EDMONTON — The Alberta government says it has signed a new five-year governance agreement with the province’s legal aid lawyers.

It says the deal with Legal Aid Alberta and the Law Society of Alberta is expected to take effect on Friday and to stretch into September 2029.

Legal Aid Alberta board chair Ryan Callioux says access to justice through legal aid is a fundamental right.

The agreement comes after an almost two-year long funding and governance dispute.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery says the government’s goal is to ensure legal aid’s sustainability and fiscal accountability into the future.

Law society president Deanna Steblyk says a strong justice system is supported by an independent legal aid program.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2024.

The Canadian Press