I have some very important and exciting news! A new
national legal organization has just been established across Canada that is
very important to the best interests of our children as well as all children
with other special needs. This organization is “The Canadian Legal Network for
Children with Special Needs”.
The non-profit society is a group of concerned lawyers
working together to advance the rights of children with special needs and to enhance
the legal remedies available to special needs children. The society
accomplishes these goals through promoting quality legal representation and
excellence in advocacy, promoting implementation and enforcement of the UN
Convention for the Rights of the Child, and encouraging lawyers and lay
advocates to increase their involvement and representation on behalf of
children with special needs.
In other words, The Canadian Legal Network for Children
with Special Needs is an organization that will “level the playing field” and
make it much easier for parents to find capable legal representation that is up
to the task of challenging the formidable resources of government, whether it
be a school district or a provincial ministry of education or health; the Legal
Network is designed to further the rights of special needs children at all
levels. It’s noteworthy that the Constitution of the Canadian Legal Network for
Children with Special Needs does not permit affiliation for lawyers who are employed
by, or under contract to, government.
I could go on and on about the tremendous promise this new
organization holds out. Instead, you can download the brochure which describes
their mandate in more detail.
Since Canadian provinces have their own jurisdiction over
health care and education, each province will eventually have its own affiliate
of this new national organization. Initially, The Canadian Legal Network for
Children with Special Needs is setting up its B.C. organization because lawyers establishing the organization are
based in B.C.; however, there already several lawyers across the country working
on special needs cases who shortly will organize their respective provinces.
FEAT BC is proud to be the charter member of The Canadian Legal Network and we
encourage all members of this discussion group to become members of the network
either as individuals, corporate or organizational members. We strongly urge all
FEAT’s across the country to step up to the plate and support this vitally
important special needs legal organization.
Many of you over the years have asked how you can help the
cause. This is a historic; watershed
opportunity to contribute to the welfare of every special needs child in B.C.
and across Canada. By becoming a member and encouraging everyone who cares
about your child to become a member, you will help lay the foundation for an organization
that will, at long last, help families hold all levels of government
accountable for special needs policies that work against the best interests of
our children’s well being.
Address information:
The Canadian Legal Network for Children with Special Needs
114 - 990 Beach Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2N9
Ph. 604-689-8501
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