Annual Report
2012
Finding New Paths to Resolutions
Mission To improve access to justice for Albertans by providing a continuum of quality, innovative, and cost effective services that enable our clients to achieve lasting resolutions to their legal issues.
Vision To be a leader amongst legal aid organizations in providing quality legal services to improve access to justice for people in need.
View the Annual Report online at www.legalaid.ab.ca/AnnualReport2012.
Table of Contents
Message from the Chair............................................................................................................ 2 Message from the President and CEO.................................................................................... 3
Stories of Service....................................................................................................................... 4
Facts and Figures..................................................................................................................... 12 Our New Service Delivery Model............................................................................................................. 12 Client Services Summary............................................................................................................................ 13 Community Outreach................................................................................................................................... 17
Financial Report....................................................................................................................... 18 Management’s Discussion and Analysis................................................................................................. 18 Management’s Responsibility for Financial Information...................................................................... 26
Independent Auditors’ Report................................................................................................ 27 Audited Financial Statements................................................................................................ 28
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
1
Message from the Chair
May 31, 2012 Honourable Jonathan Denis Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Province of Alberta 403 Legislature Building 10800 97 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6
Stephen Raby, QC President of the Board Law Society of Alberta 800 Bell Tower, 10104 103 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0H8
Dear Honourable Minister Denis and Mr. Raby: On behalf of the Board of Directors of Legal Aid Alberta (LAA), it is my pleasure to present the 2012 Annual Report, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 12(b) and 13(b) of the Governance Agreement. For the 2011-12 fiscal year, LAA focused on strengthening last year’s implementation of an entirely new service delivery model and the individual programs and services necessary to support it. We, the board, walked with the management team as they carried out this work with determination and resourcefulness. We are encouraged by the commitment and concern demonstrated by all staff as they helped clients in this new service model. The enclosed report demonstrates LAA’s commitment to providing Albertans in need with a range of innovative, affordable, and quality legal services. We are seeing the positive results of the new model for our clients, and this year we are sharing some of their stories with you. We thank you for supporting our vision to be a leader amongst legal aid organizations. We are dedicated to our strong partnership as it serves to improve access to justice for Albertans.
Board of Directors 2011-2012 J. Patrick Stopa, QC Chair Pierre Boileau Vice Chair John Bachinski Lori G. Bokenfohr Lance Clark Derek Cranna Linda Cook Sean Johnson Denise Lightning Richard Luciani
Sincerely,
Martin West
J. Patrick Stopa, QC,
For more information visit www.legalaid.ab.ca/about/ Pages/BoardofDirectors. aspx
Chair
2
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Message from the President and CEO
This year was about sharpening our quills and refining the paths we set last year with our new service delivery model. This innovative model involves new programs and services that focus on resolving clients legal issues so that they may move on with their lives. I am happy to report that we are making strides in our efforts to expand our range of legal services to improve access to justice for Albertans in need. In the 2011-12 fiscal year we: • Launched the remaining three Legal Services Centres in Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, and Peace River in April 2012; • Changed to a new lawyer appointing system to appoint files that helps us provide more efficient and fairer counsel appointments in June 2011; • Increased the financial eligibility guidelines by 10 per cent as of July 1, 2011; • Continued the Criminal Resolution Unit pilot project (formerly Expanded Duty Counsel), which provides early resolution for lower level criminal offences; • Extended the Family Settlement Services pilot project, which provides clients access to family dispute resolution to allow families to resolve issues outside of court; and • Piloted family duty counsel services in Wetaskiwin in September 2011 and celebrated in March 2012 its continuation along with the expansion of additional services to the community. We are grateful for the dedication and patience of our staff, our clients, the roster, the justice community, and our valued community partners as we went through growing pains in our work to continue to improve upon our service delivery. I am honoured to lead Legal Aid Alberta in our commitment to offer affordable, professional services that help our clients achieve lasting resolutions to their legal issues.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Schaffter, QC, President and CEO
LAA Executive Management 2011-2012 Jacqueline Schaffter, QC President and Chief Executive Officer Wanda Fish Vice President, Certificate Management John Kyle Vice President, Corporate Services Martin Ostensen Vice President, Legal Services Centres Katherine Weaver Vice President, Policy, Research and Stakeholder Relations Deborah Miller Senior Counsel, Family Law Office Greg Francis Senior Counsel, Youth Criminal Defence Office
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
3
Stories of Service
Hearts for service led to resolutions Legal service officers (LSO) demonstrate leadership from the front line 4
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Jesse is an energetic, social and engaged young man. Jesse is autistic. Jesse is also a very high functioning young person.
Legal services officers like Michael throughout the province help clients navigate through the legal system and resolve their legal issues.
Edmonton LSO Michael Harrison got a call from Jesse’s foster parent. The public trustee appointed to make decisions for Jesse decided he should be placed in a long term care facility. Sally, who for years has been Jesse’s foster parent, disagreed. Sally told Michael that Jesse would not fit in and would simply wither away in a care facility.
Another example was when an elderly woman walked into the Calgary LSC late one Friday afternoon. She began to cry when the LSO on screening asked how they could assist her. The woman in her late 70’s reported that a collection agency had been aggressively pursuing her for a $2,800 ‘insta-loan’ debt.
Sally felt the move wasn’t necessary because Jesse was welcome to continue staying with her. If he were moved, Jesse would be cut off from his social networks and friends and family, and he wouldn’t be able to pursue his many interests. Most importantly, he wouldn’t have Sally and her family to advocate for and support him. She felt the impending move wasn’t fair and wasn’t necessary.
The collection agency advised her that she was due in court on Monday morning, where they would be given permission to seize her bank account. As a pensioner she couldn’t afford to pay the loan off at once and the collection agency refused her offer to pay $300 monthly installments. She could provide no other details and did not believe she’d been served with any notice.
She didn’t really know what their options were, her hope was that she could be appointed Jesse’s legal guardian. ‘The move is scheduled for Friday, is there anything you can do?’ said a distraught Sally. Michael and Edmonton Legal Services Centre (LSC) staff lawyer Julie Lloyd got to work. Michael figured Sally needed to challenge the decision—fast.
The LSO called on another LSO to provide immediate emotional support for the woman who continued to cry. With the client’s permission the LSO on screening called the collection agency to further assess the circumstances. The LSO immediately inquired about the threat of court. After some discussion the collection agent admitted there was in fact no court date set for Monday. The LSO informed the agent that the client would work with LAA to put together a repayment plan.
10 per cent increase to financial eligibility guidelines
Thanks to an increase in funding, LAA reinstated the guidelines closer to the 2009 levels effective July 1, 2011. The funding also helped to offset an earlier decrease in funding compared to previous years.
Michael, with Julie’s assistance, researched the new guardianship rules to determine what the best approach would be. After scouring through the Adult Guardianship and Trustee Act, they prepared affidavits and documents to call into question the decision.
Armed with an application and an affidavit, Sally headed to the courthouse on her own to file the documents and to serve the public guardian. The next day Sally was in Justice Chambers speaking to a judge about Jesse. The move was successfully halted, setting the stage for Jesse to determine his future and his own conditions of care. “I was glad to be able to help Sally and Jesse in a real and meaningful way,” said Michael.
The client was greatly relieved. She left the Calgary LSC calm, with her immediate crisis resolved and hope of regaining control of her life again. The two LSOs were elated and brimming with a sense of purpose, fulfillment in their work by helping someone else. “The LSOs’ actions demonstrate the quality of service delivery and calling to the work I have the good fortune to witness in some form each day. It is yet another stellar example of leadership at work,” said Michelle Murray, director of the Calgary LSC. “True leaders put their hearts in the business and their business in their hearts. They love what they do and the people they work for and on behalf of.”
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
5
Making a difference: the ‘fabric’ of our work Youth Criminal Defence Office (YCDO) uses holistic approach to helping clients 6
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Stories of Service
YCDO lawyer Michelle Christopher was working duty counsel at the Calgary in-custody youth court when she first met her client, who we’ll call Jenny.
love, saying it doesn’t work like that; this is how the law works. So there’s this explanation. Michelle even got a hug out of [Jenny], which is pretty good.”
Jenny was appearing on CCTV from the Calgary Young Offender Centre following an arrest for breaking her probation from a previous break and enter offence. Her mom was at court that day too, exhausted from a year and a half of negative events and a deep concern for her daughter’s life and safety.
At Michelle’s request and with the agreement of the court and Crown prosecutor, Jenny was able to attend the Alberta Forensic Adolescent Program for a psychiatric assessment. This assisted Jenny in getting bail, as well as accessing counselling resources that were ordered as part of her sentencing process. The assessment is a key tool to help Jenny with her mental health needs, and for mom, understanding her daughter’s needs and what she can do to help too.
