First woman chief justice on Supreme Court of Canada to speak in Kelowna

Twenty-one people from East Africa, Yemen, and Syria settled into the Okanagan in the last year, with the help of the Central Okanagan Refugee Committee.

Refugees adjusting to life in Canada are busy with activities, including studying English, taking driving lessons and tests, navigating the school and health care systems, and applying for work. 

"Many of the adults have to say goodbye to successful careers and start over again, hoping for a better future for their children," a press release from the refugee committee said.

The City of Kelowna has offered its support to resettlement organizations and in a letter to the Central Okanagan Refugee Committee, Mayor Colin Basran recognized that “the residents and business community of Kelowna have embraced the settlement of refugees, who receive strong support to establish roots and friendships in our city.”

To build financial support, the refugee committee is bringing in a speaker for a fundraiser who is no stranger to human rights issues.

Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin will speak in Kelowna on Monday, May 25 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church.

Justice McLachlin was the first woman chief justice for the Supreme Court of Canada and held that position for a record-setting for 17 years.

During her tenure, many Constitutional challenges were brought forward, including Indigenous rights, same-sex marriage, and Medical Assistance in Dying or MAID. Justice McLachlin will be speaking on Canada’s diversity and the accompanying legal challenges.

Tickets are available from www.kelownatickets.com.

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