Legal System

This 20 page outline takes you through purpose and structure, how to prepare, consequences (what to do if you get an agreement and what if you do not), and is packed with practical tips on how to think about settlement strategy from mediators, judges and lawyers – and other SRLs.

2019 Voting Guide for Indigenous Women, Two-spirit, and LGBTQQIA Voters was created by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) with support from Elections Canada. The voting guide takes Indigenous women and gender-diverse people through a step-by-step process:

• how to register to vote
• how to vote if you are a student
• how to prove your identity and address
• what types of identification items you can use to prove your identity and address
• how to vote at the advance polls, by mail or on election day
• what to expect at the polling station

Along with a list of the political parties, the guide offers a number of tips on how to decide whom to vote for (for example, think about the issues you care about and look at how the different parties address those issues) and provides a section on how Canada’s political system works.

211 is an easy to remember three-digit telephone number that connects callers to a full range of social, health, government and community services (including some legal services). In Alberta, the 211 service is currently (Nov. 2010) being delivered to residents of Calgary, Chestermere, Cochrane, Edmonton, Parkland County, Leduc and Strathcona County.

Publication produced by Student Legal Services of Edmonton.

This publication provides step-by-step general information about what is involved in going to Provincial Court in Alberta (now the Alberta Court of Justice).

Published by Canadian Centre for Elder Law, this comprehensive resource includes snapshots of the law in each of the thirteen provinces and territories, a comparative table that allows for quick reference, a set of guiding principles for working with vulnerable adults, and sections that discuss mandatory report ing of abuse and neglect, rules around confidentiality of personal and health information, and the relationship between mental capacity and elder abuse. The guide also contains a lengthy list of resource agencies. This PDF (71 pages, 2010) is available for free download.

An instructional video from the Canadian Bar Association Alberta branch demonstrates the basics of procedure in civil court for non-lawyers. It is about 25 minutes in length, and uses common types of courtroom disputes to explain the kinds of evidence you may need for your case as well as how to organize and present that evidence to the judge.

This online resource is from the Government of Alberta and provides information on initiatives and programs currently underway in Alberta through partnerships between the Alberta Solicitor General, Alberta Justice and Aboriginal communities, groups and organizations, as well as other topics of interest regarding Aboriginal justice.

The research for this White Paper, prepared for the Association of Canadian Court Administrators, has revealed an important service gap that exists in the Canadian justice system in terms of what self-represented litigants (SRLs) need and what is currently being provided. While the entire justice system has a role to play in understanding and addressing this question, the primary focus of this White Paper is on courts and court administrators (and related services) and their specific approach to SRLs and their legal needs. The report makes eight recommendations.

This website from Alberta Courts provides access to videos about the various Mediation programs available for the Civil (non-family) Mediation program and the Family and Child Intervention

This section of the Alberta Courts website provides information about court locations around the province, contact information and sittings.

The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Court of Queen’s Bench, the Provincial Court and administrative tribunals. As well, the Court provides its opinion on questions referred by the Lieutenant Governor under the Judicature Act. The Court of Appeal’s website includes links to information such as their: Announcements; Articling Program; Court of Appeal E-Filing; Frequently Asked Questions; History; Judgments; Judgments to be Filed; Judicial Dispute Resolution Guidelines; Locations; Sittings; Practice Notes/ Directions; Publications and Forms; and Subscription Services.

The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Court of Queen’s Bench, the Provincial Court and administrative tribunals. Court of Appeal sittings are held in Edmonton and Calgary and serve the entire Province of Alberta. This website provides access to publications and forms relevant to Alberta’s Court of Appeal.

E-filing is for filing Alberta Court of Appeal documents only, specifically, Transcripts or E-Appeals (which consist of facta and supporting materials).

The Court of Queen’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of Queen’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters.

The Court of King’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of King’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters. Civil law guides compensation when people have suffered injury and financial loss caused by negligence or any wrongful act, or under contract, business, property and other law. The Court of King’s Bench of Alberta hears civil proceedings, including commercial matters, personal injury, bankruptcy and insolvency cases, and litigation involving wills and estates and dependent adults. The Court also hears appeals from the Provincial Court of Alberta in respect of civil cases under $50,000.This website provides access to the forms, templates and related publications needed for the Court of King’s Bench.

The Court of Queen’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of Queen’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters. This website provides access to the forms needed for the Court of Queen’s Bench.

The Court of King’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of King’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters. The Court of King’s Bench of Alberta has sole jurisdiction over divorce and the division of property in the Province of Alberta, and presides over matters involving child and spousal support and child custody and access.

This main page of the Alberta Courts website outlines the three court divisions: Alberta’s Court of Appeal, Court of Queen’s Bench, and Provincial Court, as well as the Court Services division. Descriptions include links to the Locations and Sittings for each court.

Family Justice Services are a group of programs and services offered by Alberta Justice in collaboration with the courts of Alberta. This webpage provides general information for those who are representing themselves in a family matter in either Court of Queen’s Bench or The Provincial Court of Alberta. Family Law includes all of the legal issues that arise when couples separate or when parties are parenting children together. Family Law does not include criminal charges against a family member, or issues that arise when a family member dies. This site provides general information only.

A series of videos that gives instructions to complete and file the paperwork required to get a divorce in Alberta.

Search for decisions that have been made through the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal using the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII).

