Legal Aid Alberta to Stop Providing Lawyers to Those in Need Due to Funding Dispute

Legal Aid Alberta to Stop Providing Lawyers to Those in Need Over Funding Dispute

EDMONTON — Legal Aid Alberta has announced that it will cease providing lawyers to individuals who cannot afford legal representation by next Tuesday due to a funding and governance dispute with the province.

The agency stated that the United Conservative Party government has issued an ultimatum that would compromise its independence and place it financially under the control of the justice minister, which it cannot accept.

“The independence of legal aid must be sacrosanct,” said board chairman Ryan Callioux. “If it is not, the justice system will suffer significantly.”

In response, Justice Minister Mickey Amery highlighted the agency’s budget growth to $110 million over the past nine years without a corresponding increase in the number of clients served, deeming it unsustainable. The government has offered an interim $27.5-million grant while negotiations continue.

Legal aid in Alberta has historically been funded through a governance agreement involving the federal government, the province, and funds raised by interest on lawyers’ trust accounts overseen by the Law Society of Alberta. This agreement expired recently, leading to the current funding dispute.

Critics, including Edmonton criminal defence lawyer Paul Moreau, have raised concerns about the proposed funding model, which would give the justice minister significant control over legal aid funding. Moreau emphasized that uncertain, one-year funding would limit the agency’s ability to handle complex, multi-year cases and compromise its independence, particularly in cases involving family law, child welfare, and immigration.

The proposal has also drawn support from justice and human rights advocate Mark Cherrington, who believes that the current legal aid model is inefficient and overly political. He suggested a public defender system led by experienced lawyers with clear separation from political influence.

In response to the funding dispute, Legal Aid Alberta has announced that it will no longer provide lawyers after Tuesday, including duty counsel for individuals making their first court appearance. This decision is expected to result in court backlogs and delays in legal proceedings.

Opposition New Democrat justice critic Irfan Sabir criticized the government’s actions, characterizing them as an interference in the justice system and a move towards increased government control.

As the funding dispute continues, the future of legal aid services in Alberta remains uncertain, with potential implications for access to justice for those in need.