The Constitutional Dimensions of Access to Justice?

This is just an alert until the other blog gets its post up, but the SCC just ruled out broad claims to ground a right to paid legal services within the Charter.

Decision is summarized here and more media commentary is available from Kirk Makin, quoting my partner David Stratas.

Notwithstanding our sympathy for Mr. Christie’s cause, we are compelled to the conclusion that the material presented does not establish the major premise on which the case depends — proof of a constitutional entitlement to legal services in relation to proceedings in courts and tribunals dealing with rights and obligations.

And Mr. Christie did not live to see it.