Community Legal Assistance Society
@clasbc.bsky.social
Legal assistance on #housing, #humanrights, government benefits, #mentalhealth and #workersrights. + law reform #A2J For the Human Rights
🔗 Read the VSO’s open letter: vancouversymphony.ca/open-letter-to-the-classical-music-community/
🔗 Learn about Speak Out: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/stand-informed-legal-advice-services/speak-out/
#sexualharassment #sexualassault #NDAs #genderequity
🔗 Learn about Speak Out: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/stand-informed-legal-advice-services/speak-out/
#sexualharassment #sexualassault #NDAs #genderequity
Open Letter to the Classical Music Community - Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
vancouversymphony.ca
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
🔗 Read the VSO’s open letter: vancouversymphony.ca/open-letter-to-the-classical-music-community/
🔗 Learn about Speak Out: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/stand-informed-legal-advice-services/speak-out/
#sexualharassment #sexualassault #NDAs #genderequity
🔗 Learn about Speak Out: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/stand-informed-legal-advice-services/speak-out/
#sexualharassment #sexualassault #NDAs #genderequity
If you’ve been affected by an NDA around sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination, CLAS’ Speak Out: Ending Gender-Based Violence project offers confidential support and a place to share your experience to help inform law reform and development of trauma-informed policies:
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
If you’ve been affected by an NDA around sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination, CLAS’ Speak Out: Ending Gender-Based Violence project offers confidential support and a place to share your experience to help inform law reform and development of trauma-informed policies:
Instances like these illustrate why we are deeply committed to ending coercive NDAs that silence people who have experienced harm.
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Instances like these illustrate why we are deeply committed to ending coercive NDAs that silence people who have experienced harm.
We commend Esther for her bravery. Her actions have helped create space for better practices in all institutions and have helped to forge a promising step toward changing how organizations handle confidentiality around sexual harm.
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
We commend Esther for her bravery. Her actions have helped create space for better practices in all institutions and have helped to forge a promising step toward changing how organizations handle confidentiality around sexual harm.
They also clarified that no legal action will be taken against Esther for speaking out.
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
They also clarified that no legal action will be taken against Esther for speaking out.
In response to Esther’s concerns, the VSO has committed that it will not include confidentiality agreements in future agreements involving sexual misconduct, such as sexual assault or rape, unless a one-way confidentiality agreement is specifically requested by the complainant.
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
In response to Esther’s concerns, the VSO has committed that it will not include confidentiality agreements in future agreements involving sexual misconduct, such as sexual assault or rape, unless a one-way confidentiality agreement is specifically requested by the complainant.
Her courage brought this issue into the spotlight and contributed to important reflection within the VSO and beyond.
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Her courage brought this issue into the spotlight and contributed to important reflection within the VSO and beyond.
Despite immense pressure, Esther bravely shared her experience of sexual assault to highlight how NDAs can silence people who have experienced harm and hinder healing and public understanding.
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Despite immense pressure, Esther bravely shared her experience of sexual assault to highlight how NDAs can silence people who have experienced harm and hinder healing and public understanding.
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has issued a response, Open Letter to the Classical Music Community, acknowledging the harm caused by the confidentiality agreement that followed violinist Esther Hwang’s 2019 settlement, and committing to change how NDAs are used going forward.
January 8, 2026 at 11:08 PM
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has issued a response, Open Letter to the Classical Music Community, acknowledging the harm caused by the confidentiality agreement that followed violinist Esther Hwang’s 2019 settlement, and committing to change how NDAs are used going forward.
Instances like these illustrate why we are deeply committed to ending coercive NDAs that silence people who have experienced harm.
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Instances like these illustrate why we are deeply committed to ending coercive NDAs that silence people who have experienced harm.
We commend Esther for her bravery. Her actions have helped create space for better practices in all institutions and have helped to forge a promising step toward changing how organizations handle confidentiality around sexual harm.
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
We commend Esther for her bravery. Her actions have helped create space for better practices in all institutions and have helped to forge a promising step toward changing how organizations handle confidentiality around sexual harm.
They also clarified that no legal action will be taken against Esther for speaking out.
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
They also clarified that no legal action will be taken against Esther for speaking out.
In response to Esther’s concerns, the VSO has committed that it will not include confidentiality agreements in future agreements involving sexual misconduct, such as sexual assault or rape, unless a one-way confidentiality agreement is specifically requested by the complainant.
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
In response to Esther’s concerns, the VSO has committed that it will not include confidentiality agreements in future agreements involving sexual misconduct, such as sexual assault or rape, unless a one-way confidentiality agreement is specifically requested by the complainant.
