GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND QUEBEC ANNOUNCE
RENEWAL OF LEGAL AID

MONTREAL, December 9, 2003 - The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Mr. Marc Bellemare, Minister of Justice, Attorney General and Notary General for Quebec, today announced the renewal of a criminal legal aid agreement worth a total of $78.7 million over the next three years.

"The right to a fair trial is the cornerstone of our justice system. Ensuring that the legal aid needs of disadvantaged Canadians are met in a fair and equitable manner is part of that commitment," said Minister Cauchon. "I strongly believe we are entering into a new era of cooperation and are on our way to developing a new approach to legal aid."

"This agreement, which provides more funds than in previous years, was finalized at the federal-provincial-territorial conference of Justice ministers at la Malbaie last September," said Minister Bellemare. "It reflects the deep commitment of the Liberal government to extend access to justice in Québec."

During a November 2002 federal-provincial-territorial meeting, Ministers Responsible for Justice agreed to work together on a long-term renewal strategy for legal aid. An 18-month joint-research program that has just been completed showed that there was a growing need to help economically disadvantaged Canadians at all stages in the criminal justice process. This research will guide the renewal strategy, which will be implemented and assessed over the next three years.
Canada and Quebec are committed to a fair, accessible and well functioning justice system. Ensuring economically disadvantaged Canadian have access to legal assistance when they need it is part of that commitment.

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