In Canada, judicial review is the process that ensures that decisions made by a government or administrative tribunal (with powers delegated from government) follow the rule of law.

We regularly bring judicial review on behalf of our clients in B.C. Supreme Court and the Federal Court of Canada, challenging provincial or federal government decisions that impact the rights and interests of our clients. We also advise and represent our clients before administrative tribunals such as the B.C. Utilities Commission, the Canada Energy Regulator, the Environmental Appeal Board, and commissions of inquiry.

Conversely, our lawyers have experience representing local government authorities and First Nations to protect their own laws and jurisdiction when challenged by others. We act for municipal and First Nations governments, local harbor authorities, and individual members of local governments in a large variety of such cases.

We also have experience in establishing administrative tribunals to adjudicate disputes that arise under First Nations’ laws or on their lands. In this situation, a Ratcliff lawyer serves as the chief adjudicator on such a tribunal.