Part of the Alberta Court Services is access to the Alberta Law Libraries. The primary mission of Alberta Law Libraries is to facilitate access to legal information for the Alberta community, including its judiciary, lawyers, citizens, libraries and government agencies. Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) were formed in 2009 when Alberta Court Libraries and Alberta Law Society Libraries were amalgamated. ALL has served the legal community in Alberta since 1885 and use of our collections is free to all who visit our libraries.

Part of the Alberta Court Services is access to the Alberta Law Libraries. The primary mission of Alberta Law Libraries is to facilitate access to legal information for the Alberta community, including its judiciary, lawyers, citizens, libraries and government agencies. Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) were formed in 2009 when Alberta Court Libraries and Alberta Law Society Libraries were amalgamated. ALL has served the legal community in Alberta since 1885 and use of our collections is free to all who visit our libraries.

These FAQs are provided by the Canadian Legal FAQs, a website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. They provide answers to questions about legal services in Alberta. You will find FAQs on Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public, Retainers, and Sources of legal assistance available in Alberta.

The Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate is an independent, provincial investigative body legislated under the Mental Health Act. The Patient Advocate protects the rights of persons and investigates and resolves complaints related to the detention, treatment, care and rights of individuals subject to admission or renewal certificate/s or a community treatment order under the Act, and those acting on their behalf. The office also serves as a resource to the mental health community through education services and to policy and law makers by bringing a unique perspective

The main functions of the Alberta Office of the Seniors Advocate are to provide resolution support to senior Albertans and their families. They provide information and links to government and/or community programs and services. The Office also provides policy advice and makes recommendations to the Government of Alberta to improve senior services and programs.

The Alberta Ombudsman investigates written complaints from individuals who feel they have been treated unfairly by an administrative decision, act, omission or recommendation of an Alberta government department, board, agency or commission and professional organizations. The Office of the Alberta Ombudsman is the recognized leader for independent investigation, promotion and support of administrative fairness.

The Centre provides worker-focused resources about:

• Health hazards on the job
• Legislation and legal rights for a healthy and safe workplace
• Research on health and safety issues and trends affecting workers

They also offer courses that are designed to give workers a better understanding of their Health and Safety rights and responsibilities, and provides tools for making the workplace safer.

ASSIST Community Services Centre aims to provide diversified services to Canadian immigrants and their offspring, helping them integrate into mainstream society and actively contribute. ASSIST Community Service Centre is pleased to announce that they have invited The Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC) to provide free legal information services to low-income individuals and/or families in the areas of civil claims (small claims). Additional services offered include: Counselling and referrals, Settlement counselling, Information sessions, Support groups, Mental health intake and referrals, Employment related services and more. To see a full list of services please visit their website. Services languages are: English, Cantonese, Mandarin

BearPaw Legal Education & Resource Centre (BLERC) provides free workshops on request. A workshop facilitator will travel to your community. Topics include: Going to Court, Kids and the Law, Aboriginal Fishing and Hunting Rights, the ABCs of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and more.

Beyond Borders is a national, bilingual, volunteer organization advancing the rights of children everywhere to be free from sexual abuse and exploitation. We are a registered charity without political or religious affiliation. Beyond Borders is the Canadian representative of ECPAT International, a global network of more than 80 groups in 75 countries.

The mission of the Centre is to work with others to empower people to move from poverty to prosperity. They enable people to meet their own basic daily needs, participate in community, have sustainable livelihoods, feel hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. The Centre offers a variety of programs which include victims services and advocacy.

A comic book produced by the BearPaw Education (NCSA), Breach is an entertaining look at a serious topic – breach charges and administration of justice. This youth-oriented resource aims to reinforce the importance of following court orders by explaining the consequences of breaching such orders as well as the benefits of following them.

The Calgary Chinese Community Service Association is an ethnocultural community service agency. CCSA offers four core programs: Children and Youth, Integration and Civic Engagement (ICE), Health Program, and Legal Program. Their Law and Advocacy Program is funded by the Alberta Law Foundation and provides a range of services including: basic legal information and referrals, Commissioner for Oaths and Notary, a free legal outreach clinic and will and estate documents drafting services.

The Calgary Drug Treatment Court has been in operation since 2007, providing the only community alternative to incarceration for non-violent drug-addicted offenders whose crimes are driven by drug addiction. CDTC is an evidence-based program that integrates court intervention and treatment services to end drug-driven crime and assist participants to return to family, work and community.

Calgary Legal Guidance provides free legal advice for individuals with low income. If you need legal information and advice on: Family issues; Criminal issues; Civil issues; Restraining Orders; Emergency Protection Orders etc; Social Benefit issues; and; an evening course on Do Your Own Divorce.

Calgary Legal Guidance provides free legal advice for individuals with low income. If you need legal information and advice on: Family issues; Criminal issues; Civil issues; Restraining Orders; Emergency Protection Orders etc; Social Benefit issues; and; an evening course on Do Your Own Divorce.

Calgary Legal Guidance runs many workshops and presentations in the community on a variety of legal topics such as:

• Family Law
• Wills & Estates
• Landlord & Tenant

If you are an organization or agency that would like a presentation on a legal topic please contact Kim Feodoroff at  403.716.6476.

Calgary Legal Guidance offers legal advice and assistance to newcomers who are looking for help in various immigration law matters.

If you would like help with Immigration Law, please email immigration@clg.ab.ca. CLG staff will tell you if they can help with your case, tell you more about our clinics with volunteers trained in immigration law, or how you can find a private lawyer skilled in immigration law.

