MONDAY, OCTOBER 24
Accountability in Justice: Practical tips to increase access to justice
Time: 8:30 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Social Security Tribunal of Canada and the Department of Justice Canada
Identifying and implementing ideas for improving access to justice is the first step to making a real change. How do you know if your changes are helping the people that are using your services? This session will focus on that crucial element that is often overlooked - accountability. We will hear from members of the federal Department of Justice and the Social Security Tribunal of Canada on how they measure accountability, what tools exist to support the process, and how you can use these ideas to learn more about the success of you A2J initiatives.
Time: 8:30 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Social Security Tribunal of Canada and the Department of Justice Canada
Identifying and implementing ideas for improving access to justice is the first step to making a real change. How do you know if your changes are helping the people that are using your services? This session will focus on that crucial element that is often overlooked - accountability. We will hear from members of the federal Department of Justice and the Social Security Tribunal of Canada on how they measure accountability, what tools exist to support the process, and how you can use these ideas to learn more about the success of you A2J initiatives.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25
Self-Representation: Where we stand, what is being done and where do we go from here
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the National Self-Represented Litigants Project
NSRLP staff will discuss the design, operation and outcome of the first-ever school for family litigants. This initiative engaged academics, legal professionals and members of the judiciary in a free 12-week online program that gave Canadian self-represented litigants with family law matters (divorce, custody, etc.) the tools to help them navigate the justice system on their own.
Lastly, NSRLP staff will discuss the research undertaken by the project to better understand the challenges faced by SRLs and SRLs needs. Staff will also share the input received from SRLs regarding the efficacy of various initiatives aimed at improving their ability to participate in the civil justice system as well as the administration of the justice system more broadly.
At the end of this workshop, the audience will take home a deeper understanding of the needs, motivations, and challenges of self-represented litigants as we begin to think about best practices and reform that encourages the more just and efficient administration of justice.
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the National Self-Represented Litigants Project
NSRLP staff will discuss the design, operation and outcome of the first-ever school for family litigants. This initiative engaged academics, legal professionals and members of the judiciary in a free 12-week online program that gave Canadian self-represented litigants with family law matters (divorce, custody, etc.) the tools to help them navigate the justice system on their own.
Lastly, NSRLP staff will discuss the research undertaken by the project to better understand the challenges faced by SRLs and SRLs needs. Staff will also share the input received from SRLs regarding the efficacy of various initiatives aimed at improving their ability to participate in the civil justice system as well as the administration of the justice system more broadly.
At the end of this workshop, the audience will take home a deeper understanding of the needs, motivations, and challenges of self-represented litigants as we begin to think about best practices and reform that encourages the more just and efficient administration of justice.
People-Centred Data Collection
Time: 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented in partnership by the Law Society of Manitoba, The Manitoba Bar Association and the University of Manitoba
Learn about the results and findings of several recent access to justice data collection projects, including national and provincial studies taking a closer look at the legal needs of Manitobans. What were the main takeaways from these projects, and how will this data inform the work of improving access to justice for all Canadians?
Time: 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented in partnership by the Law Society of Manitoba, The Manitoba Bar Association and the University of Manitoba
Learn about the results and findings of several recent access to justice data collection projects, including national and provincial studies taking a closer look at the legal needs of Manitobans. What were the main takeaways from these projects, and how will this data inform the work of improving access to justice for all Canadians?
Standing up for Albertans: How to become a Legal Aid Alberta duty counsel lawyer
Time: 12:00 p.m. (MT)
Presented by Legal Aid Alberta
The webinar is a chance or attendees to find out what it takes to become duty counsel in Alberta, how duty counsel enables access to justice, and learn about the different services duty counsel provide, the objectives and expectations of the role, and tips for dealing with common challenges. As listed in the event above this is a Microsoft Teams webinar on Tuesday, Oct 25. From noon to 1:00 p.m. MT. There is a home page for the event which is where people can register - Webinar: How to become a duty counsel lawyer - Legal Aid Alberta
Time: 12:00 p.m. (MT)
Presented by Legal Aid Alberta
The webinar is a chance or attendees to find out what it takes to become duty counsel in Alberta, how duty counsel enables access to justice, and learn about the different services duty counsel provide, the objectives and expectations of the role, and tips for dealing with common challenges. As listed in the event above this is a Microsoft Teams webinar on Tuesday, Oct 25. From noon to 1:00 p.m. MT. There is a home page for the event which is where people can register - Webinar: How to become a duty counsel lawyer - Legal Aid Alberta
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26
Barriers to accessing justice for two spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in Canada
Time: 9:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Law Society of Saskatchewan
This talk presents the results of an Access-to-Justice legal needs assessment of Two Spirit, trans, non-binary and gender nonconforming (2STNBGN) people conducted by JusticeTrans across the lands colonially known as Canada. This presentation will focus on how discrimination and harassment cuts across other legal issues, including those related to employment, housing, migration, and medical treatment. Through a series of participant quotes, we will break down how transphobia, transmisogyny, racism, and colonization are experienced at both a structural and personal level resulting in a distrust and disengagement of the legal system. To close, we will examine participants’ visions of a more just future, which evoke both immediate reform and education work, as well as long term structural changes including the abolition of police and prisons, and the decolonization of the legal system.
