Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Province of Alberta speaks in Red Deer on April 15, 2024. (rdnewsNOW/Jordan Rein)

By Jordan Rein

Alberta

Province to commit $8 million to help Albertans resolve family law issues

Apr 15, 2024 | 2:54 PM

The Alberta government says it will be investing $8 million in a program to help Albertans access justice services.

Officials say the Family Justice Strategy, which was first introduced in Edmonton and Calgary in December 2023, is already making a difference for Alberta families, with initial data showcasing a notable 36 per cent increase in matters resolved through Alberta Justice dispute resolution programs.

Building on this success, officials say Alberta’s government will be investing an additional $5 million through Budget 2024 to support the complete rollout of these enhanced pre-court services in Edmonton and Calgary.

The province says the strategy’s goal is to increase access to crucial pre-court services such as mediation and counseling for families seeking a divorce, or resolving spousal support, parenting or child support issues. They say the funding will ensure families in Red Deer and surrounding communities have the support they need to resolve family law matters quickly.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amery notes the investment will be used to staff the program.

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“This investment will go toward hiring staff, including such as additional mediators, family court councilors and information services staff.”

Family lawyer Bud Melnyk, K.C., sees the program as having the potential to make the justice system more efficient.

“As a family lawyer, I understand the profound impact legal proceedings can have on individuals and families.” says Melnyk. “By providing alternative forms of resolution for family matters and streamlining the family justice system, we can begin to build a more compassionate system that better supports all Albertans.”

“The Canadian Bar Association Alberta Branch supports the expansion of the Alberta Family Justice Strategy, which moves our province closer to having a fully unified family court system.” says Kyle Kawanami, president, Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch. “We look forward to continued innovations in this area, which will serve to improve court processes and advance access to justice for Alberta families.”

The province says the rollout of the Family Justice Strategy in Red Deer will begin now, with full implementation expected by the end of the year.

Click the link below to watch the press conference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25uISVZkXqU