Edmonton·New
The Alberta government says it has signed a new five-year governance agreement with the province’s legal aid lawyers.
Agreement comes after an almost two-year funding and governance dispute
The Alberta government says it has signed a new five-year governance agreement with the province’s legal aid lawyers.
It says the deal with Legal Aid Alberta and the Law Society of Alberta is expected to take effect on Friday and to stretch into September 2029.
Legal Aid Alberta board chair Ryan Callioux said access to justice through legal aid is a fundamental right.
The agreement comes after a funding and governance dispute that lasted almost two years.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the government’s goal is to ensure legal aid’s sustainability and fiscal accountability into the future.
Law society president Deanna Steblyk said a strong justice system is supported by an independent legal aid program.