Jenny’s problems started with a couple of suicide attempts and a stay at the children’s hospital. This quickly transformed into rebellion: running away from home, drug abuse, and crime. Jenny’s mom had tried everything in her power to help her up to that moment, including two Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act orders. Nicole Mizzi, the YCDO social worker assigned to assist Michelle that day, first spoke to Jenny’s mom to get her story. For mom, this was a “fated day.” “Nicole was fantastic. She said you know what, this is what you need to do. I actually started feeling supported by the justice system,” said Jenny’s mom. Mom believes the help she got from both Nicole and Michelle to navigate and understand the system was crucial, especially how to get a mental health order. “As parents you walk into that system, what makes logical sense does not mean that’s the justice system. There are laws; she’s got rights.” The concern Jenny’s mom demonstrated and Jenny’s fragile state from undiagnosed mental health issues touched Michelle. So she offered to take on Jenny’s case as pro bono, until they were able to put the legal aid piece in place. “I did this because for a person like [Jenny], having one lawyer and one social worker is a stabilizing factor that can enhance chances of success both in the courts and out,” explained Michelle. Jenny’s mom agrees. “Having the consistency available really, really helped [Jenny], and having people that cared. Nicole and Michelle are the most caring people. … Michelle has also given her tough
Jenny’s mom is ever grateful for the help she and her daughter got from Legal Aid Alberta. “She’s 14 years old. It’s my job as parent to walk beside her as she takes this journey,” said Jenny’s mom. “I want her to be a strong adult. I want her to have faith in herself.” Jenny’s mom is ever grateful for the help she and her daughter got from Legal Aid Alberta. “You need to know where to let go as a parent and that’s another area where Michelle was very helpful. You can’t control everything. I really don’t know who’s changed more, me or [my daughter], but without the support of legal aid we would never have an outcome like this.” Jenny is now on probation with required counselling and an 8 p.m. curfew, which her mom and Michelle agree is the best thing for her right now. “[Jenny] desperately needed help with the legal aspects of her matter, but also to access resources that she had been unable to up to that point. That’s why I show up at my job.” explained Michelle. “The fabric that makes Legal Aid is woven through and through again with stories like [Jenny’s], and like mine. When I help a client like [Jenny], I believe I embody the best of the profession and Legal Aid Alberta.”
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
7
Walking with clients on their journey Family Law Office (FLO) team helps mom get life back on track
After 15 tumultuous years in a violent relationship, Tina finally had the strength to end it. But ending her addictions was much harder. It took the threat of losing her children to a permanent guardianship order to get herself to FLO where she got the support she needed to get sober and reunite with her family. “I couldn’t have them taken away from me and in the system forever. I needed my kids back,” said Tina. “I decided that I missed the kids too much and living that lifestyle wasn’t fun.” At FLO, Tina met with lawyer Riley Gallant and Kelley Stein, a family resource facilitator (FRF). FRFs advocate for and support clients by attending meetings, writing letters, and referring clients to programs that help them deal with the issues that brought them to need legal assistance. Kelley worked with Child and Family Services and Tina to identify programs that would address Tina’s issues and help her get her kids back. “We encourage self-sufficiency but offer a great deal of support and encouragement to clients and help them to remain focused. We help the client to understand the reality of their situation and outline clear expectations,” explained Kelley. “Kelley made me feel really good about myself. She had a lot to do with my confidence and support. She had a lot of information that really helped me,”
8
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Stories of Service
said Tina. “It was good when I walked in there and told her everything. It was like a lot lifted off my shoulders.” With Kelley’s help, Tina made great progress in addressing her issues. But there was one issue that continued to be a big barrier for Tina—housing. She had only three weeks to secure housing for herself and her three children. “When Tina met with me and Kelley, she was very organized and motivated to find a place. She made applications to several housing agencies for funding to assist with housing. Unfortunately, none of these agencies were able to assist Tina in a timely fashion,” explained FLO lawyer Riley Gallant. Luckily for Tina, one of FLO’s staff lawyers, Sarah Dargatz, is a Candeo board member and knew that a space was available. Candeo provides affordable transitional housing for six months to two years for single parent low income families. Candeo clients must agree to live by a number of rules to keep them on track and ensure a healthy community. With help from Riley and Kelley, Tina applied to Candeo. Tina moved in on her birthday and her kids came home a week later. “Candeo would welcome another referral from FLO in the future as the lawyer and FRF are in a
good position to know if the client is likely to be successful,” said Sarah. “This is what Candeo was meant to do—to help women and children at risk transform into healthy families that can live independently. Tina has been an excellent client for us. I, and my teammates [at Candeo], have worked for many years to make this happen and we are so happy to help,” added Sarah. Tina feels fortunate and is determined to maintain her new lifestyle. “I’ve just got to keep reminding myself where I was last year and to where I am now and how grateful I am,” said Tina. For Riley and Kelley, working for parents like Tina makes their work meaningful. “We see a lot of parents struggling with various issues that can be so very difficult for them to overcome,” said Riley. “But then there are the parents like Tina and the times when we are able to assist with the reunification of a family, and these times are incredibly rewarding.” “I feel privileged to have clients share their stories with me and to work hard with them and for them. I like being a voice for clients and have them know we got their backs, through the thick and thin of it and are there with them for the entire journey. We want them to succeed,” added Kelley.
Celebrating the expansion of services in Wetaskiwin In March 2012, Legal Aid Alberta announced expanded services in the Wetaskiwin region at a celebration with Verlyn Olson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. At the event the community learned that they would benefit from: • Continued duty counsel services for family matters in court, which started in September 2011 as a pilot project.
• A branch of the Family Law Office, which opened in April 2012, to offer full representation services in family matters as well as access to a part-time family resource facilitator. • The addition of a criminal resolution unit staff lawyer to work on criminal case files in Wetaskiwin and to provide duty counsel services for Camrose, Ponoka, and Wetaskiwin.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
9
‘Finding the pearl’ benefits the courts Family duty counsellor a champion for the unrepresented 10
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Stories of Service
When staff lawyer Julie Lloyd went to work on a crisp March morning, a rough looking man with messy hair, no teeth and a greasy ball cap was waiting for her. Immediately Julie assumed he was a respondent on an emergency protection order. She was wrong. To Julie’s surprise, the man was at court because his wife of 16 years had left him for his best friend and moved to Ontario with two of their four children. While telling his story, the man began to cry, “My babies, she took my babies.” So Julie went to work. As duty counsel for family matters at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Edmonton, she assisted the man with his application to get his children back. “Heading into court I told him, ‘take your hat off and stop crying!’ He took his hat off and his hair didn’t move a bit,” described Julie. Her client got the order he needed and went straight to the airport to get his children. A few weeks later he returned to visit Julie and gave her a hug to say thanks. “Big galoot,” said Julie. “I love my job. We do good stuff here.” After 20 years private practice in family law, Julie joined Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) in December 2011. “My job is to help the unrepresented individuals understand the nature of their application, focus their submissions before the court in a way that helps them maximize their position,” explained Julie. She also often makes representations on clients’ behalf. Justice Bev Browne who sits at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Edmonton sees the benefits of duty counsel services. “I am very happy if duty counsel has spoken to someone. I have confidence that I’m going to deal with the right issue rather than the wrong issue, and I’m going to get focused, relevant information from duty counsel rather than just random information,” explained Judge Browne.
Both Judge Browne and Julie recognize that unrepresented people are in a very stressful time in their lives. Sifting through their personal history to find what is relevant for the court is extremely difficult for most. This is where duty counsel can help. “Give the judge what they need rather than have the judges… sift through the sand to find the pearl. If I can find the pearl and put it in their hands and have them walk into the courtroom with it, way better for the clients, way better for the judge, way better for everybody. Justice is more likely to flow to the surface,” said Julie.
“My job is to help the unrepresented individuals understand the nature of their application, focus their submissions before the court in a way that helps them maximize their position.” LAA staff and roster lawyers have been providing duty counsel services since 1975. Continuously seeking ways to expand this much needed service, LAA began duty counsel for family matters in 2007 in Edmonton and Calgary, and a pilot project to provide duty counsel for family matters in Wetaskiwin court in September 2011. Judge Browne would like to see duty counsel available in all courts across Alberta. “I don’t think it’s a big expense [for government] in the scheme of things.…You should pay [duty counsel] something because we value their service,” added Judge Browne. Another benefit to Julie’s work is the information and support she provides her colleagues. With her mornings in court, Julie works most afternoons at the Legal Services Centre. There she can help the legal services officers with questions they have around family law.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
11
Facts and Figures Our New Service Delivery Model In April 2011, Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) finished implementing the new Legal Services Centre (LSC) service delivery model that was based on recommendations in the 2009 LAA Review. In this model, a legal services officer (LSO) provides upfront assessments of a client’s legal needs and then directs them into the appropriate stream of legal service. Based on their needs and financial eligibility, clients receive a service plan that comprehensively guides them through the best path of action for their individual legal issue. Eligible clients receive services ranging from referrals and legal information, to limited scope or full representation.
