Swift Datoo LLP

As of November 30, 2020, the BC Government introduced the Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR), a first in Canada. The purpose of the Registry is to record and disclose individuals who have an indirect interest in land in BC, typically through corporations, trusts and partnerships.

For those buying real property in BC, this means that a transparency declaration and often a transparency report will have to be filed as part of any purchase.

As of April 30, 2020, any person will be able to search by name or parcel identifier in order to determine the interest in land that a person has. Just as you are now able to search for the registered owner.

Why did the Government of BC introduce the LOTR? The registry was introduced in order to address concerns about housing affordability, and money laundering .The hope is that "hidden" ownership will become less prevalent.

For more information on the LOTR, go to

Land Owner Transparency Registry (LOTR) The Land Owner Transparency Registry is part of the Province of BC’s plan to address concerns about housing affordability by ending hidden ownership.

FAQ: What is the status of Supreme Court applications?

As of July 7, 2020, the Supreme Court of British Columbia announced that certain Court proceedings, either by application of the participants or by directive of the Court, may be heard by video conference using the Microsoft Teams platform. This change has been made in order to expand the number of matters that can be heard by the Court during the pandemic. For hearings to remain orderly and efficient, the Court has made a list of expectations for conduct and have provided careful technical instructions so all parties can be prepared. For more information, seehttps://www.bccourts.ca/supreme_court/documents/COVID-19_Notice_No.35_Remote_Video_Conference_Hearings_July_7_2020.pdf

FAQ: What is the difference between a child's "Trustee" and their "Guardian"?

In BC, minor children are not able to receive more than $10,000 directly into their own names. Perhaps surprisingly, money cannot simply be paid to the child's legal guardians on their behalf either. Until the child reaches 19 years of age, large sums need to be paid to a trustee for the minor. If there is no trustee for the funds appointed in a will, by court order or other trust deed, the court can order someone to be the trustee and hold the funds for the benefit of the child.

Our lawyers are able to assist with matters involving trustee appointments and answer other questions involving trust funds for children and others. For more information, please contact us or visit our website at www.swiftdatoo.com.

Our little parking lot garden continues to produce - it's working hard to try to help provide healthy, nutritious food for those in need.

The Comox Valley Food Bank gratefully accepts your garden produce. Please help them support those in need in our community.