Speakers

Alex has a B.A. in Sociology and Public Administration from the University of Victoria. His previous experience includes customer service, some small stints with local government and, prior to joining Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia, spent 8 years in the commercial insurance industry in various capacities.

A desire to bring his educational background and work experience together led him to join MIABC as a Claims Examiner. Alex looks forward to working with communities across BC through dependable support and fair claims resolution.

Andrew Arruda is the pioneering serial entrepreneur behind Flexpa and ROSS Intelligence. Arruda started building in the field of artificial intelligence in 2014. A TED speaker on AI and law and a Forbes 30 under 30 receipt in the "Law & Policy" category, Andrew dreams of a world where everyone can access high-quality, affordable legal, medical, and education services. Arruda's first company, ROSS Intelligence, was a launch partner of OpenAI's first commercial product, the first GPT API, in 2020. 

Arruda speaks internationally and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times,  BBC,  Wired,  CNBC, CBS, Bloomberg, Fortune, Forbes, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, and The Financial Times. Arruda is an active technology investor with 50+ startup investments and proudly serves on the Board of IAALS and the Duke Law School Center on Law and Technology.

Andrew is a leading environmental liability underwriter with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in environmental risks. Known for his practical, story-driven approach, he has led underwriting teams across Canada and worked closely with brokers and clients to navigate complex coverage needs. Andrew is the founder of TerrAssure Underwriting Solutions, a newly launched MGA focused on specialty environmental insurance in Canada.

Aron Bookman’s insurance defence practice covers a diverse range of claims that often involve multiple parties facing potential liability and insurers seeking advice on challenging insurance coverage issues.  Insurers, municipalities, regulatory bodies and institutional clients all turn to him for claims involving construction, subrogation, fraud, municipal liability, personal injury, employment law, human rights, insurance coverage and unique situations that trigger insurance coverage.

Aron’s successful approach to claims begins the moment he receives a file. Dedicating time at the outset to thoroughly assess the details of the claim allows Aron to take control of the case and develop the strategy needed to effectively manage each stage of the file.  Combining the communication skills needed to work with multiple parties with his thorough preparation, Aron actively seeks out opportunities to resolve disputes quickly.   He has built a reputation amongst insurers as a highly practical lawyer who will fight to have unjust claims against his client dismissed outright instead of negotiating any form of settlement.  He also has extensive trial experience when the need for trial arises.

Aron is a native Californian who began his career in corporate civil litigation with Fulbright & Jaworski (now Norton Rose Fulbright), an international full service firm. There, he practiced in various areas of corporate civil litigation, appearing regularly before the Superior Court of the State of California and the United States District Court in Los Angeles.  Since 2008, Aron has been the President and on the Board of Directors of Congregation Emanu-El - Canada’s oldest continuously operating Synagogue - located in Victoria, BC. Currently, Aron is a board member of the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada. 

Brian Hopkins is based in Ottawa, Ontario. He has been with Victor for 6 years, working on a variety of technology and cyber risk accounts and programs. He has been working with MIABC on developing their cyber program since its inception. He holds the Chartered Insurance Professional and Canadian Risk Management designations. In his spare time he enjoys travelling and trying new recipes.

Before coming to BC Wildfire Service in 2024, Brian served as the Fire Chief of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services for six years, having joined in 2015 as an Assistant Fire Chief – Operations.  Prior to that, he served 15 years with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services joining in 2000. Interestingly, his career has come full circle as his move to the municipal fire service was preceded by several years working on Initial Attack crews in the wildland setting, beginning in 1990.

Brian holds a master’s degree in Disaster & Emergency Management, a bachelor’s degree in Fire & Life Safety Studies, a Fire Service Leadership diploma, Fire Executive Management certificate, and a certificate in International Development. He continues to serve as an adjunct instructor for Fire Services leadership & administration programs at Dalhousie University and the Justice Institute of BC. Brian has played a pivotal role in supporting the Fire Services program over the last few years and hosted the Wildfire Resiliency Training Conference in North Vancouver in 2023.

He recognizes that training and education combined with experience are essential components of leadership development. His philosophy is focused on embracing an inclusive, team-based approach to fire and emergency services management, with community engagement at the core.