Despite immense pressure, Esther bravely shared her experience of sexual assault to highlight how NDAs can silence people who have experienced harm & hinder healing & public understanding. Her courage brought this issue into the spotlight, contributing to important reflection within the VSO & beyond
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Despite immense pressure, Esther bravely shared her experience of sexual assault to highlight how NDAs can silence people who have experienced harm & hinder healing & public understanding. Her courage brought this issue into the spotlight, contributing to important reflection within the VSO & beyond
🔗 Read the story: Visit our Linktree
🔗 Learn more and take our anonymous survey, visit: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/stand-informed-legal-advice-services/speak-out/
#sexualharassment #sexualassault #genderbasedviolence #NDAs #discrimination
🔗 Learn more and take our anonymous survey, visit: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/stand-informed-legal-advice-services/speak-out/
#sexualharassment #sexualassault #genderbasedviolence #NDAs #discrimination
January 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
🔗 Read the story: Visit our Linktree
🔗 Learn more and take our anonymous survey, visit: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/stand-informed-legal-advice-services/speak-out/
#sexualharassment #sexualassault #genderbasedviolence #NDAs #discrimination
🔗 Learn more and take our anonymous survey, visit: clasbc.net/get-legal-help/stand-informed-legal-advice-services/speak-out/
#sexualharassment #sexualassault #genderbasedviolence #NDAs #discrimination
If an NDA has limited your ability to speak about your experience, you’ve been pressured to sign one after harm, or you simply want to help change how these agreements are used, we want to hear from you. Share your experience confidentially can help shape better laws and supports for all in BC.
January 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
If an NDA has limited your ability to speak about your experience, you’ve been pressured to sign one after harm, or you simply want to help change how these agreements are used, we want to hear from you. Share your experience confidentially can help shape better laws and supports for all in BC.
The Speak Out: Ending Gender-Based Violence project aims to understand how NDAs and other legal silencing mechanisms are used, and to push for reforms that protect complainants rather than prevent their voices from being heard.
January 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
The Speak Out: Ending Gender-Based Violence project aims to understand how NDAs and other legal silencing mechanisms are used, and to push for reforms that protect complainants rather than prevent their voices from being heard.
Esther Hwang’s courage in speaking about her experience, even in the face of a cease-and-desist letter, highlights the harm of NDAs and reinforces why CLAS is advocating to restrict their use.
January 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Esther Hwang’s courage in speaking about her experience, even in the face of a cease-and-desist letter, highlights the harm of NDAs and reinforces why CLAS is advocating to restrict their use.
News recently broke of a former Vancouver Symphony Orchestra musician facing legal threats after breaking a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed following sexual assault, illustrating a reality many who have experienced harm know too well: NDAs can be used to silence people long after harm.
January 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
News recently broke of a former Vancouver Symphony Orchestra musician facing legal threats after breaking a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed following sexual assault, illustrating a reality many who have experienced harm know too well: NDAs can be used to silence people long after harm.
January is Tamil Heritage Month—a time to honour the history, language, and vibrant cultural contributions of Tamil communities across Canada. From art and storytelling to activism and innovation, Tamil Canadians help shape a more inclusive society. tamilheritagemonth.com/about-us/
January 1, 2026 at 11:30 PM
January is Tamil Heritage Month—a time to honour the history, language, and vibrant cultural contributions of Tamil communities across Canada. From art and storytelling to activism and innovation, Tamil Canadians help shape a more inclusive society. tamilheritagemonth.com/about-us/
Happy New Year from CLAS. As we begin 2026, we remain committed to advancing justice, equity, and dignity through legal advocacy that makes a difference in people’s lives. Thank you for being part of our community.
January 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Happy New Year from CLAS. As we begin 2026, we remain committed to advancing justice, equity, and dignity through legal advocacy that makes a difference in people’s lives. Thank you for being part of our community.
Wishing all who celebrate a joyful Kwanzaa. May this week be filled with reflection, unity, and celebration of culture, community, and shared values.
December 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Wishing all who celebrate a joyful Kwanzaa. May this week be filled with reflection, unity, and celebration of culture, community, and shared values.
Wishing a joyful and peaceful Christmas to all who celebrate. May the season bring warmth, rest, and connection.
December 25, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Wishing a joyful and peaceful Christmas to all who celebrate. May the season bring warmth, rest, and connection.
CLAS is hiring a lawyer to join our Community Legal Advocate Supervision Program, for a full time position for a defined term until March 2027.
Full details & how to apply here: https://ow.ly/lX6H50XKEbO
#bclawyer #socialjusticelaw
Full details & how to apply here: https://ow.ly/lX6H50XKEbO
#bclawyer #socialjusticelaw
December 22, 2025 at 5:05 PM
CLAS is hiring a lawyer to join our Community Legal Advocate Supervision Program, for a full time position for a defined term until March 2027.
Full details & how to apply here: https://ow.ly/lX6H50XKEbO
#bclawyer #socialjusticelaw
Full details & how to apply here: https://ow.ly/lX6H50XKEbO
#bclawyer #socialjusticelaw
We are now closed for the holidays. Please note: Our office will be closed from Friday, December 19 to Friday, January 2, 2026. We will re-open on Monday, January 5th, 2026. Happy Holidays!
December 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM
We are now closed for the holidays. Please note: Our office will be closed from Friday, December 19 to Friday, January 2, 2026. We will re-open on Monday, January 5th, 2026. Happy Holidays!