​Senior Estates & Trusts Practitioners

BACKGROUND
Gemma joined the Smith Neufeld Jodoin partnership on January 1, 2018.  Gemma worked with the firm as a legal assistant from 1997 until she commenced her legal studies in 2005. She spent the summers of 2006 and 2007 as a summer student with the firm and articled with the firm in 2008-2009.  Gemma received her call to the bar in May, 2009, and was an associate with the firm until joining the partnership.

EDUCATION 
Gemma graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelor of Laws in 2008. While attending Law School, Gemma received the class prizes for highest standing in Civil Procedure, Trademarks & Patents, and Municipal Law.

AREAS OF PRACTICE 
Gemma practices mainly in the areas of corporate and commercial transactions, including incorporations, mergers and acquisitions, with a special focus on corporate restructuring and owner-manager taxation issues, estate planning and trusts. Gemma also practices in the areas of real estate law, and wills and estate law.

Gemma offers creative solutions for her clients, whether it be in family business or farm transitions, owner-managed businesses, new entrepreneurs, first time home owners, or in wills and estate planning matters. Gemma enjoys working closely with clients and their professional advisors throughout various planning processes to ensure her clients are taken care of and that they understand their legal journey.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES 
Member of the Manitoba Bar Association
Member of the Canadian Bar Association
Member at Large of Real Property Subsection, Immigration Subsection and Taxation Subsection of the Manitoba Bar Association
Council for the Southeast Events Center (multiplex)
2020 Steering Committee – Cambridge Forums Estates & Trust Practitioners 3rd Generation Forum

Gemma was a board member with the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, chairing the Business Development Committee for 6 years until November, 2017.  She currently is an ad-hoc member of the Business Development Committee.
Gemma was the co-chair of Revenue Generation with the host society of the 2016 Manitoba Summer games held in Steinbach.

PERSONAL INTERESTS
Gemma resides in Steinbach with her husband and 2 children. Outside of the office Gemma can be found supporting her children in their sporting activities and in her down time, enjoys gardening and time at the lake with family and friends.

Anjali Navkar is a tax planner and lawyer at PwC LLP in Toronto. She specializes in taxation, working exclusively in the area of tax planning for individuals and Canadian private companies. In her practice, Anjali regularly advises clients on estate and post-mortem planning, strategic use of trusts, and distribution planning for corporations and trusts. Anjali graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law where she was awarded the prize in tax policy.

She can be reached at:  anjali.navkar@pwc.com.

Shona graduated from the University College Dublin with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Spanish. She has a background in medical, insurance and financial administration. In her spare time, Shona loves to travel and enjoys planning trips all around the world.

Brenna joins Cambridge Forums with 20 years of experience in events, fundraising, and development. She has spent most of her career in the music industry, working for the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, overseeing the planning of high-profile events like the JUNO awards. Most recently, she launched a successful national advocacy campaign for the live music sector resulting in significant relief funding from the federal government. Her early career involved raising funds and executing events for non-profit organizations and foundations, including the University of Toronto and the Ireland Fund of Canada.  Brenna looks forward to her role as Forum Director to blend her experience and passion for bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections.  She is a mother of two, a fitness enthusiast, and is best known for her sense of humour.