On April 1st the provincial government implemented changes that drastically curtail or deny access to justice for many British Columbians, with the closure of most Legal Service offices across the province, the loss of key legal advisors and advocates within those offices and the end of the LawLINE. The impact of those changes will be difficult to measure and may be slow to unfold because those they affect the most are living in or near poverty. We do know from past experience that these losses will harm many.

 

Individuals and families in BC counted on the ready and personal access to legal information, advice and representation that was available in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Surrey and Victoria. The representation, education and outreach work provided by engaged and committed staff made the crucial difference between access to justice and no justice at all.

 

Social workers know the importance of timely, affordable legal help. Poverty, language, culture, geography, ability must never be barriers. Social workers knew the value of the LawLINE as the one free source for all low income British Columbians to reach out for legal assistance and guidance. They also saw the benefits of available alternate dispute resolution in resolving child protection issues and reducing harm to children and families.

 

The BC Association of Social Workers calls on Premier Campbell and the Attorney General to restore funding for the LawLINE and regional Legal Aid offices, and to provide the resources for Legal Services Society to set education, advocacy and outreach as the clear priorities for the prevention of injustice, especially in the areas of poverty and family law.