CBA – Justice System Priorities During Election Campaign

Via email: info@liberal.ca; pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca; Yves-Francois.Blanchet@parl.gc.ca; Jagmeet.Singh@parl.gc.ca; info@greenparty.ca

Subject: CBA – Justice System Priorities During Election Campaign

Dear Party Leaders:

We are writing on behalf of the Canadian Bar Association, during this federal election campaign, to seek your party’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our justice system by ensuring that courts receive the resources they need to serve all Canadians effectively.

The Canadian Bar Association is a national association of more than 40,000 lawyers, Québec notaries, law teachers and students, with a mandate to promote improvements in the law and the administration of justice. The CBA has long advocated for changes to the justice systems to make them more responsive to the needs of those seeking justice. The policy statements in this letter have been adopted in accordance with the CBA Bylaw.

A nation’s sovereignty is not just about borders, resources, or political independence— it also depends on strong institutions that serve the common good. That’s why, this election, the Canadian Bar Association is calling on all parties to ensure our courts have the resources they need to uphold justice effectively.

At the heart of Canada’s democracy is a legal system that protects rights and freedoms, ensures fair and impartial justice, and holds power to account. But a justice system that lacks proper funding cannot serve its purpose. Court backlogs, delayed trials and rising legal costs leave people and communities waiting too long for justice, families in legal limbo and businesses unable to resolve disputes.

What’s more, an efficient court system isn’t just essential for democracy—it’s vital for economic growth. Well-resourced courts ensure timely dispute resolution, enforce contracts with certainty and foster investor confidence, making Canada a stronger and more stable and attractive place for business and investment.

Meeting the challenge of sustainable court funding is a direct investment in Canada’s stability, democracy and economic future.

Informing voters

As Canadians prepare to cast their votes, we invite your party to share its vision for strengthening our justice systems by addressing key challenges that impact the efficiency of our courts, the rule of law and access to justice. By answering the following five questions, you will have the opportunity to inform our members, and all Canadians, on how your government would ensure fair, accessible and well-resourced justice systems:

1. How would your government ensure stable and sufficient funding for courts to reduce backlogs, modernize court infrastructure, and improve access to justice?
2. What measures would your government take to ensure timely judicial appointments, including from diverse and underrepresented communities, to maintain public confidence in the judiciary?
3. What steps would your government take to strengthen legal aid and ensure that low-income Canadians receive meaningful access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances?
4. How would your government invest in court technology and translation services to enhance efficiency and ensure that all Canadians, including those requiring services in their official language of choice, receive timely justice?
5. What other measures would your government take to maintain and strengthen public confidence in our courts?

All responses will be posted on the CBA website and other social platforms. We invite you to send your replies to lawreform@cba.org at your earliest convenience.

We look forward to your response

Sincerely,

(original letter signed by Lynne M.J. Vicars)

Lynne M.J. Vicars