• 20 Oct 2021 1:13 PM | Anonymous

    FACL BC’s “Next 10 Years” Student Scholarships 2021

    Amount: $1000 each

    Deadline: Monday November 15, 2021 at 5:00 PM (Pacific Time).   

    Please note that the deadline has now passed.   We thank you for your applications to our scholarship.

    FACL BC Student Scholarships recognize current law students enrolled in a law school in British Columbia who demonstrate a keen interest in and willingness to contribute to the British Columbian pan-Asian Canadian legal community. This year is special as it marks FACL BC’s 10th anniversary. Five $1000 scholarships will be awarded. Consideration will be given to applicants’ leadership and community involvement, and financial need.

    Requirements:

    • Self-identify as of pan-Asian descent (South Asian, Southeast Asian, East Asian, Central/West Asian)
    • Demonstrated past, current and/or future involvement in promoting equity, justice and opportunity for pan-Asian Canadian legal professions and/or the wider community in British Columbia
    • Enrolled in a law school in British Columbia
    • FACL BC member (membership is FREE for students - sign-up here)
    • Available to attend the scholarship presentation on Friday November 26, 2021 at 5:00 PM over Zoom (Pacific Time)

    Note: Current and former student directors are not eligible to apply.

    Selection process:

    • Each application that meets the requirements set out above will be reviewed by current FACL BC Executive Board Members
    • FACL BC exercises sole and absolute discretion to determine scholarship eligibility and recipients
    • FACL BC’s decisions are final and application materials will not be returned
    • Recipients will be notified of FACL BC’s decision the week of November 22nd, and the scholarships will be presented at FACL BC’s Virtual Conference on Friday November 26, 2021 (Tickets are complimentary)

    ---

    Thank you to our sponsors that made FACL BC’s “Next 10 Years” Scholarship Fund possible:

     
       
  • 4 Oct 2021 9:00 AM | Anonymous

    FACL BC Statement on Resolutions 1 and 2 of the Law Society of BC 2021 AGM 

    October 4, 2021

    In December 2020, the BC Supreme Court and BC Provincial Court introduced practice directives instructing counsel and parties to introduce individuals by indicating their name, title, and pronouns. We posted an educational resource about this practice: https://faclbc.ca/news/10416646. FACL BC applauded the introduction of these practice directives that aim to make courtrooms more inclusive of transgender, non-binary, and other gender diverse people.

    The Law Society of BC’s 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held on October 5, 2021. Members can vote on resolutions during the meeting or through advance online voting (open until 5:00 pm on October 4, 2021). Visit the Law Society of BC’s website for more information about voting and the resolutions.1

    FACL BC encourages our members to vote against Resolution 1. Resolution 1 proposes that the Law Society commit to “rational and unfettered discourse” on issues relating to the court pronoun practice directives. As the preamble makes clear, Resolution 1 places itself in opposition to these practice directives.

    In our view, Resolution 1 seeks to undermine an initiative directed at increasing inclusivity for marginalized people and it therefore conflicts with our mission to promote equity, justice, and opportunity among legal professionals and the broader community.

    For more information about Resolution 1 and why FACL BC opposes it, please see the Legal Equity and Diversity Roundtable (LEADR) statement, which FACL BC endorsed,2 and the statement by the Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch (CBABC).3

    We also encourage our members to vote in support of Resolution 2, which proposes a number of changes to the Member Portal and Lawyer Directory on the Law Society website, including: to allow members to list their pronouns and forms of address; to include technical support for Unicode characters, to allow members from diverse communities to also list their traditional names; to include support for audio pronunciation guides for non-English names; and to include an easy way for members to change their names on the directory to prevent deadnaming.

    In our view, Resolution 2 aims to increase inclusivity of people with non-English names, and transgender, non-binary, and other gender diverse people, which is consistent with our mission.

      --

      1 Voting: https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/about-us/news-and-publications/news/2021/2021-annual-general-meeting-online-voting-and-regi/. Resolutions 1 and 2: https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/about-us/news-and-publications/news/2021/2021-annual-general-meeting-%E2%80%93%C2%A0second-notice/
      2 
      https://www.linkedin.com/posts/legal-equity-and-diversity-roundtable_statement-against-resolution-1-at-the-2021-activity-6849356773745401856-c9Qk

      3 https://www.cbabc.org/News-Media/Announcements/2021/Message-to-CBABC-Members-Law-Society-of-BC-Resolu


    • 30 Sep 2021 10:27 AM | Anonymous

      FACL BC Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

      September 30, 2021

      On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC) affirms our commitment to reconciliation and our dedication to acting in solidarity with our Indigenous colleagues, clients, and community members.

