Access to justice is a fundamental value in the Canadian justice system and an essential part of a fair society. It is a priority of the Government of Canada to ensure access to justice for low-income persons and make sure that the Canadian justice system is fair, efficient and accessible and that public confidence in the justice system is maintained.
On October 17, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced funding of $1.038 million over three years (2024 - 2027) for Legal Aid Manitoba to provide a range of immigration and refugee legal aid services to eligible persons. It includes:
- Preparing the Basis of Claims for refugee claimants, a mandatory document for all claimants;
- Providing legal representation at hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board; and
- Offering legal assistance for detainees at Immigration Holding Centres.
Providing this type of legal support helps keep the entire court system running more efficiently for all people in Canada.
Legal Aid Manitoba receives this renewed funding from Justice Canada's Legal Aid Program, and through a bilateral Agreement Respecting Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid. The Legal Aid Program funds the provinces and the territories to deliver legal aid services. This includes criminal legal aid, and immigration and refugee legal aid.
Legal Aid Manitoba provides free or affordable legal services to low-income adults and youth, groups promoting issues of public concern, and refugee claimants.
