Caeleb 'Rae' Goff awarded Royal Society of Canada's Abella Prize

Supplied photo

Caeleb ‘Rae’ Goff has been awarded the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize for 2024.

The RSC awards 24 prizes to a graduating student in each of Canada’s law schools, who will significantly impact equity and social justice in Canada or globally. Each recipient receives $1,000.

Established by the RSC in 2022, the prize honours Abella, a retired Supreme Court of Canada justice and changemaker celebrated for her visionary intellectual contributions and commitment to building equality and equity. Abella is a graduate of U of T’s University College and Faculty of Law.

Goff, who graduated from U of T's Faculty of Law’s juris doctor (JD) program this past spring, earned certificates in both Sexual Diversity and Gender Studies as well as Aboriginal Legal Studies. As VP, student life, for the Students' Law Society (SLS), she served on the Dean’s committees for admissions and financial aid. Goff established the Friendship committee, aimed at helping students find a support network at law school and was an executive of the First-Generation Network (FGN) and the Peer Mental Health Support Program (PMHSP). Her contributions highlight her ongoing commitment to helping others navigate barriers to accessing legal education, while recognizing socio-economic challenges and the need for mentorship and support. 

Goff, who also has a background in social work, was a caseworker with Advocates for Injured Workers (AIW) and now is completing a clerkship with the New Brunswick Court of Appeal.

Founded in 1882, RSC comprises the Academies of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences, and The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. The RSC recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world.