CANADA NEAR THE BOTTOM

Canada ranked 9th among 12 European and North American countries in a 2011 World Justice Project analysis of access to civil justice.

These are the criteria on which countries were assessed:

• People are aware of available remedies
• People can access and afford legal advice and representation.
• People can access and afford civil courts.
• Civil justice is free of discrimination.
• Civil justice is free of corruption.
• Civil justice is free of improper government influence.
• Civil justice is not subject to unreasonable delays.
• Civil justice is effectively enforced.
• Alternative dispute resolution systems are accessible, impartial and effective.

Canada should be a leader. Not near the bottom of the pack.