'I'm frustrated': Sask. government cuts ties with legal clinic, CLASSIC
The Saskatchewan government has cut ties with an organization that provides free legal help to those living in poverty.
Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) aims to break down barriers in the justice system. It's best known for programming that pairs people needing legal representation with law students, who are supervised by lawyers.
The province has provided annual funding to CLASSIC since 2007. Over the past two years, the government gave $100,000 to CLASSIC — funnelled through the College of Law.
On April 1, the government ended its contract with the organization.
Chantelle Johnson, executive director of CLASSIC, said she's frustrated by the decision.
"I'm frustrated because right now, as the only community legal clinic in Saskatchewan, we know we need more support like CLASSIC, not less," Johnson told CTV News.
"CLASSIC is here and will walk with you through your legal process and treat you with dignity. What message is being sent to [our clients] if we're defunded? We don't care about people walking with you, or your dignity.
The funding cut comes at the same time the government gave $100,000 to the College of Law, aimed to help students work in different communities during their internships.
In a statement to CTV News, the Ministry of Justice said "CLASSIC's services are limited to clients in Saskatoon. The government of Saskatchewan wanted to expand student opportunities across the province."
These new student placements are all in government agencies — including public prosecutions and Legal Aid.
"I don't begrudge more student opportunities. I love law students and I think more student opportunities are better, but we need more agencies that are in the communities doing actual access-to-justice work in the trenches, not just government agencies," Johnson said.
"We're asking the government to reconsider its decision because $100,000 in the grand scheme of the Ministry of Justice budget is little but what we can do with it at CLASSIC is big."
To fill the funding gap, CLASSIC said it's looking at grant options and turning to private donors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING Canada and U.S. list Samidoun as terrorist group, U.S. adds Canadian to terror list
Canada is listing the pro-Palestinian group Samidoun as a terrorist group, while the U.S. has added a Canadian citizen affiliated with the organization to its counter-terrorism list.
Food prices continue to outpace inflation in Canada
For the second straight month, grocery prices in Canada rose faster than the inflation rate, and beef in particular is significantly pricier than it was last year.
Lufthansa agrees to pay US$4 million penalty over treatment of Jewish passengers
Lufthansa has agreed to pay a US$4 million penalty for allegedly discriminating against Jewish passengers who were trying to board a connecting flight in Frankfurt in May 2022, the U.S. Transportation Department said on Tuesday.
Air India flight diverts to Nunavut airport after online security threat
An Air India flight, en route from Delhi to Chicago, was diverted to Iqaluit International airport in Nunavut Tuesday morning following an online security threat.
90 charges withdrawn against father and his common-law partner in Edmonton child abuse case
Charges have been withdrawn against a man and a woman who faced a combined 90 charges in a child and animal abuse case.
Cold weather, even snow, hits parts of Eastern Canada while West stays mild
It will feel more like winter for some parts of Eastern Canada over the next few days, with single-digit highs and snow in the forecast.
Canadian support for Donald Trump higher than in last U.S. presidential election, survey finds
While more Canadians are signalling their support former U.S. president Donald Trump, the majority remains hopeful for a Democratic win.
NDP seek measures against India, as Canada trade minister works to reassure business
As Canada's decision to expel New Delhi's top envoy and five other diplomats makes front page news in India, International Trade Minister Mary Ng is trying to reassure Canadian businesses with ties to the country.
OPINION
OPINION King Charles shrieked at shrink wrap and other things we didn't know about him
From his shrink wrap shock to his obsession with luxury, King Charles III's personal life seems to be filled with surprises, that’s according to a new book by biographer Tom Bower.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Regina
-
Sask. Party promises to extend carbon tax exemption on home heating
The Saskatchewan Party says that it plans to keep the federal carbon tax off natural gas and electricity used for home heating for one more year if re-elected on Oct. 28.
-
Vehicles stolen from Regina compound found badly damaged on railway tracks
Regina police say two of four vehicles stolen from a compound early Thursday morning were found badly damaged on railway tracks, with a third located in the nearby community of Pilot Butte.
-
Fall immunization clinics are now open in Saskatchewan
Getting your Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations just got easier as the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has now opened its seasonal immunization clinics.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba government assigns Llyod Axworthy to lead study on possible Winnipeg rail relocation
The Manitoba government is calling on the services of a former MP to study the possibility of relocating rail lines in Winnipeg.