Caleigh focuses exclusively on local government law, advising on bylaw challenges and enforcement, governance and operations, municipal liability, and risk management. With experience as a law clerk at the BC Supreme Court, she offers valuable insight into judicial decision-making and the court process. Caleigh takes a proactive approach, applying her legal expertise to deliver clear, practical solutions for municipalities.

Claudia joined the MIABC in 2016. In her role as the Manager of Administrative Services, she oversees the general administration of the office, including IT. Claudia also designs and updates many of the MIABC’s publications, including brochures and newsletters.

Claudia holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree from Simon Fraser University, where she majored in Interactive Arts & Technology and minored in Communications. She also holds a 2D Design Certificate from Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design.

Claudia enjoys working at the MIABC where everyone she works with is so friendly and supportive. It feels like a family.

Clive Lunn is the president and owner of Acredo Consulting Inc. specializing in enterprise resilience consulting. Clive has worked in business continuity and IT disaster recovery since 1996, and enterprise risk management since 2006.

He was certified as a Member of the Business Continuity Institute in September 2000 and awarded his Fellowship in January 2003; he obtained his Canadian Risk Manager certification in January 2010.

Clive has provided business continuity and risk management consulting services to clients in 5 countries, since 2013 this has included over 20 Canadian organizations. His experience includes the financial services, utilities, logistics, non-profit, healthcare, manufacturing, and mining sectors, as well as various levels of government.

Dana joined the MIABC’s Legal Department on a part-time basis in 2017 after serving as external counsel for two years. As a resident of Nelson, Dana is well-positioned and enjoys representing the MIABC’s members in the Kootenays and the Okanagan.

Dana was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2004 and the Law Society of Ontario in 2011. She has over fifteen years’ experience practicing in the area of insurance defence, primarily in the areas of construction litigation, personal injury, motor vehicle liability and occupier’s liability.
 

David is a claims examiner at the MIABC handling liability and property loss claims on behalf of our members.

David has been handling liability claims for 30 years – the first seven of which were for architects and engineers and the last 23 of which have been for local governments. He has a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta and has completed the Canadian Risk Management training through SFU.  

David has considerable knowledge of all local government departments and he understands the unique political and administrative challenges faced by municipalities and regional districts. David finds it particularly rewarding to take the knowledge gained from handling complex claims for large cities and using that knowledge to assist smaller member communities when they suddenly find themselves dealing with a challenging situation for the first time. David believes that patience and understanding are among the most valuable tools in achieving amicable resolution of difficult claims.

Having practiced in the area of local government law for almost three decades, Denise offers comprehensive legal services to our local government clients across the province. She regularly provides advice and assistance on all aspects of governance and operations, inter-governmental negotiations, conflicts of interest, municipal liability and risk management, freedom of information and privacy issues, planning, development and building issues, commercial transactions, procurement issues and regulatory authority.

Devin Baker is the Manager of Business Development for Suncorp Valuations. He works with a team of approximately 100 staff across Canada and the US specializing in appraisals for the purpose of Insurance, Financing, Tangible Asset Reporting, Purchase Price Allocation, Capital Asset Planning, Depreciation Reports, and Reserve Fund Studies.

Prior to his employment with Suncorp Valuations, Devin worked several years with a large Credit Union specializing in Asset-Based Financing and Business Development. Devin earned his B. Comm. through the University of Saskatchewan and the Edwards School of Business specializing in finance and economics.

In his free time, Devin plays basketball, volleyball, is an avid Saskatchewan Roughrider fan, and spends what time he has working on his conflict-mediation skills with his very active 12 and 10 year old boys.

Jacinta joined MIABC in 2021 after previously working in commercial insurance. As the Risk Management Advisor, she is able to combine her passion for supporting communities with her expertise in insurance and risk management. Understanding that people are at the heart of every community allows her to approach each situation with a more holistic perspective that balances both opportunities to encourage communities to thrive with broader risk considerations and consequential factors.

Her role provides many opportunities to engage with our membership through offering advice, delivering education and services, and sharing tools and resources. Building these meaningful relationships and understanding diverse perspectives from various areas across the province ultimately helps her to tailor advice to each member's unique situation.

One of the best parts of her job is that she is constantly learning – no two days or local governments are exactly the same! By combining empathy, technical acumen, and a forward-thinking mindset, she strives to provide our members with well-rounded, practical solutions that keep our communities vibrant.

