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Auditor general reports on legal aid service delivery

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Auditor general Paul Martin tabled a report in the legislative assembly today that includes an audit of the New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission, examining the efficiency and effectiveness of legal aid service delivery in the province.

Martin concluded that legal aid applications are processed in a timely manner, and that financial eligibility criteria are consistently applied. However, the financial grid used to determine eligibility for services has not been updated since 2017, creating a risk that the commission may not be serving those in need, as required by its mandate.

The audit found there was no formalized appeals process, and people who did appeal were not treated consistently. Martin also noted the commission has not adequately analyzed whether the use of staff or private counsel is more cost-effective.

“The audit found that while the New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission is doing a commendable job in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement,” said Martin.

The auditor general provided six recommendations to the commission. The report is available online.

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