News Release Archive
N.S. LEGAL AID COMMISSION--COUNSEL ARRANGED FOR PHILLIPS ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission today announced that legal counsel will be arranged for Gerald Phillips for his appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada on 26 charges of criminal negligence and manslaughter. The Legal Aid Commission has received a commitment that all costs incurred in arranging counsel for Mr. Phillips will be funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Justice. Mr. Phillips recently asked the Supreme Court of Canada to appoint a lawyer to defend him against the 26 charges. He argued that his present financial circumstances prevents him from retaining his own counsel. Payment for a court appointed lawyer would be the responsibility of the Province of Nova Scotia. Legal counsel is being arranged only for the appeal. Should a new trial be ordered, Mr. Phillips will be required to make a separate application for legal aid. "The Government of Nova Scotia advised the commission that they did not wish to see further delays in the case," said Glen McDougall, chair of the commission. "We have a commitment from the Department of Justice that all costs will be covered so our budgets will not be impacted, and there will be no reduction in service to other clients." Should he reapply, a full review of Mr. Phillips' financial affairs will be conducted. He may be asked to contribute to the cost of his defence if the commission concludes he has the means to do so, through such things as insurance benefits. -30- Contact: Glen McDougall 902-539-2425 trp June 07, 1996 - 2:45 p.m.