This booklet created by the Department of Justice Canada will help readers understand what the law is, where it comes from, what it is for, and how it operates. It does not give complete answers to these questions, but offers a brief outline of Canada’s laws and the whole justice system.

The Canadian Association of Farm Advisors is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to assisting farm businesses by increasing the skills and knowledge of farm advisors. It’s mission is to continually improve the quality of advice being given to farm producers and their families, including agribusiness.

From the Great Library of the Law Society of Upper Canada, this web page provides annotated links to case law as well as case-related services and information available mainly on the websites of Alberta courts and administrative tribunals.

CCAA is supports professionals, communities, victims and witnesses involved in the investigation of child abuse through the development and delivery of educational products and services; promotion of a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to child abuse investigations; identification and response to key issues and concerns of child abuse investigators; advocacy for excellence and professionalism in the investigation of child abuse; promotion of the well-being of children and families going through the investigative process; provision of professional training and research.

This is a publication of the Canadian Justice Council which seeks to foster discussion on the role of both judges and reporters in giving the public a better understanding of issues relating to the administration of justice in Canada.

This online resource is written and maintained by Catherine Best, a research lawyer with Boughton Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, and former Director of Legal Research and Writing at the UBC Faculty of Law. It features information on research essentials (strategy, methods and writing), electronic research (using free and commercial services), and statutory and jurisdiction research.

CanLII (Canadian Legal Information Institute) is a free, non-profit online database that makes Canadian law publicly accessible. For Alberta specifically, the site provides free access to Alberta’s consolidated statutes and regulations, court decisions from all three levels of Alberta courts (Provincial Court, Court of King’s Bench, and Court of Appeal), and decisions from provincial tribunals — all searchable and up to date.

The Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) is a not-for-profit organization initiated by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. CanLII’s goal is to make primary sources of Canadian law accessible for free on the Internet. CanLII seeks to gather legislative and judicial texts, as well as legal commentaries, from federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions on a single Web site.

The Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic (CACLC) provides legal advice and information to people who cannot afford a lawyer and do not qualify for legal aid. Volunteer Lawyers provide information and summary legal advice in the Clinic Program about a variety of legal matters including family and civil law, by appointment only.

If you are a current or potential immigrant to Calgary this website will connect you to resources to support your success in a new life in Canada.  Services are provided by a large staff of multi-cultural professionals, who understand and have experienced the settlement process. The Centre offers a full suite of services, including: English language training for adults, supports for finding and retaining employment, and first-language settlement supports for individuals and families.

How to change an order for child support if the other party lives outside Alberta.

Includes information on:

1. How to change or end an order if you are receiving payments
2. How to change an order if you are making payments
3. What happens after you apply and
4. Appealing the court’s decision

This is a service provided by the Alberta Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

The LRCY provides lawyers for children and youth in child intervention matters. Anyone can make a request for a lawyer for a young person. A court order is not needed. Call the LRCY office at 1.800.661.3446

This section of the Government of Alberta: Children and Families website offers services, supports and resources to protect children and youth from harmful situations.

The Child Witness Court Preparation Program is operated by The Canadian Society for the Investigation of Child Abuse (CSICA), which is an organization committed to supporting those victims, witnesses and their families involved in the investigation of child abuse. There is information on this site for kids, parents and facilitators.

This website offers information to consider before you sue, if you are being sued, and the process that is involved. Information that is available on this website includes: The Basics; Civil Claim Flowchart; Before You Sue; Is it Worth Suing?; If You Have to Sue Someone; Forms Needed for a Civil Claim; Service of Documents; If You are Being Sued; Mediation and Pre-Trial Conferences; Adjournments; Default Judgment; Preparation for the Hearing; Witnesses; Courtroom Etiquette; After the Appearance; and Appeals.

Do you need help with a civil matter in Provincial Court? Volunteer lawyers can provide legal advice, information on court procedures, help preparing for trials, motions and other appearances, including help completing forms. This service is available at the Calgary Courts Centre. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The program does not assist with: family, criminal or corporate law matters, matters in Court of Queen’s Bench or other Appeal Courts, and pre-trial conferences and mediations.

Do you need help with a civil matter in Provincial Court? Civil Claims Duty Counsel can provide help with: summary legal advice, procedural information, help with trials, motions and other appearances, and help completing forms. The service is available at the Edmonton Law Courts Building. Please note: This program does not assist with family or criminal law matters.

On this Alberta Provincial Court webpage you will find pages that sets out the Civil Claims Process. The content has been ordered based on the flow that a Civil Claim action goes through in Provincial Court Civil.

The “Civil Matters: What to Do in Court” video provides tips and information on how to prepare for a Civil Claims trial if you are a Plaintiff, Defendant or Witness, including what documents you may need, how to present evidence, and how to address the judge. Video Transcripts are available in:  English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Hindi | Punjabi | Urdu

You have been successful in obtaining a Judgment of the Civil Division of the Provincial Court or the Court of Queen’s Bench and you would like to collect on it from the defendant/enforcement debtor. This can be a difficult process and you should consider seeing a lawyer. If you decide to act on your own behalf, this brochure outlines the procedures and forms required by the Court of Queen’s Bench Clerk’s office. It is for information only, and is not to be interpreted as the law. Forms can be purchased from Queen’s Printer Bookstores and most stationery stores. (PDF – 40 pages)

The Law Society of Alberta provides a process to resolve complaints regarding a lawyer’s ethical conduct. This service is available to clients, judges, lawyers, financial institutions, business creditors, the general public and through internal referrals by the Executive Director of the Law Society of Alberta. The complaints process is initiated when a lawyer’s actions may have breached the Code of Professional Conduct that governs how lawyers are to conduct themselves in their practice. Visit this website to read Complaint and Inquiry Guidelines.

