Paul L.A.H. Chartrand, I.P.C. – Indigenous Law Consultant

Proudly announces the association of

Paul L. A. H. Chartrand, I.P.C.

B.A., UW (Winnipeg) 1974, LL.B.(Hons) QUT,

Australia (1980), LL.M., U of S, (1988)

as in-house Indigenous Law Consultant

New Indigenous Constitutional and Legal Regime in Canada

Chartrand Law Office recognizes that the laws in Canada in respect to Indigenous Peoples have changed dramatically in recent decades due to a number of factors that include the 1982 Constitution Act and related amendments, a series of Supreme Court of Canada decisions, federal legislation including particularly the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), as well as various agreements and Treaties signed and contemplated with the federal and provincial governments.

Chartrand Law Office has a significant and storied history of litigation in Indigenous rights and laws at all court levels, including the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court of Canada.

The Problems of Constitutional Interpretation and Evolution

When constitutional, treaty or contractual enactments are created or amended, general words and language are often used which are subject to interpretation in different ways. In carrying out their functions, courts often write decisions giving some guidance in the interpterion of the constitution or treaties, but there is always room for interpretation and argument on how those guidelines or reasons may be applied to specific cases or peoples.

Constitutional amendments and judicial decisions are not the only sources of constitutional change as the Canada-Indigenous relationship evolves from its early beginnings with the Doctrine of Discovery. It is now not only the presence of the Indigenous peoples that matters but also their collective political action in their relations with Canada. How do political relations develop into lasting norms and constitutional change?

The New Problem of Indigenous Identity

A result of different wording used in different constitutional and other enactments, as well as Supreme Court decisions such as R v Daniels, 2016 SCC, is great ambiguity about the very identities of the groups and persons who have legitimate rights claims.

This is an area where there is great opportunity for Indigenous organizations and representatives to work for great advancement to seize and capture their rightful claims and entitlements.

The Need for Expert Opinion and Litigation

Chartrand Law Office has an Indigenous Laws and Litigation section that engages in case-specific consultation and litigation in the Federal and Provincial Superior Courts. With high level in-house associates, more than ever we are able to:

– Investigate your organizations or your people’s legal rights, liabilities and options;

– Formulate various paths forward to properly seize and claim your peoples’ rights;

– Act as your agent or lawyers to negotiate with government or agencies to recognize your people’s entitlements and rights, including self-government or Treaty negotiations;

– Plan and formulate a litigation strategy;

– File Applications in the appropriate Court of Law to seek Court ordered recognition of your rights and entitlements.

Chartrand Law Office

+1 204 513 0646

paul@indigenouslaw.org

Edmonton Branch Office

Suite 204, 10209 - 97 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0L6

Winnipeg Branch Office

216 - 2510 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 0N9

Indigenous Rights and Law Consultation and Litigation Services

Chartrand Law Office provides full consultation, negotiations and litigation services

Proudly announces the association of