law

Woman activist holding a sign, covered in paint by other women who've experienced violence at the hands of male partners at the Vancouver International Women's Day March
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New laws enshrine latest sexual violence protections into criminal code

Peak Web July 19, 2026

By: Lucaiah Smith-Miodownik, News Writer Content warning: mentions of sexual violence, femicide, and child sexual abuse. On June 19, the Department of Justice announced “one of the most consequential updates to Canada’s Criminal Code in generations to better protect victims and survivors.” Bill C-16, also referred to as the Protecting Victims Act, was codified into law and aims to strengthen protections for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. This comes in addition to bills C-14 (Bail and Sentencing Reform Act) and C-225 (Bailey’s Law), passed on June 15 and 17 respectively. The trio of laws “will help address repeat offending,…

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This is a photo of the International Criminal Court building in Geneva. The sign is clearly visible, in front of the building.
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International human rights lawyer discusses genocide and conflict

Peak Web November 22, 2023

By: Olivia Sherman, News Writer Content warning: mentions of violence and genocide.  Payam Akhavan is an international human rights lawyer and special advisor to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He’s best known for his work with the…

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Susan Justice and child reading a the Children in the Rain book on a grass lawn with wide smiles.
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Children Who Dance in the Rain highlights privilege as a “double-edged sword”

Peak Web June 7, 2023

By: Saije Rusimovici, Staff Writer Content warning: mention of sexual abuse, sexual abuse by family member. It’s been several years since I’ve been as moved by an illustrated book as I was turning through the pages of Children Who Dance…

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pro-choice protestors at Supreme Court
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Roe v. Wade: Your religion should not police my body

Opinions July 14, 2022

By Yasmin Vejs Simsek, Staff Writer Content warning: Mentions of sexual assault and anti-abortion sentiments The US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. The decision undermines the bodily autonomy of just over half the country’s population. The original 1973…

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SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue discusses the criminal justice system in Canada

News August 13, 2021

Written by: Jaymee Salisi, News Writer On June 22, 2021, the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue hosted the fifth instalment of their Doubling Down series called “Enhancing Dialogue on Criminal Justice in Canada.” Each event features speakers outlining…

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Canada announces Bill C-3 to better train judges for sexual assault cases

News June 4, 2021

Written by: Charlene Aviles, Peak Associate  Content warning: mentions of sexual assault The Department of Justice Canada announced on May 7, 2021 amendments to the Judges Act requiring provincial superior court judges receive training on “sexual assault law and social…

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BC alters legislations to recognize gender diversity

News April 6, 2021

Written by: Karissa Ketter, News Writer The BC provincial government reported on March 10, 2021 that 600 instances of gendered language across 15 ministries had been rewritten to “ensure that all British Columbians have equal access to government services no…

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National security law for Hong Kong approved by China

News June 10, 2020

Written by: Michelle Young, Staff Writer China has approved a new bill to criminalize secession, subversion, terrorism, and foreign interference in Hong Kong. The law has yet to be drafted, as the process is expected to take a few months.…

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The best thing about legal pot is how little it’s shaken up our lives

Peak Web November 25, 2018

Written by: Gene Cole, Opinions Editor Cannabis has only been legal in Canada for a little over a month, but it’s no secret how much change it’s brought. Tons of businesses are opening and creating jobs across the country, and…

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Misogyny should be considered a hate crime

EIC August 2, 2016

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he police force in the British county Nottinghamshire announced on July 13 that, in partnership with the Nottingham Women’s Centre, misogynistic acts can now be reported and investigated as hate crimes. The Nottinghamshire Police defined such acts as “behaviour targeted…

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