REGINA, Sask. — The theme of Access to Justice Week in Saskatchewan, Oct. 25 to 31, is Access to Justice in Action: What Works, What's Next.
The theme highlights practical, people-centred approaches, according to Sask. Justice. Through discussions about successful initiatives, lessons learned and emerging opportunities, the week’s activities will explore how the justice system can better meet the needs of Saskatchewan communities, the ministry says.
"This week highlights the important work being done for individuals and families across Saskatchewan to improve access to legal services and supports,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C. said.
The government provides information, resources, services and supports that the ministry describes as inclusive, accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of individuals, families and communities.
Current initiatives include:
- Continuing investment in the Court Modernization Project, including $3 million for enhancements such as modernized courtroom technology and infrastructure, improved safety and security measures, and continued implementation of the Judicial Scheduling, Tracking and Amalgamated Reporting (J-STAR) system in the Court of King's Bench.
- Free legal resource fairs in partnership with Saskatchewan libraries and the Law Society of Saskatchewan. These events cover a broad range of topics including: family law, resolving disputes, incarceration, rental challenges and AI and the law. For more information, see: Free Law Fair Events in Regina and Saskatoon.
- Providing $170,000 this fiscal year to turn the Child Support Service into a provincially funded model. This program helps parents to obtain or update child support amounts efficiently and at no cost, without the need to attend family court.
- Supporting families participating in the Family Dispute Resolution requirement, which encourages dispute-resolution services outside the court system.
- Establishing two new municipal bylaw courts serving Rosthern, Fort Qu'Appelle and surrounding areas to improve access to local justice services and adjudicate municipal bylaw infractions.
- Appointing four new Court of King's Bench associate judges. Associate judges will assume responsibility for routine procedural matters currently handled by judges, helping reduce judicial workload, improve scheduling flexibility and support the timely resolution of cases.
- Appointing three new provincial court judges to help address rising caseload demands, reduce reliance on relief judges and ensure timely access to justice for communities across Saskatchewan.
For more information about Access to Justice Week, including a list of events taking place across the province, visit: Saskatchewan Access to Justice Week (lawsociety.sk.ca).
