Alberta government’s failure to support legal aid is bad for Canada
Jul 5, 2024 Modified: July 5, 2024For immediate release: July 7, 2024
“The Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA) is alarmed that the Alberta government has threatened to end funding for Legal Aid Alberta. The Alberta government’s strongman approach to negotiating – which at best would result in an agreement with decreased funding and independence while increasing bureaucracy – is unbecoming of a democratic government with a responsibility to ensure all Albertans are treated fairly before the court. Using citizens in need as political pawns is cold, un-Canadian, and in poor taste.
“Removing the Law Society of Alberta’s involvement with Legal Aid Alberta would be a mistake that threatens the independence of lawyers and ultimately the legal system. The Alberta government seeks to bring to heel Legal Aid Alberta by restricting how the funds can be spent – that is, only to where the Alberta government thinks it is okay to spend them. This is not okay. Legal Aid Alberta must be able to help people wherever they encounter injustice, including when it is found against the government or any other entity, without restriction.
“The Alberta government’s attempt to erode the independence and ability of Legal Aid Alberta to help Albertans is nothing but a screeching attempt to get votes under the guise of fiscal responsibility. Despite a $4.3 billion surplus, the Alberta government complains about having to pay for a program that has a long history of helping those in need, including students, racialized individuals, and those living below the poverty line. This is harmful to our justice system, to the vulnerable people in our courts, and it undermines public respect for the courts and the legal system as a whole.”
About FOLA
FOLA is a non-profit organization that represents Ontario’s 46 county and district law associations, and about 12,000 lawyers. Most of FOLA’s members are sole practitioners or work in small firms across the province.
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Contact:
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Terry L. Brandon
Committee Chair, Legal Aid, Federation of Ontario Law Associations