Department announces federal financial support for legal aid initiatives

Justice Minister Tom Marshall today announced federal funding to support Legal Aid projects in the province. The funding is part of a three-year federal initiative which will total $1.3 million to fund unmet legal aid needs through new and innovative programming.

"We are pleased to announce federal financial support for legal aid and introduce new programs which follow our strategy to provide fair access to legal services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," stated Minister Marshall. "Legal aid is a valued support network which assists many individuals experiencing legal difficulties. The new programs expand the current services and will provide greater access to legal aid across the province."

Initiatives which will be supported through this funding include:

• Aboriginal Justice Program in Happy Valley-Goose Bay which will assist aboriginal people who interact with the criminal justice system. The office will also be a resource / training centre for lawyers representing aboriginal persons in criminal matters.
• Mental Health Initiative where legal aid will partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association to implement programs to improve legal services to individuals with mental health problems.
• French Speaking Legal Services, a bilingual project to assist with trials in French language, and improve legal services to French-speaking citizens and visitors.
• Brydges Duty Counsel which ensures that there is immediate access to legal advice at the early stages of the criminal justice system, and
• Administrative Improvements which will range from support of additional staff, to the purchase of software to improve the administrative system within operations.

"These new initiatives will improve access to legal services in remote and rural communities, and allow for improved and more efficient delivery of legal services in areas of the province not adequately serviced," added Minister Marshall.

Media contact: Heather Donovan, Communications, (709) 729-6985 cell: (709) 690-2498

2004 02 11                                        4:35 p.m.