Canadian Lawyer

Regional wrap-up BIG HOLE IN LEGAL INFO FOR ELDERLY: REPORT T he first phase of a report from the Older Women's Dialogue Project on how women over 50 years of age are falling through the legal and social networks in Canada was recently issued by the Canadian Centre for Elder Law in collaboration with West Coast LEAF. "As a lawyer, it means something to us both professionally and personally," said Krista James, the CCEL national director. "It identifies that there is a need for A Noticeable Difference ™ TORONTO I BARRIE I HAMILTON I KITCHENER 1-866-685-3311 I www.mcleishorlando.com 12 ntitled-7 1 November/December 2013 www.CANADIAN legal advocacy and legal information for this older generation," said James, especially for ethnic women with language barriers. "There is a need for the pro bono community to step in," she said, but also for policy changes to occur and for more access to justice solutions for older women. On a personal level, she said, every lawyer should read the report when considering estate planning for female family members. The report, based on dialogue sessions held with women in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, found many older women suffer from abuse or bullying from family members or relations (often related to money matters) do not have the knowledge or resources to access the legal system, are often living in poverty or unsafe conditions, have poor medical and dental coverage, and are often unsure of even how to file for pension benefits. Older immigrant women, who are dependent upon family, are often unaware of Canadian laws that give them certain rights. "We are hearing there is a service gap," said James, with the challenge of finding both lawyers and social outreach agencies that can explain those rights and the options open to that person in their native language. The report, said James, will also cue lawyers to be more alert to "red flags" that indicate when a legal transaction involving an older woman might be "problematic" because she is being pressured into something by a family member, or when an older woman is experiencing problems related to her living circumstances. "Lawyers are not social workers," said James, but they can help connect an individual to free community services that can help her understand her options. The information contained in the report is also important for lawyers to Read the CCEL Older Women's Dialogue Project report at: tinyurl. com/CCEL-women-law. L a w ye r m a g . c o m 13-08-13 1:16 PM

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