1. Title of Resolution:

Abortion Rights in Canada

2. Estimated cost of implementation to CBA:

(Including the amount of any increase in budget requirements, any potential savings, and the amount of staff time to implement the resolution) Note: National Office staff can assist in calculating implementation cost.

CBA staff time to support related advocacy efforts, such as meetings with government officials and other stakeholders, can be implemented in current budgetary allocation.

3. Contact person who can assist the Board of Directors to implement the Resolution:

Name: Catherine Ewasiuk
Firm name: Fulton & Company Law Corporation, Vancouver
Telephone: (604) 900-3106
E-mail: cewasiuk@fultonco.com

4. Implementation Calendar

(List steps to be taken by the CBA to implement the Resolution and suggested dates for completion of each step)

The WLF will monitor future tabled legislation and oppose attempts to restrict abortion rights and access in Canada.

The WLF will engage with CBA Branches and support their advocacy for expanded access to abortion.

5. Indicator of Success

(The practical result which, if achieved, will show that the Resolution has been successfully implemented by the CBA.)

Right to safe and accessible abortion is maintained or enhanced across Canada.

6. Any information not appearing on the face of the Resolution to inform the deliberations:

(Attach or link to any background papers or other documentation in addition to this form which should be submitted to the Annual Meeting with the Resolution. Attach or link to documentation in both French and English, where it exists in both official languages.)

R v Morgentaler, [1988] 1 SCR 30

Tremblay v Daigle, [1989] 2 SCR 530

Statements expressing concern about the US Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 597/1 (2022) and considering its potential impact in Canada: CBA, June 24, 2022; WLF, July 12, 2022

In May 2023 the WLF wrote to the Minister for Women and Gender and Equality and Youth opposing private member’s Bill C-311 as an attempt to interfere with abortion rights.

Julianne Stevenson & Jennifer Taylor, Access to Choice: The Legal Framework for Abortion Access in Nova Scotia (May 2020): online

Joanna Erdman, “Why Canada’s abortion right endures: our constitutional history and tradition” (May 5, 2022) online  [paywalled]

Martha Paynter, “Roe v. Wade: Canada can respond to U.S. bans by approving access to abortion care here” (June 26, 2022): online

Health Canada, “Government of Canada Strengthens Access to Abortion Services” (May 9, 2023): online

Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, “Court Decisions and Laws in Canada on Abortion” (updated August 2023): online

PODCAST: “Aborsh” online

7. (i) Person moving Resolution:

Will be present at Annual Meeting: Yes ☒ | No ☐

Name: Jennifer Taylor
Firm name: Stewart McKelvey, Halifax
Telephone: (902) 420-3361        
E-mail: jennifertaylor@stuartmckelvey.com

7. (ii) Person seconding Resolution:

Will be present at Annual Meeting: Yes ☒ | No ☐

Name: Catherine Ewasiuk
Firm name: Fulton & Company Law Corporation, Vancouver
Telephone: (604) 900-3106
E-mail: cewasiuk@fultonco.com

7. (iii) Branch, Section, Committee or Subcommittee sponsoring resolution, if any:

Women Lawyers Forum, Access to Justice Subcommittee, Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance, Equality Subcommittee

8. Branches, Sections, Committees or Subcommittees directly affected by implementation of this resolution:

Women Lawyers Forum, Access to Justice Subcommittee, Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance, Equality Subcommittee