Updates & Press

Media Advisory: Vigil for Stolen Children to Honour Lives Taken by Systems of Family Separation

23/06/2025Family well-being Press

On June 26, 2025, community members will gather for a Vigil for Stolen Children to honour and mourn the lives of children stolen by systems of family policing, adoption, incarceration, and immigration. This event is part of the first annual Stolen Children’s Month, a series of global vigils and actions taking place throughout June to … Read more Media Advisory: Vigil for Stolen Children to Honour Lives Taken by Systems of Family Separation

A farewell message from our Executive Director, Raji Mangat

23/06/2025Uncategorized Update

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

Release: Court upholds human rights protections for families facing discrimination

08/05/2025Access to justice, Family well-being Press

In a significant ruling, the BC Court of Appeal affirmed that the BC Human Rights Tribunal has jurisdiction…

Equal Pay Day 2025

14/04/2025Economic security Update

We’re calling the BC government to make real, systemic changes to advance economic justice and well-being…

In the news – 2025

03/04/2025Access to justice, Criminalization, Economic security, Family well-being, Gender-based violence, Healthcare Press

At West Coast LEAF, we’re proud to make the news regularly, to share our expertise widely, and ultimately to shift public opinion, laws, and policies. Here’s some of what we’ve been up to in 2025. June May February

Media Advisory: Gender justice organizations to challenge harmful myths and stereotypes about family violence at Supreme Court of Canada

05/02/2025Gender-based violence Press

What: Rise Women’s Legal Centre and West Coast LEAF at Supreme Court of Canada to intervene in Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia, a case on family violence. When: February 11-12. Intervenor oral arguments will be heard on February 12. Where: Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.Tune into the hearings via the SSC webcast page. Ottawa, ON (unceded … Read more Media Advisory: Gender justice organizations to challenge harmful myths and stereotypes about family violence at Supreme Court of Canada

Media Advisory: BC Court of Appeal to hear case on human rights oversight over family policing agency

10/12/2024Family well-being Press

December 10, 2024—For Immediate Release What: West Coast LEAF at BC Court of Appeal to intervene in R.R. v Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society. When: Hearing datesare December 11-13, 2024. Where: BC Court of Appeal (Vancouver). See hearing list for courtroom and broadcast link. Vancouver, unceded Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) … Read more Media Advisory: BC Court of Appeal to hear case on human rights oversight over family policing agency

Release: Gender justice groups urge BC government to repeal harmful name change ban

07/11/2024Access to justice, Gender-based violence, Healthcare Press

Vancouver, unceded Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) homelands – Gender justice groups from across the province are calling on the BC Government to repeal Bill 26 the Name Amendment Act (No 2) 2024. The bill changed the Name Act, restricting access to legal name changes for many British Columbians. The new Name Act … Read more Release: Gender justice groups urge BC government to repeal harmful name change ban

West Coast LEAF statement of solidarity with Palestine

20/08/2024Access to justice, Criminalization, Economic security, Family well-being, Gender-based violence, Healthcare Update

West Coast LEAF stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Congrats to Monique Pongracic-Speier

11/07/2024Access to justice Update

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