The BCCLA condemns BC Attorney General David Eby for throwing human rights, civil liberties, and evidence under the bus by suggesting the state should be able to involuntarily detain and force treatment on people who use drugs. As a lawyer, Minister … Read More
Features Blog
Solitary Confinement: Legal Torture?
Posted onSolitary confinement has been described as “the most onerous and depriving experience that the state can legally administer in Canada.”[1] The United Nations has defined solitary confinement as the detention of prisoners to their cells for 22 hours or more … Read More
A Deep Dive Into Cullen’s Final Report
Posted onOn June 15, 2022, the Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia released its Final Report, which totalled 1,804 pages. This report followed the completion of 133 days of evidentiary hearings, where nearly 200 witnesses provided evidence … Read More
Exemption ≠ Decriminalization
Posted onThe illicit drug poisoning crisis continues to exact a heavy toll. In British Columbia, the Coroners Service recorded more deaths from drug poisoning in 2021 than in any other year. The record-high 2236 deaths documented in 2021 was more … Read More
Due Process for All. Except Youth.
Posted onYouth involved in Canada’s criminal justice system are uniquely vulnerable.[1] Young people can be more susceptible to pressure from the police and other agents of the state. They also must navigate the difficulty of advocating for their legal rights.[2] … Read More
Remembering BobbyLee Worm
Posted onMother. Activist. Powerful. Loyal. Loving. Courageous. The BCCLA is mourning the loss of BobbyLee Worm, a Cree woman who loved life and had three beautiful children. She is remembered for her willingness to speak up against injustice. Because of … Read More
New Board President & VP Announcement
Posted onWe are writing to you as the new President and Vice President of the BC Civil Liberties Association. We were honoured to accept the Board’s nomination as President (Karen Mirsky) and Vice-President (Vanessa Wolff). We are as passionate about civil … Read More
Injunctions Will Not Solve Homelessness: BCCLA Reacts to Prince George Withdrawing Tent City Appeal
Posted onHousing is a human right, but Prince George has been fighting people experiencing homelessness in court for months. Last week, the city finally withdrew its appeal against unhoused people living in a tent city in Moccasin Flats, near downtown Prince … Read More
BCCLA announces departure of Litigation Director Grace Pastine
Posted onThe BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) announced today that Grace Pastine is stepping down from her position as the litigation director of the BCCLA. Pastine was hired in 2007 as the BCCLA’s first litigation director and engineered a string of … Read More
Human Rights: Change Through Collaboration
Posted onWe have always fought to protect fundamental human rights and freedoms, but we never do this work alone. From coalition work and joint advocacy, to lending our perspectives in challenges against unjust legislation, to amplifying the voices of people across … Read More
