Legal Aid Gets Additional Funding
Nova Scotia Legal Aid is getting an additional $3 million in provincial funding. Justice Minister Jamie Muir announced the additional funding today, March 31, along with Don Harding, chair of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission and Gerard Lukeman, the commission's executive director.
"This funding is needed to maintain service to Nova Scotians who qualify for legal aid," said Mr. Muir. "The legal aid system is vital to the effective administration of justice -- that's why the province is stepping into the federal funding breach yet again."
The additional funding is needed to meet the increasing demands faced by the system, made more challenging by federal funding cutbacks. Since 1996, federal contributions to legal aid have decreased by $48,500. During that same period, provincial funding has increased by $3.8 million for criminal legal aid. Another $1.4 million has been provided for civil matters.
"On behalf of the directors of the commission, I want to express our appreciation to the province for the strong financial support shown by this funding announcement," said Mr. Harding. "This will enable the commission to continue to operate an effective legal aid program for the benefit of our clients and to fulfill our role as a vital component of the justice system in Nova Scotia."
"This money will allow us to make improvements to the tariff structure," said Mr. Lukeman. "Demand for our services will increase because of the new Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the opening of the secure treatment centre in Truro. These funds will have a positive impact on our ability to provide service to those who need us."
The federal government announced additional funding for legal aid in its last budget. However, no additional funds will be available for this fiscal year. The amount of future contributions is uncertain as the national distribution formula has yet to be negotiated.
With the additional $3 million in funding for 2003-04, the total provincial contribution for legal aid increases to $12.5 million.