LAO shares recent changes in financial eligibility thresholds, bail support, tariff reform
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) has announced this year’s action plan update for its racialized communities strategy (RCS), which is a part of its work to address systemic barriers within the provincial justice system.
LAO gave this update to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Mar. 21. LAO said that, this year, it has made meaningful changes through the following initiatives:
LAO said in its news release that it seeks to take concrete steps toward its objective of achieving a more equitable justice system. LAO added that it recognizes that there is more work in this area in the future.
LAO shared in its news release that it spoke with equity-seeking organizations and community partners and collected insights and feedback to inform its work and make these recent strides.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with you as we work to eliminate racial discrimination in the justice system and enhance access to justice for Ontario's racialized communities,” LAO said in its news release.
The racialized communities strategy and action plan aim to address issues such as the increase in racialization of poverty and the rates of racialized children in care, anti-Black racism within the criminal justice system, and the overrepresentation of racialized individuals in custody, LAO said in the overview of its update.
LAO noted in its update that these past few years have seen prominent cases, public inquiries, and reports that sparked debate on systemic inequities in the justice system and the need for meaningful changes.
“While significant challenges remain, LAO recognizes this period of heightened awareness as an opportunity to deepen our commitment to change,” LAO said in its update.
In the future, LAO plans to work on improving data collection methodologies, building upon its current community partnerships, creating more approaches for fighting systemic inequities, and advancing accessibility in the justice system, LAO said in the conclusion to its update.
