The BCCLA works to promote, defend, sustain, and extend civil liberties and human rights in British Columbia and Canada.
We achieve this mandate through four core programs:
- Litigation in Court
- Law and Policy Reform
- Public Legal Education
- Community-based information assistance and advocacy
Relentless in our pursuit of justice, we have grown from a small group of academics and activists to a non-partisan and non-profit organization of people who continue to fight for civil liberties and human rights.
Mandate
The BCCLA exists to protect human dignity. In order for us to promote, defend, sustain, and extend civil liberties to our communities, it must first be acknowledged we are working within a colonial legal system. It is these systems that need transformation and change.Â
The BCCLA is committed to upholding our promise to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, where we committed to action and to “our vigilance in using whatever resources we have to oppose violations of the rights and freedoms of Indigenous people now and in the future.” The BCCLA seeks justice in establishing rules of law, with equity as the leading demand.Â
The BCCLA acknowledges we are working to change colonial laws in a colonial system. As an organization working against the system, we will continue to work to the full realization of the rights of Indigenous peoples.
As one of Canada’s most successful non-government legal intervenors, we are known as a trustworthy advocacy organization that will stand in solidarity with equity-denied communities. The BCCLA focuses on the relationship between people and the state, and the ways in which the state can limit or advance human rights and liberties The BCCLA’s work pays particular attention to the needs of vulnerable individuals and oppressed communities, who would otherwise have difficulty securing redress for violations. These communities face serious limitations on their rights despite being the most susceptible to state regulation and violence.
Our work ranges in diverse issue topics including:
- Criminalization and Criminal Law ReformÂ
- DemocracyÂ
- Due ProcessÂ
- Fundamental Freedoms
- Healthcare Rights
- Human Rights
- Indigenous Rights
- Migrant RightsÂ
- National SecurityÂ
- PolicingÂ
- Prisoners’ Rights
- Privacy and SurveillanceÂ
Funders and Community Partners
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Thank you to our funders and community partners!
The BCCLA wishes to gratefully acknowledge the financial and in-kind assistance of our major funders and community partners for this calendar year. Their contribution benefits the advancement of civil liberties and human rights in BC and Canada through our litigation, law reform, and public legal education efforts.
| Law Foundation of BC | Canadian Bar Association |
| Court Challenges Program | Vancouver Foundation |
| Canadian Race Relations Foundation | BC Ministry of Public Safety |
| Health Sciences Association of BC | BC Government and Service Employees Union |
| Teaching Support Staff Union | UFCW Local 1518 |
| CUPE BC | UBC Social Justice Centre |
| University of Victoria Faculty of Law | Pro Bono Students Canada |
We could not do this work without the dedication of our staff, the passion of our volunteers including our board and pro bono counsel, and without the stalwart support of our members. Â
If you are not yet a member, consider becoming one today and stand up for civil liberties and human rights for all.
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