Non-profits express alarm as proposed funding changes could limit access to justice for vulnerable Albertans
Edmonton: A non-profit that supports Legal Aid Alberta is worried about possible funding changes from the provincial government. They say this could hurt access to justice for vulnerable and low-income folks in Alberta.
The Alberta Law Foundation announced that the government wants to increase its mandatory contribution to Legal Aid Alberta from 25% to 50%. This means less money for smaller organizations that also rely on this funding.
Byron Chan, the executive director, pointed out that this shift could make funding less stable since the foundation’s revenue can vary a lot. He stressed that vulnerable communities, like newcomers and low-income families, would feel the impact the most.
Kathy Parsons, who runs the Community Legal Clinic in Central Alberta, mentioned that her clinic is fully funded by the foundation and received $1 million last year. She fears they could lose a third of that funding if the changes go through.
The province claims it’s looking for ways to be more efficient with spending. They haven’t confirmed if they will cut the budget for Legal Aid Alberta but are considering all options.
Chinenye Anokwuru, a press secretary for the justice minister, said the foundation should still be able to support other initiatives in the future, given its cash reserves.
Legal Aid Alberta, which doesn’t decide on its funding, didn’t comment on the proposed changes but emphasized its commitment to helping Albertans with legal issues.
Last fall, the Alberta government and Legal Aid Alberta reached a new agreement, ensuring $110 million in funding for the next year. It’s still unclear how the proposed changes might affect that deal.
Chan noted that the foundation is expected to provide $30 million to Legal Aid Alberta by the end of this fiscal year, which would double under the new proposal.
Legal Aid Alberta gets funding from both the provincial and federal governments, along with the Alberta Law Foundation.
