by Nicole Kief | May 8, 2025 | News, Uncategorized
The West Coast Prison Justice Society / Prisoners’ Legal Services, represented by Alina Chekh, John Trueman, and Danielle Wierenga of Allen / McMillan Litigation Counsel, will be at the Supreme Court of Canada on May 13, 2025.
The appeal, Frank Dorsey and Ghassan Salah v. Attorney General of Canada, asks whether the ancient writ of habeas corpus should be available to incarcerated persons who have been wrongfully denied reclassification and transfer to a lower security level. The West Coast Prison Justice Society was granted leave to intervene to explain the impact the court’s decision will have on prisoners in maximum security institutions.
In his oral submissions to the Court, John will explain how a wrongful reclassification and transfer decision is as impactful — and as illegal — as wrongful imprisonment itself, and habeas corpus provides a timely, accessible, and effective remedy for such injustices.
The Supreme Court of Canada’s hearing on May 13 will be webcast live.
by Nicole Kief | Apr 30, 2025 | News, Uncategorized
The Board of Directors of West Coast Prison Justice Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Nicole Kief as Executive Director of Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS). Nicole joined PLS eight years ago, and has held roles including Legal Advocate, Senior Legal Advocate, Policy Director and most recently Interim Executive Director. She has been a driving force behind the expansion of legal services to address health care and human rights of people in prison and she has worked collaboratively to enhance the organization’s ability to integrate litigation and advocacy and to advance systemic, anti-carceral change. The Hiring Committee and the Board are deeply impressed with Nicole’s commitment to collaborative leadership and to ensuring that the work of PLS is impactful for clients, consistent with core values, and sustainable for staff.
We are indebted to Jennifer Metcalfe who served as Executive Director of PLS for 16 years, working tirelessly with staff and the broader prison law community to advance the rights of incarcerated people, some of the most marginalized members of our communities. During her time at PLS, the organization expanded its programs, services, and advocacy. This has involved enhancing programs under the primary mandate to provide legal services to people incarcerated in British Columbia, as well as providing leadership to support advocacy and decarceration at the national and international levels. Jen leaves a legacy at PLS of which she can be proud and one we can all build upon.
Michael Jackson K.C.
President, West Coast Prison Justice Society
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About us: West Coast Prison Justice Society is a non-profit society that operates Prisoners’ Legal Services, with support from Legal Aid BC and the Law Foundation of British Columbia. PLS provides legal assistance to people in federal and provincial prisons in British Columbia. We also engage in strategic litigation and advocacy on the prison justice issues brought forward by our clients to achieve systemic, anti-carceral change. We are a team of lawyers and non-lawyers who believe that no one is disposable, and who work alongside and in solidarity with incarcerated people. We witness some of the harshest forms of state violence and use the legal system’s tools to protect our clients from the abuses and degradations of prison.
by Web Master | Apr 14, 2025 | News, News Releases
CPSBC has published a new practice standard, Treating Incarcerated Patients in Isolation, that highlights expectations for physicians who work in corrections to minimize health impacts related to solitary confinement.
The practice standard is based on the United Nations Mandela Rules, which outline principles for the dignified treatment of incarcerated people, including prohibitions on the use of isolation for people with an existing mental health disability and for anyone after 15 days. Research and patient cases have shown that isolation can be detrimental to health, causing and exacerbating symptoms of mental illness.
The practice standard supports CPSBC’s commitment to stop the cycle of Indigenous-specific racism. Over-incarceration of Indigenous Peoples is rooted in historical injustices, systemic racism, and the enduring impacts of colonialism. Indigenous Peoples often face harsher conditions, which can lead to severe mental and physical health consequences.
“While we know that physicians who work in corrections do not make decisions about an incarcerated person’s placement, the new practice standard is a tool that can assist their efforts to remove patients from harmful conditions of isolation,” said Dr. Patrick Rowe, registrar and CEO of CPSBC. “We expect physicians to balance their professional duties with their ethical obligations, and to prioritize human dignity and safety.”
The practice standard was developed in close collaboration with Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS), who represented Brent Crane in a complaint related to the role of a physician in his prolonged segregation in a BC correctional centre, and a Health Professions Review Board (HPRB) decision – BCHRPB 39. Rather than proceeding with a further review by the HPRB, CPSBC, Brent Crane and PLS agreed that the development of a practice standard would more constructively and prospectively address the concerns that were identified.
