Experience
She has been a member of the bar in British Columbia and the CBABC Aboriginal Law Section since 2006. Her practice involves assisting First Nations to strengthen core governance, legal, financial management and administration systems. She works with clients to develop Indigenous laws including constitutions, financial administration laws, taxation laws, land codes, spousal property laws, election and membership codes, as well as a range of agreements, licences and permits. She has also served as election and ratification officer for numerous First Nation elections, referenda and land code ratifications.Increasingly, First Nation leaders are reaching out to use the fiscal tools under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to stimulate economic growth, raise revenues through taxation, strengthen their fiscal management systems, access loans for capital projects, and improve local services and infrastructure. Francine has been on the leading edge of this work for many years.
In addition to supporting these governance initiatives, Francine also has experience in advising on the duty to consult and accommodate, as well as environmental assessment processes related to natural resource development and joint ventures. Francine has sat in chair positions on boards for several not-for-profit societies and an assessment appeal board.
Education
LL.B. University of British Columbia, 2005B.A.,(Criminology and First Nations Studies), 2002
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
- Called to the British Columbia Bar in 2006
- Member of the Canadian Bar Association