This primer, published by the National Self-Represented Litigants Project, is packed with the information and practical self-help tips for preparing yourself, emotionally and technically, for court. It includes a section on self-care tips; a section on preparing for court; a section on appearing in court (generic and not specific for any one jurisdiction, family or civil courts); and finally a collection of ten top practical tips from self-represented litigants on “what works”. This 25-page PDF is available for free download.

This website provides a wide range of information about the Cout Martial Appeal Court. This Court hears appeals from military courts which are known as courts martial. The courts martial have power to try military personnel and civilians accompanying such personnel abroad for crimes and offences against the Code of Service Discipline.

The booklets area series of plain language family court booklets to enable parties to better understand and access the court for applications dealing with custody, access, child support or spousal support under the Divorce Act.

You use an Originating Application when you do not already have an action in the Court of King’s Bench, and you want to make an application like the following:

• Judicial Review;
• Enforcement of a Judgment from outside Alberta;
• Applications where there is no person to serve as defendant;
• Applications under a statute, where the statute tells you to use an Originating Application, or where the statute says to make a court application, but doesn’t say how to do it

This information discusses the procedures of the Civil Division of the Provincial Court. The Civil division is often referred to as Small Claims Court. The purpose is to make you aware of your legal rights and responsibilities.
Information is provided by Calgary Legal Guidance funded in part by the Alberta Law Foundation.

The report was published by the Department of Justice Canada in 2003. It provides information on the extent of self-representation, the impacts on the accused, and means of improving the access to information for self-represented litigants. Data collected from 9 court sites, including Edmonton (PDF – 51 pages).

This website has multimedia presentations (videos) that provide information on presenting a family matters case in Chambers. The website was created by the Law Courts Education Society of  British Columbia but a lot of the information is relevant to other jurisdictions.

Going to court? Here are some tips and information on what to do in court. (Video) Produced in coordination with PBLA and Alberta Courts.

This resource helps parents walk through the steps of creating parenting plan. A parenting plan is a written document that outlines how parents will raise their children after separation or divorce. This interactive tool will give you some options to develop a personalized parenting plan. This tool is not intended as legal advice.

Criminal justice process for adults. The chart flows from top to bottom unless indicated otherwise.

The purpose of this guideline is to set out the criteria to be considered in initiating, prosecuting, and discontinuing appeals to the Court of Appeal of Alberta.

This booklet has been prepared for you by the staff at the Law Information Centre (LInC). It is for people who are bankrupt, but have not been granted a discharge from bankruptcy. It is intended to help you make you make an application for discharge from bankruptcy if you are an undischarged bankrupt.

This Alberta court page provides access to forms and instructions to complete an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is one where custody, access (parenting) and support have been settled.  The forms do not deal with property division.

Duty Counsel are lawyers who assist people without a lawyer and can offer limited advice. Duty Counsel services are provided free of charge.

Probono Law Alberta provides help for individuals through their Court Based Programs.PBLA engages volunteer lawyers in programs operating out of the Calgary Court Centre and Edmonton Law Courts. Visit their website for locations and times.

Do you need help with a civil matter in Provincial Court? Civil Claims Duty Counsel can provide help with: summary legal advice, procedural information, help with trials, motions and other appearances, an help completing forms. The service is available at the Edmonton Law Courts Building. Please note: This program does not assist with family or criminal law matters.

The Edmonton Community Legal Centre is a non profit organization that offers free legal information, advice and representation for people living with low income in the Edmonton area. The Centre helps individuals and families who have legal problems in the following areas: Landlord and Tenant; Employment/ Wrongful Dismissal; Small Claims; Income Support Advocacy; Human Rights; Debt; Immigration. The Centre also offers a Commissioner for Oaths Clinic once a month – see https://www.eclc.ca/programs-services-commissioner-of-oaths-clinic/ for information. The Centre is also part of the PBLA Civil Claims Duty Counsel project out of the Provincial Court. Members of the public can receive 30 minutes of summary legal advice on a first come first serve basis. NOTE: The Centre is not able to provide assistance in the areas of criminal law.

The Edmonton Community Legal Centre is a non profit organization that offers free legal information, advice and representation for people living with low income in the Edmonton area. The Centre helps individuals and families who have legal problems in the following areas: Landlord and Tenant; Employment/ Wrongful Dismissal; Small Claims; Income Support Advocacy; Human Rights; Debt; Immigration. The Centre is also part of the PBLA Civil Claims Duty Counsel project out of the Provincial Court.

The Centre provides group treatment, counselling, advocacy, and education to reduce the incidents of family violence and increase awareness and understanding of family violence and its impact.

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. They are a not-for-profit organization that has existed in Edmonton since 1977. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs.

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. They are a not-for-profit organization that has existed in Edmonton since 1977. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs.

Generally, employment refers to work in non-unionized work settings. Employment standards are the minimum standards established by law that define and guarantee rights in the workplace. Each province and territory has its own legislation. This research guide is provided by Alberta Law Libraries.

