By Breanna Case | University of Alberta
Disability justice is an umbrella concept that critically examines how the oppression of individuals connects to other systems of oppression and injustice. Disability Justice is the focus of a panel presentation, with David Lepofsky, Greg McMeekin and Dr Ameil Joseph, hosted by the University of Alberta, Faculty of Law on October 28, 2021. This blog highlights some resources for those interested in learning more about Disability Justice.
1 Comment
By the Alberta Law Libraries
During the COVID-19 pandemic period, Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) closed their physical locations on three separate occasions, with the first such instance being on March 16, 2020. Despite such interruptions and this temporary loss of physical access, the ALL team remained committed to serving the legal community, and so found new ways to connect with users during the pandemic. As a result, library services and access to library resources were both adjusted to align with public health orders and the well-being of clients and staff. Alberta Law Libraries locations are currently open to in-person visitors and library staff are committed to assisting any who visit. At the same time, users can continue to connect with ALL via email at LawLibrary@just.gov.ab.ca or by phone. Please visit the Alberta Law Libraries website for location updates and for information on library resources and services. By the Alberta Law Foundation
The Alberta Law Foundation published the report Remote Legal Services to Low-income Albertans in July 2021. The findings were based on feedback from justice stakeholders in Canada and the United States and extensive online research about challenges and best practices in remote legal service delivery to low-income clients. Below are some highlights. Silver Linings Justice stakeholders have identified silver linings of the transition to remote service delivery during the pandemic. Many said that the pandemic has propelled the justice system into a long-awaited modernization. Remote proceedings for procedural, uncontested, shorter and less complex matters work well. Moreover, remote legal service delivery has increased reach to rural and remote communities. The fourth annual Alberta Access to Justice Week is taking place from October 25 to 31, 2021, and for the second year we are partnering with organizations in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to take A2J Week national.
Many Canadians suffer due to a lack of access to justice. They face obstacles including a lack of fluency in English, physical distance from justice services, economic barriers and distrust of legal institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has also greatly impacted access to justice in our province. On one hand, the expansion of the remote delivery of legal services has made justice more accessible to many, including those with disabilities, living in remote parts of the province, or without reliable transportation. And on the other, the pandemic has resulted in the loss of income for many, and the disadvantaging of those without reliable access to technology and the internet. Alberta’s community justice organizations are continuing to work to address these barriers to justice, old and new, and to find new and innovative ways to deliver programming while protecting the health of safety of their staff and clients. Throughout the week, we will be highlighting the important work of the organizations on our blog and we encourage you to return to learn more about the dedicated people who improve access to justice in Alberta every day. We are also pleased to partner with organizations across Canada to feature free, virtual events to highlight community justice work and the importance of inclusivity in the delivery of legal services. A full list of events is available on our event calendar. Join the conversation and learn more about access to justice in your community! |