Mr. Speaker, this is in response to question 151-12(3), asked by Mr. Zoe on December 1, 1992, regarding the completion of code of rights.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts recommended that a simply worded code of rights with respect to legal aid be developed and published in the official languages. The idea is a very good one. It is our intention to consult with the Legal Services Board in the development of a pamphlet which will inform the people of the Northwest Territories what they are entitled to and what their responsibilities are.
The development of such a pamphlet is consistent with the report of the Special Advisor on Gender Equality, which recommends that the Legal Services Board take steps to better inform the public of the procedures involved in applying for legal aid and the mechanisms available for the review of a decision respecting qualification.
The Lawline operates from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday nights with volunteer lawyers staffing the phones. It is a 1-800 number which people may call to ask for free legal advice. People can use this service to find out information about their rights.
There is already a pamphlet on legal aid available in Inuktitut, French and English from the Arctic Public Legal Education and Information Society. It gives some information to the public on legal aid.
The development of a more detailed pamphlet can begin once it has been determined what changes are to be made to legal aid entitlement and to the responsibilities of clients. Thank you.