Related topics include:

• wrongful dismissal
• human rights in the workplace
• privacy
• workplace health and safety
• worker’s compensation
• unemployment insurance

Now that the highly anticipated new copyright legislation has been introduced, more and more librarians are hearing from concerned library users that copyright laws must reflect the public interest. As the voice of the community of library users and professionals, CLA is committed to getting the crucial message to government that copyright issues do indeed strike a chord with Canadians.

Family Court Counsellors provide services, at no cost, to families who are involved in parenting disputes and are living separate and apart. The service is designed for people who are not represented by a lawyer. Services may include: Information on options and services for resolving family issues; Referrals to services and programs including mediation; Information on the effects of separation and divorce on children; Help to negotiate agreements; Assistance with court applications, arranging court dates and presenting the case in Provincial Court.

Family Justice Services are a group of programs and services offered by Alberta Justice in collaboration with the courts of Alberta. Family Justice Services works directly with individuals and also with the judges of the Alberta Provincial Court and Court of Queen’s Bench to help people get appropriate solutions for their family law issues.

The Farmers Advocate Office works to ensure rural Albertans have consumer protection, rural opportunities and fair process. We administer the Farm Implement Act that provides consumer protection through warranty, parts availability and licensing provisions, including inspection to assist in FIB proceedings. Rural opportunity is realized through assisting landowners with managing their land asset, mitigating business risk and maximizing future economic opportunity as it relates to interaction with the energy industry.

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) is an independent resource for victims in Canada. Victims can contact the Office to learn more about their rights under federal law and the services available to them, or to make a complaint about any federal agency or federal legislation dealing with victims of crime. In addition the Office works to ensure that policy makers are aware of victims’ needs and concerns. Website includes information about victims’ rights in Canada and types of victim services as well as frequently asked questions and publications.

The Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) is the national coordinating body of the Canada’s 14 law societies mandated to regulate Canada’s 95,000 lawyers and Quebec’s 3,500 notaries.  Each law society governs the legal profession within their respective province or territory and, as such, is reponsible for dealing with complaints from the public about the profession. The Federation is the voice of Canada’s law societies on a wide range of issues critical to the protection of the public and the rule of law, including solicitor-client privilege, the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary, and the role of the legal profession in the administration of justice.

This information is provided by Calgary Legal Guidance. It is directed at individuals who are making their first appearance in the adult Criminal Division of Provincial Court.

Going to court? Here are some tips and information on understanding your foreclosure matter. (Video) Produced in coordination with PBLA and Alberta Courts.

This booklet will give you general information about the law relating to guardianship, parenting, custody, access and contact, and the principles applied by the court when deciding matters relating to the care of children. If your application deals with these issues, you should read this booklet before starting to fill out your court forms. This information is general in nature, and is not intended to be an in-depth discussion of all legal issues relating to children.

Information on getting a divorce in Alberta. Provides general information on how to apply, what forms are required, and how to request a Certificate of Divorce.

Your first meeting with a lawyer is an important step in dealing with your legal dispute. In addition to giving you a chance to meet each other, you can also learn a lot about your legal dispute, and what the result is likely to be. This resource is produced by  the Justice Education Society of BC. It walks you through the process of meeting with a lawyer for the first time: what to expect, how to prepare and things you will want to know.

A glossary of terms created by the Supreme Court of Canada as part of their Resources for Self-Represented Litigants website resource.

When you are going to court, there are some procedures and protocols that you need to follow. You will find information here on court etiquette, court procedures, and appeals and transcripts.

These handbooks developed by the Canadian Judicial Council are intended as helpful guides for people who are navigating the justice system without a lawyer to prepare and present their legal case. The Council has created three handbooks that contain a wealth of information on family law, civil law and criminal law in Canada. The information is provided in an easy to understand format, with various worksheets, useful tips, explanations of legal terms and concrete examples to guide litigants throughout the legal process.

To view the handbooks, click on the links below:

• Civil Law Handbook
• Criminal Law Handbook
• Family Law Handbook

To view all resources of the Canadian Judicial Council see: https://cjc-ccm.ca/en/resources-centre

These video resources have been  produced by Alberta Justice – Resolution Services to assist Albertans going through the divorce process.  – There are four videos which provide information on the following:

1. A guide to divorce where there are dependent children, one spouse prepares the paperwork, and the other spouse is served with that paperwork. This video tells you about: what an uncontested divorce is.
2. A guide to divorce without dependent children, one spouse prepares the paperwork, and the other spouse is served with that paperwork. This video tells you about: how to fill in the Statement of Claim for Divorce.
3. A guide to divorce where there are dependent children, both spouses do the paperwork together, and come to the courthouse together.
4. A guide to divorce where there are no dependent children, both spouses do the paperwork together, and come to the courthouse together.

Acts are passed by members of the legislative assembly (MLAs). They are introduced as bills, and debated in the Legislature before being put to a vote. If the assembly passes a bill, it receives royal assent from the Lieutenant Governor, at which point it becomes law.

For further information on this process, see the Citizen’s Guide to the Alberta Legislature.

For information on Alberta’s published statutes and regulations, see Finding Alberta Legislation

From the public portion of the Law Society of Alberta website, this section provides information to guide the public in finding and working with a lawyer. This is a guide to how the legal process works, understanding lawyer fees and other frequently asked questions.

The Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) is a family based, non-profit organization representing thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. AACL Advocates address issues ranging from inclusive education to community living and family support to employment. Their Pocket Guide to Advocacy can be downloaded in PDF.

