2022 NSLA Commission Innovation in Service Delivery Award

We are pleased to share that the recipient of the NSLA Commission’s 2022 Innovation in Service Delivery Award is Tammy Wohler. Tammy Wohler is the Managing Lawyer of the Halifax Social Justice Office. The award recognizes innovation in how things are done at NSLA. Tammy was recognized for her tremendous advocacy in housing issues; particularly during the pandemic raising the profile on issues like renovictions through the use of media and social media. Tammy hosts the Social Justice online chats every Thursday. She provides outreach through Eastern Chebucto Hub Organization (ECHO), reachAbility, Halifax Refugee Clinic, Canadian Bar Assocation and the Parent Information Program through the Supreme Court Family Division. Tammy has been an instrumental role in expanding social justice delivery throughout Nova Scotia to assist clients from Yarmouth to Sydney. As her colleague, Tanya Jones says of her, « Tammy has and will continue to innovate, help and effectively advocate for those most in need while at the same time making time to share her knowledge with other lawyers. » Congratulations Tammy!

2022 NSLA Commission Community Leadership Award

We are pleased to share that the recipient of the NSLA Commission’s 2022 Community Leadership Award is Maureen Kakonyi. The award recognizes the exceptional and selfless services to others using personal time that enhances the image of NSLA and increases public awareness of those who work for NSLA. Maureen has been an active community member for many years and most recently hosted a Tea Party at the Dartmouth Family Office bringing together 14 different community organizations to share information about each other’s services and the services NSLA provides. Well done, Maureen!

2021-22 Annual Report

The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission’s 2021-22 Annual Report is now available and can be found on the About Us, Legal Aid Publications page, or at this link:  2021-22 Annual Report

National Duty Counsel Day Nova Scotia Landmarks

In Nova Scotia, the following landmarks will be lit up to help celebrate National Duty Counsel Day on October 27, 2022:

  • The Big Fiddle in Sydney
  • Halifax City Hall
  • The Nova Scotia Legislature

National Duty Counsel Day – October 27, 2022

October 27, 2022 is National Duty Counsel Day. On this day, we not only celebrate lawyers who provide duty counsel to the community, but we use this day as an opportunity to provide awareness about this imperative service.

For more information visit: https://www.knowdutycounsel.ca/

You can spread the word. Show your support. Tell your colleagues, peers, friends and family about Duty Counsel Day, and their right to access legal support and services.

The National Duty Counsel Committee and Legal Aid Alberta have provided all legal aid plans with information and material that you can use to spread awareness.

You can spread the word: https://www.knowdutycounsel.ca/resources/
English video: https://youtu.be/kjovsiFFWCE
French video: https://youtu.be/TyQdxd29jNM

Hurricane Fiona & Closures

Due to Hurricane Fiona, many places are closed due to damages and/or no power/internet. In a lot of situations, staff are working from home where possible.

If you are represented by NSLA, please be sure to contact your lawyer if you have a scheduled court matter. Here is a list of Nova Scotia Legal Aid Offices: https://www.nslegalaid.ca/legal-aid-offices/

Here is information shared by the courts regarding court matters:  https://www.courts.ns.ca/documents/NS_Courts_Prepare_for_Fiona_09_23_22.pdf

Here is information shared by the NS government regarding office closures: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220925004

For updates on power outages: http://outagemap.nspower.ca/external/default.html

For a listing of comfort centers:  https://novascotia.ca/alerts/comfort-centres-and-shelters/. Please note that a lot of communities share information locally regarding Lion’s Clubs, community centers and fire departments that are open to assist, so please be sure to check what is available in your community.

National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II – September 19, 2022

All courts across the Province will not be sitting on Monday September 19, 2022 to recognize the National Day of Mourning for the Queen’s passing. Federal and Provincial Government Offices will be closed along with public schools and daycares. In recognition of these announcements, Nova Scotia Legal Aid Offices will be closed on September 19, 2022 to mark the Day of Mourning.

Executive Office Move

Our Executive Office is moving on September 9, 2022. Our new address is:

Executive Office
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission
710-1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS, B3J 3M8

The only change is suite number. Please update your records.

Tammy Wohler – CBC Article: “Small claims court rules in favour of ‘renovicted’ Lunenburg tenant”

Below is a link to the above-noted article wherein Tammy Wohler, NSLA’s HRM Social Justice Office, was successful in a renoviction case on behalf of her client.

Are you being evicted? Get in touch with our Social Justice Office at 902-420-3464 or toll-free at 1-844-956-0955 for help. You can also find information on our website at: Residential Tenancy

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/court-rules-in-favour-of-renovicted-lunenburg-renter-1.6482404

Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission Awards

The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission is seeking nominations for the 2022 Innovation in Service Delivery, Community Leadership, and R. Gordon Murray, QC Awards. Criteria and information regarding the Awards can be found below. Please be sure to nominate that individual or organization that you feel is deserving of recognition.

Please note the deadline for nominations is July 30, 2022 @ 12:00 pm and nominations should be sent to:  NSLAawards@nslegalaid.ca

PDF Version of Criteria:  2022 NSLA Awards Criteria