BCGEU supports Kamloops Legal Aid lawyers

Members of the Kamloops Bar Association are withholding duty counsel services in Kamloops courtrooms starting today. The lawyers are protesting against massive service reductions by the BC Liberal government to the Legal Services Society of BC (LSS) and the impending closure of the legal aid centre in Kamloops. We understand lawyers in other parts of the province are considering joining the action.

"We're glad the Kamloops lawyers are bringing attention to the drastic cuts. We hope the provincial government takes notice," says Darryl Walker, the president of the BCGEU.

The newly-formed Coalition for Public Legal Services  has also issued a release in support of the Kamloops lawyers. It's demanding the provincial government properly fund legal aid in BC and ensure equal justice for all British Columbians. The BCGEU is a coalition member.

LSS regional centres in Kelowna, Kamloops, Prince George, Victoria and Surrey will close on March 31, 2010. The closures will undermine the ability of those in conflict with the legal system to access legal aid. Services at the Justice Access Centre in Nanaimo will also be reduced. Forty-four BCGEU members who work for LSS have received redundancy notices.

For more information: communications@bcgeu.ca

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