Lillian Howard, a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, came from the Mowachaht/Muchulaht First Nations in Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island. West Coast LEAF is forever grateful for and forever transformed by the gifts Elder Lillian Howard shared with us as a founding member of our Indigenous Advisory Circle. She was extraordinarily giving in offering her … Read more Remembering Elder Dr. Lillian Howard
Dear West Coast LEAF friends, supporters and partners, Saying goodbye is never easy, and it’s not easy saying goodbye to West Coast LEAF. But as of August 1, I’ll be stepping away from my role as the executive director. The past nine years have been a whirlwind. From the moment I walked into a new … Read more A farewell message from our Executive Director, Raji Mangat
We’re calling the BC government to make real, systemic changes to advance economic justice and well-being…
West Coast LEAF stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Huge congratulations are in order for Monique Pongracic-Speier, KC, for receiving the 2024 Harry Rankin, QC Pro Bono Award from the Canadian Bar Association of BC. Monique is a brilliant litigator, a dedicated advocate, and —we’re grateful to say—a long-time friend of and collaborator with West Coast LEAF. We know from working alongside Monique that … Read more Congrats to Monique Pongracic-Speier
Today, we were at BC’s 2024 Budget presentation in Victoria on the unceded Coast Salish homelands of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples to hear whether the government will implement our key recommendations. Lawsuit settlement provides some much-need support, but not enough Last week, we announced a historic win as the government settled our lawsuit brought … Read more Budget 2024: Historic legal aid expansion, but lots left to do
We offer legal education that is based on our feminist and social justice values. In addition to providing information about law…
Over the past few years, we have continued to deepen West Coast LEAF’s work to advance justice and equality for all women and people who experience gender-based discrimination. Our work is rooted in relationship-building and sustained community engagement. In all we do, we center the people most impacted and marginalized by systems of injustice and … Read more Our new visual identity
In a historic move, BC has become the first Canadian province to end immigration detention in its jails!…
Many of you have been following the challenge to the Safe Third Country Act (STCA) and its impact on refugees seeking safety and freedom from persecution in their country of origin. The case has now made it up to Canada’s highest court, and West Coast LEAF will be there to highlight how the STCA endangers refugees, and … Read more Help us ensure safety for women and gender diverse refugees