Free resources available to help Albertans during COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress and anxiety for many Albertans. Families in Alberta are facing new challenges with co-parenting and domestic violence, which becomes more urgent as isolation continues. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress and anxiety for many Albertans. Families in Alberta are facing new challenges with co-parenting and domestic violence, which […]
LAA staff lawyer honoured with Queen’s Counsel designation
On March 4, 2020, Legal Aid Alberta Queen’s Bench Duty Counsel lawyer Christine Le Quéré was appointed as a Queen’s Counsel for the province of Alberta. On March 4, 2020, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) Queen’s Bench Duty Counsel lawyer Christine Le Quéré was appointed as a Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) for the province of […]
LAA courthouse intake services to temporarily close
To help contain the spread of COVID-19, all LAA intake services at the Edmonton and Calgary courthouses will be closed effective Monday, March 16, 2020. Based on publicly available information, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is implementing proactive measures to protect employees and clients and limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19. To help […]
Legal Aid Alberta to intervene in Mental Health Act appeal
When someone is arrested by the police, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms promises the person the right to speak with a lawyer. But does the Charter also guarantee a lawyer for someone who has been detained in a hospital because they suffer from a serious mental illness? The Alberta Court of Appeal may take up this […]
Legal Aid Alberta takes steps to address gaps in Detention Review Hearings
Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) hosted training sessions for its roster immigration lawyers on how to effectively prepare for and conduct Detention Review hearings. When a foreign national or permanent resident is detained by Canada Border Security Agency, a Detention Review Hearing will take place within 48 hours to determine if there is a reason […]
Protecting the legal rights of new Canadians
In 2018-2019, 883 certificates were issued by Legal Aid Alberta for immigration matters. Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) provides support to some of the most vulnerable in society, including new immigrants and those who have left their lives behind to escape persecution. In 2018-2019, 883 certificates were issued for immigration matters, with over 825 […]
Legal Aid Alberta creates meaningful learning opportunities
Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is committed to professional development of its staff across the organization and sharing its expertise with the broader legal community. Our organization is in a unique position to effectively improve the overall quality of the justice system in Alberta. Educating our partners in the justice system about access to justice issues […]
Mental health court benefits both the accused and society
The Edmonton Mental Health Court, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary, is designed to deal with matters where there is reason to believe a person’s conflict with the law is due to a problem with mental health. The court is based on a therapeutic model, involving a more collaborative and restorative approach than the ones […]
Building a stronger relationship with Alberta lawyers
100 roster lawyers attend meet-and-greet sessions with LAA executives. As part of our efforts to build stronger relationships with our stakeholders in the justice system, our senior leaders held Meet-and-Greet Information Sessions with roster lawyers and members of the Judiciary in November. These sessions took place in Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Edmonton […]
Judges, lawyers, police attend workshop on emergency protection orders
Family Violence Prevention Month brings together more than 30 professionals for critical conversations about emergency protection. Legal Aid Alberta’s (LAA) Edmonton Emergency Protection Order Program (EPOP) hosted a training session for staff and roster lawyers in an effort to increase awareness around Emergency Protection Orders (EPO) and Family Violence Prevention Month. The lawyers who participated […]