FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Calgary, AB (May 1, 2023) – A sustainable and accessible justice system is an important priority for Albertans according to public opinion research undertaken by Nanos Research on behalf of CBA Alberta. CBA Alberta is calling on all political parties in the provincial election to commit to increasing resources for the justice system. The justice system has been systemically underfunded by successive governments, and while recent investments are welcome, there is still more to be done.
“Currently, a single Albertan working a full-time, minimum wage job makes too much money to qualify for legal aid, leading many to represent themselves” said CBA Alberta President Amanda Lindberg. “Albertans have told us that the threshold to qualify for support through legal aid is unacceptably low, and that they are largely in favour of increasing funding to address this.”
“We also know through an independent economic analysis that a modest investment of $4 – 6 million for legal aid could provide a net savings of $11 million and more importantly, provide more Albertans access to the legal representation they need and reduce the amount of court time required to resolve legal matters,” said Lindberg.
In addition to increased funding for legal aid, CBA Alberta is also calling for more support for specialized courts, innovation in our family justice system, resources to modernize our justice system infrastructure, the protection of judicial independence, and for our elected representatives to continue to advocate for our system of justice and protect the rule of law.
CBA Alberta is committed to consulting with political parties and other stakeholders to advance meaningful change in the justice system. Read more in Agenda for Justice 2023.
About CBA Alberta:
The Canadian Bar Association is the largest professional association for lawyers, representing over 38,000 lawyers, judges, legal academics and law students across Canada, with over 5,100 members in Alberta. As the essential ally and advocate for our members, CBA Alberta promotes fair justice systems, facilitates effective law reform, and upholds equality in the legal profession and beyond.
Media Contact:
Lee-Anne Hateley (Manager, Member Services & Communications)
403-218-4310
communications@cba-alberta.org