LSC Service Delivery Model Initial Contact
Clients may have to pay for limited scope and full representation services. Limited scope representation services, a Family Law Office (FLO) pilot project that began in early 2010, may include document drafting and review, negotiations, coaching, or assistance with discoveries and research. The private bar provides the majority of representation services. LAA issues certificates for limited scope or full representation services to roster lawyers, private bar members willing to act for legal aid clients. Roster lawyers also provide some duty counsel services. Staff lawyers also provide legal services through the LSC and existing specialized LAA programs, including the Central Alberta Law Office (CALO), LAA at Siksika Nation, FLO and Youth Criminal Defense Office (YCDO). Some of the staff lawyers work as full-time duty counsel, some provide clients legal information and advice, and some take on certificates for clients.
• In person at one of 11 Legal Services Centres in Alberta • In person at a courthouse, correctional or remand centre, or other • On the telephone
Table 1 | Number of services provided (rounded to nearest 100) Service
Legal services officer assesses need
Certificates (limited scope & full representation) Criminal Resolution Unit Family Settlement Services
Referral if outside eligibility
31,100
3,200
1,800
500
100
Advice & Brief Services
15,800
8,200
Information, resources & referrals
66,200
21,400
• Information, resources and referrals
Duty Counsel
137,200
132,000
Total
254,300
194,600
• Brief services • Criminal Resolution Unit services (p. 13) • Family Settlement Services (p. 14) • Limited scope services • Full representation
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
31,400
Service plan created and implemented if inside eligibility, which may include:
• Legal advice and/or assessment of legal merit
12
2011-2012 2010-11
Client Services Summary Lawyer Appointing (Certificate) Program LAA appoints lawyers (both private bar and staff lawyers) to represent financially eligible individuals in a wide variety of cases. In addition, LAA administers court ordered counsel on behalf of the Alberta Minister of Justice and Attorney General in accordance with the Governance Agreement. On June 13, 2011, appointment of files and the issuing of certificates changed to a new lawyer appointing system that helps LAA provide more efficient and fairer counsel appointments. In the 2011-12 fiscal year there were 1,153 active private bar members on the LAA roster list, about 750 of whom took on a certificate in the last year.
Table 2 | Number of legal aid certificates issued by category (staff & roster, rounded to nearest 100) Category Adult Criminal Young Offenders Family/Civil Total
2011-2012 2010-11 18,600
18,400
4,600
5,000
8,200
7,700
31,400*
31,100
*Reflects 10 per cent increase in financial eligibility guidelines in July 2011
Legal Services Centres (LSCs) The LSCs were designed to improve LAA client access to legal services, tailored to client needs and covering a broader range of legal issues in accordance with priorities in the 2009 LAA Review: to reduce the cost of specific legal services while maintaining or increasing the number of clients served, and to provide better client outcomes.
The LSCs assisted 19,587 new clients, created 49,358 new matters, and handled 102,853 phone calls this past year. In almost 18 per cent of new matters, the LSCs are considering the use of some form of alternative to full representation certificates, such as brief services, the Criminal Resolution Unit, Family Settlement Services or limited scope certificates. This year the LSC management has taken steps to ensure that clients receive the same high quality of client service throughout the province, whether the client sees an LSO in person or interacts via telephone. Initiatives undertaken focused on best practices in interviewing, quality and responsiveness of legal information and referrals, and routing to early resolution options. The LSC median time to complete an assessment for criminal and child welfare matters is the same day; that is, an LSO submits a client’s matter for counsel appointment the same day of the client’s assessment. The average time to complete an assessment of a family matter is generally two days or less.
Criminal Resolution Unit Pilot Project The extended duty counsel pilot project, which began in April 2010 in Edmonton and Calgary, is now the Criminal Resolution Unit (CRU). The CRU expanded into Lethbridge this year, with expansions into Wetaskiwin and Red Deer planned for the summer of 2012. LSOs refer eligible clients to CRU. The goal of CRU is to provide early resolution to lower level criminal offences, reducing the burden on clients and the justice system alike. CRU lawyers closed 2,501 files this year. CRU lawyers achieved full resolution to 70 per cent of files. The CRU team referred the remaining 30 per cent to the roster because they found the cases to be inappropriate for early resolution. Early reviews indicate that the project saves an estimated $0.6 million dollars per year. Moreover, CRU staff lawyers are increasingly becoming preferred counsel for some of our clients. LAA hired a consultant to review the project and expects an evaluation report in fall 2012.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
13
Facts and Figures
Duty Counsel Program
Family Settlement Services Pilot Project
The duty counsel program ensures the availability of summary legal advice and assistance to unrepresented persons for preliminary appearances before the courts and selected tribunals, at no cost to the person. In 2011-12, LAA expanded duty counsel services to Wetaskiwin for family matters in court.
The Family Settlement Services (FSS) pilot project offers financially eligible clients with up to five hours of family law dispute resolution services. LAA offers the services in three locations: Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge. The project covers all family law issues except for child protection matters. Participants are screened prior to entering the program to ensure he/ she has capacity to participate effectively. Intake into the project is through our LSCs.
The program continues to grow and includes the regular assignment of Duty Counsel to: • Criminal (adult and youth) courts
The project is unique because:
• Drug Treatment Court (Edmonton and Calgary) • Disciplinary hearings at correctional facilities • Applications for confirmations and breaches of emergency protection orders • Provincial court — family and child welfare dockets (Edmonton, Calgary and Wetaskiwin) • Court of Queen’s Bench — family (Edmonton and Wetaskiwin) • Mental Health Review Panel hearings Brydges Duty Counsel Service LAA administers the Brydges duty counsel service in accordance with the Governance Agreement. This free, 24-hour-a-day, province-wide, telephone service is available to individuals under arrest and in custody, or under active investigation by law enforcement authorities, who need immediate advice on their charter rights and criminal law. Translation services in 110 languages are also available through the Brydges line.
Table 3 | Number of duty counsel services (rounded to nearest 100) Category 2011-12 Adult Criminal
88,100
Young Offenders
12,600
Civil/Family
13,900
Adult Brydges
17,200
Youth Brydges
5,400
Total
14
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
137,200
• Roster and staff lawyers, who have experience practicing family law as well as training and/or experience in dispute resolution, facilitate the settlement sessions. (However, we do not have “staff facilitators/mediators”.) • The model of service delivery is a hybrid of the classic four-stage, interest-based mediation model and early neutral evaluation, which allows our trained family law practitioners to provide a “reality check” to clients during the settlement process while remaining neutral. • We provide pre and during settlement services legal advice to clients through brief services at our LSCs. • We also provide post-FSS (“close the loop”) legal services to assist clients in finalizing the entire or key parts of an agreement into the form of a court order or minutes of settlement that the client can rely upon in the future. Staff law offices and roster lawyers primarily provide these services under limited scope services certificates.
Early indicators from our project are that we are assisting people in reaching agreements. During the 2011-12 fiscal year, we accepted 470 files into the project. Of the 297 files that closed this year, 88 per cent achieved full or partial resolution. LAA has hired an external consultant to evaluate the FSS project and expects a report in fall 2012.
Table 4 | Number of resolutions Agreement Reached No Agreement Reached Partial Agreement Reached Total
235 36 26 297
Staff Law Offices
In the past 10 years, FLO has assisted 33,652 clients.
Family Law Office (FLO) In the 2009 LAA Review, LAA identified Wetaskiwin as an underserviced area in the province. Consequently in 2011 FLO began providing various legal services in that jurisdiction. Initially FLO provided senior staff counsel to act as duty counsel to provide much needed legal advice and representation in provincial court. Later FLO piloted duty counsel in the Court of Queen’s Bench. This past year FLO also prepared to open a full representation office in Wetaskiwin, which began providing service to clients in April 2012. From April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012, FLO’s family resource facilitators (FRFs) provided 12,953 services to clients. FRFs are individuals with a background in social work who work directly with clients to develop plans to resolve any personal and family issues within the context of their litigation. They also assist victims of family violence with safety planning and are instrumental in assisting lawyers in achieving early resolutions in child welfare matters.
This past year, FLO was able to complete 3,119 files. FLO staff counsel provide legal advice and representation to clients in all levels of court for a variety of matters including: divorce, custody, parenting and contact, guardianship, child maintenance and spousal support, grandparent contact orders, representation of children in high conflict custody proceedings, child protection/ child welfare matters and resolution of matrimonial property disputes. FLO also assists clients in finalizing settlements (“closing the loop”) achieved by Family Settlement Services mediation and provided limited scope representation. FLO also offers an Emergency Protection Order Program (EPOP) in Edmonton and Calgary. FLO provides legal assistance and duty counsel to claimants in both applying for emergency protection orders in provincial court and during the confirmation hearing on those orders in the Court of Queen’s Bench. In Calgary, FLO expanded its EPOP service to include confirmation services in the Court of Queen’s Bench. Due to a specific directive provided by the judiciary in Calgary, there has been a significant increase in the number of emergency protection orders granted and confirmed at both court levels. In addition, our EPOP staff are active in providing information sessions and workshops to agencies that provide service to family violence victims.
Table 5 | Number of EPOP clients (rounded to nearest 100) Category
2011-2012 2010-11
Edmonton
3,900
2,900
Calgary
2,700
600
Total
6,600
3,500
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
15
Facts and Figures
Youth Criminal Defence Office (YCDO) YCDO provides advocacy for youth in conflict with the law. Both Calgary and Edmonton locations provide legal assistance to youth on a daily basis both inside and outside of the youth justice court. The assistance includes: immediate legal advice, Brydges services (after-hours legal advice), making application for judicial interim release, seeking withdrawal of charges, conduct of trials, entry of guilty pleas, speaking to sentence, and conviction and sentence appeals. Outside of court, YCDO services include screening youth to identify realized or potential risk factors, followed by customized case plans and resource recommendations. In 2011-12, YCDO achieved a significant decision from Court of Queen’s Bench prohibiting mandatory minimum fines for municipal bylaw offences for youth. YCDO staff are deeply committed to supporting programs and influencing policy that protect children’s rights and provide for children’s needs. In 2011-12, YCDO staff continued to support stakeholders as board members, advisors, and through expert presentations on the Youth Criminal Justice Act and related topics. For example, YCDO staff served this year as advisors to the Canadian Bar Association Mentor Program, the Youth Justice Roundtable and Student Legal Assistance. YCDO also sustained innovative programs from previous years and helped create the 24/7 Youth Worker Program in Edmonton in collaboration with REACH (City of Edmonton), Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton John Howard Society, IHuman, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Youth Restorative Action Project.
16
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Central Alberta Law Office (CALO) CALO, located in Red Deer, provides civil law (and some criminal) legal services mostly within the judicial district of Red Deer, which includes the cities of Lacombe and Red Deer, the towns of Blackfalds, Innisfail, Olds, Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, Rimbey, and Stettler, and the First Nations of Sunchild and O’Chiese. From April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012, CALO lawyers handled 584 certificate files (210 carried over from the previous year and 194 remained active at yearend) and opened more files, from 338 to 374. In addition, CALO staff lawyers provided advice to 562 walk-in clinic clients. CALO provided youth court duty counsel for 815 individuals in Red Deer, Stettler and Rocky Mountain House. CALO staff lawyers travelled to the Bowden Federal Correctional Institution to provide legal advice and defend 144 inmates during internal disciplinary court. CALO staff lawyers also advocated for 20 youth detained under the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act, and 64 claimants in emergency protection review hearings. Support staff provided referrals to 156 individuals and provided external legal education to a further 62 individuals. CALO’s client resource facilitator provided services to 906 individuals in an effort to bring about an earlier resolution of their respective legal issues. These extended services enabled CALO to assist approximately 2,167 individuals in 2011-12. Legal Aid Alberta at Siksika Nation This program is a joint initiative with the Siksika justice department, and is the only program of its kind in Canada. The office is located on the Siksika Nation and provides legal advice and brief services to clients in criminal law, family law and other civil law matters.
LAA provides persons appearing in adult criminal, youth and family courts with duty counsel and full representation. Staff work closely with the court worker and the Aiskapiimokiks program (traditional dispute resolution) administered by the Siksika justice department. LAA staff also assist clients applying for legal aid. Occasionally, a staff lawyer acts as a neutral advisor during Siksika Tribunal and Judicial Dispute Resolution proceedings. In addition, staff offer public legal information sessions, advice clinics and presentations to various community groups. Moreover, staff members participate in community events hosted by Siksika Nation, e.g. Siksika Justice Law Day.
The University of Alberta (U of A) LAA is part of the Faculty of Law’s two-year pilot project for the Low Income Individual and the Law course. Now in its second year, the full-term, ninecredit course includes a clinical placement within one of LAA’s programs in Edmonton or with the Edmonton Community Legal Clinic. LAA selects students through an application and interview process. LAA placed 11 law students in 2011-12.
Student Legal Services (SLS)
Community Outreach
Through the four-year partnership between Edmonton FLO and SLS at the U of A, FLO staff counsel provide guidance and advice and support students with tasks such as reviewing call sheets from SLS telephone consultations and SLS publications on family law topics. The program also conducts “Do your own Divorce” clinics up to six times per year, where clients get help with preparing the court documents necessary for a divorce application. This service has recently expanded to include assisting and mentoring students with substitutional service and child support applications in both the provincial court and in the Court of Queen’s Bench.
Slave Lake Fire Legal Hotline
Pro Bono Students Canada
In response to the devastation from the Slave Lake wildfire in May 2011, LAA set up a toll free hotline to respond to those needing legal assistance. Through the hotline, website, and information sessions, LAA provided legal information to fire victims as well as partnered with Pro Bono Law Alberta, and the Canadian Bar Association to provide legal services. The Law Society of Alberta, Alberta Lawyers Assistance Society (Assist) and the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association (ACTLA) supported this collaboration.
In 2011-12, FLO Calgary collaborated for the first time with Pro Bono Law Alberta and Pro Bono Students Canada to use the services of volunteer law students to assist with the intake of potential emergency protection order clients.
In the 2011-12 fiscal year, the Siksika staff lawyer assisted 620 clients as duty counsel at provincial courts (criminal, family and youth). An additional 1,440 clients received services at the law office during the same period.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
17
Financial Report Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Summary
The following discussion of The Legal Aid Society of Alberta’s (Society or LAA) financial results for the year ending March 31, 2012 should be read in conjunction with the Society’s audited financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for not-forprofit organizations. The following includes a discussion of estimates of future financial information. The difference between those estimates and actual results may be material. All amounts are in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated, consistent with the financial statement presentation.
LAA began the 2012 fiscal year with a cash position1 of $8.7 million and a budgeted deficiency of revenue over expenses of $6.6 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. The budgeted deficiency was due in part to a substantial decrease in funding from the Alberta Law Foundation (ALF) to $2 million in 2012 compared to $5.9 million received in 2010 and $14.9 million received in 2009. Actual results for the year yielded a deficiency of $0.2 million (Budget – $6.6 million deficiency) and cash position of $11.8 million (Budget – $4.3 million) at March 31, 2012, an increase of $7.5 million. The deficiency was better than budgeted due principally to: 1. A $3.5 million increase in ALF funding to $5.5 million (Budget – $2 million) as a result of the
first Amending Agreement to the Governance Agreement signed during the year (discussed below); 2. Lower than budgeted private bar expenses of $34.6 million (Budget – $36.1 million) largely due to the issuance of approximately 3,000 (10%) fewer than budgeted private bar certificates, partially offset by increased average cost of completed certificates; 3. $0.6 million lower than budgeted salary and benefit expenses of $27.1 million (Budget – $27.7 million) largely due to lower than budgeted staffing levels; and 4. $0.8 million lower than budgeted administration expenses of $7.8 million (Budget – $8.6 million), largely due to $0.5 million in lower than budgeted amortization expense.
Table 1 | Comparison of 2011-12 actual to budgeted results Revenue
Actual 2011-12
Budget 2011-12
Change
$ 69,322
$ 65,745
$ 3,577
Expenses: Private bar
34,620
Other program expenses
34,866
36,230
$ (164)
$ (6,591)
Deficiency
1
18
36,106
1,486 1,364 $ 6,427
Cash position is defined in this report as cash and term deposits less outstanding cheques in excess of related bank balance.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
In addition to the reasons discussed above, the cash position at yearend was $7.5 million better than budgeted largely due to the implementation of a policy deferring payment of private bar invoices by two weeks from the date of approval of the account submission. This change had the effect of increasing the cash position by approximately $1.4 million (Budget – $ nil) at March 31, 2012, as this represents the amount of unpaid private bar invoices included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at year-end.
a $4.2 million increase over the previous year. Funding from ALF totaled $5.5 million (2011 – $1.1 million), representing a $4.4 million increase compared to the previous year.
Revenue
Funding from the Province of Alberta provides the largest portion of the Society’s revenue and represented 85% of total revenue in
The Society’s revenues for 2012 fiscal year were $69.3 million, representing
Provincial funding LAA presents its annual budget to the Ministry of Justice (Ministry) and generally receives approval prior to the start of each fiscal year. Once the budget has been approved, the Minister of Justice provides LAA with a letter confirming funding for the year.
fiscal 2012 (2011 – 90%). Annual funding will remain at $58.8 million for the next fiscal year.
Federal funding The federal government contributed $0.6 million (2011 – $0.6 million) to the Province for immigration and refugee matters. These funds are transferred from the federal government to the Province, and then onto LAA and are included with the Province’s annual grant. In addition, the federal government contributed to the Province $10.4 million (2011 – $10.4 million) for youth and adult criminal matters, and consistent with the treatment of funding for immigration and refugee matters, the federal
Table 2 | History of revenue and expenses
2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08
Revenue
$ 69,322
$ 65,141
$ 64,480
$ 74,581
$ 64,581
Expenses
69,486
71,224
76,258
66,275
53,256
Surplus (deficiency)
$ (164)
$ (6,083)
$ (11,778)
$ 8,306
$ 11,325
Table 3 | Legal aid revenue sources Revenue
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
Province of Alberta
$ 58,810
$ 58,810
$ 53,810
$ 53,810
$ 45,346
Alberta Law Foundation
5,500
1,138
5,918
14,858
13,374
Recoveries from clients
4,501
4,798
4,466
4,527
4,450
511
395
286
1,386
1,411
$ 69,322
$ 65,141
$ 64,480
$ 74,581
$ 64,581
Interest & other Total
Table 4 | Recoveries from clients Recoveries from clients As a % of recoverable expenses
2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 $ 4,501
$ 4,798
$ 4,466
$ 4,527
$ 4,450
14 %
12 %
10 %
13 %
15%
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
19
Financial Report government transfers the funds to the Province, which in turn includes the federal funds with their annual grant to LAA.
ALF funding Funding from ALF represented 8% (2011 – 2%) of total revenue. In February 2012, the first Amending Agreement to the February 14, 2011 Governance Agreement was signed, and provides for minimum annual funding by ALF to LAA of not less than $5.5 million. The Amending Agreement is in force for LAA’s 2012 to 2014 fiscal years. Prior to the amendment, ALF’s annual funding of LAA was based on 25% of the revenue earned on Alberta lawyers’ general trust accounts, and was budgeted to be $2 million for 2012. Due to low interest rates, funding was severely curtailed in the 2011 fiscal year and precipitated the re-examination of ALF funding to LAA.
Recoveries from clients In cases where repayment will not cause undue hardship, LAA expects clients to repay the cost of their legal services. In 2012, recoveries from clients totaled $4.5 million (2011 – $4.8 million), and provide a very valuable source of revenue.
Expenses The Society’s expenses decreased by $1.7 million to $69.5 million this year compared to fiscal 2011. The significant change was attributable to a decrease in private bar expenses of $2.8 million and administration expenses of $0.6 million, offset by increases in salaries and benefits of $1.7 million.
Private bar Private bar expenses were $34.6 million (2011 – $37.5 million) representing an approximate 8% decline compared to the prior year. The largest reduction was in civil matters ($2.2 million) and to a lesser extent adult criminal matters ($1.2 million), partially offset by a $0.5
million increase in the provision for outstanding certificates. Effective July 1, 2011, LAA implemented a 10% increase in the financial eligibility guidelines (FEGs) partially offsetting the 30% reduction in the FEGs implemented in April 1, 2010. This served to increase the volume of new certificates issued to the private bar to 27,082 in fiscal 2012 (2011 – 26,590) or a 2% increase compared to the prior year. We had anticipated that the 10% increase in the FEGs would result in an approximate 10% increase in issued certificates, somewhat mirroring the experience in 2011 when the 30% decrease in FEGs resulted in an approximate 30% decrease in issued certificate volumes; however, this was not borne out. The 10% increase in the FEGs did not result in a commensurate increase in the amount of private bar certificate expenses as a significant portion of the current years’ payments are for certificates issued in prior years. For example, in 2012, 30% of civil private bar
Table 5 | Private bar expense by certificate case type Category
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
Adult Criminal
$ 18,921
$ 20,156
$ 22,160
$ 19,251
$ 15,785
10,834
13,075
13,879
9,795
8,484
Duty Counsel
2,182
2,246
2,259
2,262
1,988
Young Offenders
1,993
2,173
2,388
2,197
1,671
192
216
334
432
475
48
50
86
97
84
450
(450)
(900)
-
(350)
$ 34,620
$ 37,466
$ 40,206
$ 34,034
$ 28,137
Civil
Court Ordered Counsel Provincial Other (Note) Total
Note: Other represents the increase (decrease) in the provision for services provided on outstanding certificates issued to the private bar that have not been invoiced.
20
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
expenses were for certificates issued in the same year (2011 – 31%), and 42% (2011 – 45%) of adult criminal private bar expenses. Civil private bar expenses includes family matters, immigration and non-family civil matters and amounted to the following expenses in fiscal 2012: $8.8 million (2011 – $10.8 million), $1.1 million (2011 – $1.6 million) and $0.9 million (2011 – $0.7 million), respectively. LAA monitors the progress of high cost cases (defined as cases with cumulative expenditures in excess of $25). Approximately 90% of the expenditures on high cost cases in each of the past five years have been for adult criminal matters and are principally drug conspiracy and murder cases. Expenditures this year were $0.2 million greater than the prior year and are the highest they have been for the last five years.
While growth in the volume and cost of these cases is a concern, we note that as a per cent of total private bar expenses, high cost cases represented 6% (2011 – 5%) of private bar expenses. Table 7 includes certificates issued during each of the respective years and cumulative weighted average costs incurred over the subsequent two-year period for those closed (completed) certificates. The weighted average includes all certificate case types listed in table 5 above.
extent due to the introduction of less costly service options such as dispute resolution and limited scope. The two-year average cost of civil certificates, excluding dispute resolution and limited scope certificates, was $1,727. Table 8 includes only those certificates issued and closed (completed) during each of the respective years. The weighted average includes all certificate case types listed in table 5.
Effective February 15, 2008, LAA implemented a significant change to the tariff. The increase in tariff rates contributed to the increase in the average certificate cost in 2008-09 and continued into the subsequent three years.
The average cost of a civil certificate decreased in 2011-12 due to the introduction of less costly service options such as dispute resolution and limited scope. The one-year average cost of civil certificates, excluding dispute resolution and limited scope certificates, was $1,121.
The average cost of a civil certificate increased in 2010-11 but to a lesser
Approximately 50% of the criminal adult and youth certificates are closed
Table 6 | Amounts paid to private bar for high cost cases
2011-12 $2,029
2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 $ 1,793
$ 1,404
$ 1,332
$ 1,661
Table 7 Two-year average cost per completed legal aid certificate, by case type (whole dollar amounts) Revenue Adult Criminal Civil Young Offenders Weighted Average
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
$ 901
$ 809
$ 735
$ 663
$ 1,697
$ 1,545
$ 1,404
$ 1,095
$ 775
$ 726
$ 676
$ 611
$ 1,012
$ 858
$ 790
$ 679
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
21
Financial Report (completed) within one year of issuance, and 90% within two years of issuance. Approximately 35% of civil matters, which are the most time consuming, protracted and consequently costly certificates, are closed within one year of issuance. Approximately 30% of the civil matter certificates are outstanding for more than two years.
than that summarized in table 9, the following provides an explanation of the changes in expense categories common to Client Services, YCDO and FLO. Salary and benefit expenses for fiscal 2012 were $27.1 million (2011 – $25.4 million), an increase of $1.7 million.
Other program expenses include all non-private bar related expenses of operating LAA programs such as Client Services, Youth Criminal Defense Office (YCDO), FLO, and management and administration expenses related to the delivery of service programs. These expenses totaled $34.9 million in fiscal 2012 (2011 – $33.8 million), representing a $1.1 million increase compared to the prior year.
In an effort to limit the growth in operating expenses, LAA implemented a salary freeze for all non-union employees effective April 1, 2010. The freeze was lifted effective April 1, 2011 and salary increases in 2012 for both unionized and non-unionized staff totaled approximately $1.3 million. Partially offsetting these increases was the effect of having an average of four fewer full-time equivalent employees at LAA in fiscal 2012 of 274 (2011 – 278).
Although presented differently in the statement of revenue and expenses in the annual financial statements
In 2012, LAA recorded a year-end variable pay accrual of $0.4 million (2011 – $0.3 million) to be paid in
Other program expenses
the first quarter of fiscal 2013. While the 2011 variable pay amount was included in 2011 expenses, it was offset by the March 31, 2010 variable pay accrual of $0.6 million, which was never paid and was reversed during 2011. Severance expenses related to redundancies totaled $0.3 million (2011 – $0.4 million). An average of 69 (2011 – 68) of LAA’s full-time employees were members of the Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE) and accordingly the terms of their employment are governed by a negotiated collective agreement. The two-year collective agreement expired March 31, 2012. Management of LAA has met with representatives of AUPE and its employees in May 2012 to discuss matters of mutual interest including salary adjustments. No agreement has been reached at the date on which this annual report went to print.
Table 8 One-year average cost per completed legal aid certificate, by case (whole dollar amount)
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
$ 739
$ 694
$ 641
$ 586
$ 517
$ 1,009
$ 1,194
$ 1,044
$ 936
$ 739
Young Offenders
$ 644
$ 627
$ 617
$ 548
$ 524
Weighted Average
$ 775
$ 721
$ 630
$ 583
$ 527
Adult Criminal Civil
Table 9 Other program expenses
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
Salaries and benefits
$ 27,072
$ 25,381
$ 26,769
$ 23,818
$ 18,737
Administration
5,673
6,143
7,486
7,052
5,619
Amortization
2,121
2,234
1,797
1,371
763
$ 34,866
$ 33,758
$ 36,052
$ 32,241
Total
22
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
$ 25,119
Administration expenses, excluding amortization were $5.7 million (2011 – $6.1 million) representing a decrease of $0.4 million compared to the prior year. The decrease in administration expenses was largely due to a conscious effort by management to limit the amount of travel, accommodation and outside services expenses. Amortization expense of $2.1 million was in line with the prior year and is comprised principally of amortization of costs associated with LAA’s investments in information technology. Client services expenses were $14.9 million in fiscal 2012 (2011 – $13.7 million), which represents an increase of $1.2 million compared to the prior year. The increase was largely due to the effect of the salary increase discussed above and partially offset by slightly fewer fulltime equivalent staff.
YCDO incurred total operating expenses in 2012 of $3.9 million (2011 – $4 million), as their employment levels and cost structure were relatively consistent year-over-year. FLO incurred operating expenses in 2012 of $7.9 million (2011 – $7.7 million). The $0.2 million increase in operating costs was largely due to the effect of salary increases discussed above. Management and administration expenses in fiscal 2012 were $8.2 million (2011 – $8.4 million), a decrease of $0.2 million compared to the prior year. The $0.1 million reduction in management and administration expenses (excluding amortization) is largely due to voluntary and involuntary reductions in staffing levels by five positions during the year, offset by severance expenses and salary increases discussed
above. Management continues to examine LAA’s cost structure and as evidenced by the current year’s management and administration expenses being at their lowest level in four-years, is committed to limiting the growth in non-front line service expenses. Human resources and financial and corporate services departments expenses rose compared to the prior year due in part to severance expenses associated with the departure of certain management staff by $0.3 million (2011 – $ nil), as the departments underwent restructuring. The $0.3 million decrease in research, policy and executive office expenses was largely due to restructuring and the voluntary departure of certain management and support staff.
Table 10 | Management and administration expenses Category
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
Human Resources
$ 875
$ 805
$ 825
$ 741
$ 474
Financial & Corporate Services
2,091
1,919
2,504
2,640
2,044
Information Technology
2,110
2,131
2,265
2,027
1,722
Research, Policy & Executive Office
1,604
1,887
1,925
1,868
1,572
$ 6,680
$ 6,742
$ 7,519
$ 7,276
$ 5,812
10%
10%
10%
11%
11%
1,479
1,673
1,401
1,207
686
$ 8,159
$ 8,415
$ 8,920
$ 8,483
$ 6,498
Sub-total As a % of total expenses (excluding amortization) Amortization (Note) Total
Note: Total amortization expense for 2012 was $2.1 million (2011 – $2.2 million) of which $0.6 million (2011 – $0.7 million) was reported by Client Services, YCDO and FLO. A similar portion of amortization expense was incurred in the other years presented above.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
23
Financial Report Capital expenditures LAA spent $0.8 million in 2012 (2011 – $0.9 million) on additions to capital assets. Approximately $0.6 million (2011 – $0.5 million) of the year’s expenditures was for the ongoing development and implementation of LAA’s client relationship management software (CRM) that is utilized for the initial intake, management and documenting service delivery to our clients. The CRM development and implementation began in 2010 and will be completed in 2013 when the FLO and Central Alberta Law Office are on-line. LAA also acquired approximately $0.1 million (2011 – $ nil) leasehold improvements to its office premises through lease inducements commensurate with certain lease renewals.
Financial outlook LAA submitted its 2012-13 budget for approval by the Minister of Justice of Alberta in December 2011, and received written approval of the budget by letter dated June 11, 2012. The contents of the 2013 budget compared to actual results for fiscal 2012 are summarized below. LAA budgeted a moderate decrease in funding as compared to fiscal
2012, which is largely attributable to a $0.5 million decrease in recoveries from clients. The 30% decrease in FEGs implemented April 1, 2010, partially offset by the 10% increase implemented July 1, 2011, has served to reduce the number of certificates issued and accordingly the recovery of eligible expenses from clients. Budgeted expenses, excluding amortization of $1.7 million (actual 2012 – $2.1 million) are $68.2 million (Actual 2012 – $67.4 million), representing a $0.8 million (or 1%) increase compared to 2012. Private bar expenses are budgeted at $32 million and reflect a continuing decline in issued certificate volumes and increases in non-certificate services such as criminal resolution unit services (formerly expanded duty counsel), dispute resolution, limited scope and brief services. Other program expenses are budgeted to increase $3 million compared to fiscal 2012. This increase is due to: 1. Budgeted salary increases for union and non-unionized staff of $1.6 million; 2. Hiring of new staff as LAA rolls out new service initiatives and better supports existing services for $0.7 million; and
3. $0.8 million increase in administration expenses (excluding amortization), largely attributable to increases in purchased services: $0.4 million related to Brydges services, management of high cost cases, evaluation of new services and certain other initiatives, and $0.2 million in rent due to renewals and escalation clauses. LAA will begin the 2013 fiscal year with a cash position of $11.8 million. Based on budgeted capital expenditures of $0.9 million and the deficiency above (less amortization expense of $1.7 million), we are anticipating a cash position of $11.5 million at March 31, 2013. Under the Governance Agreement that came into effect April 1, 2011, LAA is required to maintain a contingent reserve of $2.5 million over the fiveyear term of the Agreement. Budgeted expenditures for the 2013 fiscal year outpace current funding levels of grants received from the Government of Alberta, ALF and recoveries from clients. Absent any change in funding, the difference is projected to increase in 2014 and 2015 as program expenses, principally salaries and benefits expenses, grow due to projected cost-of-living adjustments.
Table 11 | Comparison of the fiscal 2013 budget to fiscal 2012 actual results Revenue
Budget 2012-13
Actual 2011-12
Change
$ 68,810
$ 69,322
$ (512)
Expenses: Private bar
32,000
34,620
2,620
Other program expenses
37,878
34,866
(3,012)
$ (1,068)
$ (164)
$ (904)
Deficiency
24
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Budgeted 2013 private bar expenses are lower than 2012 actual results, however, as the full effect of the July 2011 10% increase in FEGs is felt in the 2014 and 2015 years, projected private bar expenses will certainly exceed the 2013 levels. Management continues to examine the Society’s cost structure and service delivery to ensure that it provides cost-effective solutions that meet our clients’ needs. LAA continues to pursue additional project and operational funding opportunities with one of its stakeholders to ensure that legal aid services provided in Alberta are robust and meet the needs of low income Albertans.
Risks The following is a discussion of risks and uncertainties affecting LAA. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list nor will the strategies discussed mitigate all risks and uncertainties.
Economic The state of the economy has had a dramatic effect on the operating results of LAA. The reduction in funding received from ALF in 2011 and the necessity to enter into the Amending Agreement this past
year was a direct consequence of a low interest rate environment. We note that the Amending Agreement provides funding of $5.5 million through 2014, but thereafter and for the remaining term of the Governance Agreement ALF funding reverts back to the historical calculation. Growth in demand for services has historically been inversely related to economic activity in Alberta. As the Province emerged from the recession, we anticipated that the demand for services would decline somewhat; however, this may in fact be more than offset by the effect of increasing the FEG’s in fiscal 2012 as the full effect is seen in the 2013 fiscal year and beyond.
