BLAC Supports Decriminalization Done Right: A Rights-Based Path for Drug Policy
Punitive drug laws and policies purported to deter drug use have failed — and worse, they have done catastrophic harm. They have fueled deadly stigma; epidemics of preventable illness and death; poverty; homelessness; and widespread, systematic, and egregious violations of human rights. They are rooted in, and have reinforced, sexism, racism, and colonialism. They have […]
Why everyone should know about the “Neptune Four” – 10 years later
There’s a local stand-up comedian, who also happens to be a lawyer, a doctor, and an accomplished actor – but that’s neither here nor there. In one of his stand-up bits, he speaks of his time as duty counsel. He says “I keep telling my clients exactly what they need to do to avoid being […]
BLAC and Coalition of Community Organizations’ Letter to Ministers Regarding Immigration Removals and Anti-Black Racism
BLAC and a coalition of community organizations sent a joint letter to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Minister of Public Safety, and the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion regarding immigration removals and anti-Black racism, and requesting that: The Minister of Public Safety immediately suspend the enforcement of any removal order […]
BLAC joins ‘Fresh Start’ coalition to launch campaign for criminal record reform
‘FRESH START’ COALITION LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR CRIMINAL RECORD REFORM TORONTO — The ‘Fresh Start’ Coalition launched a campaign today urging the federal government to revamp the way Canada deals with old criminal records. BLAC, joined by a coalition of over 60 civil society groups, is calling on the federal government to implement a ‘spent regime’, […]
R. v. Morris
Mr. Morris was convicted of various firearm offences. In July 2018, Ontario Superior Court Justice Shaun Nakatsuru sentenced him to a 12-month jail sentence, reduced from 15 months after consideration of Charter breaches. Among other factors, Justice Nakatsuru took into account Mr. Morris’ background and the impact anti-Black racism had in his life, informed by […]
BLAC responds to threats against a Black student in Simcoe County District School Board
On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, Parents of Black Children (POBC) informed us that students in the Simcoe County District School Board (the SCDSB) threatened to rape a Black girl, told her to kill herself, targeted her with pictures of a noose, and called her the “n” word. POBC also informed us that the girl’s teacher […]
Letter to Legal Aid Ontario Regarding Solicitor-Client Privilege and Confidentiality
Read the Black Legal Action Centre’s letter to Legal Aid Ontario regarding concerns about LAO’s access to privileged and confidential client information here.
BLAC responds to Ontario Court of Appeal decision in R. v. Morris
TORONTO – The Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is disappointed by the Court of Appeal for Ontario’s decision in R. v. Morris. The Court failed to take a strong stance and ensure that every sentencing judge across the province meaningfully considers anti-Black racism when sentencing a Black person. Read BLAC’s full analysis here. As an […]
Submissions on Legal Aid Ontario’s Draft Entity Services Financial Eligibility Testing Policy and Draft Requests for Additional Funds Policy
Read the Black Legal Action Centre’s submissions to Legal Aid Ontario here.
Submissions on Legal Aid Ontario’s Draft Service Agreement under LASA 2020
Read the Black Legal Action Centre’s submission on Legal Aid Ontario’s Draft Service Agreement under the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 here.
