The Government of Alberta, Legal Aid Alberta and the Law Society of Alberta have finalized a new long-term governance agreement.
September 4, 2024
To the Legal Aid Alberta Roster,
I am pleased to announce to our valued roster lawyers that Legal Aid Alberta, the Government of Alberta and the Law Society of Alberta have finalized a new long-term governance agreement.
The new governance agreement will come into effect on September 6, 2024, and continues until September 5, 2029.
Please visit the Government of Alberta website to read the full announcement:
New legal aid agreement reached (Sept. 4, 2024)
The agreement is an important step in ensuring access to justice in Alberta, especially for the most disadvantaged in society. Legal Aid Alberta’s mission is to resolve legal problems for disadvantaged Albertans and, in doing so, protect the Rule of Law for the benefit of everyone.
The new governance agreement allows Legal Aid Alberta to continue carrying out that mission. It also codifies that access to justice is a fundamental right for all Albertans, one key to which is an independent legal aid system.
Importantly, the new governance agreement also provides that the Government of Alberta will continue to work with and consult Legal Aid Alberta, the Law Society of Alberta and other key members of the justice system to ensure decisions regarding the future direction of legal aid are data-driven and guided by the legal needs of vulnerable Albertans.
Legal Aid Alberta recognizes and appreciates the critical role that our roster lawyers play in the delivery of the legal aid plan. We are confident that the new governance agreement will allow our roster lawyers to continue their essential work in delivering the legal aid plan and provide the stability and predictability needed to execute that work without distraction.
Thank you for your continued contributions to Legal Aid Alberta and for providing disadvantaged Albertans with the legal services they require to ensure a fair and fully functioning justice system.
Ryan Callioux, KC
Board Chair
Legal Aid Alberta
