Child-Care Top-Ups, Paid Parental Leave Part of Push For Gender Equity at B.C. Companies

Mar 8

Across British Columbia, more businesses are rethinking how they support women in the workplace—especially new and expecting mothers. From law firms to real estate developers, a growing number of companies are investing in paid parental leave, child-care top-ups, and maternity programs designed to attract and retain female talent.

Among the leaders is Illuma Family Law, a Vancouver firm founded by Abby Pang, which has become the first law firm in B.C. to offer parental leave and monthly child-care top-ups. Abby Pang says her goal is to make women and parents feel celebrated rather than like a burden—and to inspire other firms to follow suit.

Industries traditionally dominated by men—like construction, real estate, and law—are starting to recognize that gender equity requires more than just equal pay. With women representing only about 34% of B.C.’s practising lawyers and facing steep career penalties after childbirth, initiatives like these aim to close the gap.

The timing aligns with broader policy shifts: the B.C. government recently introduced pay transparency legislation to help reduce the gender wage gap, which still sees women earning nearly 19% less per hour than men. For mothers, that gap widens into what economists call the “motherhood penalty”—a sharp drop in earnings after having children.

Abby Pang emphasizes that true equity means supporting motherhood as part of leadership, not as a career interruption. As more companies adopt inclusive family policies, they’re not only empowering women but also reshaping workplace culture across B.C.

For full article: Business in Vancouver

Abby Pang

Abby is a lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters: Jansson v. Malone, 2021; Binning v. Kandola, 2021; Bergeron v. Malloy, 2020; Urwin v. Hanson, 2019; Lally v. He, 2016; Kandola v. Mactavish, 2016; Kweon v. Roy, 2016; Chan v. Caer, 2014; Saadati v. Moorhead, 2015; Loft v. Nat, 2015. In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, and spending time with her family.

https://www.illumalaw.com/team

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