Lawyer Profile
Mylène Vallières
Montréal, Québec
Overview
Many Canadian entities and other entities conducting business in Canada have reporting obligations under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the “Modern Slavery Act”), which came into effect on January 1, 2024. These obligations include completing an online questionnaire and filing an annual report on the steps taken to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labor or child labor in their supply chain. The Modern Slavery Act applies to government institutions producing, purchasing or distributing goods in Canada or elsewhere, and to “entities” producing goods in Canada or elsewhere or importing goods produced outside Canada or controlling such entities. An "entity" refers to organisations that are listed on a Canadian stock exchange or have a business presence or assets in Canada and satisfy certain thresholds related to assets, revenue, or number of employees. As organizations prepare for the upcoming reporting deadline of May 31, 2025 - a second report for many - they should consider the following: It is useful to review guidelines, which were updated by Public Safety Canada in November 2024 to clarify key terms such as assets, goods, and importer. Failure to submit the report in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act may result in substantial penalties, including fines and potential liability for the directors, officers, and employees involved. The report must encompass a broad range of information, receive approval from the entity's governing body, and include the required attestation. Sufficient resources and time should therefore be allocated to the preparation and approval of the report. In summary, reporting entities and governmental institutions subject to the Modern Slavery Act should promptly review their obligations and gather the necessary information for their reports. Timely and accurate reporting is crucial to avoid legal and financial consequences. For assistance or clarification on compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, please contact Mylène Vallières at mvallieres@lavery.ca.
On March 3rd, 2025, the Department of Finance Canada announced a two-year extension to the 15% Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (“METC”) available to investors in flow-through shares. The extension means that the METC will be effective until March 31, 2027. This announcement came at a time when uncertainty loomed over the industry and some stakeholders feared that the government would not renew the METC. Over time, this tax credit has become a key component of flow-through share financings. It is intended to enhance the tax deductions already available to flow-through share holders and ultimately help companies raise capital for mineral exploration. The METC was last renewed in 2019 for a five-year period, indicating the government’s long-term commitment to the sector at that time. And while this renewal is welcome news for exploration companies, it should be noted that the shorter two-year horizon of the extension does not provide the same assurance regarding the incentive’s future. It is possible that this two-year renewal reflects the government’s intention to promote the new 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (“CMETC”) instead, on which more information can be found here: Federal Budget 2022: Good News for Mining Exploration Companies! In closing, it is important to note that the one-year extension to the 15% METC will not affect the period during which the 30% CMETC is available for critical mineral exploration, which will end on March 31, 2027, and is subject to renewal. If you were planning on financing non-critical mineral exploration, you may want to complete this transaction within the next two years in order to benefit from the 15% METC. Our team of professionals specializing in securities, mining law and taxation is available to answer any questions you may have concerning this new measure and to guide you in arranging a successful flow-through financing.
On March 28, 2024, the Department of Finance Canada announced a one-year extension to the 15% Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (“METC”) available to investors in flow-through shares. The extension means that the METC will be effective until March 31, 2025. This announcement came at a time when uncertainty loomed over the industry and some stakeholders feared that the government would not renew the METC. Over time, this tax credit has become a key component of flow-through share financings. It is intended to enhance the tax deductions already available to flow-through share holders and ultimately help companies raise capital for mineral exploration. The METC was last renewed in 2019 for a five-year period, indicating the government’s long-term commitment to the sector at that time. And while this renewal is welcome news for exploration companies, it should be noted that the shorter one-year horizon of the extension does not provide the same assurance regarding the incentive’s future. It is possible that this one-year renewal reflects the government’s intention to promote the new 30% Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (“CMETC”) instead, on which more information can be found here: Federal Budget 2022: Good News for Mining Exploration Companies! In closing, it is important to note that the one-year extension to the 15% METC will not affect the period during which the 30% CMETC is available for critical mineral exploration, which will end on March 31, 2027, and is subject to renewal. If you were planning on financing non-critical mineral exploration, you may want to complete this transaction in the coming year in order to benefit from the 15% METC. Our team of professionals specializing in securities, mining law and taxation is available to answer any questions you may have concerning this new measure and to guide you in arranging a successful flow-through financing.
Lavery is pleased to welcome the following professionals as partners in the firm. Marc-André Bouchard Marc-André Bouchard is a member of the Litigation group. He regularly represents professionals, contractors, project owners and insurers in the construction and infrastructure sector in litigation and dispute resolution matters. He also acts for insurance companies and businesses in commercial, contractual and professional liability matters. As a litigator, he represents his clients before the Quebec courts in civil and commercial litigation, and as such, has had the opportunity to collaborate in cases involving large-scale trials that required complex evidence management with a large quantity of documents. David Choinière David Choinière is a member of Lavery's Litigation and Dispute Resolution group and focuses his practice mainly on banking litigation, restructuring and insolvency. He also advises and represents his clients in commercial disputes of all kinds and regularly makes representations before the various Quebec courts. Joël Larouche Joël Larouche is a member of the Lavery's Litigation and Dispute Resolution group and focuses his practice mainly on commercial litigation, insolvency and restructuring. He has extensive experience with injunctions of all kinds, including Anton Piller, Norwich and Mareva injunctions, as well as those used in breaches of non-solicitation and non-competition clauses and the theft of personal and confidential information, among others. He frequently acts as an independent supervising lawyer in the context of Anton Piller order enforcement. Mylène Vallières Mylène Vallières is a member of the Business law group. Her practice is primarily focused on securities law and mining law. She also assists clients carrying out public and private financings, corporate reorganizations, as well as mergers and acquisitions. This cohort of new partners plays a crucial role in the growth of the firm and our desire to be a growth partner for companies doing business in Quebec. They successfully embody Lavery’s culture and values: Excellence, Collaboration, Audacity and Entrepreneurship. Congratulations to our new partners! About Lavery Lavery is the leading independent law firm in Québec. Its more than 200 professionals, based in Montréal, Québec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, work every day to offer a full range of legal services to organizations doing business in Québec. Recognized by the most prestigious legal directories, Lavery professionals are at the heart of what is happening in the business world and are actively involved in their communities. The firm's expertise is frequently sought after by numerous national and international partners to provide support in cases under Québec jurisdiction.
Practice Areas
Bar Information
Called to the bar: 2015 (QC)