“Solitary is considered torture or cruel treatment by the United Nations if it is used for more than 15 days, or for any amount of time for someone with a mental health disability. Solitary can be fatal. CPSBC’s new practice standard is a significant first in Canada, requiring BC physicians who care for incarcerated people to comply with the Mandela Rules and to recommend the removal of a person from isolation if their mental health is negatively impacted, if they have an existing mental health disability or if they have been in solitary for more than 15 days,” said Jennifer Metcalfe, counsel for Brent Crane and past Executive Director of PLS.
“Segregation was really hard on my mental health. I am glad that physicians will have to be aware of how harmful segregation is. I hope this practice standard will prevent other people from suffering the way I did in isolation,” said Brent Crane.
The new practice standard was approved by CPSBC’s board and is now published on the website. Other medical regulators in Canada have shown interest in adopting a similar standard.
CPSBC acknowledges the efforts of those physicians working in corrections who reviewed drafts of the standard and provided their expertise, as well as the Indigenous lawyers and other advocates who work with incarcerated people who offered feedback throughout the development process.
Media inquiries:
Communications and Public Affairs, CPSBC communications@cpsbc.ca
Jennifer Metcalfe jennifer.e.metcalfe@outlook.com
Nicole Kief, Executive Director, PLS nkief@pls-bc.ca
by Web Master | Dec 16, 2024 | News
Prisoners’ Legal Services is a non-profit society providing legal assistance to people in federal and provincial prisons in British Columbia. We also engage in strategic litigation and advocacy on the prison justice issues brought forward by our clients to achieve systemic, anti-carceral change.
We are a team of lawyers and non-lawyers who believe that no one is disposable, and who work alongside and in solidarity with incarcerated people. We witness some of the harshest forms of state violence, and use the legal system’s tools to protect our clients from the abuses and degradations of prison.
Prisoners’ Legal Services is located in Burnaby, BC, on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and qiqéyt (Qayqayt) Nations.
We are currently hiring for the following positions:
by Web Master | Dec 16, 2024 | News
PRISONERS’ LEGAL SERVICES – INTAKE WORKER/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Burnaby, BC – Prisoners’ Legal Services is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and qiqéyt (Qayqayt) Nations.
Prisoners’ Legal Services is looking for an intake worker/administrative assistant who wants to use their skills to support the rights and dignity of people in prison.
About us:
Prisoners’ Legal Services is a non-profit society providing legal assistance to people in federal and provincial prisons in British Columbia. We also engage in strategic litigation and advocacy on the prison justice issues brought forward by our clients to achieve systemic, anti-carceral change.
We are a team of lawyers and non-lawyers who believe that no one is disposable, and who work alongside and in solidarity with incarcerated people. We witness some of the harshest forms of state violence, and use the legal system’s tools to protect our clients from the abuses and degradations of prison.
About this role:
The intake worker/administrative assistant is a critical role, acting as the first point of contact for incarcerated people with our office and triaging their needs with compassion and efficiency. PLS has two intake workers/administrative assistants who work in close partnership with one another.
Duties include:
- Answering calls from clients, entering information into our database, determining clients’ legal issues, directing calls to the appropriate staff member and taking messages;
- Providing clients with referrals to other agencies, sending public legal education material and providing limited legal information in specific identified areas;
- Answering other calls, taking messages, arranging couriers, sending and delivering faxes and mail;
- Maintaining accurate database and filing systems;
- Drafting letters;
- Tracking access to information requests and responses;
- Arranging legal aid lawyers to represent clients at hearings;
- Providing advocacy and litigation support to advocates and lawyers;
- In partnership with the office manager, ensuring facilities and IT systems are working;
- Keeping the office organized and tidy, vacuuming and taking out recycling and garbage.
Qualifications & skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people in prison, lawyers, and prison and parole officials;
- Desire to assist marginalized clients, including people with high mental health needs and people convicted of various crimes, and ability to speak with distressed clients in a calm and supportive manner;
- Ability to be discreet and to exercise excellent judgment in matters of ethics and confidentiality;
- Efficient and detail-oriented;
- Commitment to social justice and anti-oppression work;
- Grade 12 education;
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office;
- Ability to work well with others in a team setting;
- Experience in a legal environment and/or with record keeping and file management an asset; and
- Ability to care for yourself and colleagues amidst challenging work.
We are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and we welcome and encourage applications from members of marginalized communities or communities that experience structural discrimination, including but not limited to Indigenous people, racialized people, people with (dis)abilities, and people of minority sexual orientations and gender identities.
This is an in-person position based at our office in Burnaby, BC.
