Grant Recipients Announced for Beverley McLachlin Access to Justice Fund
In a significant step toward enhancing access to justice across Canada, the Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin Access to Justice Fund has revealed its latest round of grant recipients. A total of $729,609 has been awarded to five organizations nationwide, supporting innovative projects designed to improve legal access and services for Canadians.
Among the recipients, the University of New Brunswick received $57,500 to bolster the New Brunswick Advisory Committee on Access to Justice. This committee is dedicated to advancing access to justice initiatives within the province, focusing on addressing gaps in legal services and education.
While specific details about the remaining four recipients are not yet disclosed, the McLachlin Fund is known for backing a diverse array of projects. These typically include initiatives that enhance legal service delivery, provide educational resources, and tackle barriers faced by marginalized communities in the legal system.
The fund, established in honor of former Chief Justice of Canada Beverley McLachlin, aims to promote justice accessibility through financial support. It seeks out projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and the potential for meaningful impact on access to justice issues.
This announcement follows previous grant rounds. In 2023, the fund awarded seven grants totaling $543,500, while in 2022, five organizations received funding. These efforts reflect the fund’s ongoing commitment to addressing systemic legal challenges.
As of 2022, the McLachlin Fund has raised $7 million toward its $10 million fundraising goal. By supporting organizations that pioneer new approaches to legal access, the fund continues to play a pivotal role in fostering a more equitable justice system for all Canadians.
Supporting Innovation in Access to Justice
The Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin Access to Justice Fund has consistently prioritized projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and the potential to create meaningful change in the legal system. This latest round of funding reflects that commitment, with $729,609 distributed to five organizations across Canada. These grants are designed to support a wide range of initiatives, from legal education and service delivery to addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.
The University of New Brunswick’s $57,500 grant will specifically support the New Brunswick Advisory Committee on Access to Justice. This committee plays a crucial role in identifying gaps in legal services and developing strategies to address them. By funding such initiatives, the McLachlin Fund is helping to ensure that Canadians have better access to the legal resources they need.
While the specific details of the other four recipients have not been disclosed, the fund’s track record suggests that the projects will align with its mission of fostering a more equitable justice system. Previous grants have supported organizations working on innovative solutions, such as virtual legal clinics, community-based legal education programs, and initiatives aimed at reducing barriers for Indigenous communities, racialized groups, and other underserved populations.
The McLachlin Fund’s focus on innovation and scalability ensures that the projects it supports have the potential to make a lasting impact. By funding initiatives that can be replicated or expanded, the fund is helping to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial grant recipients. This approach is particularly important in addressing the complex and interconnected challenges within Canada’s legal system.
In addition to its financial support, the McLachlin Fund plays a vital role in raising awareness about access to justice issues. By amplifying the work of its grant recipients, the fund helps to highlight the importance of ensuring that all Canadians can navigate the legal system effectively, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As the fund continues to work toward its $10 million fundraising goal, having already raised $7 million as of 2022, it remains a cornerstone of efforts to improve access to justice in Canada. The latest round of grants is a testament to the fund’s enduring commitment to this critical mission.

Conclusion
The announcement of the latest grant recipients from the Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin Access to Justice Fund marks another significant milestone in the pursuit of equitable legal access for all Canadians. With $729,609 awarded to five organizations, including the University of New Brunswick’s $57,500 grant, the fund continues to support innovative projects that address systemic barriers in the legal system. By prioritizing innovation, scalability, and meaningful impact, the McLachlin Fund remains a cornerstone in the effort to create a more equitable justice system. As the fund progresses toward its $10 million goal, its ongoing commitment to access to justice ensures that Canadians from all walks of life will have better access to the legal resources they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Beverley McLachlin Access to Justice Fund?
The fund is established in honor of former Chief Justice of Canada Beverley McLachlin, aiming to promote justice accessibility through financial support for innovative projects.
How are grants awarded by the McLachlin Fund?
Grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and potential for meaningful impact on access to justice issues.
Who are the latest grant recipients?
The University of New Brunswick received $57,500, while details of the other four recipients have not been disclosed yet.
How is the McLachlin Fund financed?
The fund has raised $7 million as of 2022, with a goal of reaching $10 million.
How can I stay updated on the fund’s activities?
Visit the official website or follow trusted legal news sources for updates on grant recipients and the fund’s mission.