The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch expressed deep disappointment today that BC Budget 2024 does not include appropriate provisions for legal aid to help the most vulnerable in our province.
British Columbia is the only province in Canada without legal aid for routine family law matters – like spousal and child support, parenting arrangements, or dividing debts and property fairly. BC Budget 2024 offered no new funding or expansion for family law legal aid for these situations.
“At a time when many British Columbians are struggling with inflation and the high cost of living, it is imperative that this government commit to meaningful investments that improve access to justice,” said Scott Morishita, President of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch. “Despite recommendations from their own Finance Committee for the last 10 years, the government has failed British Columbians in this area.”
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, which holds an annual public consultation on the provincial budget, has included CBABC’s recommendation to expand family law legal aid in each of the last 10 years.
CBABC acknowledged last week that the government’s announcement to invest $29.1 million to improve legal aid services for survivors of intimate partner violence is an important step in the right direction but leaves far too many people behind.
“Low-income British Columbians receive legal aid if they are accused of a crime, have an immigration claim or need a restraining order because of intimate partner violence. But not if the issue is about income support to put food on your child’s table,” said Morishita.
British Columbia is the only province to single out legal services to charge Provincial Sales Tax, which increases costs for clients. Morishita added, “No other professional service charges PST. Not your mechanic. Not your hair stylist. Not even your notary.”
The decision to charge PST on legal services was introduced in 1992 to raise funds for legal aid. In 2002, the BC government slashed funding to legal aid by almost 40 per cent and the system continues to be underfunded to this day. The amount of PST paid by British Columbians on their legal fees is estimated to be $230 million each year with approximately $130 million allocated to Legal Aid BC.
Media Contact:
Melissa Shaw
Media & Communications Coordinator
604.687.5293 | media@cbabc.org