RESOLUTION ON ABORTION RIGHTS IN CANADA
The Section is pleased to announce that its resolution on abortion rights in Canada passed at the CBA Annual General Meeting on February 8, 2024, with the support and solidarity of our colleagues.
The resolution makes it CBA policy (a) to oppose any efforts to restrict abortion rights and access in Canada, and (b) to commit to working with governments and other stakeholders to expand abortion access across Canada. Abortion rights are fundamental to bodily autonomy, and enable people to control their futures, shape their families, and fully participate in society, in accordance with principles of reproductive justice.
We truly believe that CBA policy has been changed for the better and we look forward to the advocacy these resolutions will hopefully inspire. Stay tuned!
OTHER RESOLUTIONS PASSED AT THE AGM
The Section co-sponsored a further three resolutions penned and moved by CBA Sexual and Gender Diversity Alliance Section (SAGDA) calling on the CBA to take several measures to confront systemic discrimination, harassment, and violence against 2STNBGD+ people. All three resolutions passed.
The first resolution calls on the CBA to replace all instances of the term “equality” with “equity”, and “equality-seeking” with “equity-deserving” to clarify that the CBA’s mandate and programs recognize that it is often necessary to allocate different resources and opportunities to individuals or groups to achieve an equal outcome, making these consistent with human rights principles and reflecting support for historically disadvantaged individuals and communities.
The second resolution calls on the CBA to combat transphobia and homophobia by implementing the recommendations in the CBA Access to Justice for Trans People, supporting and adopting laws making it a discriminatory practice to communicate or cause to be communicated hate speech, including on the internet, and developing and implementing a national strategy involving all levels of government to protect the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people and combat increasing transphobia and hate crimes.
Finally, the third resolution calls on the CBA to condemn the use of the notwithstanding clause to enforce policies that force teachers to inform parents if a child wishes to be referred to by a different name or pronouns. It further calls on the organization to urge federal, provincial, and territorial governments to immediately repeal policies that deny appropriate protections, safety and dignity for 2STNBGD+ children and youth and adopt inclusive school policies that protect and promote the wellbeing and autonomy of 2STNBGD+ students and other 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
IDENTITIES COMMITTEE AND TRAINING
On November 2, 2023, the WLF Identities Committee hosted a hybrid session facilitated by Kate Moore of Vital Shift Consulting on how to make the WLF’s mandate and activities more inclusive, with a focus on gender inclusion. This was an important step in a journey that began in earnest in 2020 – with warm thanks to SAGDA for inspiring us to take this journey. We are very pleased to share the PowerPoint that Kate prepared, which may be useful for other Sections and Organizations to consider as they reflect and take action on inclusion.
This is just the beginning of the journey for our Section. Next year will see the WLF implement what we have learned into our mandate and programming. Watch this space!
CBA WOMEN LAWYERS FORUM ESSAY CONTEST – WRITING THEM IN
Submissions for Writing Them In, WLF’s essay writing contest are now open!
The award is presented annually for the best English or French scholarly paper received by the submission date on developments in Canadian law and/or Canadian legal history related to advancing gender equity, by an individual who is currently: a full-time or part-time student enrolled in a JD or LLB program at a Canadian law school; a National Committee on Accreditation candidate; or a student who is articling, or completing an equivalent program, in accordance with the requirements of a Canadian law society.
Papers are due May 2, 2024. We encourage all to apply!
SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION: TEACHINGS FROM THE TOUCHSTONES TASK FORCE (RECORDING)
Please check out the recording for our recent webinar, Shattering the Glass Ceiling in the Legal Profession: Teachings from the Touchstones Task Force! Free for CBA members. This webinar is presented in English with simultaneous translation available.
And while you’re at it, check out the Touchstones 30th Anniversary Podcast Mini-Series. Learn more about the context and history of this ground-breaking report on gender equality in the legal profession in these discussions between some of the original task force members, the lead author of the report and a diverse group of lawyers.
MADAM JUSTICE
The Madam Justice project is an online gallery presented by our Section in collaboration with the Judges Section. The project is intended to celebrate diversity on the bench by showcasing advice and perspectives from women judges across Canada. The project is ongoing, and we will be adding more profiles to the gallery over time.
Check out the latest profiles in the gallery.
Thank you,
Catherine Ewasiuk (Vancouver, BC)
Chair, 2023-2024 CBA Women Lawyers Forum