The legal aid services agreement took effect this month and will remain in place until July 2030
Legal Aid Alberta, the Law Society of Alberta, and the Alberta government have signed an updated five-year governance agreement for legal aid services.
The agreement replaces the one inked last year and follows the government’s comprehensive review of the legal aid delivery model, which was initiated in October 2024. The government collaborated with the LAA and the Law Society to improve the existing model.
The new agreement also secures consistent funding for legal aid in the province. It took effect on July 16 and will remain in place until July 2030.
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to maintain an independent, stable and sustainable legal aid system in Alberta – one that can adapt to future challenges while continuing to serve those facing financial barriers to access legal support,” said Mickey Amery, Alberta’s justice minister and attorney general, in a statement.
The governance agreement includes a dispute resolution mechanism to facilitate the structured, impartial, and prompt resolution of disputes and disagreements. It also includes new oversight and renewal terms as well as provisions for ongoing consultations between the government, LAA, and the Law Society.
In addition, the agreement incorporates a new directive provision that provides the government with necessary information to ensure the long-term sustainability of legal aid services in Alberta.
“The amendments to the Legal Aid Governance Agreement provide Legal Aid Alberta with greater certainty on its long-term sustainability while at the same time strongly positioning Legal Aid Alberta to continue to positively impact the justice system through its work,” Law Society president Stacy Petriuk said.
LAA board chair Ryan Callioux added that the agreement “underscores and safeguards the principle of independence in the delivery of legal aid services in this province.”
Legal aid services are financed by the Alberta government, the Alberta Law Foundation, and the federal government. Over 2025-2026, the Alberta government has invested $88.1 million in LAA.
