FUNDING FOR PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION IN QUEBEC

OTTAWA , March 23, 2000 -- Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced today that the Department of Justice will contribute up to $180,000 for the year 1999-2000 to Éducaloi, a public legal education and information service in Quebec. That level of funding will continue through the year 2000-2001. The Barreau of Québec has been designated by the Quebec government as the organization to provide this service. Justice Canada is partnering with Le Barreau and the Province of Quebec through Educaloi, which will provide public legal education materials and information through an Internet site, pamphlets and other means.

I am very pleased that we can support the delivery of public legal education and information services to the people of Quebec," said the Minister. "This new front line resource will provide access and promote understanding of the legal system and I am certain this will enhance public confidence in the justice system."

The launch of the new organization and its Internet site took place today in Québec City. The Minister was represented by Claude Drouin, M.P. for Beauce and Chair of the Quebec Liberal Caucus.

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Ref.:

Stephen Bindman
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621

Terry de March
Department of Justice
(613) 954-2884