Alberta defence lawyers to stop taking new legal aid files

Alberta criminal defence lawyers are taking another step in their dispute with the provincial government over the amount of compensation paid by Legal Aid Alberta.

Four organizations representing lawyers in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and southern Alberta began job action August 8th by refusing to accept certain bail and duty counsel files from legal aid.

Beginning Monday, the lawyers will refuse to take any new legal aid certificates.

Kelsey Sitar, vice-president of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association in Calgary says she realizes the move is drastic but it's important to get the Alberta government's attention.

Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro has indicated a review of legal aid is underway, but no changes will happen until the next budget year.

Sitar says the lawyers can't wait any longer and the problem needs to be addressed now.