B.C.’s auditor general finds legal aid lacks processes to ensure timely services
VICTORIA — British Columbia’s auditor general says the body in charge of providing legal aid for those with low incomes doesn’t have processes or information to ensure people get timely and high-quality help.
The report from acting auditor general Sheila Dodds says Legal Aid BC decided its funding needs based on current demand rather than growth forecasts, never determined the number of lawyers it needed and didn’t follow its own policies on client intake and eligibility.
Dodds makes seven recommendations including that the Crown corporation prepare a long-term funding forecast, implement a system for reviewing intake and eligibility and address the cause of delays.
In her report, tabled in the legislature Tuesday, Dodds also says Legal Aid BC needs to implement a complaints process and develop timelines for addressing complaints.
