There are approximately 500 legal clinics across Canada, available in a range of community settings, with differing levels of service offered by providers and funders.
There is significant commitment from current funders – often in situations of declining revenues – to continue support of clinics, but in many jurisdictions there is concern over continued ability to meet demands. There is a general perception of a need for multi-year stability of funding, and more commitment required from provincial governments.
The most strongly developed community legal clinic systems, such as exist in Ontario, are able to adapt to the changing legal needs of the community and can effectively serve disadvantaged populations in a holistic manner, compared to a strict one-case-at-a-time legal aid approach.
Clinics have usually been able to meet service needs during COVID-19 because of the closure of courts and reduced demand. However, most informants anticipate that a resumption of demand will put serious strain on the clinics, and by extension, on funders.
COVID-19 necessitated a number of changes to service procedures (e.g., telephone applications, video conferencing) which have proved to be convenient for many clients.
