Bill No. 227 - Legal Aid Act. - Second Reading

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, as my colleague said, our caucus is also very supportive of the work done by legal aid. We've been happy to see the gradual expansion of responsibility of legal aid in the last few years in particular, particularly where it helps address access to justice issues, which we know are many.

The changes that are in this bill that help legal aid to address issues of income security and housing are very welcome, especially at this moment. We know the work of these front line providers, as with many, is becoming more complex and more difficult. I think the more we can make that work effective and support it, the better. I think this bill, as far as we've been able to see, does just that.

We're pleased to offer our support. We're happy to see the endorsement of legal aid. The only comment I would have is that I would hope that the funding offered to legal aid is commensurate with the additional responsibility that it continues to acquire as its scope expands.

With that I will look forward to hearing the comments of folks at the Committee on Law Amendments, and I will take my seat.