|
Press releasesMedia advisory: Manitoba's legal community will speak out against proposed changes to Legal AidWINNIPEG, Manitoba (November 17, 2004) — The Manitoba Bar Association will make a presentation to the Standing Committee on Justice on Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 6:30pm in Room 255 at the Legislature. "The Manitoba Bar Association is extremely concerned about many of the proposed changes to the Legal Aid legislation," said Veronica Jackson, President, Manitoba Bar Association. The Manitoba Bar Association will speak out against changes to Manitoba's Legal Aid legislation that interfere with the solicitor-client relationship and erode legal protection for the Manitobans living in poverty. Among the provisions identified by the Manitoba Bar Association as being a serious threat to access to justice are: the removal of choice of counsel; allowing Legal Aid staff lawyers to represent clients with conflicting interests, a practice which is contrary to lawyers' Code of Professional Conduct; and the discriminatory treatment of individuals charged with certain types of offences. "Legal Aid is fundamental to a fair and balanced justice system. All Manitobans must have the ability to access justice. Without question these proposed changes will have a serious impact on our most vulnerable citizens seeking the protection of our justice system. These proposed changes undermine the integrity of the justice system for the poor," added Jackson. -30- For more information, contact Stacy Nagle, Executive Director, Manitoba Bar Association, (204) 927-1213. |
|
|