Updates & Press

Release: Rights groups call on BC government to dismantle framework for policing families

26/10/2022Family well-being Press

October 26, 2022 – For Immediate Release Vancouver, unceded Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) homelands – Family advocates are calling on the BC government and Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) to dismantle the framework for policing and surveilling families in BC. MCFD’s current framework for investigation, intervention, and child removal in … Read more Release: Rights groups call on BC government to dismantle framework for policing families

Our new visual identity

24/10/2022Uncategorized Update

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

Release: Supreme Court of Canada case to address equality implications of defamation lawsuits against marginalized people

11/10/2022Access to justice, Gender-based violence Press

October 11, 2022 – For Immediate Release Ottawa, unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory – Today, West Coast LEAF is intervening at the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) in Hansman v Neufeld, a case that will affect the ability of British Columbians to speak out against public discourse that threatens the dignity, equality, and safety of marginalized groups. The SCC … Read more Release: Supreme Court of Canada case to address equality implications of defamation lawsuits against marginalized people

Release: Rights group in court to defend right of Single Mothers’ Alliance to challenge BC’s family law legal aid regime

23/08/2022Access to justice, Family well-being, Gender-based violence Press

Tuesday, August 23, 2022—For Immediate Release Vancouver, unceded Coast Salish homelands—Today, West Coast LEAF is in court to defend the public interest standing of the Centre for Family Equity (CFE), formerly known as Single Mothers’ Alliance (SMA) in their constitutional challenge to BC’s family law legal aid regime. In an outrageous attack on access to … Read more Release: Rights group in court to defend right of Single Mothers’ Alliance to challenge BC’s family law legal aid regime

Release: Supreme Court deems non-consensual condom removal sexual assault

29/07/2022Gender-based violence Press

For Immediate Release – Friday, July 29, 2022 Ottawa, unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory—Today, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) released a decision in R. v Kirkpatrick that will result in a broader recognition of non-consensual condom refusal or removal as sexual assault under the law. The Court confirmed that a person can make their partner’s … Read more Release: Supreme Court deems non-consensual condom removal sexual assault

BC becomes first province to end immigration detention in its jails

27/07/2022Access to justice, Criminalization Update

In a historic move, BC has become the first Canadian province to end immigration detention in its jails!…

Help us ensure safety for women and gender diverse refugees

05/07/2022Criminalization, Gender-based violence Update

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

More good news from the Supreme Court of Canada!

04/07/2022Access to justice, Gender-based violence Update

Today, the Supreme Court of Canada released a decision that improves protections for sexual assault survivors in criminal trials. The decision in R v J.J. and A.S. v Her Majesty the Queen et al. will have a major impact on how courts handle sexual assault cases, and how a survivor’s private records can be used. Learn more about the protections for … Read more More good news from the Supreme Court of Canada!

Release: Supreme Court releases decision that protects sexual assault survivors in criminal trials

30/06/2022Access to justice, Gender-based violence Press

For Immediate Release – Thursday, June 30, 2022 Ottawa, unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory—The Supreme Court of Canada released a decision today that will improve protections for sexual assault survivors in criminal trials. The decision in R v J.J. and A.S. v Her Majesty the Queen et al. has significant implications for how courts handle sexual … Read more Release: Supreme Court releases decision that protects sexual assault survivors in criminal trials

Release: Supreme Court upholds access to justice in Charter challenges

23/06/2022Access to justice, Healthcare Press

For immediate release – Thursday, June 23, 2022 Ottawa (unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory) –Today, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) released a decision in Council of Canadians with Disabilities v British Columbia that upholds access to justice and the ability of public interest organizations to bring legal cases on behalf of marginalized communities. “Canada’s highest court has … Read more Release: Supreme Court upholds access to justice in Charter challenges