Salary: $46,265, plus a comprehensive benefits package. Additional benefits include 20 paid vacation days, wellness days, and professional development opportunities.
Closing date: January 10, 2025 or until filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
Interested applicants should submit a covering letter and résumé outlining how their qualifications meet the position requirements to:
Nicole Kief, Interim Executive Director
Prisoners’ Legal Services / West Coast Prison Justice Society
info@pls-bc.ca
Please note “intake worker/administrative assistant” in the subject line.
by Web Master | Dec 16, 2024 | News
PRISONERS’ LEGAL SERVICES – HUMAN RIGHTS & HEALTHCARE STAFF LAWYER
Burnaby, BC – Prisoners’ Legal Services is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and qiqéyt (Qayqayt) Nations.
Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS) is looking for a passionate, strategic, empathetic and dedicated person to join our efforts to protect the rights and dignity of people in prison as a staff lawyer focusing on human rights and healthcare.
About us:
Prisoners’ Legal Services is a non-profit society providing legal assistance to people in federal and provincial prisons in British Columbia. We also engage in strategic litigation and advocacy on the prison justice issues brought forward by our clients to achieve systemic, anti-carceral change.
We are a team of lawyers and non-lawyers who believe that no one is disposable, and who work alongside and in solidarity with incarcerated people. We witness some of the harshest forms of state violence, and use the legal system’s tools to protect our clients from the abuses and degradations of prison.
About the position:
PLS operates a human rights and healthcare program focusing on issues including the mass incarceration of Indigenous people and the rights of incarcerated trans, Two-Spirit and gender-non-conforming people, of incarcerated people who use drugs, and of people with disabilities in prison, as well as on and on topics such as the ethical obligations of prison health providers.
This position is the lead lawyer for this area of our work, and involves identifying and pursuing legal tools to address systemic change and maintaining both systemic and individual case files. The position work closely with the human rights advocate, and provides legal supervision to legal advocates and students on human rights and healthcare matters. The successful candidate will be a creative and legally astute thinker, an excellent direct service lawyer, and a supportive and collaborative colleague.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Represent clients in legal proceedings, particularly complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Commission and BC Human Rights Tribunal and judicial reviews;
- In collaboration with PLS colleagues, identify areas for new litigation and develop PLS’ litigation strategy in the area of human rights.
- Represent clients in complaints to administrative bodies such as regulatory colleges governing health providers, information and privacy commissioners, etc.;
- Provide legal aid services to incarcerated clients, including interviewing clients, managing client files, conducting legal research and writing submissions;
- Represent clients at prison administrative hearings, such as Structured Intervention Unit reviews and Parole Board of Canada hearings;
- Provide legal supervision to legal advocates and students on prison law issues;
Qualifications & skills:
- Called to the bar in BC, with a strong preference for someone with at least 5 years of experience as a lawyer and who meets the qualifications to supervise articling students;
- Familiarity with human rights and administrative law;
- Strong legal research, writing, negotiation and oral advocacy skills;
- Ability to be a strong advocate for marginalized clients, including people with high mental health needs and people convicted of various crimes;
- Commitment to social justice and anti-oppression work;
- Ability to think strategically about legal strategy and to find creative solutions to legal problems;
- A collaborative approach — the ability to work as part of a team and to partner effectively and compassionately with clients;
- Ability to exercise excellent judgment in matters of ethics and confidentiality;
- Attention to detail, organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines;
- Critical and anti-colonial approach to carceral systems;
- Intellectual curiosity and creativity;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people in prison, lawyers, and prison and parole officials; and
- Ability to care for yourself and colleagues amidst challenging work.
We are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and we welcome and encourage applications from members of marginalized communities or communities that experience structural discrimination, including but not limited to Indigenous people, racialized people, people with (dis)abilities, and people of minority sexual orientations and gender identities.
This is an in-person position based at our office in Burnaby, BC. The position requires travel to prisons in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley and access to a vehicle. A CPIC clearance will be required to visit prisons.
Salary: $94,927 for 5-year call (will vary depending on call date), plus a comprehensive benefits package. Additional benefits include 20 paid vacation days, wellness days, law society fees and professional development opportunities.
Closing date: January 10, 2025 or until filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
Interested applicants should submit a covering letter and résumé outlining how their qualifications meet the position requirements to:
Nicole Kief, Interim Executive Director
Prisoners’ Legal Services / West Coast Prison Justice Society
info@pls-bc.ca
Please note “human rights & healthcare staff lawyer” in the subject line.
