But Canada’s top judge blames a lack of legal aid funding for what she says is the major challenge facing the criminal system — access to justice, especially for the poor and marginalized. She especially emphasized the number of people who struggle to represent themselves after being denied legal aid. McLachlin said while health and education spending have increased, spending on the justice system has been stagnant or declined across Canada in recent decades. The latter is especially vital for aboriginal people who are disproportionately incarcerated, McLachlin said. “Aboriginal persons are grossly over-represented in the system,” said Ian Carter, vice-chairman of the Canadian Bar Association’s criminal justice section.

Source: National Post October 19, 2017 19:41 UTC