Society Opposes Bill 161 Legal Aid Reforms

The Society of United Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) was invited to present to the Ontario legislature’s Justice Policy Standing Committee on Bill 161, an omnibus law reform bill that will hamper access to justice. 

The Society called on the government to withdraw Bill 161 or at minimum delete the two schedules of the bill that would do the greatest harm to vulnerable Ontarians. Dana Fisher, Society Vice-President representing members at Legal Aid Ontario told the committee, “[t]here is broad consensus within the legal profession and across the political spectrum that Ontario has an access to justice crisis. In spite of this, Bill 161 seeks to literally remove the words “access to justice” from the purpose of the Legal Aid Services Act.” 

Read the full submission here.