I would like to take a stab at this. First, I'd like to remark that you and I have something in common. I am from Montreal. I live in Montreal and I practise in Montreal, but I'm also a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and have pleaded in Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Brampton, and other parts of Ontario in every level of court, as well as every level of court in Quebec.
Access to justice has become a cliché. Let's back up a bit and address part of what the cliché tries to encapsulate.
Not so long ago, all the laws of Canada, of the federal Government of Canada, fit in my bookcase on one shelf. Now I would need a bookcase that reaches the ceiling—