For immediate release – April 28, 2020 VANCOUVER – Today, West Coast LEAF launched a toolkit for navigating the admissibility of evidence of a survivor’s sexual activity and the production of third-party records in criminal proceedings. Designed for Read More
Calling all lawyers: we are working to ensure survivors are receiving the legal representation they deserve
Today, we’re launching our new resource for lawyers who represent survivors of sexual assault in criminal court proceedings. In response to critical recommendations we heard from survivors and those working in the justice system, we have put together a Read More
A toolkit for navigating section 276 and 278 Criminal Code matters as complainant counsel in criminal proceedings
For survivors of sexual assault navigating the criminal legal system, the disclosure of private records and introduction of evidence about their sexual history can be a devastating intrusion. Concerns about this type of intrusion can also be a major Read More
Happy birthday to equality rights in the Charter! And happy birthday to us!
Today is Equality Day: the 35th birthday of the equality rights protections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These provisions were included in the Charter thanks to the relentless leadership of feminists. Today, we thank and celebrate those Read More
Letter calling for an end to the three-month wait period for health care
In January 2020, West Coast LEAF added our voice to the call by Sanctuary City Vancouver and many other groups to end the three-month waiting period to access health care for people entering or returning to Canada. Read our Read More
RELEASE: Budget 2020: Province committed to staying the course, but leaves many behind
For immediate release – February 18, 2020 VICTORIA – Today, the provincial government released Budget 2020. While we are pleased that this budget is aimed at holding the course on earlier commitments, it still leaves BC’s most marginalized residents Read More
Joint letter on Bill S-3 and Indian status registration for First Nations women and their descendants
In February 2020, 20 organizations and individuals sent a letter to the Canadian government expressing concerns about a lack of information and delays regarding the registration process for First Nations women and their descendants who are newly entitled to Read More
We’ll be at the BC Human Rights Tribunal to highlight impacts of discrimination in the child welfare system
Beginning on Tuesday, February 18, the BC Human Rights Tribunal will begin hearing a complaint brought by an Indigenous mother, known as R.R., against the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (“VACFSS”), an agency delegated to administer parts Read More