COVID-19: Several temporary emergency COVID measures set to end on November 18

Published: October 18, 2022

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, LAO implemented temporary emergency changes to its service delivery model to assist vulnerable clients impacted by the pandemic.

As access to in-person services resumes, LAO will be winding down many of its temporary emergency measures.

Starting on Nov. 18, LAO will no longer:

Waive its financial eligibility requirements for certificate applications for the following applicants:
- Indigenous persons who identify as victims of domestic violence
- Indigenous families engaged in child protection matters
- Detained psychiatric patients
- Immigration detainees
Existing certificates that were issued on or before Nov. 18 will continue. Certificates issued to Indigenous persons who identify as victims of domestic violence and families engaged in child protection matters will not be subject to routine financial reassessment.

After Nov. 18, the eligibility of the above applicants for certificates will be determined on the basis of LAO’s Rules and Policies under the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020.
Provide coverage for the following matters:
- Responding to applications in Superior Court for treatment pending appeals from CCB decisions
- Substitute decision-makers for end-of-life decisions
- Additional hours for refugee hearings. The additional two hours for refugee hearing preparation will remain available only for hearings scheduled to take place on or before March 31, 2023.

LAO will continue to engage Indigenous communities on ways to address overrepresentation in domestic violence and child protection matters. LAO is continuously working to ensure vulnerable persons and families are aware of, and able to access our services. The broader policy issues of how to support the legal needs of Indigenous communities are important issues that LAO continues to explore.

LAO will continue to pay accounts that fall within the tariff in 14 days.

For more information: