Alberta lawyers extend job action, threaten more after 'disrespectful' meeting with Shandro
Four Alberta legal associations teamed up Thursday to accuse Justice Minister Tyler Shandro of being "dismissive" and playing politics in a recent meeting over compensation for legal aid services.
Shandro met Monday with members of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (Calgary, CDLA), the Criminal Trial Lawyers Association (Edmonton, CTLA), the Southern Alberta Defence Lawyers’ Association (SADL) and the Red Deer Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (RDCDLA) who jointly claim they are being treated as if they are "selling widgets for pennies."
"To say the meeting was disappointing would be a gross understatement," stated a letter signed by all four presidents.
"We quickly realized we were the only ones prepared to speak frankly about access to justice in Alberta."
A spokesperson for Shandro had a different take on the meeting.
"Alberta’s government found the meeting to be respectful and appreciated the arguments advanced by all four associations," press secretary Joseph Dow told CTV News Edmonton.
The lawyers are asking for "an immediate increase to the legal aid budget and a concrete commitment to fair compensation."
Dow suggested no changes will be made until the "budget 2023 process," something he acknowledged the two sides disagree on.
"Alberta’s government has committed to meeting with all four associations again in the near future," he said.
After the meeting, the lawyers voted to extend until Sept. 2 its job action of refusing to accept any new files that require "bail only services" and "courtroom duty counsel services."
"Certainly, there are members that have indicated a willingness to go nuclear, to fully withdraw services if that's what it took to get the message across," said Danielle Boisvert, president of the CTLA.
The lawyers said they have agreed to differ renegotiations until after budgets and elections before but, "again and again, those promises have been broken."
The lawyers associations first voted to start job action on Aug. 3 in response to what they consider "perpetual underfunding" by the province.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Chelan Skulski
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.