The Law Society is committed to advancing legal aid in BC.
In March 2017, the Law Society released the report "A Vision for Publicly Funded Legal Aid in British Columbia" prepared for the Benchers by the Legal Aid Task Force. The Benchers voted unanimously to adopt the vision set out in the report.
The vision concludes that legal aid is a crucial part of the proper administration of justice in a free and democratic society. In a society based on the rule of law, every person must have equal access to the justice system. If people do not have equal access to the law, rights and freedoms may be jeopardized. Because there is no equality of resources within society, some people will require aid to enforce their rights or understand their responsibilities.
Read the report: A Vision for Publicly Funded Legal Aid
The Access to Justice Advisory Committee monitors and advises the Benchers on key matters relating to the state of legal aid in British Columbia and advances the Law Society’s Vision for Publicly Funded Legal Aid.
What is legal aid?
Legal aid offers a range of free legal services to low income individuals and families. It is provided by Legal Aid BC and funded by the provincial government and organizations such as the Law Foundation of BC and Notary Foundation of BC. If you wish to apply for legal aid, contact Legal Aid BC.
Watch our short video, which explains that if legal aid is not available for the most vulnerable, their legal problems can jeopardize their jobs, housing, health, and their lives. It is essential for government to provide adequate and sustainable legal aid funding.
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