As we enter Access to Justice Week, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what access to justice is, what the Nova Scotia justice community does to promote it, and what resources are available to our members to understand what we can all do to advance the public interest and improve the administration of justice.

Access to justice is a universal principle which outlines that citizens within a democratic society must be able to participate in the justice system to exercise their rights fully, challenge discrimination and marginalization, hold lawmakers accountable, and generally have their voices heard. For us, it is crucial that the public has access to competent lawyers, both professionally and culturally.