Editorial: What a debt

The non-profit corporation has hit headlines for all the wrong reasons, most notably a $26-million deficit in 2016.

This is baffling because in 2014-2015, LAO said it had a $3.9-million operating surplus.

“LAO will continue to address any fiscal challenges as we have in the past and introduce thoughtful, creative and effective ways to balance the budget while maintaining efficient and effective service to our clients,” said the 2014-2015 annual report. Fast-forward to present.

Following news of the deficit, Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi has ordered an external review.

At the Stepstojustice.ca launch at the Law Society of Upper Canada last week, where Naqvi and LAO board of directors chairman John D. McCamus appeared as speakers, it would be hard to discern any friction.

McCamus thanked the AG, the deputy AG and “the government of the day, who have been enormously supportive of access to justice in the form of Legal Aid.”

He noted that, until 3.5 years ago, the eligibility standard for Legal Aid had not changed in 20 years.

“The current government came into a financial situation which was very challenging, nonetheless, they were committed to trying to [address] this problem, and they have done so, and it has been magnificent,” McCamus told the crowd. Naqvi, ever mindful as all cabinet ministers should be, must be aware he is in a delicate position with the LAO deficit. Twenty-six million dollars is a significant sum. LAO bills itself as “an independent but publicly funded and publicly accountable non-profit corporation.”

Lawyers who work for and with LAO — as well as the tax-paying public — should receive fulsome answers as to how the deficit occurred from Naqvi and what will happen next.