James’ practice mainly involves litigation and dispute resolution, although he also provides advice on a broad variety of local government matters. James has practised law involving local governments since his call to the Bar in 1991.  

Born and raised in Prince George, James has a law degree from the University of Toronto, and a Masters degree in Community and Regional Planning from UBC. James has appeared in numerous trials, appeals, petitions, mediations and arbitrations on matters that involve administrative law, judicial review, construction disputes, planning law, expropriation and injurious affection claims, bylaw challenges, bylaw enforcement, constitutional law, claims alleging misfeasance in public office and bad faith, environmental law disputes and prosecutions, contract disputes, insurance coverage disputes, election challenges, human rights complaints, property taxation disputes, and claims involving police forces.  

James has been involved in proceedings before tribunals that include the B.C. Utilities Commission, the National Energy Board, the Environmental Appeal Board of British Columbia, the Property Assessment Appeal Board of British Columbia, the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, the B.C. Comptroller of Water Rights and the former Expropriation Compensation Board.

Janet joined the MIABC in 2024 after more than a decade of practicing civil litigation and administrative law in the private sector.  She was drawn to the challenge and opportunity of collaborating with local governments, from risk management through to claims investigation and litigation proceedings.  She currently focuses on the areas of occupiers’ liability, personal injury, construction litigation, and professional negligence.

Janet has represented clients before all levels of Court in British Columbia as well as many provincial and federal administrative tribunals.  She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, Vancouver Bar Association, and Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers – BC Branch.

In addition to being Legal Counsel at the MIABC, Janet is the interim Human Resources Manager.

Jeff Locke has been representing local governments in litigation matters for over 25 years and is regularly retained by the MIABC as external liability defence counsel.  A significant portion of Jeff’s current practice involves lawsuits with climate change implications – slope failures, flooding and related issues. Jeff is a regular presenter at local government and other conferences practices with SMS Law in Victoria.

Mr. Bernardy is an engineering professional with 18 years of experience in municipal infrastructure. His practice focuses on design and delivery of climate-resilient capital projects related to water, drainage, and transportation. He also serves as Approving Officer for the City of Williams Lake.

Jeremy is the leader of the Local Government Liability practice at Alexander Holburn LLP and has been defending British Columbia municipalities in civil actions for over 25 years in both the BC Supreme Court and the BC Court of Appeal. He has been involved in cases involving all aspects of municipal operations and he is currently representing a British Columbia local government that is a defendant in a class action lawsuit relating to the alleged migration of PFAS contaminated groundwater.

Jessica brings the determination of a Paralympian to her comprehensive municipal law practice, advising local governments on governance and operations, conflicts of interest, council codes of conduct, municipal liability and risk management, freedom of information and privacy issues, regulatory authority, and judicial review. With experience in both litigation and solicitor work, she provides strategic guidance to help municipalities navigate complex legal challenges. A former Team Canada leader on and off the court, Jessica applies the same dedication and strategic thinking that propelled her athletic career to her legal practice. 

Jon joined the MIABC’s Legal Department in February of 2025 after working at a large regional law firm as both an articled student and associate. Jon received his Juris Doctorate degree in 2022 from the University of Calgary, graduating on the Dean’s List and receiving the Honourable Jim Prentis, QC Memorial Prize in Aboriginal Law. Jon was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2023.

Jon takes pride in his compassionate and principled approach to litigation. He has experience appearing before courts and tribunals in several provinces, including the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal, Alberta Human Rights Commission, and the Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia. 

Jon values the opportunity that the MIABC provides to work with diverse local communities throughout the province.

Karl Roemer is an experienced civil litigator who specializes in insurance defence. Karl’s clients value his strong interpersonal and negotiation skills which help achieve efficient and practical resolutions. Where claims are unfounded, or reasonable resolutions cannot be reached, Karl’s clients can also count on his considerable courtroom experience to defend their case. His experience includes acting as lead counsel in trials before the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Provincial Court of British Columbia, and Provincial Court of Saskatchewan. He has also appeared as counsel in matters before the Court of Queen's Bench for Saskatchewan and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Karl was born and raised on Vancouver Island where he grew up working with his parents on their family’s dairy farm. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria, he moved to Saskatchewan where he completed his law degree and began his legal practice. In 2017, Karl returned home to Vancouver Island where he began working at Carfra Lawton.

