Renowned B.C. human rights lawyer Joe Arvay, dies at 71
Posted December 7, 2020 3:05 pm.
Last Updated December 7, 2020 8:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The province’s attorney general is one of many mourning and paying tribute to a B.C. lawyer who argued a number of landmark cases advancing civil liberties and human rights.
Arvay Finlay LLP announced the passing of Joe Arvay, OC, QC Monday. He was 71.
In a statement, David Eby says he is “profoundly saddened” by the news.
“Joe was one of the finest constitutional lawyers in this country and was a tireless advocate for human rights, Indigenous peoples, and countless other marginalized or disadvantaged groups. He donated thousands of hours of his time to defend the rights of people who are on the margins, and he did so to make our country a better and more equal place,” he says.
“Joe’s commitment to the public interest was matched by his exceptional talent. He was brilliant in arguing even the most difficult cases, and his willingness to take on causes at the edge of the law meant that his work reshaped constitutional law in Canada.”
Eby goes on to say he looked up to Arvay as a student and a young lawyer.
“Joe’s loss will leave a profound gap, not just in the legal community, but in our country. However, his legacy is a generation of lawyers inspired by his example to give back to their communities through their talents and efforts.”
Arvay’s work includes defending Vancouver’s supervised injection site, InSite at the Supreme Court of Canada, ensuring it can stay open. Arvay also worked alongside the B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) in a successful fight to decriminalize medically-assisted dying, and represented their successful challenge to the practiCe of indefinite solitary confinement.
The BCCLA issued a statement describing Arvay as “One of this country’s greatest constitutional litigators and fighters for civil liberties and human rights,” adding he represented the organization pro bono for decades.
“Joe was a tireless and brilliant advocate, fighting for justice throughout his legal career,” the statement says.”
“Many of the BCCLA’s greatest achievements would not have been possible without Joe’s contributions. He was a fierce lawyer, a generous mentor, and a loyal friend.”
Arvay was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017, and awarded the Order of British Columbia the following year.
