World Day of Social Justice

As supporters of access to justice since 1974, Legal Aid Saskatchewan employees proudly promote our shared vision of inclusive, responsive and equitable justice in Saskatchewan using our values of compassion, collaboration, courage and commitment.

In recognition of World Day of Social Justice – observed annually every February 20th with the goal to promote social justice and the commitment to building more inclusive and just societies – please enjoy this message from The Honourable Roy Romanow, as included in A Matter of Right and Justice: 50 Years of Legal Aid Saskatchewan:

“Fifty years ago, the Province of Saskatchewan implemented a legal aid program designed to formalize legal aid as a matter of right, rather than an act of charity. This was made possible, in large part, because of the dedicated lawyers and legal professionals, human rights advocates, community workers and concerned citizens who lobbied to make a strong legal aid system a reality.

Access to justice is a meaningful democratic principle, assuring effective governance, prioritization of an individual’s dignity, and directly impacts society’s ability to progress. During my time as Attorney General for Saskatchewan in the 1970s, I was often quoted in the media as stating that the Saskatchewan legal aid plan was the best in Canada. Although it is not a competition, I hold true to that belief today. The passing of The Community Legal Services (Saskatchewan) Act, 1974 marked the first significant increase of people who lacked financial means and people of Indigenous backgrounds being represented in Saskatchewan courts.

Much of the same social stresses from 50 years ago remain – institutional racism, economic constraint for marginalized groups, lack of education and community support, un-affordable housing – all compiled with the growing pressures of mental illness and life-threatening addictions. What has remained constant throughout the decades is the commitment and passion Legal Aid Saskatchewan employees have for clients and the justice system.

To all employees, past, present and those to come – your work matters. The people you help matter. The impact you make on the justice system matters. You bring value to a complex society. While this book is a fractional recollection of the impact you have made over the past 50 years, your contributions have created a foundation for the future of law in Saskatchewan.”

– The Honourable Roy Romanow, PC OC SOM KC