Ken leads the legal, legislative, risk management, property, and bylaw operations for British Columbia's fifth-most populous city. He is also Abbotsford's representative on the E-Comm 9-1-1 board and a director of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.

Before joining Abbotsford, Ken appeared before inquiries, tribunals, and every level of court in Canada with Hunter Litigation Chambers; served as General Counsel for a TSX-listed pulp and paper company; practised with Sullivan & Cromwell in New York; and clerked on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Originally from Coquitlam, he is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and Harvard Law School, where he was a supervising editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Mr. Holm is a geoscientist with 28 years of experience in natural hazard and risk management for communities, mining, energy, and transportation sectors. His areas of practice span hazard mapping through detailed risk analyses, evaluation of mitigation options, public engagement and policy integration. 
 

Kristen Dixon is the General Manager of Infrastructure for the beautiful City of Penticton, and is proud to live and work on the traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan People.  She is a Professional Engineer with a Master of Business Administration that has 20 years of local government experience in a variety of roles, including as chief administrative officer.  Kristen is passionate about municipal service delivery and is a strong advocate for local governments.

Kyle Falk-Varcoe is an associate with SMS Law and is a member of the firm’s solicitor’s group. Kyle was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 2022 and began his legal career at the Vancouver office of a leading national law firm. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Victoria in 2021. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Simon Fraser University.

Before his legal career, Kyle worked for the Government of British Columbia, including roles in the Ministry of Public Safety and the Ministry of Jobs, Trade, and Technology. During his time in law school, Kyle completed the legal co-op program and gained practical legal skills in public sector roles, including working for a Provincial Crown corporation in Victoria.

In his free time, Kyle enjoys cycling, spending time with family, and exploring British Columbia.

Lauren Hutchinson is a senior geotechnical engineer at BGC Engineering. She has been supporting communities, local governments, and infrastructure managers to understand and manage risks associated with a range of natural hazards for almost 15 years. Lauren’s project work integrates international best practices and learnings adapted to the local context to support decision makers to make informed risk-management decisions in the face of a changing climate.

Lynda joined the MIABC’s Insurance Services department in 2024 after relocating to British Columbia from Ontario. In her role as an Insurance Services Administrator, she is passionate about supporting her colleagues and engaging directly with MIABC members, ensuring they receive the assistance they need.

Before joining MIABC, Lynda gained extensive experience in commercial insurance, specializing in real estate and franchise programs. As a former commercial broker, she earned her Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) and Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designations. She is also working toward her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation, continuing her commitment to professional development in the field.

Lynda finds the learning opportunities within the insurance industry rewarding, particularly in her interactions with the diverse range of members across the province. She is proud to use her knowledge and expertise to help local governments in BC effectively serve their communities.

Lucy Grainger (she/her) works as the FireSmart Education Officer for FireSmart BC. With over a decade of boots on the ground experience in wildfire, Lucy has witnessed firsthand the positive effects that FireSmart practices have on neighbourhoods and residents. She joined the FireSmart BC program to help communities build resiliency and implement practices to reduce wildfire impacts in their regions. Lucy is grateful to live and work is the unceded traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. 

Marcus is an Underwriting Specialist with Victor’s Construction Department.  He joined Victor in 2004, bringing with him experience in construction inspection and testing after graduating from Loyalist College’s Civil Engineering Technology program in 1998. Marcus is a member of the CCDC’s Insurance Sub-Committee & an industry stakeholder participating on the Canadian Wood Council & NRC’s Mass Timber fire Demonstration project. Marcus earned his Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation in 2013, his Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation in 2016, and his Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) designation in 2023.

Marina is the Manager of Member Engagement at the MIABC. Since joining the organization in 2008, she has held multiple roles and has played a key role in the creation and evolution of the MIABC’s Property Insurance Program and brokerage arm, Civic Risk Insurance Solutions (CRIS).

As a insurance broker, Marina is responsible for all aspects of insurance placement for MIABC members. She believes her work goes far beyond the placement of an insurance policy. She is passionate about connecting members with the tools they need to meet their ever-changing needs so that they focus on what is most important to them – serving their communities.

Marina’s role as the Manager of Member Engagement makes this holistic approach possible. She ensures that MIABC members are aware of, are engaged with and have access to the MIABC’s full suite of insurance products, tools, services and education so that they are set up to make the best risk-informed decisions.

