Skip to Main content

16.79°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Sep 1, 2022 5:59 PM - THE CANADIAN PRESS

Alberta criminal defence lawyers escalate job action in legal aid battle

Share On

Criminal defence lawyers have escalated job action in an ongoing dispute with the provincial government over the amount of compensation paid by Legal Aid Alberta.

Organizations representing lawyers in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and southern Alberta began job action three weeks ago by refusing to accept certain bail and duty counsel files.

Today, they are to start refusing new cases for the most serious criminal charges, including sexual offences and homicides.

Lawyers in Calgary and Edmonton are also planning a 90-minute walkout for Friday.

Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro says the government is monitoring the situation to make sure nobody is denied access to justice.

He also says nothing is going to be done until a review of the Legal Aid Alberta administrative system is complete.

Latest news

majithias-anticipatory-bail-plea-adjourned-to-june-11-in-majitha-police-station-case

IndiaJun 10, 2026

Majithia’s anticipatory bail plea adjourned to June 11 in Majitha police station case

Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia appeared before a court in Amritsar in connection with his application seeking protection from arrest and anticipatory bail in a case registered at Majitha Police Station. Following a hearing on Tuesday, the court scheduled further consideration of the matter for June 11. During the proceedings, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case informed the court that advocate Bikramjit Bath was present with Majithia on the day of the incident in his capacity as legal counsel and that investigators had found no evidence of his involve

justin-trudeau-katy-perry-draw-attention-at-tribeca-film-festival-appearance-in-new-york

CanadaJun 10, 2026

Justin Trudeau, Katy Perry draw attention at Tribeca Film Festival appearance in New York

Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. pop star Katy Perry are attracting media attention following their appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Monday evening. The pair attended the premiere of Perry's concert film and were photographed together on the red carpet. Images and video from the event showed the two appearing comfortable and engaged with one another during the public appearance. Public speculation about a possible relationship between Trudeau, 54, and Perry, 41, first emerged in July 2025 after the two were reportedly seen spending time together in M

bank-of-canada-keeps-key-interest-rate-at-2-25-cites-trade-and-inflation-risks

CanadaJun 10, 2026

Bank of Canada keeps key interest rate at 2.25%, cites trade and inflation risks

The Bank of Canada has announced it is maintaining its key policy interest rate at 2.25 per cent for a fifth consecutive decision, citing continued uncertainty around global trade and inflation pressures. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said the outlook for monetary policy remains uncertain due to ongoing trade tensions with the United States and rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. According to the central bank, weak economic growth and elevated oil prices are creating competing pressures on the Canadian economy. Macklem outlined two possible scenarios that could influence futur

Daylight Shooting Between Vehicles in Surrey Damages Two Homes

A daytime shooting between two moving vehicles in Surrey has prompted an investigation by the Surrey Police Service's Major Crime Section. While no injuries were reported, two homes in the area were damaged by gunfire. According to SPS Media Relations Officer Sgt. Ali Gales, the incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday near 66 Avenue and 129 Street in South Newton. Police say an occupant of one vehicle fired shots at a person in another vehicle before both vehicles fled the scene. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, based on preliminary findings. However, police have stated tha

mission-rcmp-investigate-alleged-online-drug-sales-to-youth-three-arrested-in-abbotsford

Mission RCMP investigate alleged online drug sales to youth; three arrested in Abbotsford

Mission RCMP say three people have been arrested following an investigation into an online drug delivery operation that allegedly sold cannabis and psilocybin products to minors in the Mission area. According to Mission RCMP, the investigation began earlier this year after a 16-year-old and their parent reported that the teenager had purchased psilocybin and cannabis through a website offering same-day delivery in Mission. Police said a second parent later reported that their teenager had purchased psilocybin gummies marketed with candy-themed branding through the same website. The allegations

Related News

13-year-old charged after alleged school threat in Sexsmith

13-year-old charged after alleged school threat in Sexsmith

A 13-year-old boy has been charged after police investigated alleged threats of gun violence targeting a school in Sexsmith, a community about 450 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. RCMP said officers were called Thursday after receiving reports of threats against students at the school. Police arrested a suspect and seized a firearm from the youth's residence during the investigation. The boy has been charged with uttering threats. The allegation has not been tested in court. According to RCMP, the accused is scheduled to appear in Grande Prairie provincial court on Wednesday. Police have not

Alberta launches major recruitment drive for referendum workers ahead of October vote

Alberta launches major recruitment drive for referendum workers ahead of October vote

Elections Alberta has launched what it describes as one of the largest referendum staffing campaigns ever undertaken in Canada as the province prepares for a provincewide vote scheduled for October 19. The agency says it needs approximately 60,000 workers to administer and count ballots for 10 referendum questions that will be put to Alberta voters. Under provincial rules, ballot counting must be completed within 48 hours of polls closing. One of the referendum questions will ask Albertans whether the province should remain part of Canada or begin the legal process required to hold a binding r

Poilievre to promote policy changes aimed at reducing Alberta separation sentiment

Poilievre to promote policy changes aimed at reducing Alberta separation sentiment

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to use a speech in Calgary today to argue that changes in federal policy could help address growing separatist sentiment in Alberta. According to excerpts of the speech shared with The Canadian Press, Poilievre will call for measures aimed at expanding resource development, accelerating pipeline construction, respecting provincial jurisdiction and reducing tax burdens. Poilievre's prepared remarks argue that many Albertans who support separation are frustrated with federal decision-making rather than with other Canadians. The speech states that

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital