A group of people protesting provincial cuts to legal aid gathered outside Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey's office in Sarnia. July 30, 2019 Photo by Melanie Irwin A group of people protesting provincial cuts to legal aid gathered outside Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey's office in Sarnia. July 30, 2019 Photo by Melanie Irwin
Sarnia

Local clinic still wary about future of legal aid

Community Legal Assistance Sarnia (CLAS) is relieved there will be no further cuts to legal aid in Ontario, but remains cautious about the future.

The Progressive Conservatives said this week they won't be making any more changes after axing $133 million, or 30 per cent, of the program funding in the spring budget.

There was talk of trimming another $164 million from the service in 2021-22.

CLAS Executive Director and lawyer Andrew Bolter is pleased. He said they weren't largely impacted by the previous cuts, thanks to Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey who went to bat for them.

"The concern is how Legal Aid itself, which funds us, is going to manage going forward with $133 million in cuts. The devil will be in the details with that. The legal clinic, as far as I can see, will be in the community and keep helping low-income Lambton folk with their legal issues. I think that's really important."

Bolter said no staff have been impacted so far.

He said they're part of a province-wide legal aid review that will look at how to best deliver services.

During a protest over the summer, Bolter said legal aid was being targeted because they help people fight back and speak out against government decisions.

Read More Local Stories

Sting lose at home to London

They hosted the reigning OHL Champion London Knights on Sunday and ended up losing 5-2.

Hockey puck. 
© Can Stock Photo / albund

Scoreboard, Oct 27

The LA Dodgers lead in the world series after winning game two Saturday,

Polish World War II Exhibit coming to Sarnia

The Polish Consulate is bringing the “Trails of Hope. Odyssey of Freedom” display to the mall ahead of Remembrance Day.

The Sarnia Sting host the Niagara Ice Dogs, Oct 26, 2024 (Photo by: Darren Metcalfe Photography)

Sarnia Sting gets bitten by Ice Dogs

The Sarnia Sting were defeated by the Niagara Ice Dogs at home 4-3 Friday night.

Hockey stick and a puck. © Can Stock Photo / bradcalkins

Scoreboard, Oct 26

The LA Dodgers won game one of the World Series Friday night against the NY Yankees.

The Remembrance Day Flag - Oct. 25/24 (Photo courtesy of Lou Perry Photography)

Sarnia Legion poppy campaign underway

Sarnia Legion Branch 62 First Vice President Les Jones said donation boxes will be available at area businesses as of Friday, October 25.