National

B.C. announces more legal aid funding

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Mar, 2022 03:23 PM

VICTORIA - The provincial government is investing another $8.19 million in legal aid in British Columbia, filling what it says are gaps in service.

The Ministry of the Attorney General announced the funding follows analysis of the legal-aid system between December 2019 and June 2021 by the ministry, Legal Aid BC and the Association of Legal Aid Lawyers.

The money was announced in Budget 2022, and much of the funding, $7.47 million, is an increase to the budget for Legal Aid BC to support lawyers delivering legal help in the province.

It says $3.55 million of that funding will be used to ensure junior counsel are assigned in all murder and manslaughter cases, to provide a certain number of hours for expert witnesses in criminal cases and to support families trying to navigate the court system.

The funding will also be used to add to the criminal early resolution contract, providing legal help to more clients whose cases weren't able to be resolved outside the courts.

The remaining $730,000 will go to the Society for Children and Youth to expand a legal clinic and meet the growing demand for legal services for children and youth.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Crown has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at the trial of former clerk

Lawyer Gavin Cameron continued his closing arguments for a second day in B-C Supreme Court. James was charged with fraud and breach of trust based on allegations of misspending.

Crown has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at the trial of former clerk

Premier Horgan not concerned that BC will face major costs with Canada's sanctions against Russia

Horgan says he supports the federal government's decision to impose a 35 per cent tariff on Russian and Belarus exports to Canada. The move has potential economic consequences for B-C sectors that rely on Russian products, including major construction projects that use Russian steel.

Premier Horgan not concerned that BC will face major costs with Canada's sanctions against Russia

391 COVID19 cases for Thursday

There are 511 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 79 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, 13 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,896.

391 COVID19 cases for Thursday

Businesses to charge a minimum fee on single-use cups: City of Vancouver

The charge was imposed January 1st — in part to reduce some of the estimated 80-million coffee and beverage cups thrown away in Vancouver every year — but unintentionally added costs to meal voucher recipients or those using gift cards or reward programs.

Businesses to charge a minimum fee on single-use cups: City of Vancouver

Investigation continues into house explosion

Constable Gary O'Brien says police will be checking to see if foul play was involved. He says crews have managed to remove debris from the site of the flattened home and check the basement and other areas.

Investigation continues into house explosion

Illegal drug dispensary operates as a tattoo studio shut down after allegedly selling to youth

Officers seized cannabis products, magic mushrooms (psilocybin), and suspected MDMA. The dispensary has now been shut down. While cannabis is legal to purchase and consume in Canada, there are strict regulations in place, including where products can be purchased.