The first joint conference of the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario (AJEFO) and the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Alberta (AJEFA) is taking place this weekend in Canmore, Alberta . This event highlights the challenges and advances in access to justice in both official languages.
The summit brings together key figures from the justice system, such as jurists, judges, lawyers and law students.
It is a unique opportunity to strengthen their ties and share their experiences, according to Me Elsy Gagné, president of theAJEFA. By working together, we can better understand and overcome the obstacles we face
she confides.
An inspiring presence
The Honorable Anna Loparco, Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, is invited as mistress of ceremonies for the conference. It’s a great honor to be here
she confides.
As chair of the French committee of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, she has worked to improve access to justice in French since 2020. Our court has made considerable efforts to improve access to justice in French
she believes.
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The Honorable Anna Loparco, judge at the Court of King’s Bench, is not French-speaking by birth. Instead, she describes herself as a Francophile who is passionate about language.
Photo: Radio-Canada
The journey of Judge Loparco, of Italian origin and passionate Francophile, is an inspiring example for many jurists. Her personal and professional experiences have made her aware of linguistic issues.
I understand the importance of linguistic rights for litigants.
More business in French
Participants discuss the types of cases handled in French. We are observing an increase in cases in French, particularly in criminal law and family law. We must be ready as an institution to welcome and process these requests
confides Judge Loparco.
Moreover, the president of theAJEFO,Me Vicky M. Ringuette, recalls that it is crucial that litigants can present themselves in the official language of their choice. This builds confidence in the justice system and ensures a better understanding of procedures
she assures.
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The first joint conference of the Association of French-speaking jurists of Ontario (AJEFO) and the Association of French-speaking jurists of Alberta (AJEFA) marks a historic turning point for justice in French in Canada .
Photo: Radio-Canada
The challenges and issues of access to justice in French are similar in Alberta and Ontario according to the two presidents.
For mee Vicky M. Ringuette, linguistic diversity is an asset for the judicial system. Having bilingual judges is essential to guarantee fair justice
she says.
Litigants must be able to express themselves in the language in which they are most comfortable.
Train the new generation
The role of young lawyers is also crucial for the future of justice in French. We must encourage young lawyers to get involved in the defense of linguistic rights because they are the future defenders of justice in French.
insists Judge Loparco.
To further encourage the participation of young students, initiatives have been put in place to welcome them to the congress. We facilitated their partnership with us this year to increase their presence
specifies Me Elsy Gagne.
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Me Elsy Gagné and Me Vicky M. Ringuette hope that this joint congress will encourage other organizations and associations of French-speaking jurists across the country to follow this example.
Photo: Radio-Canada
This direct interaction with practicing professionals provides students with valuable practical experience and may motivate them to pursue a career in French-speaking law. At that age, we like meeting judges, we like touching them, talking to them, saying “there you go, you know me”
she adds.
Caroline Magnan, professor of law, plays a central role in promoting justice in French, by contributing to the creation of a certificate intended for law students from various universities, including the University of Alberta and the Université from Ottawa.
This innovative program is attracting more and more students, many of whom are not native French speakers. By offering a year of legal training in French, the program helps these students acquire the specialized language necessary to effectively practice law in Canada’s two official languages.
Claim your rights
One of the fundamental aspects of promoting linguistic rights is public education, including that of English speakers, according to Mr.e Vicky M. Ringuette.
It is crucial to claim these rights, as failure to do so can result in their loss.
People really need to have the courage to request legal services in French, even if this may cause delays.
, she insists. This requirement should not be seen as an obstacle, but as an affirmation of essential rights, according to her.
With inspiring figures like Judge Loparco and initiatives like this joint conference, the two presidents believe that the future of justice in French in Canada is promising.
By continuing to promote linguistic rights and strengthening training and collaboration, French-speaking jurists contribute to a fairer and more equitable judicial system for all, according to them.
