Share on Facebook The Legal Aid System
The Canadian legal aid system is designed to help people who need a lawyer's services, but can't afford to pay. Look in the telephone book under Legal Aid or Legal Services Society.
Legal aid is mainly funded by provincial governments and - like most other government services - is being cut back as government tries to balance its books. Not everyone will qualify to receive it, and even those people who qualify can only get free legal services to deal with some problems.
These will generally be serious criminal charges or family law problems. What's more, legal aid will only be given to someone with a very low income, and very few assets (though ownership of a family home is an exception).
The system varies between provinces, and over time, but aid will be provided either by a staff lawyer, or by referral to a private lawyer, who will then send his or her bills (at a very modest rate) to the legal aid society. A small contribution by the client is sometimes required.
If the case is referred to a private lawyer, you can ask the legal aid office to choose him or her, or you can find a lawyer who suits you, and who accepts legal aid work.
To find out what income and asset limits apply to you, and whether your problem is one that is covered by legal aid, contact your local office.
If you are a "young person" (under 18), there is usually free legal representation.
The Victoria Law Centre
In Victoria, B.C., there is an additional resource called the Law Centre, which is rather unique.
The Law Centre offers many legal services that would not be available anywhere else in the province, through a clinical programme for students from the Faculty of Law of the University of Victoria.
Up to 14 law students work at the Law Centre each term. Each of them is articled to a local lawyer, so is able to make court appearances in Provincial Court. This means they are able to represent clients facing summary conviction charges, or who are involved in small claims actions.
The students are responsible for much of the initial interviewing of clients. If the client qualifies for legal aid (because of lack of money), but the problem is not one considered severe enough for referral to a lawyer, the student is often able to take on the case him- or herself.
The Law Centre now has its own web page, where you will find more complete information.
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FIRST LINE CRIMINAL LAW INFORMATION