This case challenged a provision of British Columbia’s Vital Statistics Act which prevented parents from giving their children a hyphenated surname.
LEAF sponsored the challenge of this law by three couples.
Facts
Three couples wished to give their children last names consisting of a hyphenated combination of both parents’ surnames, but the Vital Statistics Act did not allow them to do so.
Arguments
The couples, sponsored by LEAF, argued that the legislation violated their equality rights under s. 15 of the Charter.
Outcome
Before trial, the British Columbia government amended the legislation to allow hyphenated last names.
LEAF is grateful to Kate Young, counsel in this case.
Our records are imperfect, but we are doing our best to update them – if you were involved with LEAF on this case but your name is not reflected here, please email us at [email protected].
