Women's Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF)

ANNOUNCEMENT: We're joining the legal challenge of Canada's first past the post electoral system. Women & racialized people are underrepresented in Canada's Parliament. We want to ensure courts properly take this reality and context into account when reviewing the s.15 (equality rights) claim. Learn more about the case and our arguments here: https://lnkd.in/gWcrsNYT

Join our team of passionate feminists! LEAF is hiring a Public Legal Education Manager to lead the development, implementation, and delivery of LEAF’s PLE program. This is a 30-month contract position. Apply by September 4:

**CW: Discussion of sexual assault. FROM THE ARCHIVES: On this day in 1991, on August 22, the Supreme Court of Canada addressed the constitutionality of Canada's "rape shield" provisions—a critical safeguard in sexual assault trials. LEAF, in coalition with several organizations, intervened to defend these provisions. The “rape shield” provisions of the Criminal Code were made to protect complainants in sexual assault cases from having their sexual history used against them. In both these cases, the defendants sought to introduce such evidence, challenging the provisions' constitutionality. LEAF argued that the provisions were constitutional because they prevented the use of harmful, irrelevant evidence and protected the survivors’ rights. They contended that any minor infringement on defendants' rights was justified by the need to protect these rights. The Supreme Court agreed that keeping sexual reputation evidence out of court was constitutional and necessary. However, it struck down the rule limiting sexual history evidence, saying it violated Charter rights. - This decision marked a significant change in how Canadian courts handle sexual assault cases. Following these cases, LEAF remained steadfast in ensuring new rape shield provisions met equality standards and defended their constitutionality in subsequent challenges. These cases serve as a reminder of the continued importance of protecting survivors' rights in sexual assault trials. Read the full case summary here:

We're hiring! LEAF is recruiting a Public Legal Education (PLE) Manager to lead the development, implementation, and delivery of LEAF’s PLE program. Join our team committed to advancing gender equality across Canada. Apply by Sept 4 here: https://lnkd.in/grQivCs7

FROM THE ARCHIVES: On this day in 1989, on August 3, LEAF intervened in the case of Daigle v. Tremblay (1989) in defense of a woman’s fundamental right to abortion access – a right that continues to face active challenges today. In this case, Chantal Daigle and Jean-Guy Tremblay separated when Daigle was 18 weeks pregnant, and she decided to have an abortion. Tremblay then sought to prevent her abortion through an injunction. Initially, the court ruled in favor of Tremblay, ruling the fetus as a "human being" with rights. LEAF intervened, arguing that there was no constitutional recognition of a right to life for fetuses or for the right to procreation for potential fathers. Granting such rights would undermine women's freedoms and equality and the injunction procedure also exacerbated the difficulties in obtaining abortion services. Ultimately, the Court found that the alleged rights for both the fetus and potential father did not exist. - Bodily autonomy and the ability for an individual to make their own decisions about their body is a fundamental freedom. From the past to present, this should not change. Yet, more than three decades later, abortion access continues to be attacked around the world. The fight to defend reproductive rights and access to safe abortion is a part of a long-standing journey that LEAF will continue to be a part of both 30 years ago and now. Learn more about the reality of #AbortionAccess across Canada with the Abortion Access Tracker: https://lnkd.in/gquU6nhA. Read more about Daigle v. Tremblay (1989) here: https://lnkd.in/gPdzVf6t

The Saskatchewan government wants to stop courts from rightfully declaring their pronoun law violates the equality rights of trans and non-binary youth. LEAF has just been granted leave to intervene in this case. We'll be highlighting how the Province's use of the notwithstanding clause negatively impacts trans and non-binary youth. Even when the notwithstanding clause has been invoked, courts should be able to declare a law violates Charter rights, especially if it impacts the rights of those too young to vote out the government who passed the law. We must ensure Saskatchewan youth don't lose their only means of getting justice. More here: https://lnkd.in/gxagpDWt

When a person isn’t able to access an abortion that they want and need, they become more likely to experience worse financial, health, and family outcomes. The Turnaway study has documented these outcomes. A person who is denied an abortion is at higher risk of: - Experiencing economic hardship and insecurity that lasts for years - Staying in contact with a violent partner - Suffering from more serious and long-lasting health problems The repercussions extend beyond the individual, affecting families and communities. Children born as a result of abortion denial, and their siblings, often experience worse developmental and financial outcomes. Being able to access abortion is crucial to the health and wellbeing of individuals, their families, and their communities. Learn more about the reality of #AbortionAccess across Canada with the Abortion Access Tracker: https://lnkd.in/gquU6nhA

LEAF is proud to join the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and partners in calling for mental health and substance use health services to be fully included in Canada’s public healthcare system. Currently, mental health and substance use services are not covered under the Canada Health Act unless delivered by physicians or in hospitals and are considered “medically necessary” or “medically required.” This leaves many Canadians without essential care unless they can pay out of pocket. We urge the federal government to amend the Canada Health Act or create new legislation to ensure comprehensive, equitable access to these critical services for all Canadians. Read the open letter here:

LEAF is currently hiring for multiple roles! Join our team of passionate feminists dedicated to advancing substantive equality in Canada. We’re looking for: 1. Development Officer This role is integral in driving LEAF’s year-round fundraising efforts that support our litigation and feminist advocacy. This is a full-time two-year contract position with the possibility of extension. Apply by June 23: https://lnkd.in/ddwG3XNX 2. Office and Branch Relations Coordinator This role supports the work of our member branches across Canada and contributes to the operations of the organization. This is a full-time permanent position. Apply by June 26: https://lnkd.in/g6pg3UG5 3. 2025-2026 Public Interest Articling Fellow: The Articling Fellow works with LEAF’s legal team to support the organization’s litigation, law reform, and public legal education efforts. This is a full-time 10-month contract position. Apply by June 28: https://lnkd.in/gv8ZKYDV 4. Researcher for the Trans Inclusion in Feminist Workplaces Project: We are funding a researcher to identify the challenges and structural barriers to trans feminine people’s employment and leadership in the feminist sector. Send proposals by July 2: https://lnkd.in/dCRDa9ES

For National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st, RAVEN Trust is hosting a mini-CPD conference, "Elevating Advocacy — Strategic Litigation and Working with Indigenous Clients". LEAF's Executive Director & General Counsel Pam Hrick will present on strategic litigation with a focus on interventions. All proceeds go to RAVEN's Intervenor Fund, which provides funding to Indigenous nations and organizations to facilitate intervening in cases of importance. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gVDDk_ha