As part of continued efforts to enhance access to justice, the Government of British Columbia has awarded a $250,000 grant to Active Support Against Poverty (ASAP) that will allow the organization to host a legal clinic.

“This funding for a full legal clinic will allow Active Support Against Poverty to do even more to ensure the best possible legal outcomes for its clients,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “The most vulnerable often need someone to guide them through the justice system in person, and this support will help with direct assistance for them. This expanded clinic model will also support advocates who may need advice on next steps to support their own clients.”

Active Support Against Poverty’s mission is to act as a guide for the empowerment, education and self-determination of clients from Prince George and the surrounding areas. The new funding will enable the organization to hire a lawyer and trained legal staff who can offer legal advice and act as counsel in proceedings.

Grants will be awarded through the Law Foundation of British Columbia, a non-profit organization mandated to fund legal education, legal research, legal aid, law reform and law libraries for the benefit of British Columbians. The foundation will provide the new legal clinic with coaching, tools and support to enhance the services it provides. 

“For too long, the needs of many people facing our legal system without support were neglected,” Eby said. “This funding helps ensure that people are able to obtain the best possible outcomes while improving efficiency in our province’s courtrooms and tribunals. It’s a win-win situation.”

Quotes:

Josh Paterson, executive director, Law Foundation of B.C. –

“The Law Foundation is pleased to support people in Prince George and the surrounding region through this announcement. This new legal clinic will help many low income and vulnerable people to navigate the complex legal issues that they face in their lives, from evictions through to issues with disability and other income supports.”

Audrey Schwartz, executive director, Active Support Against Poverty –

“We are proud to have been selected as recipients of this funding. The work we do in service of the Prince George community helps people obtain the services they need in a timely and expedited fashion. This grant will allow us to expand our efforts and help even more of our neighbours who are in need.”

Learn More:

Law Foundation of B.C.: https://www.lawfoundationbc.org/