FAQ – General Information on the LP-01 Program Pause Settlement with the Department of Justice


This FAQ provides an overview of the settlement reached following the pause of the LP-01 Training and Development Program, as well as what it means for you as an LP-01.

In a victory for LP-01 members, the AJC has reached a settlement with the Department of Justice on the LP-01 Training and Development Program Pause. The settlement delivers an outcome that includes the Department of Justice’s stated goal to relaunch the Program by April 1, 2027; priority promotion for LP-01s eligible for promotion in August 2025; and compensation.

The AJC achieved the settlement in less than 8 months. By comparison, LP-01 members could have been waiting until at least 2028 for a decision from the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board or the Federal Court – for significantly less favourable outcomes than those gained by the settlement.

Through its legal and advocacy efforts, and with sustained advocacy from both the AJC and individual members with stakeholders, the AJC and the Employer came to the table, where the AJC secured a strong, certain and timely outcome for LP-01 members. 

What is the settlement about?

 

In July 2025, the Department of Justice Canada announced it would pause the LP-01 Training and Development Program, negatively impacting the careers of hundreds of AJC members.

The LP-01 Training and Development Program generally provided a timely, and consistent approach to LP-01 career growth and promotions. The Program also helped ensure Canada consistently built and sustained a talented, competent legal workforce. Prior to the Program, and particularly during periods of government restraint, LP-01s could face career stagnation and the risk of reduced lifetime earnings, weakening both individual development and institutional capacity.

Together, we took quick action with a comprehensive strategy to fight the Program pause. The AJC initiated legal tactics including filing an Unfair Labour Practice complaint, a Judicial Review application, and a policy grievance. More than 250 members filed individual grievances. AJC’s volunteer Governing Council members, individual members, and staff engaged  in an advocacy campaign. The advocacy campaign included lobbying members of Parliament and meeting senior Justice officials to communicate the value of the Program and the negative impact of this pause. Across the AJC, members came together to stand up for themselves and their colleagues in creative ways.

Thanks to our combined efforts, the AJC  has settled the Unfair Labour Practice complaint, the Judicial Review application, and the policy grievance relating to the pause of the LP-01 Training and Development Program. The AJC also negotiated terms for members to resolve their individual grievances related to the Program.  

What are the settlement terms?

 

The settlement terms are confidential and have been provided directly to LP-01 members by email. If you are an LP-01 and did not receive or have misplaced the email, please contact your union to request a copy. 

Why did the AJC agree to this settlement?

 

The AJC agreed to the settlement because it delivers substantive gains for LP-01 members at the earliest possible opportunity.  

Together, we took quick action with a comprehensive strategy to fight the Program pause. The AJC initiated legal tactics including the Unfair Labour Practice complaint, Judicial Review application, and the policy grievance. More than 250 members filed individual grievances, and the AJC and individual members advocated consistently with stakeholders.  

The AJC also has a responsibility to use members’ dues strategically – to fight where we can be certain to win measurable results. We carefully assessed the facts of the issue and the legal options available, including proceeding before the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Board and the Court with the Judicial Review. After thorough consideration of all options, the AJC determined that the negotiated settlement provides the strongest possible outcome at the earliest possible opportunity for LP-01s, with concrete remedies for members.  

 

Who approved the settlement?

 

The AJC supports the settlement and has signed the agreement. The AJC, through the Representation Committee, has the authority to settle the Judicial Review, Unfair Labour Practice complaint, and policy grievance. Based on careful evaluation, the Representation Committee determined that the settlement is in the best interests of the membership.

What is the status of the Unfair Labour Practice complaint, the Judicial Review, and the policy grievance?  

 

The AJC will withdraw the Unfair Labour Practice complaint, the Judicial Review, and the policy grievance which relate to the Program pause.   

What happens with the individual grievances?

 

Information regarding settlement terms for individual grievances has been shared directly with LP-01 members concerned. If members do not wish to accept the proposed settlement terms, they may choose to pursue their grievance independently through the internal process with the Employer. As this settlement reflects the strongest overall outcome for the membership, the AJC recommends accepting the terms of the settlement.