Skip to Main content

12.48°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Sep 23, 2022 6:03 PM - THE CANADIAN PRESS

Alberta defence lawyers to stop taking new legal aid files

Share On

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.

Latest news

b-c-mla-jordan-kealy-charged-with-sexual-assault

B.C. MLA Jordan Kealy charged with sexual assault

Independent B.C. legislator Jordan Kealy has been charged with sexual assault, according to the British Columbia Prosecution Service. The prosecution service said the charge relates to an alleged offence or offences that occurred between Jan. 1 and Sept. 20, 2024, in Fort St. John. The allegation has not been tested in court. Kealy represents the Peace River North riding in the B.C. legislature. The prosecution service said a special prosecutor was appointed following an RCMP investigation to help ensure the administration of justice remains free from any perceived improper influence. Accordin

WorldJun 04, 2026

12 killed in Sri Lanka nursing home fire; investigation underway

A fire at a nursing home in western Sri Lanka killed 12 residents and injured eight others, according to Sri Lankan police. The fire broke out late Wednesday at a care facility in the town of Anguruwatota. Police said 51 residents were rescued from the building. Police spokesperson Fredrick Wootler said emergency responders attended the scene and survivors were taken to safety. Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the fire. The director of the nursing home has been arrested on suspicion of causing deaths through negligence, police said. Investigators are examining the circ

second-shooting-reported-at-surrey-home-linked-to-extortion-investigation

CanadaJun 04, 2026

Second Shooting Reported at Surrey Home Linked to Extortion Investigation

A Surrey home that was previously targeted in a shooting last month was struck by gunfire again early Thursday morning, according to Surrey Police Service (SPS). Police said officers responded at approximately 4:02 a.m. to reports of shots fired near 57 Avenue and 148 Street in the South Newton neighbourhood. Frontline officers located evidence confirming that gunfire had occurred at the property. Authorities said several people were inside the home at the time of the shooting, but no injuries were reported. The extent of any property damage has not been released. According to SPS, the investi

single-vehicle-crash-on-highway-11-leaves-three-seriously-injured-abbotsford-police-investigating

Single-Vehicle Crash on Highway 11 Leaves Three Seriously Injured, Abbotsford Police Investigating

Abbotsford police are investigating a serious single-vehicle collision that left three people injured, including one person who was airlifted to hospital in life-threatening condition. According to an Abbotsford Police Department release, patrol officers responded to the crash at approximately 12:14 a.m. on June 1 near Highway 11 and Townshipline Road. Emergency crews found a black Chrysler 300 with extensive damage and three occupants suffering from serious injuries. All three were transported to hospital for treatment, police said. The investigation is being led by the Abbotsford Police Depa

man-charged-after-rcmp-officer-injured-during-alleged-migrant-smuggling-investigation-in-quebec

CanadaJun 04, 2026

Man charged after RCMP officer injured during alleged migrant smuggling investigation in Quebec

A 25-year-old man is facing multiple charges after an RCMP officer was injured during an alleged migrant smuggling operation near the Canada–U.S. border in southern Quebec, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred Tuesday night near Noyan, Que., south of Montreal, while a border enforcement team was searching for five people who had allegedly entered Canada illegally. According to the RCMP, an officer attempted to intercept a vehicle linked to the investigation when the driver allegedly rammed the door of a police vehicle before fleeing the area. RCMP said Chetan Kumar, 25, w

Related News

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Visits Quebec to Strengthen Provincial Ties Dateline

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Visits Quebec to Strengthen Provincial Ties Dateline

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith visited Quebec this week as part of efforts to strengthen relations between the two provinces, which some political observers have informally dubbed the “Alberbec” or “Queberta” alliance. Speaking during the visit, Smith acknowledged that Alberta and Quebec have historically disagreed on a range of policy issues. However, she said the provinces now share more common interests than differences, particularly in their concerns about Ottawa's relationship with provincial governments. Smith criticized the federal government, arguing that both Alberta and Quebe

Rainfall warning in effect for Calgary as officials monitor river levels and flood risk

Rainfall warning in effect for Calgary as officials monitor river levels and flood risk

A rainfall warning remains in effect for Calgary as Environment and Climate Change Canada says the city could see additional precipitation before conditions gradually improve. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Calgary may receive about 10 millimetres of rain today, with heavier rainfall expected to taper into showers later in the day. The agency warns that water may pool on roads and in low-lying areas as the system continues to move through the region. The Calgary Fire Department says flows in the Bow and Elbow rivers are approaching levels it describes as roughly twice the

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to meet Quebec counterpart on energy, trade and provincial autonomy

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to meet Quebec counterpart on energy, trade and provincial autonomy

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to meet with Quebec officials this week as discussions continue on energy development, trade, investment and provincial autonomy. Meetings planned for Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to include talks with Quebec Economic Development Minister Christine Fréchette and other provincial representatives. According to Smith's office, the discussions will focus on strengthening economic ties between provinces and exploring opportunities for greater interprovincial cooperation. Smith said Quebec may revisit discussions about developing its natural gas res

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital