What does Legal Aid Alberta’s vaccine policy mean for clients? 

Legal Aid Alberta has established a vaccine policy for its employees.  

Effective December 15, 2021, all LAA employees attending an LAA office or workplace are required to provide proof of full-vaccination status, or negative results of a privately administered, Health Canada-approved test performed within the preceding 48 hours of attending the office or workplace.  

The pandemic has altered our lives in significant ways and we believe vaccinations provide the best protection against the spread of COVID-19.  

What does this mean for clients who need to meet with our lawyers or staff? 

Clients visiting LAA offices or workplaces are not required to provide proof of vaccination. But you can rest assured that we are providing the safest possible environment for our staff and clients.  

For the time being, in-person meetings at LAA offices and workplaces are avoided unless absolutely necessary.  

If you do have a meeting, you will receive instructions outlining our procedures: 

• Physical distancing of at least two meters is always required inside LAA buildings.  
• Face coverings (masks) are required in all LAA indoor public places. We can provide necessary PPE such as masks if needed.   
• Only the LAA client may attend. If the client is a child or disabled and requires assistance, one accompanying adult may attend the appointment. Any other individuals must wait outside the building.  
• Only the client and, if applicable, an interpreter, will be allowed into the interview room and the accompanying adult will wait in a designated reception area until the conclusion of the interview.  
• The client, and when applicable the accompanying adult, must complete the LAA health screening tool. The link to the LAA health screening tool is here: bit.ly/laascreen  

If the LAA health screening tool has not been completed prior to the appointment, it may be completed by the LAA staff member either over the telephone or in-person on the day of the appointment prior to allowing the client into the building.   

If a client or, as applicable, an accompanying adult, does not satisfy all requirements, refuses to complete the screening process, or refuses to wear a face covering, the client and, as applicable, the accompanying adult, will be asked to leave the building immediately and the appointment will be rescheduled.  

We are following all measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 out of our concern not only for your legal needs, but also your overall well-being. 

The pandemic adds a layer of stress and complexity to even the simplest of tasks – we thank you for your patience as we all work through this together. 

Related:

LAA announces vaccine policy for staff 

Share this article.