New report says legal aid system failing most needy in B.C.
British Columbia’s legal-aid system is failing those who need it most, says a new report from a public commission.
The report by Vancouver lawyer Leonard Doust says B.C. has gone from being a leader in providing legal-aid services to trailing behind other jurisdictions.
Released today (March 8), the report says cutbacks and poor financial support from government are to blame for the inadequate services.
“We can no longer avoid the fact that we are failing the most disadvantaged members of our community, those for whom legal aid exists within our province,” it says.
Established in June 2010, the commission was tasked with assessing the views of British Columbians on the legal-aid system. Dozens of written and in-person submissions were received as part of the work.
The commission heard reports of individuals who pleaded guilty to criminal charges without a proper understanding of their rights or who wasted court time during litigation because they didn’t know which legal issues were relevant.
The report makes nine recommendations about the system, including recognizing legal aid as an essential service; increasing funding from the provincial and federal governments; and updating and broadening eligibility criteria so more needy people can receive help.
It also recommends giving more support to service providers; improving collaboration between public and private providers of legal-aid services; and creating a new way to define core public legal-aid services.
The Legal Services Society, the non-profit organization that delivers legal aid in B.C., has agreed the public’s needs are not being met under the system.
The recommendation to recognize legal aid as an essential service was also endorsed by the society, which is not a member of the public commission.
But the Legal Services Society says today in a news release that the report doesn’t provide an up-to-date picture of B.C.’s legal-aid system.
“Many of the concerns mentioned in the report have been addressed including the restoration of many services,” the society says in the release.
The public commission on legal aid is supported by several legal groups in the province. They include the Canadian Bar Association B.C. Branch, the Law Society of B.C., and B.C. Crown Counsel Association, among others.
You can follow Stephen Thomson on Twitter at twitter.com/thomsonstraight.
Comments
5 Comments
glen p robbins
Mar 8, 2011 at 6:10pm
Law in BC is a commercial industry--only.
Second Nation
Mar 9, 2011 at 10:43am
Has the Legal Services Society ever said "hey - we're OK. No need for more funding!" Now <*>that<*> would be a news-worthy.
Keep it Real
Mar 9, 2011 at 12:42pm
how ironic that the over-priced lawyers are calling for more government funding.....
glen p robbins
Mar 9, 2011 at 2:32pm
This isn't just about lawyers. It's about justice and fairness for far too many people who don't have any chance-- and not just the poor. I particularly support Mr. Doust's report and implementation of assistants supervised by authorized legal counsel to help individuals who are unable to access justice, in all matters, and not just criminal justice. I see Supreme Court Justices having to deal with In Person's (people representing themselves) who cannot speak the language well - cannot afford representation -- and they deserve a hearing - but need someone to speak for them - lest the Judge has to spend half a day playing interpreter.
These dollars are well spent in my personal opinion - I have travelled the road--I'm a believer in what he is advocating. Let's find out what the public thinks eh?
Good News day for Liberals
Mar 10, 2011 at 12:08pm
I do believe there is not a Ministry that is into the job. It dosen't matter education, health care the reports are all the same. BC Liberals want to rid the public of services and make room for further coporate tax breaks. You can't bring hundreds and thousands of new immigrants into a city and share your stuff while services are being drastically cut back. I know the Liberals have their own numbers, they also have their own lies.