BarTalk I Feb/March 1991

Page 1

BA NEW SLETTER President's Message OF THE C A N A D IA N BAR Legal aid funding ASSOCIATION, BO. BR A N C H Life in the president's chair is never dull because I never get to sit in it to enjoy! Since the beginning of the new year, I have had the opportu­ nity to attend weekly legal aid funding meetings, appear on a [FEB/MARCH 1991 national television program, at­ tend the National Mid-Winter meeting in Regina, make two VOLUME 3 trips to the airport to get to the Kootenay Bar Association's NUMBER 2 Annual Meeting in Trail, par­ ticipate in a weekend Executive Committee retreat to plan the Branch's next five years, chair biweekly meetings of the Ex­ HIGHLIGHTS ecutive and a Provincial Coun­ cil meeting, attend swearing in ceremonies, spend time with SECTIONTALK/3 my wife, four kids and two dogs and still carry on my prac­ tice! LEGISLATIVE Other than that, following up UPDATE/5 on my last message to you early in the new year, two days before the January 26 meeting CENTRE of Provincial Council, the Van­ OPENS/7 couver Criminal Justice Section passed a resolution that pro­ posed action to withdraw from LAW WEEK/8 taking legal aid cases. I can assure you that the Branch has worked diligently to urge for an increase in legal aid funding for many years. We have prepared reports, made representations, and provided recommendations for increased funding. While everyone recog­ nizes the problem, nothing has changed. No other profession is asked to subsidize those it serves. It is now time to act and bring pres­ sure to bear to bring legal aid

fja^gg^ays CBA president funding to the level that en­ sures that those in need are pro­ vided with adequate legal rep­ resentation. In the coming weeks, we will be sending you information re­ garding our action plan and ac­ tivities to be undertaken. Each member of the profession will be called upon to support this plan and lobby for increased le­ gal aid funding. I look forward to your support in this important initiative. Survey of Volunteer services Some 244 lawyers indicate they give an average of 35.46 hours per month in volunteer services — almost a complete week of work donated each month by members of our profession to the community and charitable organizations!

Terry La Liberte, President A detailed report of the results is provided in this issue of Bar­ Talk, but these results show the profession's willingness to share their talent and expertise to support and enhance the quality of life in the community. National Mid-Winter 1 have just returned from the Please turn to page 2

Profession makes the time to make a difference On average, B.C. Branch survey respondents report 35.46 hours per month given freely to vol­ unteer service. Respondents were asked to in­ dicate the total number of hours per month provided voluntarily to law-related, community and charitable organizations. The following preliminary statistics are based on 224 responses re­ ceived as of February 26,1991. Volunteer service to law-re­ lated organizations Respondents in this category provide on average 4.59 hours

per month to law-related or­ ganizations. Almost half the respondents in this category participate in the Lawyer Referral program with approximately 3.06 hours per month given to the program. An equal number gave 5.75 hours per month pro bono serv­ ice to clients. Some 10.29 hours per month volunteer service to the Law Society was indicated by re­ spondents to this category. Please turn to page 2


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