Marina holds a General Insurance Agent Level 3 License and has achieved the Chartered Insurance Professional, Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker and Canadian Risk Management designations. 

Matt Burleson is a professional with a degree in multimedia production from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a specialization in Video Production. Throughout his 20-year career, Matt has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement, mastering new technologies and refining processes. His expertise encompasses video editing & production, graphic design, web design, marketing, photography, and branding – he is also a Certified Adobe Professional.

With eight years of service at OMAG, Matt currently holds the position of Digital Engagement & Media Manager. In this role, he adeptly leverages his extensive skill set to enhance the organization's multimedia presence and brand identity, creating compelling visual content, and executing strategic branding initiatives.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Matt is a devoted Christian and family man. He resides with his beautiful wife, Jessica, and their three children: Beckett, 8, Benton, 6, and Haddie, 1 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Michael is a partner with Civic Legal LLP and has over 15 years of experience advising and representing local governments. He maintains a mixed practice of both litigation and solicitor work with a particular focus on land use, development, local government finance and bylaw regulation and enforcement. Michael regularly gives advice on and represents local governments in general matters, including property taxes, elections, highways, construction disputes and expropriation.  He also routinely assists clients with tax sales and remedial action requirements, two unique and powerful local government remedies.

Mr. Porter is a director and principal geological engineer with over 28 years of experience in geohazard and geotechnical risk management.  He joined BGC Engineering Inc. in 1996 following completion of his geological engineering degree at the University of British Columbia, and obtained his M.Eng. in civil engineering from the University of Alberta in 1999. 

Mr. Porter’s technical work focuses on the development and implementation of risk management programs for the oil and gas, hydropower, transportation and mining sectors.  He led one of Canada’s first applications of quantitative landslide risk assessment for the management of urban landslides in North Vancouver, directed the reservoir shoreline studies and participated in the public consultation process for the Site C Clean Energy Project, and acted as an expert witness following the 2014 Oso Landslide in Washington State. He has participated in and facilitated several expert-based risk assessments, and has authored or co-authored over 60 technical publications on the assessdment and management of geotechnical risk. In 2018 he chaired Geohazards 7 – the 7th Canadian Geohazards Conference, and was a recipient of the Canadian Geotechnical Society’s A.G. Stermac Award. 
 

With 20 years of water utility management experience, Nancy is passionate about connecting people and science to protect public health and the environment.  She is focused on maintaining citizen trust in the highly regulated and valued drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services that one third of Albertans count on at the City of Calgary.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from the University of Calgary and a Master’s in Communications from the University of Alberta. She is also an active member of the Alberta Water Council and Canadian Water Network. 

Nancy joined The City in 2001, after working in the not-for-profit sector and with the provincial government.  She has served in several leadership roles and is most proud of her work on water conservation, regulatory assurance and meaningful safety culture change. Nancy’s passion for public service and her commitment to employees, supports excellence in serving our customers and making Calgary a great place.

Nordia Brown is Director, Inspections for HSB Canada, Canada’s premier engineering-driven specialty insurer. She is a licensed professional engineer (P.Eng) in Ontario and holds a Certified Risk Management (CRM) designation. She also holds a National Board Inservice Inspector Commission (IS) and a Certificate of Competency (COC) via the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority).

Nordia contributes to the development and improvement of industrial codes and standards as a voting member and Vice Chair of the CSA B52, Mechanical Refrigeration Code committee and as a voting member of CSA B51, Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code committee.

Nordia is deeply committed to mentorship and professional development. She is an active member with the Black Engineers of Canada (BEC), recently nominated to the Board of Directors as Director, Programs overseeing the Entrepreneurship, Events, Training, Students Liaison, and Careers subcommittees. Nordia enjoys sharing valuable insights and experiences to support and guide the next generation of engineers in Canada.

Peter Johnson is a partner with Stewart McDannold Stuart (SMS Law). Peter graduated with his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of British Columbia in 1988. Peter practiced civil litigation for a number of years with a major Vancouver firm, appearing before all levels of court in British Columbia. In 1997 he became the Assistant Solicitor with a large and growing municipality in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver.

