Staff at the BC Civil Liberties Association were shocked to hear about the recent passing of Harry Critchley. We grieve for his family, friends, and all of humanity. In times when it feels like darkness is encroaching, it is devastating to lose such a bright light that spread love, empathy, and compassion to the world.
From the very first time our paths crossed, we were impressed with Harry’s curiosity, passion, and desire to help the most marginalized in our society. We first met him in the autumn of 2019 when he interviewed for a position as a summer student. We were astounded by how much experience he had already amassed as a community advocate. More than anything, we were impressed by his maturity and modesty. From his nearby bookshelf, Harry pulled out resource after resource that he had developed to connect criminalized people with essential services. We were speechless, to say the least. Harry’s experience, dedication and talent were evident within just an hour of meeting him. Later, the interview panel joked that Harry could be our boss!
We loved working with Harry throughout the summer of 2020. Harry could not relocate to Vancouver because this was the first year of the pandemic,. Despite the distance, his impact on the organization was undeniable. With his excellent research and writing skills, he helped us better understand the injustices faced by incarcerated youth in British Columbia and across the country. Harry was a treasured member of the BCCLA team; he was always eager to collaborate with colleagues but was also brilliant on his own, writing a series of high-quality legal research memos that we continue to draw upon today.
BCCLA’s relationship with Harry didn’t end when his summer work term ended. We continued to learn from one another and fight for a better world together in the years that followed. Given Harry’s position on the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners, we continued to connect around issues of police accountability, supporting one another’s advocacy initiatives. Many of the policing issues that concerned Harry in his own backyard persisted across the country, echoing in British Columbia. We were envious that Halifax had someone with so much integrity on their police oversight body.
Harry had a knack for relationship–building. He graciously connected BCCLA with East Coast Prison Justice Society to collaborate as participants at the Mass Casualty Commission. This partnership was deeply enriching for BCCLA, and we were privileged to witness Harry’s bright light continue to shine as an expert speaking at the Commission’s Policy Roundtables. Harry’s research and ideas about democratic police governance were also central to our joint submissions to the Commission.
It gave us great comfort to know that Harry was living his best life on the Atlantic side of Canada, using his gifts to challenge cruel and unjust aspects of our state systems. We assumed that we would be collaborating with Harry for many decades, and we were so excited to follow his path in life. However, we know Harry’s legacy will carry on in the work that he did and the lives that he touched.
Harry was simply the best! Not only was he a giant in his field, but he had a giant heart. He was brilliant, loving, and generous with his gifts. He will continue to inspire BCCLA and our work for many years to come.
Remembering Harry Critchley
Staff at the BC Civil Liberties Association were shocked to hear about the recent passing of Harry Critchley. We grieve for his family, friends, and all of humanity. In times when it feels like darkness is encroaching, it is devastating to lose such a bright light that spread love, empathy, and compassion to the world.
From the very first time our paths crossed, we were impressed with Harry’s curiosity, passion, and desire to help the most marginalized in our society. We first met him in the autumn of 2019 when he interviewed for a position as a summer student. We were astounded by how much experience he had already amassed as a community advocate. More than anything, we were impressed by his maturity and modesty. From his nearby bookshelf, Harry pulled out resource after resource that he had developed to connect criminalized people with essential services. We were speechless, to say the least. Harry’s experience, dedication and talent were evident within just an hour of meeting him. Later, the interview panel joked that Harry could be our boss!
We loved working with Harry throughout the summer of 2020. Harry could not relocate to Vancouver because this was the first year of the pandemic,. Despite the distance, his impact on the organization was undeniable. With his excellent research and writing skills, he helped us better understand the injustices faced by incarcerated youth in British Columbia and across the country. Harry was a treasured member of the BCCLA team; he was always eager to collaborate with colleagues but was also brilliant on his own, writing a series of high-quality legal research memos that we continue to draw upon today.
BCCLA’s relationship with Harry didn’t end when his summer work term ended. We continued to learn from one another and fight for a better world together in the years that followed. Given Harry’s position on the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners, we continued to connect around issues of police accountability, supporting one another’s advocacy initiatives. Many of the policing issues that concerned Harry in his own backyard persisted across the country, echoing in British Columbia. We were envious that Halifax had someone with so much integrity on their police oversight body.
Harry had a knack for relationship–building. He graciously connected BCCLA with East Coast Prison Justice Society to collaborate as participants at the Mass Casualty Commission. This partnership was deeply enriching for BCCLA, and we were privileged to witness Harry’s bright light continue to shine as an expert speaking at the Commission’s Policy Roundtables. Harry’s research and ideas about democratic police governance were also central to our joint submissions to the Commission.
It gave us great comfort to know that Harry was living his best life on the Atlantic side of Canada, using his gifts to challenge cruel and unjust aspects of our state systems. We assumed that we would be collaborating with Harry for many decades, and we were so excited to follow his path in life. However, we know Harry’s legacy will carry on in the work that he did and the lives that he touched.
Harry was simply the best! Not only was he a giant in his field, but he had a giant heart. He was brilliant, loving, and generous with his gifts. He will continue to inspire BCCLA and our work for many years to come.
CIVIL LIBERTIES CAN’T PROTECT THEMSELVES