Address Everyday Legal Problems

1.1 Educate early

Provide targeted, free, accessible public legal education about frequent legal issues, different types of solutions and the process of enforcing rights

1.2 Prevent

Foster legal capability so that people can spot legal issues early, get preventative or proactive help and anticipate, avoid or manage frequent legal issues

1.3 Offer a continuum of services

Develop and expand legal services to include the full continuum of information, advice, help lines, online services, in-person services, and partial or full representation

1.4 Reflect Canadian society

Put the services people need in the communities where they live with the resources to address the barriers they face

Progress in 2020

Building people’s legal capability strengthens their ability to identify and avoid legal problems and get help when they need it. Activities under this goal focus on developing broad public understand of legal options and the skills to take a first step. Public legal education organizations are often the first point of contact for people trying to understand their legal issues. Educational resources and information session offered by non-profits, clinics, courts and lawyers help people prepare for common legal issues.

Triage and referral services are part of the continuum of legal services. Identifying legal needs early and connecting people with both legal help and other kids of supports can minimize the impact on their health, relationships and finances. In 2020, as people faced uncertainty in their workplaces, health care, housing and safety, the public legal education and information community responded quickly, helping people understand pandemic related changes to benefits and legal protections. Programs designed to connect with specific communities or focus on particular legal communities also adapted to find ways to deliver these critical programs.