This booklet outlines some basic information you must be aware of if you plead not guilty to an offence and are planning to represent yourself without a lawyer at your trial. It also provides some advice on how to find a lawyer.

This booklet explains what happens during the criminal trial process. This information will help you prepare for your trial if you don’t have a lawyer. If you choose to represent yourself, you are
still subject to the law, including rules of procedure and the laws of evidence.

This booklet offers some basic information that you should be aware of if you choose to represent yourself in Provincial Court – Family. The booklet focuses on preparing for and conducting a trial when you are not represented by a lawyer. This booklet includes information about:

• Resolution options and services that can help you solve your family law issues
• Making a Family Law Act application in the Provincial Court of Alberta
• Answers to questions many people have
• Court processes and court language
• How to find a lawyer
• Preparing for trial if you do not have a lawyer

Information for youth about youth in care. This area of Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate website offers information and tips that may assist with advocating for yourself or others who are getting help from Alberta Human Services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (Enhancement Act), or the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA).

From the Alberta Courts website, you can search judgments in all Alberta courts. This site contains most of the written reasons for judgment, reasons for decision, and memoranda of reasons of Alberta’s Court of Appeal, Court of King’s Bench and Provincial Court released after January 1, 1998. When possible, judgments are posted within 48 hours of their issuance. These judgments are posted on the website as a public service. Use of this information may be subject to legal constraints. These judgments are posted on the website for the purpose of public information and research.

In Canada, each of us has a part in ensuring that the law works properly and that justice is done. Two ways of contributing to justice in Canada are being on a jury and testifying in court. This information covers the role of the public in the jury process,

Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system. Through participation in the jury system, people in a community play a direct role in the administration of justice and help to maintain all of our own rights and freedoms. On this webpage you will find information on serving on a jury, eligibility and information regarding a Juror Summons.

This is a database that allows people to find a lawyer using a certain search criteria. Individuals can find a lawyer by searching by name, location, practice areas, language(s) spoken, gender, and whether a lawyer offers a limited scope retainers.

The Law Society recognizes that First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) peoples may face unique access to justice challenges. The society has published  the following 3 resources especially for indigenous peoples:

1. Guide: Handling Everyday Legal Problems
2. Fact Sheet: What the Law Society does
3. Fact Sheet: Working with a lawyer or paralegal

Lawyer Locate is a directory of lawyers grouped by major practice areas. It also offers a lawyer referral service which will send your case details to the lawyers in your geographic area and the area of law that you require.

Legal Aid Alberta provides quality, effective legal advice and representation that enables eligible Albertans to resolve their legal issues; Eligibility guidelines are on its web site. It is an independent, publicly funded, not-for-profit organization that provides a broad range of services in the following areas:

• Family Law & Child Welfare
• Emergency Protection Orders & Domestic Violence
• Adult Criminal Law
• Youth Criminal Law
• Immigration and Refugee Law
• Civil Law
• Duty Counsel (Legal Assistance at Court)

How is Your Legal Health? The goal of the Legal Health Checks is to encourage people to recognize legal problems early, and to take action when problems are identified. For lawyers, these materials are a way to start conversations with people about the law, how to get legal help and how to work effectively with a lawyer. Topics include:

• General legal advice
• Money matters
• Relationships, separation and divorce
• Youth
• Seniors
• Business and Employment

Learn the importance of developing a good search strategy in order to quickly and effectively answer legal questions. This web page is the starting point for the University of Ottawa learning modules about legal research. Topics include: searching using keywords and Boolean logic, secondary sources, legal journals, case law, using CanLII, federal legislation, and legal citations.
University of Ottawa.

Established in 1947, the Lethbridge John Howard Society focuses on programs primarily in the fields of justice, corrections and social issues. Their mandate is to respond to the problems of crime, to work with people in conflict with the law, to advocate for change in the criminal justice process when needed and to engage in public legal education. Services are provided to assist clients with a variety of needs. These include information on legal issues, assistance with pardon applications, and referrals to other community agencies and services

Lethbridge Legal Guidance is a nonprofit organization that offers free legal guidance to low income individuals who have a legal problem and do not qualify for Legal Aid.

The Lloydminster Legal Clinic is run out of the Red Deer Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic offices They service all of Central Alberta as well as Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray and Lloydminster with the assistance of our partner agencies. For more information and to see if you qualify for an appointment with a lawyer please call 587-789-0727

Information on how to appeal a decision made in the Court of King’s Bench, including small claims, family law claims and conviction offences.

This court procedure booklet tells you what steps to take when:

1. You are making an application in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta;
2. You already have a court file (e.g. divorce, family property, common law property);
3. The application you want to make is NOT under the Family Law Act; and
4. You have chosen not to get a lawyer and will be representing yourself throughout the court process.

NICE is an international network of researchers, practitioners and students dedicated to improving the care of older adults, both in Canada and abroad.

The National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP) is committed to advancing understanding of the challenges and hard choices facing the very large numbers of Canadians who come to court without counsel. The Project works to promote dialogue and collaboration among all those affected by the self-represented litigant phenomenon, both justice system professionals and litigants themselves. They publish resources designed specifically for SRLs, as well as research reports that examine the implications for the justice system.

This primer, “Navigating the Justice System: A Guide for Self-Represented Litigants with Disabilities” is designed for people seeking justice system accommodations for a recognized disability, either physical or cognitive. The Primer is meant to be a practical legal guide to accommodation requests. This resource includes (often hard-to-find) sources for accommodation information, and registering complaints about failures to accommodate, in every province and territory (including email addresses, phone numbers, and web addresses).”

