Paralegals first became a regulated proffesion in Ontario in 2008. Over the past fourteen years, Paralegals have been working hard and built many advocacy agencies. The ultimate goal of these agencies being to represent our interests as well as those of the general public. Some examples of things we have been given are.
1) Becoming a Commissioner of Oaths by appointment, by licensing status, a notary by appointment, and then by licensing.
2) Having the Lawyer Referral Service, become the Law Society Referral Service and include paralegals.
3) Giving Paralegals the same rights as lawyers in court.
4) Allowing Paralegals more areas of practice.
The one thing Paralegals have been trying to gain over the past 14+ years is Family Law. In 2018, proposal was given allowing paralegals for family law with certain conditions including a special license. Over the past four years, there have been many attempts by paralegal benchers to bring this topic back up and allow implement the proposal.
This would help all persons in the family court. Especially people who are not eligible for legal aid but cannot afford the high fees of private lawyers.
Personally, I look forward to taking this course and be able to help more people and clients of both THE PARENTS AID SOCIETY.