LEGAL AID ONTARIO CONSULTATIONLegal Aid Ontario has announced there will be sessions to hear from clients, community legal clinics, lawyers and others to discuss about problems racialized communities face when trying to get legal services.
The non-profit corporation has put a consultation paper on its website for discussion, after the Racialized Communities Strategy was launched last year.
"What we're focusing on this Fall is talking directly to people from all of these various communities in addition to continuing our discussions with the organizations that serve them," says Kimberly Roach, who is leading the strategy, in information posted on the Legal Aid Ontario website.
"We want to hear about the hurdles they're facing when it comes to getting the legal help they need. And we want to work together on solutions."
Dates for the consultation are yet to be announced. LAO has said written submissions can be sent in through the website, or by emailing
[email protected].
CAUTION FROM LAW SOCIETYThe Law Society of Upper Canada has warned lawyers about subscribing to CanLaw or the Canadian Lawyer Index, which can be accessed online.
“The Law Society strongly recommends against subscribing to this service,” says a notice from the LSUC. The notice explains that J. Kirby Inwood, the index’s president, is not a licensee of the LSUC.
“Since 2000, the Law Society has received numerous complaints from lawyers and members of the public about CanLaw, [the Canadian Lawyer Index] and J. Kirby Inwood,” says the notice. “The complaints relate to communications received from CanLaw, CLI or J. Kirby Inwood which are offensive and expose the recipients of the communications to hatred, contempt, abuse and obscenities.”
The LSUC has recommended lawyers not reply to any communications from CanLaw or the index.
“A referral service that facilitates public access to lawyers’ services should reflect credit on the administration of justice and the legal profession,” says the notice.
“The Law Society does not believe CanLaw or CLI is such a referral service and advises lawyers not to use the service.”
For further information, lawyers can telephone the LSUC, at 416-947-3315.
APPLICATIONS WELCOMEDThe Canadian Bar Association has told its members that the Commissioner of Federal Judicial Affairs is looking for applications from people to fill a prothonotary vacancy in Vancouver, and create a pool of candidates to fill future positions as they arise in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver.
Applicants must be able to travel, be barristers or advocates who have ten years experience with their provincial or territorial bar, and have demonstrated experience. Applications are due by August 18 for the vacancy in Vancouver.
More information, including a guide for candidates and how to apply, is available at
http://www.fja-cmf.gc.ca. LAW TIMES POLLLaw Times reported that the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that a foster mother could be named as a party in a child protection case, because it was in the child’s best interests.
Readers were asked if they thought recognizing foster parents would serve the best interests of children.
About 65 per cent said yes, recognizing foster parents as parties in child protection cases would help improve the well-being of children. About 35 per cent said the decision could cause implications resulting in the permanent abolishment of the parent-child relationship.