      As Asian-Canadian legal professionals, we work within a colonial legal system that has caused and upheld devastating injustices against Indigenous peoples and lands. We acknowledge our privilege and encourage our members to learn about the oppression of Indigenous peoples. We are committed to listening to the diverse voices of Indigenous peoples as we work together in the process of reconciliation, and we affirm our support for decolonization on Turtle Island.

      As more truths are brought to light, such as the uncovering of over a thousand unmarked children’s graves at former Residential School sites across the country,1 the harmful legacy of Residential Schools continues to be exhibited. We stand with Indigenous communities mourning the lives of the children found at these sites. It is imperative that we listen to and support Residential School survivors and survivors of intergenerational trauma. We encourage our communities to listen to Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story and participate in Orange Shirt Day to affirm that “Every Child Matters.”2

      We urge our members and communities to listen to the voices of Indigenous advocates, who continue to educate the Canadian public about ongoing colonialism in Canada, and who have outlined clear calls to action for governments, organizations, and individuals.

      We also encourage support of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Calls for Justice, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We echo the Indigenous Bar Association’s call to implement these calls.3

      We encourage our members and communities to refer to the resources below and take action in solidarity with Indigenous communities.

        --

        1 https://ottawacitizen.com/news/canada/how-canada-forgot-about-more-than-1308-graves-at-former-residential-schools/wcm/18d376d7-7abc-42b6-a459-d964dc7ca844; https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/residential-schools-sites-investigations-1.6140931
        2 
        https://www.orangeshirtday.org/

        3 https://twitter.com/IBA_Canada/status/1399379211593392129





      • 30 Jul 2021 1:52 PM | Anonymous member

        Congratulations to our new Board of Directors for 2021/2022.



      • 10 Jun 2021 11:05 AM | Anonymous

        FACL BC Statement on the Islamophobic Attack in London, Ontario 

        June 10, 2021

        The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC) is deeply saddened and disturbed by the terrible murder of four members of a Pakistan-Canadian Muslim family who were out walking in London, Ontario.1 Evidence shows that this was a planned, premeditated act of violence fueled by anti-Muslim hate and white supremacy. FACL BC condemns the violent ideology that led to this tragedy. We stand in solidarity and mourn with the family whose members were taken and the Muslim community across Canada who are all grieving this loss of life. Our thoughts are also with the lone survivor of this attack, who is only nine years old and is currently recovering in hospital.

        While we mourn these losses in this moment, we recognize that this incident is linked to a long history of Islamophobia in this country, where scapegoating of Muslims has been an acceptable practice in our national conversation, institutions, and foreign policy. The result is the dehumanization of Muslims, which leads to violence.

        We encourage everyone reading this to take action and call out Islamophobia, whether it is perpetrated by individuals, leaders, corporations, or political parties. All acts of Islamophobia contribute towards the unsafe environment that Muslims face daily. Muslim women and Black Muslims are especially targeted — a recent series of attacks against Black Muslim women in Alberta has left many feeling unsafe.2

        We also encourage everyone affected by this tragedy to seek out mental health resources and community support. Here are some resources:

        If you have faced discrimination yourself, we encourage you to seek assistance.

        FACL BC is a sponsor of the Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline, which provides free confidential legal advice for people who feel that they have been discriminated against, harassed, or faced violence because they are Muslim or are perceived to be Muslim. The hotline number is 604-343-3828. For more information, visit https://islamophobiahotline.ca/.


          --

          1 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-truck-attack-victims-1.6057079
          2  https://globalnews.ca/news/7721850/hate-crime-alberta-attacks-black-muslim-women/


        • 30 Apr 2021 8:13 PM | Anonymous

          BC Courts’ Pronouns Practice Directives: What You Need to Know

          A FACL BC Resource

          In December 2020, the BC Supreme Court and BC Provincial Court implemented new practice directives that direct counsel and parties to state an individual’s name, title, and pronouns when making an introduction. FACL BC applauds the introduction of these practice directives that aim to make courtrooms more inclusive of transgender, non-binary, and other gender diverse people. FACL BC’s Advocacy Committee created this resource about the directives and why they are important.

          Click here for a PDF version of this resource.

          What are pronouns and titles?

          In English, we use pronouns to refer to other people in the third person.

          Examples: She is a lawyer. / He is a lawyer. / They are a lawyer.

          We also use titles to show professionalism or respect.                                 

