(Calgary, Alberta) – Funding for legal aid and the drug treatment courts, maintaining Alberta’s land titles system, and new legislation to deal with the property distribution of unmarried couples upon the dissolution of the relationship are among the justice issues which should be on voters’ radar in this provincial election, says Steve Mandziuk, QC, President of the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA Alberta).
The Canadian Bar Association Alberta Branch today released an “Agenda for Justice” backgrounder on what it views as some of the underlying principles and key justice issues that should be considered by Albertans going to the polls in the May 5 provincial election.
“Most Albertans don’t think about the justice system unless they or someone they know are facing a day in court” said Mr. Mandziuk. “But it is an important underpinning of a healthy functioning democracy. Justice does matter and Albertans need to feel confident that our system will meet their basic legal needs, whether it be protecting their property rights, resolving disputes including instances of marital breakdown or deciding criminal matters. “
Mr. Mandziuk went on to say, ”As lawyers in the CBA, we have an interest in ensuring that our justice system is as effective as it can be; the Rule of Law depends on it. As taxpayers, we have a very significant interest in the return on investment that is provided by an adequately funded and appropriately functioning justice system.”
He noted, “There are some innovative initiatives, like Drug Treatment Courts and the Reforming Family Justice initiative, currently happening or under consideration in Alberta. CBA Alberta supports improving the efficiency of the administration of justice but it must be done concurrently with upholding the principles of the Rule of Law”.
The CBA Alberta issued its backgrounder to outline for Albertans some of the current justice system challenges. Among the items addressed are:
- Adequate and sustainable funding for Legal Aid
- Support for the current Reforming Family Justice System initiative
- Reinforcement of the principles of Alberta’s land titles system
- A long-term commitment to funding for Drug Treatment Courts
- Improved efficiency in the traffic court system, but not at the expense of the principles of the rule of law
- Provision of adequate resources for justice administration, including appropriate judicial compensation
- A call for guidelines to address the distribution of property for unmarried couples in the case of relationship breakdown
“There are questions about our justice system that Albertans can be asking the candidates when they come to their doors,” said Mr. Mandziuk. “CBA Alberta’s backgrounder will help raise the profile of critical justice issues.”