A new approach to access to justice

Last week, Convocation unanimously approved the new access to justice framework proposed in the Treasurer’s Advisory Group on Access to Justice (TAG) Working Group report.

I could not be more pleased.

The framework will enable the Law Society to take on the enhanced role in facilitating access to justice that I sought to define when I established TAG in early 2013.

There are two key, complementary, components to the framework:

1. The Law Society will develop focused internal resources to fully integrate access to justice objectives, including equity principles, into the Law Society’s core business functions: professional regulation and professional development and competence.
2. The Treasurer’s Advisory Group on Access to Justice will be reconstituted as a standing forum called The Action Group on Access to Justice. The purpose of the forum will be to foster change and collaboration and the Law Society will help ensure its success with dedicated support.

The formation of this framework enables the Law Society to move forward with a more strategic and holistic approach to access to justice.

We are now at the beginning of a new path and while there is a great deal of work before us, I am encouraged by the support and dedication demonstrated by my fellow benchers and TAG participants as we came together to achieve this milestone.

I look forward to continuing our work in the days to come.