Article content continued

They are also prohibited from practising “at the bar of any court of civil or criminal jurisdiction in Saskatchewan.” Nor can they “sue out any writ or process,” or “commence, carry on or defend any action or proceeding in any court.”

The Law Society asked for a court injunction restraining Zielke from practising law, which Queen’s Bench Justice Brian Scherman granted on July 11. Scherman rejected Zielke’s arguments that sections of the Summary Offences Procedure Act, the Small Claims Act and the Criminal Code, which permit individuals to be represented by “agents,” allow him to do as he has been doing.

Zielke referred to the court decision as an attempt to “oust me as an advocate for justice.” He said he intends to seek an appeal, in which he will continue to represent himself, and is preparing the necessary documents.

Zielke said in the meantime he will continue his advocacy work, but without payment, since he believes the injunction only prohibits him from doing the work for a fee.

Justice advocacy is one of several of Zielke’s pursuits. He also operates an auto repair business and a digital media services company. In the last civic election, he made an unsuccessful bid for councillor in Ward 2.

Zielke said he got into justice advocacy after seeing ordinary people, especially immigrants and refugees, “falling through the cracks.”

“It’s a very intimidating process,” he said of court and quasi-judicial proceedings, adding that often people in traffic or small claims court appear without representation, either because they can’t afford a lawyer or because lawyers aren’t interested in handling those cases. Without his help, people who don’t know the system are left to navigate it on their own, Zielke said.