Background
Yvan Houle is a partner at our Montréal office. Mr. Houle was admitted to the Québec Bar in 1989 and to the Ontario Bar in 1986, and is a graduate of the University of Ottawa Law School.
Areas of Practice
- Mr. Houle is the regional leader of our Construction, Engineering, Surety and Fidelity Group. He is also a member of our Maritime Group.
- He has significant experience in dealing with the Federal Court of Canada having clerked for a Federal Court of Canada Appeal Division judge. He has also pleaded numerous cases before the Québec, Ontario and federal courts relating to both construction, product liability and maritime matters.
- Mr. Houle is the regional leader of our Aboriginal Law Group in Montréal.
Professional Experience
- Negotiates and drafts construction contracts as well as conventional and legal suretyships. Negotiation / drafting of contracts pertaining to pulp and paper manufacturing, ethanol production, vaccine / pharmaceutical production and commercial use facilities.
- Litigates all manner of construction disputes: bid/tender disputes, owner/constructor and bond disputes, lien litigation and professional liability.
- Has particular expertise relating to the application of the various legislative and regulatory provisions governing the construction industry.
- Actively promotes alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in all situations that warrant their use.
- In the maritime field, Mr. Houle’s practice is focused primarily on the defence of marine cargo claims.
- Extensive product liability defence experience (i.e. manufacturer's liability and representation of parties in the context of coroner inquiries.
- Experience in dealing with aboriginal land claims / negotiation.
Professional and Community Activities
- Member of the Canadian Bar Association
- Member of the Construction Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association
- Member of the Canadian Maritime Law Association
- Member of the Maritime Arbitrators of Canada
- Member of our Montréal office’s Conflicts Committee
Conferences and publications
- November 27, 2002: "Les développements importants en matière d'hypothèques légales", Canadian Institute Conference
- April 4, 2003: "Code de construction", Corporation des Entrepreneurs Généraux du Québec Conference
- April 11, 2003: "Le recours délictuel: une nouvelle avenue pour les intervenants de la construction", Quebec Bar Association Conference, published in "Développements récents en droit de la construction 2003"
- October 2, 2003: "Les appels d'offres : tendances et considérations pratiques", Infonex Conference 2003
- November 26, 2003: "La responsabilité des professionnels : obligations, déontologie, étendue et limites", Construction Superconference – Canadian Institute
- March 25, 2004: "Coverage when you really need it, current issues in construction", Canadian Construction Association Conference – Construction section
- October 19, 2004: "Les réclamations pour coûts additionnels ont-elle frappé un mur?" Canadian Bar Association Conference
- November 25, 2004: "Hypothèque légale de la construction : spécificités, risques et stratégies", Construction Superconference – Canadian Institute
- March 8, 2005: "Construction Insolvency Where do you go when the Financial Well runs dry?" 87th Construction Canadian Associate Annual Conference
