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
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.