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REGIONAL WRAP-UP WEST ALBERTA JUSTICE'S 3-YEAR PLAN GETS L itigators in Alberta are commending the province's justice ministry for its emphasis on "resolution" rather than "litigation" in its latest three-year plan. "From a civil perspective, Alberta Justice has already made our system more effective by rewriting the Rules of Court to implement measures such as mandatory mediation. Today's emphasis on 'resolution' rather than 'litigation' makes good practical sense," says Constantine J. Pefanis, president of the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association. "We believe Alberta Justice has struck the right balance with its initiatives. But co-operation among different departments is also important to ensure that Albertans are not subject to restraints that are inconsistent with the Department of Justice's goals. The cap on motor vehicle accident-related personal injuries is a good example of this kind of dissonance, as it was introduced by a department other than Justice, and it is inconsistent with the notion that justice should be accessible to all." On Feb. 24, Alberta Justice announced its goals for the next three years. "As a new minister, it's exciting to lead our vision of providing the most innovative and accessible justice system in Canada. This is an inspired and ambitious goal that we are continually working toward," said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Verlyn Olson. Under the "Government of Alberta Strategic Plan," Justice's new business plan identifies six goals. • To ensure Alberta's communities are safe. • To provide fair and independent prosecutions. • To provide a fair and accessible civil and criminal justice system for Albertans. • To provide accessible justice services for Albertans. • To provide an innovative, effective, and efficient justice system. • To provide strategic legal advice and counsel to government to achieve its outcomes. Jacqueline Schaffter, president and CEO of Legal Aid Alberta, says most people who interact with the justice system Moves & Shakes VISIT US AT to keep up with your colleagues' comings and goings. E-MAIL YOUR MOVES AND SHAKES TO THUMBS UP are in a vulnerable situation and many of its clients have issues that go beyond legal issues such as substance abuse and low income. "Alberta Justice, determining that providing access to justice as a priority in its business plan, shows commitment to making access to justice. The best way to make it a reality over the next three years is to properly resource agencies that are serving the people in need and for those agencies to work together to determine what services our clients need and what gaps we need to fill." Deborah Hatch, president of the Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association, says under the current system, a fair and access- ible justice system is impossible. "The government has to decide that the rule of law and access to justice are priorities. Until they do that, there should be no illusion. What exists right now is a two-tier justice system, where those who have money have access to justice, and the disadvantaged do not." — DIANE L.M. COOK dianecook@shaw.ca Ball Professional Corporation Excellence in Employment & Labour Law • Counsel in Leading Cases • • Author of Leading Text • Wrongful Dismissal Employment Class Actions Labour Relations Employment Law Human Rights Post Employment Competition Civil Litigation Appellate Advocacy Employment Standards Disability 82 Scollard Street, Toronto, Canada, M5R 1G2 Phone: (416) 921-7997 Fax: (416) 921-3662 web: www.staceyball.com www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com M AY 2011 11 all_CL_May_11.indd 1 4/14/11 10:39:25 AM SO M E is online c anadianla wy erma g.c CLB.MO VES@THOMSONREUTERS.COM om/mo v It's updat ed daily. es-and-shak es.html