New non-profit aiming to help educate Calgarians about justice system, legal support
A new non-profit organization that aims to help people access support and resources to learn more about the justice system and legal issues is preparing to open its doors in Calgary.
The ABC Foundation held an event to launch the initiative on Saturday morning.
“We realize that there is a lack of resources that's available now. And the institutions that there are, there are some barriers, that do not allow those individuals to have those accesses,” Angeline Lal, the founding director of ABC Foundation, said.
“So looking at the fact that those barriers exist, we're looking to fill in those gaps.”
Lal said the ABC Foundation envisions a future where Canadians have the tools and resources to navigate any legal situations they may encounter.
“We are essentially hoping that within the next year, there is nobody who's going to be in Calgary that will be like, ‘Well, where do we find a lawyer? Or how do we deal with something that that's happening?’” she said.
“So our offices, this is what our mandate is, is to ensure that we don't turn anyone away and that everybody has access to justice or any other resources that they may need.”
Alberta Justice Minister of Justice Mickey Amery was on hand on Saturday morning to help launch the foundation.
“We know that … there's so much more to justice than prisons and prosecutions. And we want to make sure that we support all of the not-for-profits and agencies all across this province, that are doing things to help address justice in different ways,” he said.
The ABC Foundation is opening its office to the public on Monday. The non-profit is hoping to assist around 1,500 to 2,000 people within the next year.
Lal said amplifying marginalized voices and helping vulnerable people is part of the organization’s focus, regardless of any language or systemic barriers.
With files from CTV News Calgary's Tyler Barrow
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.