Gayle Gavin is a lifelong Vancouverite, prominent trial lawyer, community activist and grandmother.
As a lawyer who managed her own firm, Gayle represented the interests of people in the areas of personal injury, welfare, tenant’s’ rights, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and human rights. She stood up against large institutions like ICBC, the UIC and WCB and pioneered new areas of the law for her clients. Gayle won precedent-setting judgments, enshrining the rights of disabled people to long-term disability, of women who have been sexually assaulted to compensation, of women to employment while pregnant, of workers locked-out to unemployment insurance benefits, and of people in same sex partnerships to recognition as couples under the Medical Services Plan.
As a community activist, Gayle has worked with the Mount Pleasant Residents Association to oppose the massive Rize Alliance development. Gayle exposed how Vision Vancouver had violated the law to ram through yet another inappropriate development. Gayle’s legal argument is now the basis of a court challenge by Mount Pleasant residents.
For Gayle being a mother included helping to found a pre-school in the local community school and volunteering In her daughters classroom and as a member of the PAC.
Gayle has also fought for local food security in the successful campaign to save the UBC farm, and held leading roles in the movements to End the Arms Race and to declare Burnaby a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone.
Gayle appreciates that city governance deals with issues like water, street lighting and roads as well as recreation, parks, schools and development. She has the skills to ensure that the city is run efficiently, effectively, and in fair and transparent manner with accountability and compassion. Gayle firmly believes that city governance functions best as a process authentically inclusive of residents.
Gayle’s campaign for Vancouver City Council has the endorsements of prominent Vancouver lawyers, community members, and her loving family. As a lawyer and community activist, she has always stood up for the rights of ordinary people. On Vancouver City Council, she’ll bring the skills, experience and heart to make sure that Vancouver is governed and developed to the benefit of all who live here.
Facebook: Gayle Gavin
Twitter: twitter.com/gaylegavin1
