In this episode of Let’s Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with four executive directors of legal guidance organizations across Alberta to discuss access to justice, the need to provide free or low-cost legal advice and representation, and why we need to influence broader systemic change. Many thanks to our guests, Executive Director of Calgary Legal Guidance Lisa Stebbins, Executive Director of Edmonton Community Legal Centre Debbie Klein, Executive Director of Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic Kathy Parsons, and Executive Director of Lethbridge Legal Guidance Society Carrie Larson.
Podcast
Episode 36: Legal Help, Lasting Change
27 August 2025
Published 27 August 2025
Last Updated 27 August 2025
How are Alberta’s legal clinics stepping up to meet rising demand with limited resources?
Why is free, trauma-informed legal support a critical part of reducing poverty?
In this episode of Let's Talk Poverty, Jaclyn Silbernagel sits down with four executive directors of legal guidance organizations across Alberta to discuss access to justice, the need to provide free or low-cost legal advice and representation, and why we need to influence broader systemic change. Many thanks to our guests, Executive Director of Calgary Legal Guidance Lisa Stebbins, Executive Director of Edmonton Community Legal Centre Debbie Klein, Executive Director of Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic Kathy Parsons, and Executive Director of Lethbridge Legal Guidance Society Carrie Larson.
In this episode
- Learn about how accessible, affordable legal services are essential for people living in poverty who often face legal barriers without representation.
- Insight into how legal issues intersect with housing, income insecurity, and health, and how systemic advocacy is key to long-term solutions.
- Learn that while the demand for legal services continues to grow, resources often do not keep pace, and there is a need for sustained investment in access-to-justice infrastructure.
Three key takeaways
- Each executive director shared how their organization tailors services based on local needs, whether urban or rural, highlighting the importance of flexible, community-informed legal aid.
- Legal services must be not only accessible but also safe and respectful for marginalized populations, including Indigenous clients, immigrants, and those with complex trauma histories.
- Despite challenges, the dedication of staff and volunteers is a recurring theme, where many stay in the work because they see firsthand how life-changing accessible legal aid can be.
About Carrie Larson
Carrie Larson has been the Executive Director of Lethbridge Legal Guidance (LLG) since 2015, following three years serving as Community Program Manager. Under Carrie’s leadership, LLG’s Clinic has grown substantially, with the development of new programs in Paralegal Immigration Services, Indigenous focused services, and Public Legal Education. Carrie successfully navigated LLG through several crises, including a devastating critical incident in 2022. Carrie brings quiet leadership and understanding of her team’s unique individual strengths to her role.
About Debbie Klein
Debbie Klein has worked in the delivery of free community-based legal services since 1990—at the Society for the Retired and Semi-Retired (now SAGE), at Credit Counselling Services of Alberta (now Money Mentors), and as the Executive Director of the Edmonton Community Legal Centre since 2008.
Under Debbie's leadership, the Edmonton Community Legal Centre has grown from a small agency of nine staff providing primarily residential tenancy and employment law services, to its current staff complement of 35 including nine staff lawyers providing services in family, civil, immigration law, and social benefits advocacy to 42,000 Albertans annually living in Edmonton and throughout Northern Alberta.
About Kathy Parsons
Kathy Parsons has been involved with the Central Alberta Legal Clinic Foundation for over 17 years, with a background in management, marketing and public relations. Over this time, she has contributed significantly to the agency's growth, expanding from four staff members to 18, serving numerous areas of the province with summary legal advice appointments, follow-up legal assistance, and support from advocates in tenancy and immigration. In 2010, she began the long journey to improving access to justice in rural Alberta communities, a focus and passion that remains to this day. In 2023, Kathy received the Alberta Community Justice Award for Innovation.
About Lisa Stebbins
Lisa is currently Executive Director at Calgary Legal Guidance and holds a Masters degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Prior to 2025, Lisa held numerous positions at Carya (formerly Calgary Family Services) spanning over 24 years, including Chief Program Officer, Director of Multigenerational Wellness in Community, Director of Homecare Operations and Human Resources Manager. From 2013 – 2015, Lisa worked as an independent consultant providing expertise in human resource management, policy development and organizational effectiveness to diverse clients ranging from start-up oil and gas service companies to First Nations communities. Lisa is an appointed Public Member to the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta and the City of Calgary’s Social Wellbeing Advisory Committee. Lisa was a catalyst in the creation of Healthy Aging Alberta (HAA) and served as a member of the HAA Community Leadership Council for over five years. With a keen interest in policy development, community initiatives and non-profit leadership, Lisa is passionate about community-based services and ensuring that the non-profit sector can adapt to the emerging needs of Albertans.
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