In 2001 Peter joined SMS Law and continues to practice as part of the firm’s solicitor’s group.  Peter provides legal advice and assistance to local governments throughout the province on a wide variety of matters, including interpretation of local government legislation, planning and development law, real estate and other commercial transactions, contract tendering issues, bylaw drafting, expropriation, environmental law issues, freedom of information and privacy issues, and ethics issues for elected officials.

Reidar is a partner at Camp Fiorante Matthews Mogerman LLP. He was called to the bar in 1997 and has worked as counsel and as an advisor on major public and private law litigation.

Reidar is one of Canada’s leading litigators. He has appeared on numerous precedent setting cases at trial and appeal courts in multiple jurisdictions (including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and the Federal Court). Notably, he appeared as counsel in the Supreme Court of Canada in cases involving indigenous rights (Okanagan Indian Band, 2003), class actions and competition law (the Microsoft and Infineon trilogy, 2013 and, Godfrey, 2019), and international human rights (Nevsun, 2020).

Reidar is co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the ongoing government-led opioids and forever chemical cost recovery class actions.

Satvinder joined MIABC’s Insurance Services Department in August 2022 as an Insurance Services Administrator and was appointed to the role of Insurance Services Representative & Broker in October 2024.

Satvinder has worked with members of all sizes to manage their property insurance and ancillary portfolios and plays a key role in ensuring that MIABC’s members receive efficient and valuable insurance services and support. She is proud to be part of an organization dedicated to making a positive difference for its members.

Satvinder holds a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Mumbai, a Global Business Management Certificate from Humber College, and a General Insurance Agent Level 2 license. She is also working toward her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation.

Steven obtained his B.A. in History from the University of Victoria before obtaining his J.D, from Dalhousie University. Prior to joining the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia, Steven worked at a downtown Vancouver law firm and practiced in a variety of legal fields including insurance defence, municipal defence, and professional negligence. He has appeared at all levels of Court in B.C. and has made submissions to a number of tribunals as well.

Steven enjoys the opportunity to work directly with a variety of communities within B.C. and assisting them with their claims and helping them identify and reduce risk through blog posts, webinars, and other educational resources offered by the MIABC.

Sukhbir moved to the lower mainland after graduating from a Vancouver Island high school in 1990 to attend the Faculty of Science at Simon Fraser University. After completing three years of undergraduate studies in chemistry, Sukhbir attended the Faculty of Law at the University of British Columbia, where he attained his Bachelors of Laws degree in 1996.

Sukhbir articled with Young, Anderson. After being called to the bar in May 1997, he practiced with the firm as an associate lawyer until January 1, 2005, when he joined the firm’s partnership. Sukhbir’s law practice at the firm involves advising the firm’s clients on general local government law issues as well as representing them in civil and quasi-criminal proceedings before arbitrators, administrative tribunals, and the courts of this province and the nation. In his practice, Sukhbir frequently draws on his experience in working as a legal research assistant to the clerk of a Vancouver Island district municipality. Sukhbir is currently a member of the Municipal Law and Civil Litigation subsections of the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and frequently speaks, as a guest lecturer, at seminars and courses on local government law and civil litigation issues put on by the Continuing Legal Education Society, the Local Government Management Association, and the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

Sukhbir is an Adjunct Professor at the UBC Faculty of Law, teaching municipal law.

Sukhbir spends most of his free time with his wife and their children. In whatever time is left available to him, Sukhbir pursues his other true loves, making furniture, gardening, and golf.

Tom has over 28 years of in-house experience serving local governments. He provides advice on all aspects of municipal law and legal issues involving the City of Victoria, including administrative, constitutional, construction, general litigation, and zoning and development law matters.  He has appeared before all levels of BC courts and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as before various administrative boards and tribunals. Tom is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria law school where he teaches municipal law and has spoken at local and national legal conferences and continuing legal education programs in BC and Ontario. 

Tristan joined the MIABC after completing his articles at a large regional full-service law firm, where he predominately worked in civil litigation. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2016 from the University of Victoria and his Juris Doctorate degree in 2022 from the University of Calgary.

Tristan practices predominately in the areas of personal injury, property damage  and occupier’s liability claims. He takes a forthright and conscientious approach to litigation that is grounded in the MIABC’s principled approach.

Tristan is passionate about BC communities, whether that be in defending claims for the MIABC, sitting as a board member for his local community centre association, or exploring BC mountains and waterways.