Legal aid lawyers begin weeklong strike in regions of Quebec

Legal aid lawyers in four regions of Quebec are currently on strike, demanding equal pay to Crown prosecutors. The collective agreement for legal aid lawyers in Quebec expired three years ago, leading to the ongoing strike. Legal aid lawyers represent clients who cannot afford private counsel, and the strike has already delayed 230 criminal and youth cases in Quebec City.

The unions hope to avoid a longer strike that could negatively impact vulnerable clients, including those with mental health issues, students, seniors, and low-income individuals. The government has offered a 14.5% increase over four years, while Crown prosecutors received a 17% increase.