Time: 9:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Law Society of Saskatchewan
This talk presents the results of an Access-to-Justice legal needs assessment of Two Spirit, trans, non-binary and gender nonconforming (2STNBGN) people conducted by JusticeTrans across the lands colonially known as Canada. This presentation will focus on how discrimination and harassment cuts across other legal issues, including those related to employment, housing, migration, and medical treatment. Through a series of participant quotes, we will break down how transphobia, transmisogyny, racism, and colonization are experienced at both a structural and personal level resulting in a distrust and disengagement of the legal system. To close, we will examine participants’ visions of a more just future, which evoke both immediate reform and education work, as well as long term structural changes including the abolition of police and prisons, and the decolonization of the legal system.
Data, Drugs & Disorientation: Access to justice research from the edge
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Canadian Bar Association – British Columbia Branch
As we recognize Access to Justice Week across Canada, join the Access to Justice Centre for Excellence for a panel showcasing the research of British Columbia scholars Kate Gower, Michael Litchfield and Yvon Dandurand. Topics will include the use of data science to diagnose unmet legal need, law reform lessons from Canada’s shifting drug policy landscape, and the struggles of individuals navigating the justice sector’s online information labyrinth.
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Canadian Bar Association – British Columbia Branch
As we recognize Access to Justice Week across Canada, join the Access to Justice Centre for Excellence for a panel showcasing the research of British Columbia scholars Kate Gower, Michael Litchfield and Yvon Dandurand. Topics will include the use of data science to diagnose unmet legal need, law reform lessons from Canada’s shifting drug policy landscape, and the struggles of individuals navigating the justice sector’s online information labyrinth.
Access to Justice in Practice: How to get involved
Time: 12:00 p.m. (MT)
Presented by the Edmonton Community Legal Centre
Are you a lawyer who is interested in volunteering but not sure where to start or what it entails? Join Suzie Ashford, our Volunteer Coordinator, as she discusses how practicing and retired lawyers can get involved to help create a more accessible justice system.
Time: 12:00 p.m. (MT)
Presented by the Edmonton Community Legal Centre
Are you a lawyer who is interested in volunteering but not sure where to start or what it entails? Join Suzie Ashford, our Volunteer Coordinator, as she discusses how practicing and retired lawyers can get involved to help create a more accessible justice system.
Access to Justice, Data & Advocacy
Time: 3:00 p.m. (MT)
Presented by the Canadian Bar Association – Alberta Branch
CBA Alberta President Amanda Lindberg and Agenda for Justice & Advocacy Committee Chair David Hiebert, K.C. take look back at the research conducted into investment in Alberta's justice system released in 2021. What does the research tell us? How has the CBA used it to advance access to justice and improve our justice system in Alberta? What will our advocacy efforts look like as we approach the 2023 Alberta provincial election? And how can CBA members and other members of the legal profession get involved?
This Access to Justice Week, join Amanda and David for a discussion about all things advocacy at the CBA Alberta, and how this advocacy improves access to justice for all Albertans.
Time: 3:00 p.m. (MT)
Presented by the Canadian Bar Association – Alberta Branch
CBA Alberta President Amanda Lindberg and Agenda for Justice & Advocacy Committee Chair David Hiebert, K.C. take look back at the research conducted into investment in Alberta's justice system released in 2021. What does the research tell us? How has the CBA used it to advance access to justice and improve our justice system in Alberta? What will our advocacy efforts look like as we approach the 2023 Alberta provincial election? And how can CBA members and other members of the legal profession get involved?
This Access to Justice Week, join Amanda and David for a discussion about all things advocacy at the CBA Alberta, and how this advocacy improves access to justice for all Albertans.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27
Duty Counsel Day
All Day
Presented by the Legal Aid Plans of Canada
October 27 is Duty Counsel Day. Initiated by Canada’s legal aid associations, this is a day to create awareness of Duty Counsel—legal aid lawyers who give free, on-the-spot legal advice in family, criminal and immigration cases for people living in Canada.
All Day
Presented by the Legal Aid Plans of Canada
October 27 is Duty Counsel Day. Initiated by Canada’s legal aid associations, this is a day to create awareness of Duty Counsel—legal aid lawyers who give free, on-the-spot legal advice in family, criminal and immigration cases for people living in Canada.
Calgary Legal Advice Clinic 2022
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (MT)
Presented by Pro Bono Law Alberta, Calgary Legal Guidance & Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
PBLA is partnering with Calgary Legal Guidance and Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP to host the 12th annual Calgary Legal Advice Clinic. The clinic is resuming in-person service this year at the beautiful Calgary Central Library where members of the public can receive free, confidential advice from a lawyer. Attendees are encouraged to make an appointment as walk-in availability will not be guaranteed.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (MT)
Presented by Pro Bono Law Alberta, Calgary Legal Guidance & Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
PBLA is partnering with Calgary Legal Guidance and Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP to host the 12th annual Calgary Legal Advice Clinic. The clinic is resuming in-person service this year at the beautiful Calgary Central Library where members of the public can receive free, confidential advice from a lawyer. Attendees are encouraged to make an appointment as walk-in availability will not be guaranteed.
