For Immediate Release
August 12, 2021/Toronto
The Chinese & Southeast Asian Legal Clinic (CSALC) congratulates its former Clinic Director, Avvy Yao-Yao Go on her appointment as a Federal Court judge.
Ms. Go joined CSALC in 1992 as the clinic’s second Clinic Director. During her 29 years working for CSALC, Ms. Go was a tireless and powerful advocate for the disadvantaged. Under her leadership, CSALC has become a strong voice on issues of racial equity and social justice.
Among other things, Ms. Go acted as co-counsel in the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act Redress Class Action lawsuit which helped push the Canadian Government to provide an apology and reparation for the surviving head taxpayers. Through her international human rights advocacy, Ms. Go helped CSALC gain recognition on the international stage by helping the clinic secure ECOSOC Consultative Status with the United Nations.
“While Avvy is known for her high profile advocacy work, what we will miss the most is the work that she has done for thousands of low income, racialized clients who contact our clinic every year, whose lives have been upended by unjust laws and by multiple barriers within the legal system,” said Jason Huang-Kung, Chair of the Board of Directors of CSALC. “On behalf of the Board and staff of CSALC, I want to thank Avvy for all the work she has done for the communities, and I wish Justice Go all the success in her new role,” added Huang-Kung.
CSALC is pleased to announce that effective immediately, Gary Yee is joining the clinic as Interim Executive Director. Mr. Yee was the first Clinic Director of CSALC when it started in 1987. His administrative law career has included ten years as Special Advisor at the Immigration and Refugee Board, and Chair appointments as to the Social Benefits Tribunal and the Licence Appeal Tribunal. Mr. Yee will assist CSALC’s search for a new Executive Director, while providing support to the Board and Staff in maintaining the core operations of the clinic.
For more information, please email:csalegalclinic@gmail.com
Article From: CSALC
