Pivot Library
Canada Experience Class for Permanent Residence
Posted by Anonymous on 15 Jan 2009 inResource Link:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.aspThe Canadian Experience Class provides some new options to prospective applicants for permanent residence, particularly those already working and/or studying in Canada.
CCR: Visas for Mexico and Czech Republic nationals
Posted by Anonymous on 14 Jul 2009 inThe Canadian Council For Refugees has issued a press release concerning the recent decision by the Canadian government to require temporary resident visas for citizens of Mexico and the Czech Republic, and the negative impact that this will potentially have on refugees from these countries.
Freedom of Information Requests
Posted by John Richardson on 24 Feb 2009 inResource Link:Citizen's Guide to FOIThis layperson's guide to British Columbia's Freedom of Information legislation is produced by the University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre. It will help you get documents and other information from provincial and local governments, educational institutions, and professional bodies.
The Challenge of Marginalization
Posted by John Richardson on 17 Feb 2009 inThe problem Pivot is attempting to solve is that of marginalization, and its attendant harms, both subtle and gross, upon the quality of life of everyone in society.
The impacts of the marginalization are felt most harshly by those directly affected: illegal drug addicts, sex workers, homeless people, First Nations' people, and others. However, the negative impacts of marginalization are not restricted to those directly affected. Everyone in society loses when a fellow citizen is reduced to a survival existence, unable to reach his or her full potential.
Standing decision DESWUAV v. AG Canada
Posted by Katrina Pacey on 18 Jan 2009 inResource Link:Standing decision DESWUAV v. AG CanadaCivil Disobedience Legal Guide
Posted by John Richardson on 24 Feb 2009 inResource Link:Civil Disobedience HandbookThis handbook was created as a response to the increasing occurrence of civil disobedience in Canadian forests. The handbook is designed to ensure that environmental protesters who are considering participating in acts of civil disobedience are fully informed of the potential consequences of their acts, and of the legal distinctions between various courses of action.
A national feminist group for decriminalization
Posted by Katrina Pacey on 19 Feb 2009 inA Theory of Social Change
Posted by John Richardson on 17 Feb 2009 inIn civil society, legislation, regulations and policies guide the collective energies of society in the same way that a rational or moral will guides the actions of an individual. Forms of legislation in this way act as an articulation of the collective will or intention.
Anti-Shelter Bylaws Found Unconstitutional
Posted by Anonymous on 19 Feb 2009 inOn October 14, the B.C. Supreme Court handed down a decision with potential repercussions for the entire country. In Victoria (City) v. Adams, Justice Ross struck down Victoria bylaws prohibiting homeless people from erecting temporary shelter on City-owned land. She ruled that the bylaws were arbitrary and overbroad and thus violated Section 7 of the Charter and were not saved by Section 1.
Ten Reasons Everyone Benefits
Posted by John Richardson on 17 Feb 2009 inTen reasons why everyone benefits from Pivot's legal efforts to improve the lives of marginalized persons:
1. Causes, not symptoms
By using the law to address marginalization and disenfranchisement, it is possible to address the root causes of inequity rather than just the symptoms. This allows for systemic impacts that ripple through society, affecting many people both now and in the future.
2. Insurance for Everyone