Note: Effective Sept. 1, 2026, the Alberta Court of Justice uses the term “Indigenous Background Report” in place of “Gladue Report.” This page has been updated to reflect the new terminology.
Legal Aid Alberta, together with our expert network of 1,200 roster lawyers across the province, is proud of its role in ensuring access to justice for all Albertans—including many of the most vulnerable residents of our province. Part of this role is to periodically review Tariff items to ensure that they are well implemented and serving the best interests of all our clients.
We would like to draw your attention to item 11.10 in the Legal Aid Alberta Tariff of Fees, which covers Indigenous background reports and IRCA reports:
Explanation:
This tariff item is billable once per certificate when a client identifies as Indigenous, First Nations, Metis or Inuit and counsel prepared Indigenous background submissions for court and made substantive background report submissions in court, or when an IRCA report/submissions are utilized in a similar manner.
Rules regarding Specific Services Covered by this Tariff Item:
- Submissions made with a Indigenous background report/IRCA report
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- This tariff item is billable if a Indigenous background report/IRCA report was provided to the Court.
- Submissions made without an Indigenous background report/IRCA report
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- This tariff item is billable if counsel’s preparation of Indigenous background report/IRCA report submissions included:
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- Interviewing the client
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- Contacting extended family and/or other community supports to identify and confirm supporting information that relate to Indigenous background factors/IRCA factors
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- Ensuring that culturally appropriate restorative justice options for sentencing or bail were put before the Court.
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As part of LAA’s due diligence in reviewing invoices, effective July 15, 2024, lawyers will be required to provide validation of this tariff item on invoicing for certificates issued on or after July 15. Either of the following may be submitted as documentation:
- A copy of the Indigenous background report report, filed with the Court.
- A copy of substantive sentencing or bail submissions to the Court showing that the preparation criteria were met.
As always, all uploads will be kept strictly confidential and used for the sole purpose of reviewing and validating the associated invoice.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions to [email protected]. Thank you to the many lawyers who work daily to safeguard Indigenous background principles for clients across Alberta.