Order in Council 379/2023

On the recommendation of the undersigned, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, by and with the advice and concurrence of the Executive Council of Ontario, orders that:

Whereas:

1. Legal Aid Ontario is a corporation without share capital continued under section 16 of the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 (the Act);
2. Legal Aid Ontario is independent from, but accountable to, the government of Ontario as set out under the Act;
3. Pursuant to paragraph 5 of subsection 18(2) of the Act, Legal Aid Ontario requires the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council to enter into an agreement with the government of Canada to provide for co-operation in matters relating to the provision of legal aid services, including cost-sharing and funding arrangements; and
4. The government of Canada is required to pay the reasonable fees and disbursements incurred by counsel or amici curiae pursuant to a court order for counsel in a proceeding involving the government of Canada;
5. Legal Aid Ontario has agreed to manage court-ordered counsel on behalf of the government of Canada; and
6. The government of Canada bears a responsibility for providing funding for legal aid services involving terrorism and national security related matters.

Therefore, pursuant to paragraph 5 of subsection 18(2) of the Act, approval is hereby given to Legal Aid Ontario to enter into an agreement effective April 1, 2022 and ending not later than March 31, 2027, with the government of Canada respecting the reimbursement of eligible expenses accrued by Legal Aid Ontario in managing court-ordered counsel on behalf of the government of Canada and in providing legal aid services involving terrorism and national security related matters.