Prime Minister Trudeau’s recent decision to give Ontario $26 million in legal aid will help offset the budget cuts premier Doug Ford made in the spring.
The cuts meant that refugees only had help with the initial stages of their claim and not evidence-gathering and representation, which are essential services for those fleeing from domestic violence and torture, who can’t prove their legal status as refugees without this help.
However, the timing of the funding has been questioned by many who point out that it has come just before a federal election, and stress that it’s only a short-term solution.
Funding the program has long been a joint responsibility between the provincial and federal governments, and negotiations as to who is responsible are likely to continue.