We’ve Got the Data – Now what?
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Action Committee on Access to Justice
The Action Committee on A2J has been advocating for more national A2J data to support people-centred legal services. Now that a pool of good data is being collected and shared, how will the A2J community use it to tailor legal services, funding and policies to respond to people's civil legal needs?
This session, open to all, will highlight Canada’s A2J data, share key insights revealed by the data and then challenge a panel of A2J champions to identify ways that we can use the data. The session will wrap up with a discussion of the future trends in A2J data collection.
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Action Committee on Access to Justice
The Action Committee on A2J has been advocating for more national A2J data to support people-centred legal services. Now that a pool of good data is being collected and shared, how will the A2J community use it to tailor legal services, funding and policies to respond to people's civil legal needs?
This session, open to all, will highlight Canada’s A2J data, share key insights revealed by the data and then challenge a panel of A2J champions to identify ways that we can use the data. The session will wrap up with a discussion of the future trends in A2J data collection.
Access to justice in the wake of the Divorce Act amendments
Time: 1:00 p.m. (MT)
Presented by the Atlantic Canada Justice Panel
In this session we will walk through a scenario where a person wishes to leave a situation of family violence. We will discuss service needs and challenges and legal needs and challenges, including accessing legal counsel and difficulties presenting evidence in the courtroom. We will discuss promising access to justice innovations to address these challenges including on-the-ground initiatives such as the Luke's Place Clinic in Ontario aimed at supporting survivors and their children leaving situations of violence and navigate the family justice system. We will discuss legal innovations such as the development of a Practice Memorandum on Family Violence such as is in place in the UK to assist courts in addressing family violence, and current national initiatives aimed at developing a Community of Practice around family law and family violence.
Time: 1:00 p.m. (MT)
Presented by the Atlantic Canada Justice Panel
In this session we will walk through a scenario where a person wishes to leave a situation of family violence. We will discuss service needs and challenges and legal needs and challenges, including accessing legal counsel and difficulties presenting evidence in the courtroom. We will discuss promising access to justice innovations to address these challenges including on-the-ground initiatives such as the Luke's Place Clinic in Ontario aimed at supporting survivors and their children leaving situations of violence and navigate the family justice system. We will discuss legal innovations such as the development of a Practice Memorandum on Family Violence such as is in place in the UK to assist courts in addressing family violence, and current national initiatives aimed at developing a Community of Practice around family law and family violence.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28
Time: 10:30 a.m. (MT)
Presented by the Law Society of Ontario and the Federation of Law Societies of Canada
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) has undertaken the National Well-being Study in collaboration with Canada’s law societies and the Canadian Bar Association. Moderated by Law Society of Ontario Bencher Jonathan Rosenthal and with insights from Erin Kleisinger, Q.C. from the council of the FLSC and Dr. Nathalie Cadieux, lead researcher, this session will provide an overview of the study including the results from phase one, the next steps for phase two, and how the well-being of legal professionals affects access to justice.
Presented by the Law Society of Ontario and the Federation of Law Societies of Canada
The Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) has undertaken the National Well-being Study in collaboration with Canada’s law societies and the Canadian Bar Association. Moderated by Law Society of Ontario Bencher Jonathan Rosenthal and with insights from Erin Kleisinger, Q.C. from the council of the FLSC and Dr. Nathalie Cadieux, lead researcher, this session will provide an overview of the study including the results from phase one, the next steps for phase two, and how the well-being of legal professionals affects access to justice.
JANUARY 2023
The Human Rights in the Workplace online public workshop is intended for anyone wanting basic human rights information. It provides participants with:
Workshop content is delivered over two, half-day online sessions. This virtual workshop is interactive and attendees will be required to participate in group discussions. To fully engage, a desktop or laptop is needed. Register early, as space is limited.
- An overview of Alberta's human rights legislation
- Information about the duty to accommodate
- An understanding of harassment in the workplace
- Strategies for preventing harassment in the workplace.
Workshop content is delivered over two, half-day online sessions. This virtual workshop is interactive and attendees will be required to participate in group discussions. To fully engage, a desktop or laptop is needed. Register early, as space is limited.
Do you have an event you would like us to promote during Access to Justice Week? Are you hosting a lecture, an open house, a legal clinic or other event during or around Access to Justice Week? We want to help you promote it! Contact Us to have your event listed here.
Some of Our Partners
Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) was launched as a legacy project in recognition of the centenary of the Law Society of Alberta in 2007, and we are a leader and valued partner in fostering pro bono contributions by the legal community to facilitate access to justice for Albertans. |
Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG) is a non-governmental non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to low-income and disadvantaged people. Volunteer lawyers provide free legal advice to low-income individuals, provide free legal education presentations and materials to members of the public and take on cases for free (pro bono). |
The Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC) is a non-profit organization that has been providing legal assistance to individuals living with low income for the past 17 years. Volunteer lawyers provide free legal advice and staff lawyers provide free legal representation. |
