The Lawyer's Daily, Monday, January 09, 2023. By Jo-Anne Stark
There is a grassroots movement taking place in Canada and in other countries that is fighting to change this dynamic. The Can’t Buy My Silence campaign is lobbying governments and legal professionals to end the misuse of NDAs — and with news about Hockey Canada, Harvey Weinstein and so many other examples coming to light — it’s time for legal professionals to take a stand for those unable to use their voice. Survivors of sexual harassment and human rights violations ought to be treated with respect and retain their voice; it is the only real way the perpetrators of these harmful acts will be held accountable — and to prevent harm to others.
The Canadian Bar Association has published a resolution to its members to promote awareness of the misuse of NDAs in Canada; voting takes place in February. It’s a small step forward — one where lawyers can be a part of the solution instead of being a part of the problem.
