The members of CDAS intend to challenge the lack of government funding for Gladue Reports. We intend to argue that such under-funding is contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
We are in search of a "test case" in which to advance this argument. Preference will be given to prospective clients who:
are charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
have a limited criminal record;
have strong ties to their First Nation; and
Crown is seeking a significant jail sentence against.
CDAS has delivered a letter (attached here) to the Law Society of BC (LSBC), that sets out the lack of funding issue in detail and seeks the LSBC’s support in both funding a test case and addressing the issue with the Premier and the Minister of Justice directly. Please email Rachel at bc.cdas@gmail.com with potential test cases.