Provincial funding The Province approved the Society’s fiscal 2013 budget and has approved budget proposals provided by the Society for the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years. However, circumstances and funding may change as a result of a changing political environment.
Private bar expenditures Budgeted private bar expenditures for the coming year were based on assumptions of issued certificate volumes, the average cost of certificates and timing of payments
to service providers. The actual amounts incurred in 2013 may be different from the budgeted amount due to changes in the economic and legal environment in which LAA operates.
Lawyer recruitment and retention LAA relies heavily on private bar lawyers for the delivery of services through the certificate program. In areas of law such as family practice, it is at times particularly difficult to attract private bar lawyers, which has contributed to the growth LAA’s FLO offices over the years. Alberta’s economy is linked inextricably to the market price of oil and natural gas. As prices rise, exploration and development activity rises, as does employment levels, provincial tax and royalty revenues. In past years, as the economy improves we have found that fewer private bar lawyers are willing to accept legal aid certificates at LAA’s average hourly tariff rate (currently – $84), when they can earn many times this amount practicing commercial law. LAA continues to take steps to mitigate this risk by focusing on recruitment, retention and development of private bar lawyers.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
25
Financial Report Management’s Responsibility for Financial Information The management team of Legal Aid Alberta is responsible for the preparation of the Society’s financial statements, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” and all other information contained in this annual report. This responsibility includes maintaining the integrity and objectivity of the Society’s financial records, and presenting the Society’s financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Management has developed and maintains a system of internal controls and financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance that the Society’s assets are safeguarded, that all material agreements and transactions of the Society are properly recorded, and that reliable financial information is produced on a timely basis.
26
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
The directors of the Society’s board are not employees of the Society. The Board of Directors is responsible for determining that management fulfills its responsibilities in the preparation of the financial statements and the control of the Society’s financial operations. The audit committee of the Board of Directors meets with staff of the Society’s auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, periodically over the course of the year to discuss their audit work, the Society’s internal controls, and the financial statements. The Board of Directors is responsible for approving the financial statements. Ernst & Young LLP has audited the accompanying financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2012. Their audit was conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, and included obtaining sufficient understanding of the Society’s internal controls to plan the audit. The Auditors’ Report outlines the scope of the audit and the opinion.
Jacqueline Schaffter, QC President and CEO May 31, 2012
John Kyle, CA Vice President, Corporate Services May 31, 2012
Independent Auditors’ Report
To the Board of Directors of The Legal Aid Society of Alberta We have audited the accompanying financial statements of The Legal Aid Society of Alberta, which comprise the statement of financial position as at March 31, 2012 and the statements of changes in net assets, revenue and expenses and cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Management’s responsibility for the financial statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditors’ responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditors consider internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audit is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Legal Aid Society of Alberta as at March 31, 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
Edmonton, Canada, May 31, 2012 Chartered Accountants
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
27
Statement of Financial Position
As at March 31 (in thousands of dollars)
2012
2011
$ $
ASSETS Current 6
6
9,539
9,564
48
45
Prepaid expenses
497
501
Goods and Services Tax rebates receivable
332
538
Total current assets 10,422
10,654
Investments [note 4]
2,520
—
Capital assets [note 5]
5,509
6,816
18,451
17,470
Cash Short-term investments [note 3] Accounts receivable
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Current 161
841
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
2,192
862
Accrued vacation pay
1,307
1,282
173
160
Outstanding cheques in excess of related bank balances
Current portion of deferred lease inducements
Provision for services provided on outstanding certificates [note 6]
3,650
3,200
Total current liabilities
7,483
6,345
339
332
7,822
6,677
Deferred lease inducements
Commitments and contingencies [notes 6 and 7]
Net assets
10,629
10,793
18,451
17,470
See accompanying notes
On behalf of the Board:
J. Patrick Stopa, QC Lance Clark Chair Director
28
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Year ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)
2012
Externally restricted
$
Investment in capital assets Unrestricted Total $
$
$
Balance, beginning of the year
—
6,816
3,977
10,793
Deficiency of revenue over expenses
—
—
(164)
(164)
External restriction Province of Alberta [note 4]
2,500
—
(2,500)
—
Purchases of capital assets
—
927
(927)
—
Amortization of capital assets
—
(2,121)
2,121
—
Retirement of capital assets
—
(113)
113
—
2,500
5,509
2,620
10,629
Balance, end of the year
2011
Investment in capital assets Unrestricted Total $
$
$
Balance, beginning of year
8,134
8,742
16,876
Deficiency of revenue over expenses
—
(6,083)
(6,083)
Purchases of capital assets
916
(916)
—
Amortization of capital assets
(2,234)
2,234
—
Balance, end of year
6,816
3,977
10,793
See accompanying notes
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
29
Statement of Revenue and Expenses
Year ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)
2012
$
2011 $
REVENUE 58,810
58,810
Alberta Law Foundation grant
5,500
1,138
Recoveries and contributions from clients
4,501
4,798
Province of Alberta
Interest and other Total revenue
511
395
69,322
65,141
EXPENSES Private bar Legal aid fees and disbursements [note 9] Criminal adult
18,921
20,156
Civil
10,834
13,075
Duty counsel
2,182
2,246
Young offenders
1,993
2,173
192
216
48
50
34,170
37,916
450
(450)
34,620
37,466
Court-ordered counsel Provincial Increase (decrease) in provision for outstanding certificates to private bar [note 6]
Other program expenses [note 8] 14,870
13,707
Youth Criminal Defence Office
3,922
3,964
Family Law Office
7,915
7,672
Management and Administration
8,159
8,415
34,866
33,758
Total expenses
69,486
71,224
Client Services
Deficiency of revenue over expenses
(164)
(6,083)
See accompanying notes
30
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Statement of Cash Flow
Year ended March 31 (in thousands of dollars)
2012
2011
$
$
OPERATING ACTIVITIES 58,810
58,810
Received from the Alberta Law Foundation
5,500
1,138
Recoveries and contributions from clients
4,501
4,798
Received from the Province of Alberta
516
347
Fees and disbursements paid to private bar
(32,738)
(37,916)
Salaries and benefits paid to employees
(26,999)
(25,345)
(6,335)
(6,316)
3,255
(4,484)
Interest and other income received
Payments to suppliers and service providers Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Purchases of capital assets
(755)
(916)
(38,000)
(28,000)
Purchases of investments
(2,500)
—
Proceeds on disposal of short-term investments
38,000
28,500
Cash used in investing and financing activities
(3,255)
(416)
Purchases of short-term investments
Net decrease in cash during the year
—
(4,900)
Cash, beginning of the year
6
4,906
Cash, end of the year
6
6
See accompanying notes
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
31
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
1. The Organization The Legal Aid Society of Alberta [the “Society”], registered as a society under the laws of the Province of Alberta, operates by agreement between the Society, the Law Society of Alberta and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of the Province of Alberta to assist individuals of modest means in obtaining legal services in criminal and civil matters. The current governance agreement became effective April 1, 2011 and expires on March 31, 2016. Under the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada), the Society is exempt from income taxes.
2. Significant Accounting Policies These financial statements have been prepared by the Society’s management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with such principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue recognition The Society’s primary sources of funding are contributions from the Province of Alberta and the Alberta Law Foundation, recoveries and contributions from clients, and interest and other investment income. The Society follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions. Contributions from the Province of Alberta are recognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses are incurred. Other contributions, including funding from the Alberta Law Foundation, are recognized as revenue when received or receivable if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured. Interest and other income are recognized as revenue when earned. Recoveries and contributions from client recipients of legal aid services cannot be reasonably estimated in advance due to the uncertainty of collection. Accordingly, these recoveries and contributions are recorded as revenue when received. Expense recognition Expenses are recognized on an accrual basis when incurred. Legal aid fees and disbursements are eligible for payment in respect of services authorized on issued legal aid certificates. The Society records the estimated value of services provided, but not submitted for payment, on outstanding certificates in the period in which the services are provided. Legal expenses include amounts billed to the Society by lawyers and an estimate of amounts for work performed but not yet billed.
