Basi-Virk receive $6 million in legal aid while single mothers are denied
legal assistance: BCGEU

VANCOUVER, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - The B.C. Liberal government has misplaced priorities in granting $6 million in legal aid funding for convicted political staff while single mothers are denied assistance to gain custody of their children, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union said today.

"It is absolutely unacceptable that single mothers are routinely denied legal assistance while convicted political insiders get $6 million in taxpayer-funded legal aid," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "There seems to be 2 justice systems in BC - where friends and insiders get full access, while the rest of us have to make do with crumbs."

In 2002, the BC Liberal government cut 40 per cent of Legal Aid funding across the province, with a majority of cuts targeting families, the poor and immigrants. Single mothers can no longer access legal aid to obtain child custody or maintenance orders, unless they can prove their children's safety is threatened. Legal aid to help access social assistance and employment insurance was completely eliminated, and immigration assistance was severely cut back.

A 2004 report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Legal Aid Denied: Women and the Cuts to Legal Aid Services in BC, concluded that "women are losing custody of their children, giving up valid legal rights to support, and being subjected to litigation harassment" as a result of government cuts to legal aid services.

In 2009/10, the Campbell government cut another $2 million from the legal aid budget, forced the closure of 6 regional offices and the elimination of the Law Line and Community Advocate Support Line telephone services. More than 350 staff positions have been eliminated since 2002, with services contracted out to local agents who provide a limited range of services.

"How many low-income people could have been helped with this $6 million?" asks Walker. "There is a fundamental disconnect here, and this government is not acknowledging it's obligation to serve its citizens."

Walker also noted that the BCGEU supports the work of the Public Commission on Legal Aid and hopes that the Attorney-General is paying attention to the chorus of calls for increased funding for our legal aid system.

For further information:

contact Chris Bradshaw at 604-291-9611