-
Child dead after falling from Winnipeg apartment building
A child is dead after falling from a Winnipeg apartment building on Monday.
-
Store employee arrested following assault of alleged shoplifter: WPS
A 28-year-old Winnipegger is facing charges after an altercation unfolded between a store employee and a man who allegedly tried to steal merchandise from a West Alexander area store.
Edmonton
-
90 charges withdrawn against father and his common-law partner in Edmonton child abuse case
Charges have been withdrawn against a man and a woman who faced a combined 90 charges in a child and animal abuse case.
-
1 dead after semi, SUV collide head-on north of Edmonton
One person is dead after a crash on Monday night involving a semi and an SUV.
-
Alberta rolls out new primary care agency
Alberta now has a new provincial health agency to help residents access primary care services, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange announced on Tuesday.
Calgary
-
Alberta launches national campaign to 'Scrap the Cap'
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is launching a series of ads against the federal government's proposed cap on oil and gas emissions, a move she believes will hurt production and 'kill jobs.'
-
Alberta rolls out new primary care agency
Alberta now has a new provincial health agency to help residents access primary care services, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange announced on Tuesday.
-
Calgary Chamber of Commerce pushes province to eliminate small business tax
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is calling on the province to help small businesses by eliminating small business tax.
Lethbridge
-
Giants rally late to topple Hurricanes in overtime 4-3
The Vancouver Giants scored late to force overtime before winning 4-3 over the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday night.
-
Lethbridge Corn Maze celebrates 25th anniversary with Monday fundraiser
If you’re looking for something to do this long weekend, the Lethbridge Corn Maze is open and hosting its annual fundraiser on Monday.
-
'So much excitement': Aurora borealis light show amazes Lethbridge photographers
Local photographers were amazed by the aurora borealis display in the night sky over Lethbridge on Thursday night.
Toronto
-
'Let us know what happened': Police say many witnesses haven't come forward in deadly Toronto shooting
Toronto police are appealing to dozens of witnesses who they say were standing nearby when a man was shot to death in an apartment stairwell in the city’s north end last week.
-
Ontario government moving to restrict new bike lanes in municipalities
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria says the provincial government is introducing legislation that would require municipalities to receive provincial approval before removing traffic lanes to install new bike paths.
-
Driver charged in deadly 8-car crash in Milton, Ont.
Police say a 35-year-old driver has been charged in connection with a deadly multi-vehicle car crash in Milton, Ont. last month.
Ottawa
-
No agreement in sight for Kanata manufacturing workers on strike for over 5 months
More than 40 employees at Best Theratronics Ltd. in Kanata went on strike five and a half months ago - a situation that Canada's largest private sector union says is highly unusual.
-
Federal union calls for Commons committee to investigate 3-day a week office mandate
A federal union is calling for a Commons committee to launch an investigation into the federal government's new return-to-office policy, saying there has been 'catastrophic failures' with the new mandate.
-
Kemptville, Ont. school closed for fifth time in October following threat
St. Michael Catholic High School in Kemptville, Ont. is closed for a fifth time in the last two weeks, as police investigate a threat of violence towards the secondary school.
Montreal
-
Quebec imposes measures to address 'toxic climate' at Montreal school
Quebec's Education Department appointed two monitors at Bedford school in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges district to address a "toxic climate" of fear and intimidation at the primary school following an investigation. Meanwhile, the teachers' union calls the findings "damning."
-
More Quebecers turning to private health care: poll
More Quebecers are turning to the private health care network, according to a survey published Tuesday in the Journal de Quebec.
-
Another Laval school on lockdown after receiving threat; police investigating
Police in Laval were once again called to a school that was placed under precautionary lockdown over a threat.
Vancouver
-
Man sentenced, ordered deported for killing woman, injuring 2 others in Surrey, B.C.
A Metro Vancouver man will spend up to four years in prison before he is deported after pleading guilty to a triple stabbing that left his sister-in-law dead and two others, including a two-year-old girl, seriously injured.
-
Founders of Vancouver club that sold tested illicit drugs file Charter challenge
The founders of a Vancouver 'compassion club' that sold heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine bought on the dark web and tested for contaminants, have filed a court challenge arguing their Charter rights and the rights of users were violated when the club was shut and they were arrested.