          Examples: Ms. Lee / Mr. Lee / Mx. Lee

          People’s titles or pronouns should not be assumed based on name, appearance or voice. When others make assumptions about someone’s gender, and assume which title/pronouns to use, they can unintentionally misgender that person. Misgendering (addressing someone using the wrong gendered language) is harmful and disproportionately impacts transgender people. 

          (Sources: BC Provincial Court ENews Article and CBABC Gender-Inclusive Pronouns: FAQ)

          What are the practice directives? 

          • On December 16th, 2020, the BC Supreme Court and BC Provincial Court implemented new pronoun practice directives (BC Supreme Court PD-59 and BC Provincial Court NP 24)

          • When counsel or parties are introducing themselves, their client, a witness, or any other person, they are asked to include the individual’s pronouns to be used, as well as their name and title (e.g. “Mr./Ms./Mx./Counsel [Last Name]”)


          Why is this important?

          • The pronoun practice directives provide an opportunity for all people appearing before the court to be addressed by their correct pronouns, which can make the court experience more inclusive and respectful for transgender and gender diverse people 

          • Gender identity is deeply personal, and people who are transgender or non-binary often experience harassment, discrimination, and violence because their gender identity or gender expression is different from their sex assigned at birth 

          • Misgendering is harmful, and can be deeply distressing, as it ignores and dismisses an individual’s gender identity 

          • The directive shifts toward the normalization of asking people how they want to be addressed, rather than making potentially harmful assumptions (based on name, appearance or voice) that the misgendered individual has the burden to correct 

          (Sources: BC Provincial Court ENews Article CBABC Gender-Inclusive Pronouns: FAQ; and Ontario Human Rights Commission)

          FACL BC applauds the introduction of these practice directives that aim to make courtrooms more inclusive of transgender, non-binary, and other gender diverse people.

          What has changed?

           Old Practice  Current Practice

          “My name is Jane Lee, spelled L-E-E. I am the lawyer for Joe Carter.”

          (Name, spelling of last name)

          “My name is Ms. Jane Lee, spelled L-E-E. I use she/her pronouns. I am the lawyer for Mx. Joe Carter who uses they/them pronouns”.

          (Name, spelling of last name, title, pronouns)


          (Source: BC Provincial Court ENews Article. For more examples of introductions, see the CBABC Counsel Introduction Scripts.)

          Pronunciations

          The gender-neutral title “Mx” sounds like “Mix”.

          People may choose to use pronouns other than she/her/hers, he/him/his, and they/them/theirs. One example is ze/hir and ze/zir pronouns.

          How to pronounce these pronouns:

          • Ze sounds like Zee

          • Zir sounds like Zere

          • Hir sounds like Here

          Ze/hir pronouns: “Ze is a writer and wrote that book hirself. Those ideas are hirs. I like both hir and hir ideas.”

          Ze/zir pronouns: “Ze is a writer and wrote that book zirself. Those ideas are zirs. I like both zir and zir ideas.” 

          (Sources: CBABC Counsel Introduction Scripts and MyPronouns.org)

          Experiences of transgender, non-binary and gender diverse Asian people

          Sources

        • 17 Mar 2021 11:24 PM | Anonymous

          FACL BC Statement on the Anti-Asian Fatal Shootings in Georgia, USA

          March 18, 2021

          Today, FACL BC grieves the deaths of the victims of a series of fatal shootings by a White man in Georgia, USA. Six of the eight victims were Asian women who worked in massage parlours. We condemn this horrific act of racist, gender-based violence, and we stand in solidarity with members of Asian communities everywhere who are impacted. 

          This tragic incident is a part of the alarming rise of racist incidents against Asian people across North America, including BC. The majority of incidents are against East and Southeast Asian individuals, and Asian women are the most disproportionately targeted (70% of reported incidents in BC). (https://www.project1907.org/reportingcentre). Our communities are understandably fearful right now for the safety of our family members and loved ones.

          During this difficult time of grief and ongoing anti-Asian racism, we offer this list of resources to support our community members who are impacted:


        • 7 Mar 2021 8:39 PM | Anonymous

          Amplifying Asian Women in Law: A FACL BC International Women’s Day Resource List

          For International Women’s Day 2021, FACL BC’s Advocacy Committee has compiled this resource list to highlight the voices and work of Asian women in the legal profession. We encourage you to use these resources to learn more about the experiences of Asian women in the legal field, the work that Asian women in law have done, and the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession.

          We invite you to join us as we #ChoosetoChallenge gender bias and inequality, and work toward a more inclusive world. Check out our social media posts to see how we #ChoosetoChallenge and celebrate International Women’s Day.

