A new legal aid agreement comes into effect in Alberta on Friday, September 6, aiming to enhance access to justice for low-income residents across the province. The agreement, reached after negotiations between Legal Aid Alberta and the provincial government, commits $110 million to support legal aid services for Albertans in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The St. Paul legal aid office, which covers a wide area including Athabasca, the Lakelands, Lloydminster, Vermilion, Vegreville and Wainwright, ranks third in caseload volume outside of Edmonton and Calgary. Last year, the office issued 3,221 certificates, reflecting the significant demand for legal assistance in the region.
“Access to justice is a fundamental right for all Albertans,” said Ryan Callioux, KC, board chair of Legal Aid Alberta. “Key to this is an independent legal aid system, and this agreement specifically codifies these values. We continue to respect that the Government of Alberta has a critical role in ensuring fiscal responsibility. Strengthening legal aid will include ongoing conversations that involve the parties to this agreement and our funders, stakeholders, and partners, with a commitment to supporting the legal needs of Albertans.”
Under the new agreement, which extends until September 5, 2029, Albertans earning under $30,000 annually may qualify for legal aid assistance. The program is funded by the Alberta government, the Law Foundation of Alberta, and the federal government.
Files from G. Lampow – Vista Radio
