More municipalities signal support for legal aid services

City councils in Victoria and Prince George recently voted in favour of motions calling on the government to improve funding for legal aid in B.C.

"We are very impressed with the level of support from municipalities in B.C.," says B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union president Darryl Walker. "These cities and towns know the value of a strong legal aid system and the services our members provide province-wide. We hope that the provincial government is listening."

The provincial government recently cut a further $1 million from the provincial grant to legal aid, after cutting $2 million in the past year, and ordering the Legal Services Society to cut office administration costs by half.

"We know that this funding cut means fewer British Columbians in Victoria, in Vancouver, in Prince George, Kamloops and Nanaimo - fewer people all over B.C. will be able to access the justice system in 2010," says Walker. "Whether for a child custody or refugee hearing, all British Columbians deserve legal representation to protect their rights under law."

The BCGEU's Justice For All campaign is encouraging all municipalities to voice their support for legal aid in BC, and urge the provincial government to restore funding cuts to this important public service.

Find out how you can support the Justice For All campaign