The Government of Alberta’s consultation sessions regarding legal aid services have now concluded, with a total of three sessions held over the past two to three weeks. The consultation also included the invitation to provide written submissions.
Participants in these sessions included representatives from Legal Aid Alberta, CDLA and CTLA, the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Family Law Association, Alberta Law Foundation and the John Howard Society, among others. We note that the stakeholders were very engaged and came prepared. A central theme that ran through all sessions was the importance of maintaining the independence of Legal Aid Alberta operations as a foundational piece of access to justice for Albertans.
So, what happens now? The government has committed to providing all stakeholders with a summary of responses and any further steps in the new year. We will keep you updated on developments as they learn more.