Roster Update

August 15, 2024

Legal Aid Alberta provides extensive coverage on matters affecting incarcerated individuals.

In recognition of Prisoners’ Justice Day on August 10, we’ve compiled a list of prison-related legal issues that LAA covers. Roster lawyers are encouraged to reference and share this information with clients who may need these services.

Parole Board Hearings

• LAA does not cover the initial parole hearing or the appeal to the Parole Board Appeal Division; however, LAA does provide certificate coverage for a judicial review application of a negative decision from the Parole Board Appeal Division provided there is merit to the application.
• LAA provides certificate coverage for parole revocation hearings at the first instance before the Parole Board of Canada.
• LAA provides certificate coverage for detainment hearings (to hold an inmate past the statutory release date) at the first instance before the Parole Board of Canada.

Dangerous Offender/Long Term Offender Matters

• LAA provides certificate coverage for hearings to have a person found a dangerous offender or long-term offender.
• LAA provides certificate coverage for applications to reduce the period of long-term supervision if there is merit to the application.

Faint Hope Clause Hearings

• LAA provides certificate coverage for applications to reduce the period of parole ineligibility under the “faint hope clause” if there is merit to the application.

Transfer and Liberty Issues

• LAA provides certificate coverage for habeas corpus applications if there is merit to the application.
• LAA provides certificate coverage for judicial review applications to oppose an involuntary prison transfer if there is merit to the application.

Institutional Charges

• LAA provides duty counsel assistance to inmates who are charged with institutional charges in provincial or federal institutions within Alberta.