Family violence in Alberta: How to get an Emergency Protection Order
What you need to know An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) is a type of restraining order that may be used when family violence has occurred. An EPO can include conditions to help protect someone from further family violence, including restrictions on contact or requiring someone to stay away from a residence or workplace. Legal Aid […]
R v Cope: Supreme Court sets new framework for Indigenous sentencing considerations
In R v Cope, 2026 SCC 32, the Supreme Court of Canada held in a 5-4 decision that sentencing judges must consider the circumstances of both Indigenous offenders and Indigenous victims when determining a fit sentence. The Court upheld a reduction of the offender’s sentence from five years to three years for aggravated assault against […]
Changes to the use of courthouse addresses as secondary locations on lawyer portal and review of branch locations
Effective Nov. 3, LAA will be phasing out secondary courthouses on roster lawyer profiles to support quality legal services, improve the client experience and help ensure certificate offers better reflect where lawyers practise and are prepared to travel. Effective Nov. 3 Certificate offers (where you’re not preferred counsel) will be limited to your primary courthouse […]
Update on supporting documentation requirements (Tariff 11.10)
LAA has updated the supporting documentation requirements for invoicing Tariff item 11.10 as it relates to what is now called Indigenous background report. To better balance client privacy with the need to validate claims, counsel are no longer required to submit the full report. Effective immediately, we will accept an attachment to the Tariff item of […]
Duty Counsel Day shines a light on Alberta’s frontline legal advocates
What you need to know Oct. 27 is Duty Counsel Day across Canada Duty counsel are lawyers who provide free, on-the-spot legal information, advice and representation to people who don’t have a lawyer on the day of their scheduled court appearance In 2025, duty counsel lawyers assisted over 125,000 clients across Alberta Duty counsel plays […]
Legal Aid Alberta welcomes two new members to the Board of Directors
Experienced leaders join Legal Aid Alberta Board of Directors. Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is pleased to welcome Meryl Whittaker and Kristy Isert to its Board of Directors. Both bring extensive experience in governance, law, public administration and public service that will help support LAA’s work to improve access to justice for Albertans. Whittaker brings […]
Invoices for ‘Medical Reports’ under Tariff 17.14 must include GST
Roster lawyers are reminded that medical reports prepared for court matters are not exempt from GST. Under the Excise Tax Act, a GST exemption applies only to a “qualifying health care supply,” such as services provided to maintain health, prevent disease, treat or relieve an injury, illness or disability, assist an individual in coping with […]
Office closure on Sept. 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) offices and phone lines will be closed in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On Sept. 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day dedicated to remembrance and reflection, acknowledging both past and present, and committing to making a difference now and in the future. […]
Understanding Indigenous Peoples experiences in the justice system
As National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches on Sept. 30, it is an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing challenges Indigenous Peoples face and how the effects of historical policies remain visible within the justice system. Andre Landry is a bail hearing lawyer with Legal Aid Alberta. Although he is not Indigenous, he has spent more than […]
How Legal Aid Alberta’s roster program helps connect Albertans with legal representation
What many Albertans may not realize is that much of Legal Aid Alberta’s work is delivered through a network of private lawyers who take legal aid files in addition to their regular practice. Paul Welke, roster relations management lawyer, explains how the roster program works and why it’s essential to access to justice across Alberta. […]