Updates & Press

Media Advisory: Families in Vancouver to hold vigil to honour lives taken by systems of family separation

18/06/2026Family well-being Press

Vancouver, unceded Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) homelands — On June 25, 2026, community members will gather for a Vigil for Stolen Children to honour and mourn the lives of children stolen by systems of family policing (also known as child welfare), adoption, incarceration, and immigration. These include the colonial systems of family … Read more Media Advisory: Families in Vancouver to hold vigil to honour lives taken by systems of family separation

Press Release: Supreme Court of Canada delivers breakthrough ruling for survivors of intimate partner violence

15/05/2026Gender-based violence Press

Ottawa, ON (unceded Anishinabe Algonquin Territory)—In a breakthrough ruling for survivors, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) recognized a new tort of intimate partner violence (IPV), marking a fundamental shift in how Canada’s legal system responds to abuse. Today’s decision recognizes the gendered nature of IPV and the full scope of its devastating harms. The … Read more Press Release: Supreme Court of Canada delivers breakthrough ruling for survivors of intimate partner violence

Media Advisory: Supreme Court of Canada to hear landmark case on notwithstanding clause and gender equality

18/03/2026Economic security Press

WHAT: West Coast LEAF at Supreme Court of Canada to intervene in English Montreal School Board, et al. v Attorney General of Quebec, et al. on the use of the notwithstanding clause and impacts on gender equality protections. WHEN: March 23-26, 2026. Intervenor oral arguments will be heard on March 26, 2026. WHERE: Supreme Court … Read more Media Advisory: Supreme Court of Canada to hear landmark case on notwithstanding clause and gender equality

West Coast LEAF welcomes Miriam Esquitín as Director of Strategic Operations

05/02/2026General Update

West Coast LEAF is thrilled to welcome Miriam Esquitín as our Director of Strategic Operations. This newly created role marks an important moment for the organization, as we move into a phase of organizational renewal and transition. For over 40 years, West Coast LEAF has advanced gender justice through litigation, law reform, and public legal education. Miriam will play a key … Read more West Coast LEAF welcomes Miriam Esquitín as Director of Strategic Operations

Remembering our Beautiful Elder Doris Fox

29/10/2025General Update

Musqueam Elder Doris Fox was a founding member of the West Coast LEAF Indigenous Advisory Circle and strived to mentor our organization to ground our approach and work in Musqueam ways. This often meant coming to all our work with a deep love, and a good heart and good mind. A very generous person, she … Read more Remembering our Beautiful Elder Doris Fox

Remembering Elder Dr. Lillian Howard

29/09/2025General Update

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

Statement from BC Gender Justice and Anti-Violence Organizations

27/08/2025Access to justice, Gender-based violence Press

For Immediate Release August 25, 2025 Vancouver, BC: Today, gender justice and anti-violence organizations from across British Columbia met with Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism. Organizations representing the north-west and north coast, rural and remote communities, provincial associations, Indigenous and Black women’s … Read more Statement from BC Gender Justice and Anti-Violence Organizations

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…