The Regan Russell Foundation

After a great amount of effort and almost two years since Regan's tragic death, we are founding the Regan Russell Foundation to serve as a vehicle for Regan's family, loved ones, and supporters to bring her voice to the constitutional challenge of Bill 156 and continue her legacy of activism in her name.

 

What is the Regan Russell Foundation?

 

The Regan Russell Foundation has been founded to continue Regan Russell’s activism beyond her untimely killing. We begin our journey as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding and supporting the battle against Bill 156 – the battle that Regan died fighting.

 

To that end, we are intervening in the constitutional challenge against Bill 156 before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Alongside the groups and people Regan stood for, we will be presenting the concerns of Regan’s fellow activists and loved ones in light of her tragic killing. It is important to all of us that this organization serves as a vessel for Regan’s voice that was so cruelly taken away and she be considered more than collateral damage in a tragic accident, that we believe was entirely preventable. We, Regan’s family, also believe that there are valid concerns that Bill 156 may have influenced the handling of Regan’s death by the local institutions of power.

 

As we move forward with the challenge against Bill 156, we will determine what path lies beyond the Regan Russell Foundation. We hope to serve as a beacon for activists across Canada – defending and enabling them to exercise their right to safely protest. We have chosen to start our fight by joining the challenge to Bill 156, because we believe that Bill 156 has impacted the right of animal rights activists in Ontario to safely engage in protest activities.

 

Where will your money go?

 

We seek funds in order to finance the ongoing legal battles relative to Regan’s killing. We have used prior fundraising efforts to cover the costs incurred by her death and the resulting pursuit of justice. In the time since her death, we have sought all avenues available to us in having appropriate charges laid against Regan’s killer. Through the Regan Russell Foundation, we will continue our efforts to be sure the battle is fought in her name as is just. When the sun sets on this journey, we will use whatever funds at our disposal, beyond the legal costs incurred, to continue good faith support of peaceful, lawful activism of all kinds. Should we meet or exceed our goal in short order, we will immediately begin working on projects beyond the challenge of Bill 156 and justice in the resolution of Regan’s killing.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joshua Powell

Director

Regan Russell Foundation

 

Legal intervention on “Ag Gag” Legislation

Bill 156, the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act (commonly referred to as an “Ag Gag” law) claims to protect property rights and biosecurity, and to protect farmers and business owners from trespassers. In reality, it silences whistleblowers, restricts rights to peacefully protest, and limits liability for farmers and business owners without regard for the rights of protesters and farmed animals. Animal Justice is challenging the constitutionality of Bill 156 on the basis that portions of the legislation unjustifiably restrict political expression and peaceful protest activities. Regan Russell was struck and killed by a transport truck while engaging in such a peaceful protest activity – she was bearing witness to pigs being transported to a slaughterhouse. Sections of Bill 156 explicitly limit the liability of truck drivers such as the one who was driving the truck that killed Regan for the injuries or damage they may cause. The Powell family intends to help Animal Justice fight Bill 156 by intervening in their challenge to the legislation. The Powell family’s intervention will be focused on protecting animal rights protesters like Regan.

Disclaimer

Please be advised that you do not become a client when you donate to this campaign, nor do you become entitled to any confidential information regarding this legal matter. The matter is confidential, and no information regarding the matter will be released unless the client consents to such disclosure. Confidential information includes future bills for legal services and statements of account. If a dispute arises between a donor and the client, our obligation is to the client.

Please note that donations to this campaign are being used both for payment for legal services and for the establishment of a not-for-profit organization in Regan’s name. The owner of the campaign is allocating donations to these causes accordingly. Donations to this campaign do not go directly to either cause, and any concerns about earmarking donations, refunding donations, or the use of excess donations should be directed towards the client.