Written by Eric Epp The number of self-representing litigants (SRLs) in Canada is rising.[1] Although self-help or “low bono” opportunities exist for SRL’s to be assisted through the court process, SRLs naturally encounter much more difficulty navigating the court system. According to a recent American study, which was done in the context of family cases, SRLs […]
Written by Calvin Ediger Recently the Canadian Bar Association released a report on the impact of COVID-19 on the legal profession in Canada. In general, the report found that the effect of the pandemic was to accelerate the adoption of technology in the legal field, while not necessarily considering the risks and drawbacks that came
News: Canadian Bar Association Report on the Impact of COVID-19 Read More »
By Calvin Ediger On December 3rd, 2020, royal assent was given to The Remote Witnessing and Commissioning Act which amended several acts, including The Manitoba Evidence Act, to allow the electronic witnessing of documents including affidavits. Previously affiants (those making the affidavit) were required to be physically present with the individual authorized to administer the oath and witness
Written by Calvin Ediger The Supreme Court has recently clarified the law with regards to public interest standing in British Columbia (Attorney General) v. Council of Canadians with Disabilities. Public interest standing allows organizations or individuals to bring a matter to court even though they are not directly impacted or had their rights infringed. This improves access
Written by Calvin Ediger In July 2021 the Department of Justice’s Evaluation Branch released a report entitled Evaluation of the Legal Aid Program. Presented within was an evaluation of the effectiveness in federal funding for legal aid programs covering the fiscal years 2016-2017 to 2019-2020.[1] More information was released by the Department of Justice’s Research and Statistics
News: Department of Justice Releases Dual Reports on Legal Aid in Canada Read More »
By Natasha Brown As one of the two Manitoba representatives on the Action Committee on Access to Justice in Civil and Family Matters (“Action Committee”), I attended the Summit which took place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, from May 25 – May 27 2022. The first day of the Summit was held at the Wanuskewin Educational Centre
Action Committee Summit 2022 Read More »
Written by Calvin Ediger The Manitoba Legislature has recently passed the Court of Appeal and Provincial Court Amendment Act. The act serves to advance the cause of access to justice in Manitoba. Specifically, the act allows for the Chief Justice of Manitoba to appoint a judge to meet with the parties to attempt to settle issues
News: Manitoba Revises Court of Appeal and Provincial Court Rules Read More »
Written by Calvin Ediger In its recent report No Turning Back: CBA Task Force Report on Justice Issues Arising from Covid-19, the Canadian Bar Association remarked on the rapid adoption of new technology by Canadian legal actors. Many of these newly adopted technologies promise to save time, costs, and improve access for individuals seeking to access
Opinion: Open Courts and Access to Justice in the Digital Age Read More »
Written by Calvin Ediger Summary judgment motions are a powerful tool in the hands of modern courts that can greatly decrease the cost and time commitment of court proceedings for litigants. The Supreme Court endorsed summary judgment as a substitute for full trials in the case of Hryniak v. Mauldin, a case that arose in Ontario
Opinion: Manitoba Should Look to Ontario’s Lead in Summary Judgment Availability Read More »
By Eric Epp It is clear there are not enough lawyers practicing in rural and remote Manitoba. The attraction and retention of lawyers in rural and remote communities is increasingly becoming a deep issue of accessibility to justice. The majority of Manitobans, around 60%, reside in or around Winnipeg. Manitoba’s legal profession is not reflective
Attraction and Retention of Lawyers in Rural Manitoba Read More »
