About Civil Rights Now!
“Civil Rights Now! is an all-volunteer, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization registered under the BC Societies Act.
Its goal is to get statutes passed by the provincial legislature which will ensure persons with disablilities living in British Columbia receive equal benefit and protection of the law. Ones that give practical force and effect to the section 15 equality provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
Paul Caune
Paul Caune is a disability advocate, writer and film maker. In addition to being the Executive Director of CRN, Paul writes a column for the Beacon News. In 2013 he released the documentary film Hope Is Not A Plan.
Paul Caune is the Executive Director of Civil Rights Now!
David Marley
David has spent his professional career as a trial lawyer, public policy advocate or senior political advisor at the both the federal and provincial government levels. Since 1972, he has performed leading roles in over a dozen political campaigns in BC or Ontario. In 2005, David designed a national political strategy for FEAT of BC and is a co-founder of Medicare for Autism Now.
Ed Des Roches
Jean Lewis
Jean is the mother of two, who since her youngest son was diagnosed with autism in 1996 became the co-founder and leading spokesperson for FEAT of BC (Families for Early Autism Treatment) an organization dedicated to obtaining science-based autism treatment within Canada’s healthcare system. Jean was the co-chair of the litigation steering committee forAuton, a Canadian landmark Charter disability case. She performed the same role in Hewko, litigation aimed at ensuring children with autism gain equal access to BC’s education system. In 2008, Jean co-founded Medicare for Autism Now, a non-partisan, national advocacy group focused on creating political will in support of necessary public policy change.
Mary-Jo Fetterly
Mary-Jo is a small business owner, yoga therapist and single parent. Since becoming paralyzed in a skiing accident, Mary-Jo has participated in numerous disability related causes and organizations such as: City of Vancouver – Persons with Disability Advisory Committee, The Vancouver Resources Society – Member Housing Committee, and the Rick Hansen Foundation – Consumer Advisory Panel.
Ed is the co- owner, operator of Vancouver based PLUM, a clothing manufacturer and retailer. He sits on the Honorary Board of Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland. PLUM was awarded the 2011 National Community Mentor Award by the Big Brothers/Sisters of Canada. Ed has two adult daughters.