          Click here for a PDF version of the resource list.

          Groundbreaking Stories of Asian Women in Law


          Diversity In the Legal Profession: A Look at the Experiences of Asian Women


          In Conversation: Podcasts About the Lives and Experiences of Asian Women In Law


        • 17 Feb 2021 8:43 PM | Anonymous

          FACL BC Resource List for Black History Month

          FACL BC honours the extensive legacy of Black people in Canada. Despite facing systemic racism and countless barriers, they have contributed untold amounts to our society and the legal profession in particular.

          FACL BC recognizes that anti-Black racism continues to exist in the legal profession and our society. This year, we have recommitted ourselves towards strengthening interracial solidarity with Black communities, including the Black legal community in Canada.

          The FACL BC Advocacy Committee has compiled this Black History Month resource list to highlight and amplify Black voices and histories. We recognize that this is not a comprehensive, exhaustive list.

          We encourage our membership to use these resources to better inform themselves of the pivotal contributions of Black communities and how to be better allies in the struggle against anti-Black discrimination. We also encourage our members to engage in continuous learning and action beyond the month of February.

          Black History

          Learn about Black history and recent news through the informative resources below.

          Organizations and groups:

          Support Black organizations and groups by learning about their work and what actions they want allies to take, sharing their content, and contributing money and time.

          Legal organizations:

          Businesses:

          Support Black-owned businesses in BC.

          Media:

          Watch, read, and/or listen to media content made by Black people.

          Anti-Racism Resources:

          Learn about anti-Black racism and how it manifests in Asian communities.

          Allyship and Action Resources:

          Take action against anti-Black racism.

        • 11 Dec 2020 8:23 AM | Anonymous

          FACL BC Statement on the Government of Canada's Fall Economic Statement 2020

          December 11, 2020

          On November 30, 2020, the Government of Canada released Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19: Fall Economic Statement 2020.1 The Statement is clear about the federal government’s continued commitment to fighting systemic racism. BIPOC communities, especially Black and Indigenous communities, are disproportionately impacted by systemic racism in the justice system. 

          FACL BC recognizes that the federal government’s funding announcements to address issues that Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities face while navigating the justice system is a promising step. However, ongoing action is also required. 

          The Statement highlights funding for a number of justice-related initiatives that will impact racialized communities, listed below:

          • $9.2M for federal courts to assist with COVID-19

          • $40M for criminal legal aid to assist with COVID-19

          • $6.5M for Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) – Legal Aid Program

          • $28.6M for Community Justice Centres

          • $49.2M Support for Gladue Reporting

          • $2.8M for UNDRIP implementation

          • $8.1M Support the Negotiation of Administration of Justice Agreements

          Changes to the justice system through initiatives like Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) and Gladue Reporting2 hope to bring systemic factors such as racism and trauma into the sentencing process, and help reduce the overrepresentation of Black and Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice and correctional systems.3 Accounting for anti-Black racism through IRCAs is the minimum standard for our justice system, and will make the remedial protections available through the sentencing process accessible to Black Canadians.4 However, it is important that the federal government takes further steps toward social reform, so that Black and Indigenous Peoples are not disproportionately arrested or engaged in the criminal justice system in the first place. 

          The commitment toward supporting Community Justice Centres, which serve to address the root causes of crime and divert individuals toward social supports rather than incarceration, is also a step in the right direction.5 Through the integration of services and supports that are culturally appropriate, Community Justice Centres may help to address systemic issues that disproportionately affect Black and Indigenous communities, and help decrease the overrepresentation of Black and Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice system.6 Similarly, the implementation of UNDRIP, and the Government of Canada's commitment toward combatting systemic discrimination against Indigenous Peoples and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2S folks is promising, though in order to have a significant and lasting impact it is necessary that the commitments are supported by continued action.7

          FACL BC encourages the Government of Canada to continue to consult with, and listen to, Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities to address systemic racism in the justice system. 

          --

          1 https://budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2020/report-rapport/FES-EEA-eng.pdf
          2  https://www.nwac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/What-Is-Gladue.pdf

          3  https://digitalcommons.schulichlaw.dal.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2138&context=dlj at 156.
          4  https://digitalcommons.schulichlaw.dal.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2138&context=dlj at 158.
          5  https://bcfnjc.com/indigenous-justice-centres-in-british-columbia/

          6  https://bcfnjc.com/indigenous-justice-centres-in-british-columbia/

          https://www.afn.ca/policy-sectors/implementing-the-united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples/


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