Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette has announced an agreement with the Chambre des notaires and the Barreau du Québec worth $80 million until 2029 to give Quebecers better access to justice.
The money will be used to help people who represent themselves alone in court - a phenomenon that is on the increase.
“In the current context ... rapid access to the advice of a lawyer or notary and to legal information is becoming essential,” said a news release.
“Teams of lawyers from the community justice centres will be deployed in several courthouses in Quebec to help and support citizens when and where they need it.”
Priority will be given to family, civil and youth protection cases, “the areas where self-representation is most common.”
The agreement will also enable more lawyers and notaries to be deployed in community organizations “to improve the front-line services on offer.”
“For example, there will be organizations that defend the rights of consumers or tenants, or that support victims or offer services to families and children,” the news release states.
A call for projects promoting access to justice is also being launched.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French April 15, 2025.
