As a result of his inquiries, we developed and began a process for examining the current contingency fee structure in Alberta. During 1998, in conjunction with representatives from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, we spent a significant amount of time negotiating with the provincial government regarding limited liability partnerships. The institute submitted a comprehensive paper and the Alberta Law Reform Institute wrote an extensive report, both of which were considered by the government. A meeting was held in Edmonton on July 9th. As a result of the concerns raised, the Law Society established a committee to negotiate with the provincial government regarding increased funding of the legal aid program and improvements to the legal aid tariff, as well as a government contribution towards the cost of the professional negligence insurance levy charged lawyers acting on legal aid certificates.
Negotiations are ongoing.
The Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association - Alberta Branch were key players on the summit working committee. Greater use of sentencing alternatives and restorative justice initiatives Implementation of other recommendations in other justice reviews. Alberta Justice has indicated a commitment to follow-up on the recommendations arising out of the Summit. I would like to thank our representatives on the working committee and to the Justice Summit for their excellent work and dedication. The Law Society of Alberta remains an active member of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and continues to liaise with the governing bodies of other Canadian jurisdictions.