About us
Justice access centres were created in response to justice reforms suggested by the Justice Review Task Force (JRTF). The JRTF recommended that new information and service centres be established, based on the recognition that:
- the availability of more services and coordination of existing services would make it easier for people to use the justice system
- providing information and services early is the best way to help people prevent legal problems from arising and to resolve problems quickly when they do occur.
Two centres (in Nanaimo and one soon to be opened in Vancouver) are currently testing this more integrated approach to helping clients reach early and affordable solutions to their legal problems, including both family and civil legal issues. The focus is on solving problems through out-of-court settlements, but also to better prepare those who do go to court. This broader approach will allow staff to recognize and help solve the social problems that often accompany clients’ legal problems.
Participating partners
The Legal Services Society and the Ministry of Attorney General are working in partnership to operate Justice Access Centres in BC. The centres are funded, in part, through grants from the Law Foundation of BC.
Legal Services Society
Created by the Legal Services Society Act in 1979, the Legal Services Society (LSS or the society) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides legal aid in British Columbia. LSS, together with its partners in the justice system, provides people who have low incomes the type of legal services most likely to resolve their legal problems. Legal aid services range from legal information and legal advice to legal representation.
Under section 9 of the Legal Services Society Act, the society's mandate is to:
- help people with low incomes resolve their legal problems and facilitate access to justice for them
- establish and administer an effective and efficient system for providing legal aid to people with low incomes in BC
- provide advice to the Attorney General about legal aid.
Justice Services Branch, Ministry of Attorney General
The Justice Services Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General is responsible for all provincial government family justice programs and services. It also encourages and implements alternatives to court wherever possible, and promotes the greatest possible public access to the British Columbia justice system. The branch consists of six divisions:
- The Dispute Resolution Office develops and promotes options for solving disputes without going to court.
- Maintenance Enforcement and Locate Services ensures that families receive the financial support they are entitled to under court orders or agreements.
- The Family Justice Services Division helps families solve separation or divorce issues. The division operates family justice centres across the province, staffed by family justice counsellors.
- The Legal Access Policy Division works with the Legal Services Society, other government and non-government organizations, and the public to ensure legal aid services in British Columbia are provided effectively and efficiently.
- The Civil and Family Law Policy Office (CFLPO) is responsible for all legislation (PDF), related policy, and law reform in family and private civil law.
- The Administrative Justice Office works with government ministries, administrative tribunals, and others to help make the administrative justice sector an effective and accessible alternative to resolve disputes.