32
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
2. Significant Accounting Policies [Continued] Allocation of other program expenses The expenses of each function include personnel and other expenses that are directly related to the function. General support and other expenses are not allocated, except for rent, which is allocated by head count to select functions. Cash Cash includes cash and term deposits with periods to initial maturity of less than 90 days. Short-term investments Short-term investments, which consist of term deposits with initial maturity dates between 90 and 365 days, are recorded at fair value. Investments Investments, which consist of term deposits with initial maturity dates in excess of 365 days, are recorded at fair value. Capital assets Capital assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided for at the following annual rates to amortize the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives:
Furniture
10% declining balance
Equipment
20% declining balance
Computer hardware
Straight-line over 4 years
Computer software
Straight-line over 5 years
Leasehold improvements
Straight-line over term of lease
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
33
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
2. Significant Accounting Policies [Continued] Financial instruments The Society has chosen to apply the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants [“CICA”] Handbook Section 3861, Financial Instruments – Disclosure and Presentation, in place of Section 3862, Financial Instruments – Disclosure, and Section 3863, Financial Instruments – Presentation. Financial instruments of the Society include cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, Goods and Services Tax rebates receivable, investments, outstanding cheques in excess of related bank balances, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and accrued vacation pay. Due to the short-term maturity and nature of these financial instruments, carrying values approximate fair values. The Society has classified its cash, short-term investments and investments as held-for-trading. Accounts receivable and Goods and Services Tax rebates receivable are classified as loans and receivables, outstanding cheques in excess of related bank balances, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and accrued vacation pay are classified as other financial liabilities. The Society’s exposure to credit risk, represented by the carrying amount of accounts receivable, results from the possibility of default on required payments. The Society monitors outstanding balances regularly and allows for uncollectible amounts when determined. The Society is subject to interest rate pricing risk to the extent that investments contain fixed rate instruments. Risks are expected to be low given the highly liquid nature of the instruments and their relatively short terms to maturity. Contributed materials and services Contributed materials and services are not recorded in the financial statements. Volunteers contribute hours in carrying out governance and other activities of the Society. Due to the difficulty in determining their fair value, contributed volunteer services are not recognized in the financial statements.
34
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
2. Significant Accounting Policies [Continued] Capital management The Society’s objective when managing capital is to provide sufficient capacity to cover normal operating and future capital expenditure requirements. The Society defines its capital as net assets. The Society manages its capital structure to maintain flexibility to adjust to changes in economic conditions and to respond to interest rate, credit and other risks. In order to maintain or adjust its capital structure, the Society may adjust controllable expenses accordingly. As at March 31, 2012, the Society has met its capital management objectives. Deferred lease inducements Deferred lease inducements represent leasehold improvement allowances paid or payable by landlords. Such inducements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease and recorded as a reduction of rent expense. Recent accounting pronouncements During 2010, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board finalized new accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, which are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2012. Not-for-profit organizations may apply accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations or International Financial Reporting Standards, while government not-for-profit organizations will be required to follow the CICA Public Sector Accounting Handbook, either with or without application of the Section 4200 to 4270 not-for-profit accounting standards. The Society will adopt the accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations and follow Part III of the CICA Handbook – Accounting as of April 1, 2012. The adoption of these new standards is not expected to have a significant impact on the Society’s financial position or its results of operations.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
35
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
3. Short-Term Investments
2012
2011
$
$
Term deposits Accrued interest
9,500 9,500 39 64 9,539 9,564
Term deposits earn interest at rates ranging from 1.12% to 1.35% [2011 – 1.16% to 1.30%], with maturity dates ranging from April 26, 2012 to February 27, 2013.
4. Investments As part of the current governance agreement effective as at April 1, 2011, the Province of Alberta requires that at least $2,500 of its funding be held as restricted cash for non-forecasted or unbudgeted costs, with use below the $2,500 minimum amount requiring advance approval and subsequent replenishment. Additional restrictions on annual surpluses and funding received from the Alberta Law Foundation would also be required if certain conditions were met in a fiscal year. The minimum restricted cash requirement has been met with an investment in a term deposit, which matures on October 3, 2013 and earns interest at a rate of 1.65% as below:
2012
2011
$ $
Term deposit Accrued interest
36
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
2,500 – 20 – 2,520 –
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
5. Capital Assets 2012 2011 Accumulated Accumulated Cost amortization Cost amortization
$ $ $ $
Furniture
950 403 916 346
Equipment
464 309 544 334
Computer hardware
2,066 1,712 2,195 1,599
Computer software
5,779 3,344 5,443 2,674
Leasehold improvements
5,339 3,321 5,135 2,464
Net book value
14,598 9,089 14,233 7,417 5,509 6,816
Furniture of $2 [2011 – nil], equipment of nil [2011 – $33], computer software of nil [2011 – $400] and leasehold improvements of nil [2011 – $6] were not available for use at the year-end and amortization has not yet commenced.
6. Provision For Services Provided On Outstanding Certificates The provision for services provided by members of the private bar that have not been billed on outstanding certificates is estimated at year end using a method that incorporates historical median costs and time frames to complete similar cases. At March 31, 2012, the Society had approximately 26,800 [2011 – 24,400] outstanding certificates issued to the private bar with an estimated liability of $3,650 [2011 – $3,200]. The estimated liability is subject to measurement uncertainty. Measurement uncertainty exists when there is a variance between the recognized amount and another reasonably possible amount. Due to the uncertainty involved in the estimation process, there will likely be a difference between the estimated and actual liability and the difference may be material. In addition to the liability for services provided to March 31, 2012 on outstanding private bar certificates, the Society estimates the future costs to complete private bar and the Society staff counsel certificate files. At March 31, 2012, there is an estimated $22,200 [2011 – $18,250] that will be incurred on approximately 29,500 [2011 – 27,400] outstanding certificates issued to the private bar and the Society’s staff counsel over and above both the billings paid and accrued to date and work performed but not yet billed. Due to the uncertainty in the estimation process, there will likely be a difference between the estimated and actual costs to complete outstanding certificates and the difference may be material.
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
37
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
7. Commitments And Contingencies [a] Commitments The Society is committed under operating leases for office premises to make annual payments in the following amounts for the next five years and thereafter:
$
2013
2,697
2014
2,603
2015
1,598
2016
1,315
2017
722
Thereafter
293
9,228
[b] Contingencies During the ordinary course of business activities, the Society may be contingently liable for litigation and claims from clients, suppliers and former employees. Management believes that adequate provisions have been made in the accounts where required. Although it is not possible to estimate the extent of potential costs and losses, if any, management believes that the ultimate resolution of such contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Society.
38
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
8. Other Program Expenses Other program expenses reflected in the statement of revenue and expenses, classified by object, are as follows:
2012 2011
$ $
Salaries and benefits
27,072 25,381
Rent
2,672 2,659
Amortization of capital assets
2,121 2,234
Office and sundry
669 775
Computer operations and maintenance
591
Purchased services
521 655
Travel and allowances
355
397
Legal disbursements
329
285
Non-rebateable Goods and Services Tax
172 211
Loss on retirement of capital assets
113 –
Other
658
251 503 34,866 33,758
A portion of rent expense has been allocated to other program expenses as follows:
2012 2011 $ $
Client Services
986 913
Management and Administration
414 450
1,400 1,363
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
39
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2012 (amounts in thousands of dollars)
9. Related Parties Certain members of the Board of Directors provide certificate services to the Society. These legal services are provided in the regular course of business under the same tariff of fees as other lawyers. During the year, directors provided certificate services of approximately $130 [2011 – $258] to the Society and their respective firms provided additional certificate services of approximately $94 [2011 – $140].
10. Economic Dependence For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Society received 85% [2011 – 90%] of its revenue from the Province of Alberta and 8% [2011 – 2%] from the Alberta Law Foundation. The Society depends on funding from these sources for the continuance of its operations.
11. Comparative Figures Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted for the current year.
40
Legal Aid Alberta 2012 Annual Report
Offices
Program Offices
Provincial Office Revillon Building 400, 10320 102 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4A1 Phone: 780-644-4971 Fax: 780-415-2618
Central Alberta Law Office 202, 4802 51 Avenue Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4H3 Phone: 403-340-7730
Family Law Office 4th Floor, 665 8 Street SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3K7 Phone: 403-297-6380
LAA at Siksika Nation P.O. Box 1609 Siksika Nation, Alberta T0J 3W0 1-800-551-5724 Phone: 403-734-1091
700, 10310 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2W4 Phone: 780-415-8800
Legal Services Centres Calgary Edmonton Fort McMurray Grande Prairie Lethbridge Medicine Hat Peace River Red Deer St. Paul Wetaskiwin Whitecourt Visit www.legalaid.ab.ca/contact for hours, times and locations.
Youth Criminal Defence Office 600, 444 5 Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 2T8 Phone: 403-297-4400 600, 10310 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2W4 Phone: 780-422-8383
244, 200 4 Avenue South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4C9 Phone: 403-388-3162 Provincial Building (main floor) 5201 50 Avenue Wetaskiwin, Alberta T9A 0S7 Phone: 780-352-3845
www.legalaid.ab.ca
