FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 18, 2002

VANCOUVER–The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, representing the 9,700 lawyers of British Columbia, today issued a warning to the government and people of BC, that the actions taken to cut services, courthouses and legal aid access will dramatically affect access to justice.

Legal aid funding will be cut from $88.3 million to $54 million over 3 years, a decrease of 40 per cent. The implementation of the cuts will be dramatic in the first year, bringing the actual operating budget of the Legal Services Society close to $54 million almost immediately, due to the costs of closing offices, paying severance to staff, and government requirements to fund new service areas.

Ministry staff have confirmed their expectation that legal aid cuts will result in the complete elimination of any direct poverty law services, and almost all family law matters unrelated to domestic violence or apprehension of children.

“We believe that these cuts specifically target people who are least well off in our province,” said Mr. Overholt. “Not just the poorest people, not just aboriginal people, but also the growing number of people in many smaller communities in BC who are struggling with economic stresses in their lives every day.”

“There’s a lot of talk about the core business of government,” said Mr. Overholt. “We believe that it is a core business of government to ensure access to justice and equal treatment by the justice system for all, including those in smaller communities and those who are least able to defend themselves and protect their rights.”

In recent releases, the Ministry has stated its commitment to ensure all British Columbians have equal access to legal representation and justice. “Given the substantial reductions to legal aid funding, the closure of 24 courthouses, and the elimination of programs like Victim Witness Protection and the Family Advocate Program it is difficult to see how this commitment will be met by this government,” said President Overholt.

For more information:
Caroline Nevin, Associate Executive Director
Director of Communications and Government Relations
Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch
T: 604.687.3404 x320
Toll Free 1.888.687.3404
cnevin@bccba.org