NOTICE OF PETITION: VACFSS pursues judicial review of the BC Human Rights Tribunal decision

xmkym (Musqueam), Swxw7mesh (Squamish), and slilwta (Tsleil Waututh) / Vancouver, BC, Jan. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS) has filed a petition with the Supreme Court of British Columbia to appeal a recent BC Human Rights Tribunal (BC HRT) decision, R.R. v. VACFSS, issued on November 22, 2022.

"It is essential to request a judicial reviewbecause the BC HRT overstepped its jurisdiction in this decision," said Linda Stiller, Chair of the VACFSS Board. "VACFSS regrets having to file a judicial appeal on this case, particularly as an Indigenous-led agency committed to restorative practice and the advancement of provisions in the Act respecting First Nations,Inuit and Mtis children, youth and families".

"We understand that this step is very difficult, but it is necessary to ensure Indigenous children are protected as intended by the legislation and our decision in no way reflects on the individual who filed the HRT complaint," said Stiller. "While we recognize the pain the complainant identified during the hearing, our duty is to ensure that children's rights are also protected".