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Additional information for the press release  (in French) issued on April 21, 2009 by the Minister of Justice, Kathleen Weil.
Community Justice Centres
Services offered
Under the formula currently considered, five types of services could be offered in community justice centres:
- Legal information
Justice centres could play a preventive role, give citizens an increased feeling of control, and help them prepare more effectively for court cases. - Legal advice
Justice centres could provide quick contact with a lawyer, at the centre or elsewhere, to obtain advice on the advisability of instituting proceedings. - Support services (information sessions, explanations of court procedures, assistance from volunteers, etc.)
Justice centres could “demystify” the justice system and strengthen citizens’ confidence in the judicial process. - Help with court forms (location of appropriate forms and help completing forms)
Justice centres could make life easier for citizens, accelerate the pace of proceedings and, as a result, lighten the workload of other stakeholders. - Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes, at the justice centre or elsewhere
Justice centres could make citizens aware of the benefits of the various options and encourage them to use alternative processes where appropriate.
Target clientele
Community justice centres will be accessible to all citizens, whatever their income and the nature of their concerns. The centres will provide services mainly in the area of civil and family law, but will offer assistance for citizens facing other types of problems.
Locations for pilot project
The pilot project will be implemented in Québec City and Rimouski by the end of 2009.
These cities were selected, in particular, because the local Bar Associations and other stakeholders expressed their interest in the project.
Community justice around the world
The project is based on various other initiatives launched in Canada and around the world. These include:
Law Information Centres – Alberta
Services provided:
- general legal information;
- information about court procedures;
- assistance with court forms.
Law Help Centre – Ontario (pilot project)
Services provided:
- pro bono services for people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer and are unrepresented in a legal matter;
- information on the court system and procedures;
- assistance with court forms;
- summary legal advice.
BC Supreme Court Self-Help Information Centre – British Columbia
Services provided:
- information on the court system and court procedures;
- assistance with court forms;
- referral to other legal aid services;
- information about out-of-court options such as mediation and conciliation.
Justice and Law Centres – France
Services provided:
- basic information;
- legal advice;
- alternative measures, mainly in the field of criminal law.
Law Access Points – France
Centres providing basic information to citizens facing legal problems.
Self-Help Centers – United States
Over 30 US states have one or more legal self-help centres. The services provided vary from one state to another, but the approach is often similar to the approach in British Columbia.
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