Every Albertan, regardless of his or her income, should and must have timely access to legal representation when needed. It is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of the rule of law in Canada.
Unfortunately, in recent years the province’s legal aid system has strained to meet increased demands, leading, in some cases, to delays and court backlogs.
Hopefully newly announced funding for the legal aid system – totalling about $70 million over the next four years – will help support and improve the system.
“Legal aid helps people in some of the most trying periods of their lives,” said Premier Rachel Notley. “Whether it’s a parent fighting for child support, or a survivor of domestic violence fleeing an abusive partner, fairness before the courts shouldn’t depend on the size of a person’s bank account.
“That’s why we’ve increased funding for legal aid, to make sure it’s there when Albertans need it and that our justice system works for everyone.”
A new governance agreement with Legal Aid Alberta and the Law Society of Alberta will be supported with the new funding.
Under that agreement, Legal Aid Alberta will “focus on streamlining the application and referral processes and determining how best to provide clients with the right service at the right time,” the province says.
“This includes making legal information and advice available at all first appearance bail hearings, and offering phone and in-person legal help for family law matters.”
Don Cranston, president of the Law Society of Alberta, said, “Many Albertans will benefit from this new agreement and we are confident that this investment in legal aid will make a significant positive impact on the justice system in Alberta."
The legal aid system helps Alberta’s lower income residents receive the justice for which they are legally entitled – and when any Albertan cannot receive fair treatment before the courts because of his or her income level, it is justice denied.
This new legal aid funding is money well spent.
Dan Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor.
