Four legal associations in Alberta collaborated on Thursday to accuse Justice Minister Tyler Shandro of "refusal" and playing politics in a recent meeting regarding compensation for legal aid services.

Shandro met on Monday with members of the Criminal Defence Lawyers' Association (Calgary, CDLA), the Criminal Trial Lawyers' Association (Edmonton, CTLA), the Southern Alberta Defence Lawyers' Association (SADL), and the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (RDCDLA).

They jointly claim they are treated as if they are "selling tools for a meager wage."

A letter signed by the four presidents stated that "we quickly realized we were the only ones willing to speak frankly about access to justice in Alberta."

Shandro’s spokesperson had a different view of the meeting. Press secretary Joseph Dow told CTV News Edmonton: "The Government of Alberta found the meeting respectful and appreciated the arguments presented by all four associations."

The lawyers are demanding an "immediate increase in the legal aid budget and a tangible commitment to fair compensation."

Dow suggested that no changes will be made until the "2023 budget process," which he admitted is a point of disagreement between the parties.

He said, "The Government of Alberta is committed to meeting with the four associations again in the near future." After the meeting, the lawyers voted to extend their job action until September 2 by refusing to accept any new files requiring "bail services only" and "standby counsel services in the courtroom."