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It’s impossible convey all that I experienced and learnt over the past 9 or so months working with the partner families on this matter. Professionally and legally, from a community lawyering perspective, but also personally https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/habitat-edmonton-apology-low-income-family-group-lawsuit-1.5664983
I remember first meeting the families at my office. They couldn’t find a lawyer to take on the case, the few they spoke with asking for $15,000 retainer in one case or just flat out refusing given the work required. I totally understand that perspective, especially with overhead.
But, we connected and I felt there was something here; that weekend, I met the entire group at packed community hall in Millhurst (in Mill Woods). The funny thing was that I grew up in Millhurst, a low to middle income working class hood made up of many immigrant families.
Walking into that hall — filled with row on row of families, maybe close 200 people — and when I looked at the families, I saw what I felt to be myself, my family, our experience reflected back.
And this is a diverse group of families. Cultural, linguistic, ethnic, etc. Folks from India and Pakistan to Morroco and Algeria to Somalia and Eriteria to families who trace their roots in Canada to numerous generations.
Every Sunday, my job was to meet with families, and discuss their legal issues. Over a hundred or so would show up each Sunday evening, and I would spend the night explaining the issues and answering all and any questions posed.
Then the calls and WhatsApp messages, filtered through representatives of the families, but it was a daunting experience.
But, it was invigorating. I had no bones about the work involved because it felt true to why I decided to become a lawyer. To serve in situations like this.
But, it was invigorating. I had no bones about the work involved because it felt true to why I decided to become a lawyer. To serve in situations like this.
Then there was the education I received from the families, and kind and gracious manner in which they let me into their lives and taught me about them in relation to the legal and justice issues we were confronting.
One of the privilges of being a lawyer is that you receive complete and direct access into other peoples lives. And it’s honest and clear; you learn about them and their lives in a way that outsiders wouldn’t really get access.
And I learned a tonne from the families.
I also learned the limits of the legal system, and where and how justice can be pursued outside of the formal legal system. If anything, that’s the key takeaway here.
I also learned the limits of the legal system, and where and how justice can be pursued outside of the formal legal system. If anything, that’s the key takeaway here.
Also, not giving up when it seems to be over. The families never lost faith in me and the case, and neither did I give up on them and our goal. Especially after dealing with major blows in the legal case.
This case was special, the families were special, and I am glad things worked out. A special recognition of Habitat and it’s board for stepping up and doing the right thing. I know it wasn’t easy and they deserve praise and admiration for changing course and fixing things.
Also, folks like @Reakash, @batulgulamhus, @blmyeg and others were critical in this outcome. I am in awe of them, how they rallied for the families and supported and encouraged them. Absolute inspirations. Eternally grateful
