However, legislation is now before Parliament that goes some way towards remedying this defect. Another criticism is that the scheme is sometimes unfair to those who are just a little too prosperous to qualify. Thus a middle class family for example, might be able to afford an ordinary trial in the High Court, but not if it requires expert witnesses and protracted argument. One proposal being mooted is that the means test should be completely abolished, but of course the contributions of the individual would still be assessed proportionally to his or her disposable income and capital. We recommend that a scheme of legal aid should be established in the Province of British Columbia by provincial statute, modelled on the English system, but some variations.
Election disputes e. Proceedings after judgement for a liquidated sum.
A lawyer should be appointed on a salary as a full-time legal aid administrator for the province. She or he should have an office in Vancouver, but be responsible for the organization of the scheme throughout the province. She or he should have security of tenure. It is obviously important that an individual should be chosen of sufficient calibre, and with imagination and enthusiasm for the new venture. Applications for legal aid should be made on prescribed forms, which should be available at solicitors' offices, courthouses, and social agencies.