C. Court of Appeal

October 15, 2015

The Supreme Court of Canada denied Leave to Appeal to Rio Tinto Alcan, and dismissed Rio Tinto Alcan's Application for Leave to Appeal from the earlier BC Court of Appeal decision in favour of the Saik'uz and Stellat'en First Nations.

Ratcliff lawyers Greg Mcdade and Kate Blomfield represent Yukon First Nations in filing a constitutional challenge to Canada’s amendments to Yukon’s development assessment legislation

October 14, 2015

Three Yukon First Nations — the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation — filed a petition in Yukon Supreme Court on Wednesday with the assistance of Ratcliff lawyers Greg McDade and Kate Blomfield.

Fort Nelson First Nation gets Nexen fracking water license overturned

September 3, 2015

The Fort Nelson First Nation, represented by Ratcliff lawyers James Tate and Nathan Hume, has won a potentially precedent-setting decision from the B.C. Environmental Appeal Board that cancels the water licence of a natural gas fracking operation in northeast B.C.

Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations successful in appeal against Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.

April 15, 2015

Ratcliff lawyers Greg McDade and Melinda Skeels succeeded at the BC Court of Appeal in Saik’uz First Nation and Stellat’en First Nation v. Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.

Ratcliff named one of Canada’s top firms in Aboriginal Law by Chambers

March 25, 2015

Recently, Ratcliff & Company LLP was ranked as one of Canada's top law firms in Aboriginal Law in the category of boutique law firms by legal publisher Chambers and Partners.

Blueberry River First Nations file claim challenging development in Northeast B.C.

March 3, 2015

Blueberry River First Nations, a Treaty 8 nation, filed a lawsuit challenging the cumulative impacts of the development of their traditional territory and the failure of BC to uphold promises made in Treaty 8.

Ratcliff lawyers successfully defend Burnaby’s right to enforce its bylaws

September 25, 2014

In what's considered a huge win for the City of Burnaby's legal battle to stop the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the National Energy Board struck down the company’s application to forbid Burnaby city staff from blocking the pipeline company’s test drilling on Burnaby Mountain in a protected conservation area.

Ratcliff lawyers succeed before Specific Claims Tribunal with finding that Canada breached its fiduciary duty to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations

July 15, 2014

Ratcliff lawyers John Rich, Kate Blomfield and Emma Hume succeed in securing the Specific Claim Tribunal’s first compensation decision, successfully arguing that Canada breached its fiduciary duty to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (“HFN”) multiple times and the HFN must be compensated.

Ratcliff gets the Supreme Court to set aside the approval of the Whistler Official Community Plan for failure to consult the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations

June 4, 2014

Ratcliff gets the Supreme Court to set aside the province’s timber allocation decision for failure to consult Ehattesaht First Nation

May 14, 2014

Ratcliff successfully applied on behalf of Ehattesaht First Nation to set aside the Ministry of Forests' decision to return over 1 million cubic meters of surplus timber that was available for reallocation to the control of Western Forest Products Inc.