On this site you will find information about Alberta’s Health Advocate and Mental Health Patient Advocate. The Advocates provide education about the Alberta Health Charter and patients’ rights set out in the Mental Health Act, and connect people with health and mental health services, programs and resources.  The Advocates listen to any concerns or complaints about health care experiences which may result in an investigation or a referral to the appropriate complaint resolution process.

The Commissioner is an advocate for the privacy rights of Canadians and her powers include: Investigating complaints, conducting audits and pursuing court action under two federal laws – Privacy Act and Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA); Publicly reporting on the personal information-handling practices of public and private sector organizations; Supporting, undertaking and publishing research into privacy issues; and Promoting public awareness and understanding of privacy issues.

This page on the Alberta Provincial Court website provides links to information on alternatives to going to court, where to find help with court forms, court procedure, or finding the law, court procedures and protocols,and general information on criminal, family, youth, traffic, and civil courts.

This webpage on the Provincial Court of Alberta website provides information on alternative to going to court (mediation, and dispute resolution services), where to get help, and what you need to know when going to court.

Pivot’s mandate is to use the law to address the root causes of poverty and social exclusion. Pivot carries out its work through legal campaigns around policing, housing, and sex work that would result in meaningful positive change for people living in poverty.

Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes access to justice in Alberta by creating and promoting opportunities for lawyers to provide pro bono (free) legal services to persons of limited means. PBLA does not provide direct support to members of the public; their website lists clinics and projects that may be helpful to individuals.

PBSC at the University of Alberta matches law students with eligible non-profit organisations to provide pro bono legal services under the supervision of a lawyer. PBSC does not provide legal assistance to individual cases. It functions as a project of Student Legal Services of Edmonton.

Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) is a national network of law schools and community organizations that matches law students who want to do pro bono work with public interest and non-governmental organizations, government agencies, tribunals and legal clinics during the academic year and during the summer. Over the past decade the program has expanded to include the Family Law Project, where students provide legal information to unrepresented individuals at the Provincial Family Court.

The goal of Reading and Understanding Case Reports is to equip self represented litigants with the necessary understanding to read a reported court decision – a “case report” – when conducting legal research and preparing to present your own case to a court.

The Refugee Hearing Preparation Guide is for refugee claimants and their service providers. It educates, guides, and supports refugee claimants who are preparing for their refugee hearings. It informs and empowers service providers in their understanding of the refugee hearing preparation process. And, refugee claimants and service. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada – Refugee Protection Division (IRB-RPD) holds refugee hearings in six locations across Canada.

LawNow’s collection of articles on Representing Yourself in Court.  

This booklet produced by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) explains how the legal process works in Alberta. The booklet has information for people who were legally married and people who lived in a common law relationship.

Find commonly used application forms, affidavits, notices and tip sheets for residential tenancy disputes in Alberta.

This portal provides information and instructions on what is expected of you when you bring your own application for leave to appeal or when you have been named as a respondent on an application for leave to appeal. An application for leave to appeal is a document by which a party requests leave to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada in an appeal from a judgment of a court of appeal. Visit this website for more information and instructions.

Publication produced by Student Legal Services of Edmonton.

Includes information about: The Case Is Called; The Trial Begins; The Exclusion Order; The Crown’s Case; The Defence’s Case; Submissions; Decision; Vocabulary.

Representing yourself in court is a daunting task. This issue of LawNow offers some suggestions for success.

SAGE is a full service not-for-profit seniors’ organization whose mandate is to build and maintain a broad range of programs and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families in the greater Edmonton area. With over 37 years of experience, SAGE is regarded as a major provider of innovative seniors’ services in the capital region.

The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre (SKCAC) is a non-profit organization that, together with their partners, takes a leadership role to advance the way our country understands and addresses child abuse. They work with their partner organizations to provide wrap-around services to assess, investigate, intervene, and support survivors of child abuse while bringing offenders to justice.

This online tutorial created by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta provides information about the structure of a trial after making a criminal complaint.

Student Legal Services of Edmonton (SLS) is a student-managed, non-profit society dedicated to helping low-income individuals in Edmonton and area understand their legal issues and solve their legal problems.

The Tax Court of Canada is the youngest superior court in Canada. The Court’s jurisdiction includes the hearing of appeals from assessments under the Income Tax Act, the Excise Tax Act (Goods and Services Tax “GST”), the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Pension Plan, among others. The website gives access to the court judgments as well as providing information for people who plan to represent themselves at the court.

The Taxpayers’ Ombudsman is an independent and impartial officer who reviews complaints from people who believe they have been treated unfairly or unprofessionally by the Canada Revenue Agency. Website includes information about the eight service rights of taxpayers, tips for taxpayers, how to make a complaint and frequently asked questions about the service.

The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal is an independent tribunal established by the Government of Canada to provide impartial reviews of notices of violation issued by federal agencies regulating agriculture and food.

A project of the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy, the purpose of this guide is to harness the citizens’ ability to prevent pollution. Citizens can prevent pollution through individual actions, consumer behaviour, and by applying pressure on industrial and commercial operations, and institutions (e.g., our governments) to practice the principles of pollution prevention. (PDF – 48 pages, 2005)

This online tutorial created by the Legal Resource Centre explains on what it’s like in a criminal courtroom. There are often many people in a courtroom. Knowing who is who, what each person’s role is, and what is expected of you as a witness should help you understand what is going on around you.

