I am pleased to be here today to talk to you about Bill 5, Legal Aid Act.
Firstly, I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Social Programs for their review of this bill and for all of the constructive feedback they have provided in a very collaborative manner. A number of motions were made in committee and I am pleased the bill has improved as a result.
The Legal Aid Act will replace the existing outdated Legal Services Act. This new act provides the framework for the operations of the Legal Aid Program here in the Northwest Territories. It is not intended to set out the details of the day-to-day operations, nor to set policy, but to give a strong framework for the new commission to provide efficient and effective services for our residents seeking access to justice.
The Legal Services Board currently provides legal representation and services to persons eligible for its legal aid services. Over the last 30 years, the legal aid system provided by the board has changed, but the governing legislation has not been updated to reflect these improvements and modernizations. The new Legal Aid Act will bring the legislation in line with the way legal aid is delivered in the Northwest Territories in 2012.
The main changes to be incorporated into the new Legal Aid Act include:
• renaming of the Legal Services Board of the
NWT as the NWT Legal Aid Commission;
• specifying the powers and composition of the
members of the commission;
• clarifying the status of the executive director and
commission employees;
• changing choice of counsel and resident
counsel provisions;
• updating the list of services provided;
• eliminating regional committees;
• emphasizing the independence of the
commission; and
• building into the act a requirement for review
every 10 years.
We should be proud of the services provided by people who work in our legal aid system. Our court workers are well respected and have long-standing and deep ties within our communities. They are familiar with the resources in their regions and work to assist those who are often in crisis to deal with issues. They provide full and immediate assistance and advice to people dealing with family violence, and work closely with our legal staff on a daily
basis. Our legal counsel are dedicated, committed and proficient in the work they do. They carry heavy caseloads and spend many days of the year on the road. Their passion is evident.
I would be pleased to answer any questions the committee members may have regarding Bill 5. Thank you.