Close X
Monday, December 2, 2024
ADVT 
National

Lack Of Funding Prompts B.C.'s Legal-Aid Lawyers To Plan Service Withdrawal

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Mar, 2019 10:50 PM

    VANCOUVER — British Columbia's legal-aid lawyers have voted overwhelmingly to start withdrawing their services next month over lack of funding.

     

    The Association of Legal Aid Lawyers says 97 per cent of 590 members voted for job action to limit or suspend legal aid starting April 1.


    A news release from the association says the only pay increase legal-aid lawyers have received in 28 years was in 2006 when their hourly rate was boosted by 10 per cent.


    The lawyers group also says the average spent per person on legal aid in 1993 was $25.22 and, accounting for inflation, should now amount to about $40.


    Instead, data shows 2018 per-capita spending on legal aid has fallen to just under $15, ranking B.C. 10th out of 12 provinces and territories.


    Legal-aid lawyers say the funding cut requires immediate government attention.


    "As a result of these cuts, vulnerable and marginalized British Columbians are not receiving the legal help they need. Too many people facing difficult family, child protection, immigration and criminal law problems are having to go to court alone," says the release.


    The near-unanimous vote underscores that "lawyers cannot continue doing this extremely difficult work under current conditions."


    The association calls the result "an overwhelming endorsement" from B.C.'s family, criminal, child protection and immigration legal-aid lawyers.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Statistics Canada Says Adults Living With Parents Usually Employed And Single

    Statistics Canada Says Adults Living With Parents Usually Employed And Single
    OTTAWA — A Statistics Canada report is digging deeper into what kind of adults live with their parents at a time when more are doing so than ever before.

    Statistics Canada Says Adults Living With Parents Usually Employed And Single

    Wilson-Raybould Resignation Stokes Anger, Frustration Within Veterans Community

    Jody Wilson-Raybould's resignation from cabinet this week has stoked long-standing frustration, disappointment and anger among Canada's veterans, who say they have been ignored and betrayed by the Trudeau government.

    Wilson-Raybould Resignation Stokes Anger, Frustration Within Veterans Community

    Syrian Chocolatier To Hire, Mentor Refugees: 'They Come Here To Contribute'

    Syrian Chocolatier To Hire, Mentor Refugees: 'They Come Here To Contribute'
    ANTIGONISH, N.S. — A one-time Syrian refugee who founded a thriving Nova Scotia chocolate company has announced plans to hire and mentor other refugees.

    Syrian Chocolatier To Hire, Mentor Refugees: 'They Come Here To Contribute'

    'Will You Marry Me?' Edmonton Man Surprises Woman With Billboard Proposal

    Laurie Moring had an inkling something was up by the time she and her boyfriend were on their way to a Valentine's Day lunch.

    'Will You Marry Me?' Edmonton Man Surprises Woman With Billboard Proposal

    Alberta Minor Hockey Team Criticized For Indigenous Dance Video Forfeits Season

    We as parents are saddened for our children, as the rest of the season was compromised, and they couldn't play the game they love due to fear from threats, anxiety and humiliation

    Alberta Minor Hockey Team Criticized For Indigenous Dance Video Forfeits Season

    'Trudeau Is Just The Worst:' Manitoba Teacher Investigated For Insulting P.M.

    MIAMI, Man. — A rural Manitoba school division says it is investigating after a gym teacher posted a photo to Facebook showing him holding a sign insulting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

    'Trudeau Is Just The Worst:' Manitoba Teacher Investigated For Insulting P.M.