The David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights is a centre within the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law devoted to advocacy, research and education in the areas of constitutional rights in Canada. The Centre aims to play a vital role in articulating Canada’s constitutional vision to the broader world. The cornerstone of the Centre is a legal clinic that brings together students, faculty and members of the bar to work on significant constitutional cases and advocacy initiatives

The federal and provincial and territorial governments are all responsible for the judicial system in Canada. Only the federal government can appoint and pay judges of the superior, or upper-level, courts in the provinces. Parliament can also establish a general court of appeal and other courts. It has created the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal, as well as the Tax Court. This Justice Canada webpage provides an outline of Canada’s court system.

This booklet from Alberta Justice provides general information about proceedings in Traffic Court. Contents include: You Have Been Charged with An offence. Now What?; Do You Need an Interpreter?; Lawyers and Agents; How do You Get A Lawyer or an Agent?; Legal Aid; Alberta Law Line; Other Services; Your First Court Appearance; If You Plead Not Guilty; If You are Thinking of Pleading Guilty; Where and When will the Trial be?; Getting Ready for Trial when You Have Plead Not Guilty; What Happens at Trial?; Sentencing; and Victims of Crime Surcharge on Offenders.(PDF – 16 pages)

Traffic Court is part of the Alberta Court of Justice. It deals with offences pursuant to many provincial statutes and regulations, municipal bylaws and a few specified federal statutes. In spite of its name, Traffic Court is not limited to only hearing traffic related offences. Traffic Court does not deal with most offences created by federal statutes such as the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Young persons aged 12-17 years of age who are charged with a Provincial offence are dealt with in the Youth Division of the Alberta Court of Justice. In some court locations there is a distinct Youth Traffic Court.

Trials in Traffic Court, whether involving an adult or a young person, are usually heard by a Justice of the Peace. However in some locations trials are heard by a Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice.

The site is the first Canadian student program to be conceived, designed and produced by judges. It is a multimedia educational program designed for integration into high school social studies, civics and law courses. It introduces students to the role of judges within our judicial system, and encourages exploration of important concepts such as the rule of law, judicial independence and judicial impartiality. The site is made up of three components – a teacher’s guide, a resource website for teachers and an online interactive program for students.

United Cultures of Canada Association is a non-profit community based organization located in Edmonton, Alberta. It provides a variety of programs and services to Edmonton’s multicultural community. Their mandate is to create situations of social inclusion for immigrant communities leading to their effective participation and successful integration into Canadian society. Included in the many initiatives offered by the Association are services, programs and publications that provide information on human rights, residential tenancies, domestic abuse, interpreting services and a free Multicultural Family Law Facilitation (Interpreting) Service.  This free service is provided to ensure equal access to justice for those who are experiencing language barriers and assist service providers and newcomer communities in family law matters, UCCA provides on-site and phone legal interpreting in a number of languages.

United Cultures of Canada Association is a non-profit community based organization located in Edmonton, Alberta. It provides a variety of programs and services to Edmonton’s multicultural community. Their mandate is to create situations of social inclusion for immigrant communities leading to their effective participation and successful integration into Canadian society. Included in the many initiatives offered by the Association are publications on human rights, domestic abuse, interpreting services and a free Multicultural Family Law Facilitation (Interpreting) Service

The UCA represents Alberta small consumers by acting as the voice of consumers during regulatory proceedings to ensure the lowest regulated rates consistent with reasonable service, and by providing consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about how to purchase electricity and natural gas, based on their individual circumstances. When consumers have exhausted known avenues of issue resolution, the UCA will investigate and mediate concerns with utility companies.

Courts Virtual Tour uses surround video to give a 360 degree view and navigation of Alberta Courtrooms. Virtual tours offer navigational links that allow you to move throughout the courtroom, tours include the: Court of Appeal; Queen’s Bench Courtroom; Provincial Court; and a Large Trial Courtroom.

VAD is a cross disability, non-profit organization of and for people with disabilities. We are guided by the principles of Accessibility, Equity and Inclusion. We actively promote full participation in society and provide a voice for Albertans with disabilities.

The Volunteer Lawyers Service (VLS) program is operated out of the Pro Bono Law Alberta office. VLS is a pro bono program, initiated by the United Way of Calgary and Area, the Canadian Bar Association Alberta, the Law Society of Alberta, and the Association of General Counsel of Alberta. The VLS assists eligible non-partisan charitable organizations in obtaining pro bono legal services that would otherwise be unavailable to them due to a lack of financial resources.

If you can’t afford to pay the filing fees for court, you can make an application at a Court Registry office to find out whether or not you qualify to have the filing fee waived. Learn if you qualify to have filing fees waived and how to apply here.

The WRC helps Alberta workers through advocacy, a Casework Program, and Public Legal Education. If you need help with an employment issue, the WRC is ready to help.

If you are leaving an abusive relationship, a family law lawyer can play a key role in helping you understand your legal options, rights, and responsibilities.

This online publication is provided by the Government of Alberta and is divided into sections including: You’ve been charged… now what?; Duty Counsel; If you don’t have a lawyer; How do you get a lawyer?; Legal Aid; Other Services; Where will the trial be?; Pleading guilty; Getting ready for trial when you have pled not guilty; What happens in court?; and Sentencing.