-
Eby makes late pitch to people who have never voted New Democrat in B.C.
New Democrat Leader David Eby is making a late appeal to voters to support his party even if they never have before, as the British Columbia election campaign enters the home stretch.
Kelowna
-
B.C. homeowner astounded someone managed to steal one of his prized giant pumpkins
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
-
B.C. man gets prison sentence, fine for using fake names to buy guns in the U.S.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
-
2nd-degree murder charge laid nearly 2 years after Kelowna stabbing
Nearly two years after a man was stabbed to death in downtown Kelowna, RCMP have made an arrest in the case.
Vancouver Island
-
Man sentenced, ordered deported for killing woman, injuring 2 others in Surrey, B.C.
A Metro Vancouver man will spend up to four years in prison before he is deported after pleading guilty to a triple stabbing that left his sister-in-law dead and two others, including a two-year-old girl, seriously injured.
-
Founders of Vancouver club that sold tested illicit drugs file Charter challenge
The founders of a Vancouver 'compassion club' that sold heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine bought on the dark web and tested for contaminants, have filed a court challenge arguing their Charter rights and the rights of users were violated when the club was shut and they were arrested.
-
B.C. Conservatives expected to release costs of promises days before election
It's the last week of the British Columbia election campaign after a busy long weekend of promises for the B.C. Conservatives, including a new Children's Hospital for Surrey.
London
-
'If we raise all the money, will you fix this?': Charge continues to reopen STEGH therapy pool
“I wasn't using a walker in July, but I am now using walker all the time,” said Martyn, who is struggling to move and can’t stand for long periods of time.
-
Owen Sound residents win $40 million in largest Lotto Max jackpot in history
A couple from Owen Sound has claimed a historic $40 million prize following the largest Lotto Max Jackpot in history.
-
One dead, three injured after crash in St. Clair Township
One person has died and three others were transported to hospital following a three-vehicle collision in St. Clair Township
Kitchener
-
'Mysterious' substance dropped on Ayr, Ont. homes identified as… bird feces
Bird feces has now been identified as the “mysterious” substance dropped onto Ayr, Ont. home in August.
-
Investigation underway after employee found deceased in Cambridge walk-in freezer
Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a sudden death in Cambridge.
-
Renewed plea for DNA sample from family of missing Stratford, Ont. man
Investigators are one step closer to finding out what happened to two Stratford, Ont. men who disappeared on a fishing trip 57 years ago.
Northern Ontario
-
Sault youth chased with pipe, pinned against wall with a vehicle for knocking over basketball net
A 33-year-old suspect in the Sault is facing several charges after reacting angrily when a youth knocked over their basketball net Oct. 5.
-
Man wanted in Sudbury robbery charged in 'random and isolated' stabbing attack downtown
A Greater Sudbury woman is upset about the charges laid against the man accused of attacking her son and a group of his colleagues downtown on Saturday.
-
Ontario government moving to restrict new bike lanes in municipalities
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria says the provincial government is introducing legislation that would require municipalities to receive provincial approval before removing traffic lanes to install new bike paths.
Atlantic
-
Two people, child killed in separate collisions in Annapolis Valley over long weekend
Three people, including a child, were killed in two separate collisions on Highway 101 in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley over the Thanksgiving weekend.
-
N.S. to build berm to protect Chignecto Isthmus, still wants Ottawa to pay for it
The Nova Scotia government says that in the coming days it will start building a 500-metre-long berm to protect a low-lying land link between the province and New Brunswick.
-
Atlantic region records drop of nearly 3,000 foreign students after federal caps
International enrolment in Atlantic Canada has fallen by nearly 3,000 students this academic year, a drop one university group says is the "devastating effect" of the federal government's policies to reduce the presence of temporary immigrants.
N.L.
-
How gloves belonging to Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe wound up in Newfoundland
A five-hour drive from St. John's, N.L., and well off the beaten path, Point Leamington seems an unlikely spot for a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
-
'Crack houses' across rural Newfoundland? RCMP has no reports supporting MP's claim
A Conservative MP from Newfoundland and Labrador says some small towns in his rural riding are overrun with crime, but police say they haven't received reports to that effect.
-
Self-identifying Indigenous group got $74M in federal cash, Inuit leader wants change
As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
