Alberta’s four criminal defence lawyer associations have passed motions to stop all new work from Legal Aid Alberta starting Sept. 26.

A joint press release was issued Thursday by the Red Deer Criminal Lawyers Association, Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (Calgary), Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (Edmonton) and the Southern Alberta Defence Lawyers’ Association.

“The criminal justice system cannot function and access to justice in Alberta cannot occur without our participation, as all stakeholders already recognize,” the joint release stated.

“Unfortunately, Justice Minister Tyler Shandro has decided to ignore the fact that Alberta’s courts cannot properly function when his government cuts off help for our most vulnerable citizens and refuses to offer fair compensation to skilled professionals for their services.”

An event will be held outside the Red Deer courthouse at 9 a.m. on Friday to address questions from the media and general public. Events will also be held in Edmonton and Calgary at the same time.

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