Tim Dickson

Practice Areas

Tim practices civil litigation out of our Vancouver office, with a particular focus on Aboriginal, constitutional, administrative, and commercial law.

Tim also regularly advises and represents clients in areas of public law beyond Aboriginal law. He has acted in many leading constitutional and administrative law cases, both for and against government decision-makers.

Career

Tim is an experienced and creative lawyer who seeks practical and strategic results for his clients, whether through litigation or negotiations. He advocates for his clients before the courts and regulatory bodies. He has litigated long trials and public inquiries, has been counsel in over 10 Supreme Court of Canada appeals, and has navigated a variety of regulatory processes. Recognizing that the best results are often achieved out of court, Tim also helps his clients achieve negotiated solutions, supported by strategic and robust litigation strategies.

Tim has litigated in many areas of law, but with particular emphases on acting for Indigenous peoples in Aboriginal law matters and on cases involving other aspects of public law. He advises and acts for First Nations on matters involving Aboriginal rights and title and governments’ duty to consult and accommodate, and he represents First Nations in negotiations with government and industry. He has substantial experience in environmental assessment and regulatory hearings, including before the National Energy Board.

Professional Memberships

Law Society of British Columbia

Canadian Bar Association

Personal

Tim grew up in Vancouver. He was called to the bar in 2004 after studying law at the University of Toronto and clerking at the BC Court of Appeal.

Work Highlights

Advancing the interests of Indigenous Communities in the establishment of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee in respect of the Trans Mountain pipelines and marine shipping.

Representing the Tsilhqot’in Nation in litigation with Taseko Mines Corporation and its proposed New Prosperity mine.

Representing the City of Vancouver and the Park Board against the Vancouver Aquarium over the keeping of cetaceans in captivity.

Successfully challenging British Columbia’s abdication of environmental assessment decision-making power over the Northern Gateway pipeline: Coastal First Nations v. British Columbia (Environment).

Representing the Gitxaala Nation before the Supreme Court of Canada in the landmark Tsilhqot’in Nation appeal on Aboriginal title.

Intervening in the litigation concerning Trinity Western University’s proposed law school, in support of the decisions of the law societies of British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia to deny accreditation.

Representing several First Nations before the National Energy Board and in Crown consultations in respect of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

Acting for the Stó:lō Tribal Council before the Cohen Commission of Inquiry into the Decline of Fraser River Sockeye Salmon.

Representing the Vancouver Police Department before the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.

Acting for the Canadian Unitarian Council (“CUC”) in the assisted dying litigation (the “Carter” case), including before the Supreme Court of Canada. (Tim is currently acting for the CUC in the follow-up litigation (the Lamb case), concerning restrictions imposed by Bill C-14 on access to medical assistance in dying.)

Representing the Amicus Curiae in the “Polygamy Reference”, which concerned the constitutionality of the criminalization of polygamy.

Acting for the City of Vancouver in litigation and regulatory proceedings against Canadian Pacific Railway in respect of the Arbutus Corridor.

Acting pro bono for the BC Civil Liberties Association before the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. National Post (freedom of the press) and R. v. Jordan; R v. Williamson (right to be tried within a reasonable time).

Successfully representing the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in the Women’s Ski Jumping Charter of Rights litigation.

Successfully representing the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster against the congregations of several parishes who objected to the blessing of same-sex relationships and sought to break away from the Anglican Church and obtain possession of the church properties.

Acting for the defendants in the litigation over the construction of the Canada Line, and successfully defending against the claims.

Awards