The Northwest Territories Law Foundation was established pursuant to Part VII of the Legal Profession Act for the purpose of receiving the interest which banks must pay on client's funds held by lawyers in mixed trust accounts. It is similar in form to Law Foundations established in most provinces.
Objectives
The objects of the Law Foundation are to use the funds collected in this manner to provide funding in the following areas:
- Conducting research into and recommending reform of law and the administration of justice;
- establishing, maintaining and operating law libraries;
- contributing to the legal education and knowledge of members and the people of the Territories and providing programs and facilities for that purpose;
- providing assistance to legal aid programs and programs of a similar nature;
- contributing to the Assurance Fund; and
- doing all other things that are, in the opinion of the board, incidental or conducive to the attainment of these objects.
Administration
The Foundation is administered by a Board of Directors consisting of five members; four being members of the Law Society and appointed by the Executive of the Law Society and one who is not a member of the Law Society and who is appointed by the Commissioner. The Directors serve for a term of two years.
The Directors meet as required to decide on policy matters and to deal with the general administration of the Foundation including policy as to the collection and investment of funds. A "grant meeting" is held once per year to consider all requests for funding for that fiscal year.
Administration and management services are provided through an Executive Manager who is engaged on a contract basis.
Grant Information and Application Forms
The NWT Law Foundation has funds available to assist groups who have projects that fall within the objectives listed above.
Groups are encouraged to apply for funding. Please see the attached Guidelines and (fillable) Application Form. Please read the guidelines carefully as incomplete applications will not be considered.
The deadline date date is March 31st of each year.
Grant applications are usually considered once per year after March 31st, however applications may be considered throughout the year if your project falls outside of this time frame. Please contact the Executive Manager before submitting your application.
Wendy Carter, Executive Manager
NWT Law Foundation
P.O. Box 2594
5212 – 55th Street
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P9
Tel: (867) 873-8275
Fax: (867) 873-6383
action@theedge.ca
John U. Bayly, Q.C. Memorial Fund
A fund in the memory of the late John U. Bayly, Q.C., a prominent member of the NWT Bar for 30 years, has been established in conjunction with the NWT Law Foundation. The fund is to encourage and facilitate the development of mediation skills. An award of $1,000 will be given out annually to an applicant chosen by the Bayly family and the Board of Directions of the NWT Law Foundation. The recipient must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident member in good standing of the NWT Bar;
- Be desirous of improving their skills in the area of mediation and have demonstrated an interest in matters relating to the advancement of mediation;
- Commit to use the funds to complete training in mediation skills within one (1) year of being awarded;
Applicants are invited to submit an application which should include details of the applicant's interest in mediation and why they should be chosen, along with details of the course they which to attend. The application, together with a resume, can be submitted to the NWT Law Foundation.
The application deadline is December 31st of the current year. Funds will be disbursed upon completion of the mediation course.
Scholarships for Law Students From the Northwest Territories
The NWT Law Foundation/Graeme Garson Scholarship Fund offers grants to NWT students attending Law School and will financially assist those students with debt reduction or supplement their income when they return to the NWT to work during articles and to continue to practice in the NWT for a total of 2 years after law school.
For qualified applicants the NWT Law Foundation/Graeme Garson Scholarship Fund will award $2000.00 per year for three years while attending law school and is not repayable.
When the student secures an articling position in the NWT and if they continue to work in the area of law in the NWT for an additional year after articles the Fund will assist them in the amount of $7000.00 per year for two years, for an overall commitment of $20,000 per student.
The Fund is open to those able to demonstrate some distinct and valuable commitment or dedication to the NWT and its people. This may be accomplished by any one or more of the following:
- Residency in the NWT for at least 3 years
- Attendance at a secondary school in the NWT
- Intention to return to the NWT after their education is complete
- Involvement in community activities
- Leadership qualities
- Other criteria as determined by the Law Foundation’s Board of Directors
- Academic standing
Please use the attached (fillable) Application Form. Please contact the Executive Manager to discuss your application.
Application Deadline: April 15th of each year.