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The Government of Saskatchewan is hoping that amendments to the Legal Profession Act will help improve access to legal services.
The changes, which came into effect on Wednesday, allow the Law Society of Saskatchewan to develop requirements that would allow legal professionals who are not lawyers to provide certain specific services to the public under a limited licence.
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“Those who apply for a limited license will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they have the education and experience to provide services under this license,” the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice explained in a statement.
The changes mean legal professionals who are not licensed as lawyers could be empowered to provide legal services such as arguing cases before administrative tribunals and in small claims or traffic court. They could also prepare wills, powers of attorney, guardianship documents or health-care directives, administer estates under $25,000, or help individuals prepare to represent themselves in court. They could also help with corporate legal services, contracts, land title transfers, interest registrations and discharges.
“Access to justice is the key to safe communities, strong families, and equal opportunities across our province,” Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan’s justice minister and attorney general, said in a statement.
“I look forward to continuing to build our relationship with the Law Society to enhance legal services and ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to access the Saskatchewan justice system.”
The provincial government said the law society is currently developing the process that would authorize non-lawyers to provide those legal services “in the near future,” and encouraged anyone who’s interested in providing the services to review the information available on the society’s website.
Adam Touet, the society’s president, said the limited licensing program is the first of its kind in Canada, and will enhance access to legal services in a way that is both sustainable and responsible.
He noted that the changes have been in the works since consultations first began in 2016.
“These legislative changes are the result of significant work and consultations beginning in 2016 and the implementation of the Final Report of the Legal Services Task Team,” Touet said, quoted in the provincial government’s statement.
