'Crisis in the justice system': Alberta prosecutors issue ultimatum to premier amid strike talk
CTV
The association that represents crown prosecutors in Alberta is demanding changes to the justice system, or hundreds of lawyers may walk off the job "in the very near future."
The association that represents crown prosecutors in Alberta is demanding changes to the justice system, or hundreds of lawyers may walk off the job "in the very near future."
The Alberta Crown Attorneys' Association (ACAA) accuses the province of "chronic underfunding" which they allege has caused a "crisis in the justice system."
The group representing 380 lawyers met Wednesday to discuss a strike unless a list of demands are met.
"Job action would be a drastic step. However, our obligations to our profession and to the public mean we must do what is necessary to protect the long term viability of the justice system in this province," read an ACAA letter addressed to Premier Jason Kenney.
The lawyers want to meet with the province soon to discuss issues like their salary grid and inflation increases, as well as the right to collective bargaining.
Chronic understaffing, a lack of experienced prosecutors, and a triage program brought in five years ago is putting cases at risk of being dropped or pleaded down, the ACAA argues.
"There's almost 2,000 cases of serious and violent offences that are at risk. This includes everything from homicides, aggravated assaults, robberies, home invasions," president Dallas Sopko told CTV News Edmonton.
