Our model is based on the existing model in Quebec, which is called the Centres de justice de proximité. Quebec currently has about nine centres. In 2012 and 2013 when we were examining the feasibility of opening such a centre, the Ottawa Legal Information Centre, studies were done to see if the centre would offer legal information or advice. It is proven that legal information does help an individual who is facing a legal issue. At this centre we limit the information to legal information.
If we take the example of Béatrice coming into the centre, she would meet with a lawyer for half an hour and receive legal information. What do I mean by this? She receives explanations on the law. If she's facing a family law issue, we'll speak about children, custody, and access to her children. We'll explain to her in simple terminology her housing issue and her employment issue. She receives this information and can then navigate the system by herself.
If she decides to see a lawyer and seek legal advice, she would be saving her time in terms of being better prepared for her meeting with the lawyer. She is also saving court time. If she does decide to self-represent before the court, she is better prepared and has the documents in hand, thus saving the province and the country money. About 90% of the individuals who visit the Ottawa Legal Information Centre are self-represented litigants. I'm sure you've seen the studies indicating that about 50% to 60% of litigants are self-represented.