Community Legal Assistance Society

17/05/2026

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.

At a time when 2SLGBTQIA+ communities — especially trans people — are facing increasing hostility and attacks on their rights, allyship cannot be passive.

Challenging discrimination means speaking up, standing with communities, and supporting access to safety, dignity, and justice.

At CLAS, we stand in clear solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

15/05/2026

Our office will be closed Monday, May 18 for Victoria Day. Wishing everyone a restful long weekend.

15/05/2026

Moose Hide Campaign Day began as a grassroots movement to end violence against women and children, grounded in Indigenous teachings and community leadership.

The moose hide pin is a symbol of commitment to honour, respect, and take action against gender-based violence.

At CLAS, we see how violence and inequality are shaped by broader systems, and we work to ensure people have access to legal protections and support when their rights are at risk.

Through SHARP Workplaces, CLAS offers free, confidential legal advice to people in BC facing workplace sexual harassment: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace/about-sharp-workplaces/

Learn more about Moose Hide Day, visit: moosehidecampaign.ca

Below are embedded YouTube videos of all the available livestreams as part of Moose Hide Campaign Day. They are also available to through the event platform, but you have the option to watch them here, or directly on Youtube by opening the player up. If you are watching the livestreams at a later ti...

13/05/2026

Did you know? When you contact SHARP Workplaces, you can speak to legal professionals who understand workplace sexual harassment and what can be done about it, at no cost to you.

We offer free, confidential legal advice to help you understand your rights, review documents or workplace communications, and learn about possible complaint or reporting options. If additional support is needed, we can also connect you with other services.

Our goal is to provide guidance so you can make informed decisions.

Learn more on our website: https://clasbc.net/get-legal-help/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace/

11/05/2026

Mother’s Day is often a time to celebrate, but it can also be a reminder of the challenges many mothers face.

At CLAS, we see how systems can fail mothers, particularly those navigating racism, poverty, and discrimination. In a recent case, we supported an Afro-Indigenous mother whose rights were not upheld, highlighting the real impacts of systemic bias in decisions that affect families.

Recognizing mothers also means acknowledging these realities and working toward systems that respect and protect their rights.

Read more: https://clasbc.net/clas-update-on-r-r-v-vancouver-aboriginal-child-and-family-services-society/

08/05/2026

We are seeking an articling student for a full-time term of 1 year in 2027/28. CLAS articling students have the opportunity to learn the practical aspects of public interest and poverty law, while conducting your own files and collaborating with experienced lawyers across our practice areas.
Full details of the position and how to apply are here:https://clasbc.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CLAS-Articling-Job-Posting-2027-2028.pdf

07/05/2026

If you are dealing with a situation of workplace harassment and feeling overwhelmed ➡️Start here!

SHARP Workplaces has a new series of process guides for workers. These straightforward guides will help you understand the different legal options available in BC, and where to find the right supports.

Our process guides help you answer:
• What is a civil claim?
• What is a human rights claim for workplace sexual harassment?
• What is WorkSafeBC claim for workplace sexual harassment?
• What is a WorkSafeBC Prevention Officer?

👉Find the process guides here: https://ow.ly/OUMV50YOMEp

06/05/2026

From Research to Action on Gender-Based Violence!

We’ve spent the last year researching how gender-based violence is handled within BC workplaces. Now, we’re sharing those findings and providing the tools to do something about them.

Join our interactive workshop to broaden your knowledge of gender-based violence issues, and develop advocacy skills!

➡️Hear key findings from our research into gender-based violence in BC, and our consultations on NDAs.
➡️Master Advocacy 101. Gain practical skills to influence decision-makers and shape policy within your workplace or at a government level.
➡️Connect with others committed to advancing change

Choose a FREE session in:
📍 Victoria - June 17
📍 Nanaimo - June 19
📍ONLINE/VIRTUAL - June 25

Workshop are open to anyone – including workers, unions, service providers, anti-violence workers, legal professionals, and anyone interested in learning more.

Registration and more info: https://linktr.ee/clasbc

05/05/2026

CLAS made submissions to the Parliamentary Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Bill C-16: An Act to Amend Certain Acts in Relation to Criminal and Correctional Matters (Child Protection, Gender-based Violence, Delays and Other Measures).

Our submissions advocate for independent legal advice and representation for people who experience sexual assault engaged in the criminal law system. Our submissions focus on the protections for complainants on the admissibility of past sexual activity and therapeutic and other records. We also raise concerns regarding the limited definition of intimate images proposed. We advocate for providing complainants the choice to pursue restorative justice options with safeguards and consultation.

CLAS recognizes the government’s commitment to working towards addressing gender-based violence with Bill C-16 and we are supportive of many of the amendments proposed.

🔗Read our submissions via the link on our website: https://clasbc.net/proposed-recommendations-to-bill-c-16/

05/05/2026

Red Dress Day began with Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, where empty red dresses were displayed in public spaces to represent the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people.

Observed on May 5, the day has become a powerful act of remembrance and a call for justice. The red dresses are a potent visible reminder of the ongoing crisis of violence rooted in colonialism, racism, and gender-based discrimination, and of the urgent need for sustained action.

04/05/2026

Wishing a meaningful Lag B’Omer to all who observe. May it be a time of connection and shared tradition.