Since the Department of Justice announced it was pausing the LP-01 Training and Development Program earlier this year, members of the Association of Justice Counsel took decisive action and filed an unprecedented 248 individual grievances. The union has also initiated a judicial review application and a policy grievance in support of members' rights. 

“The government’s decision to suspend the LP-01 program is more than a cost-cutting measure,” says Association president Gregory Harlow. “It is a breach of trust, an abuse of authority, and an attack on fairness for our members – and it also risks hollowing out the legal capacity needed to serve Canadians.”  

The Department of Justice’s LP-01 Training and Development Program was launched in October 2020 to ensure legal practitioners are trained and promoted consistently, fairly and transparently.  

The program was suspended without consultation, with Justice citing cuts directed by the Carney government. The move disproportionately affects young lawyers and is stalling their career prospects – even though many members in the program completed program requirements and earned their promotions. Approximately 64 percent of LP-01s are women. 

The judicial review application seeks to challenge the pause as an abuse of discretion and authority contrary to the Financial Administration Act and administrative law principles. The application also seeks the program’s reinstatement. The policy grievance asserts that in suspending the program without notice or consultation, the employer acted in bad faith, unfairly and unreasonably, and in a discriminatory manner.  

LP-01s should continue to keep their Workplans up to date and to follow steps to document time spent on their LP-01 Workplan. The Workplan template is available on the Department of Justice intranet site.  

The Association’s frequently asked questions guide is available on the AJC website for more information for members on the LP-01 program pause.  

The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) is the union defending Canada’s legal team. Our 3,500+ members are Federal Crown Counsel and articling students employed by the Government of Canada in the Department of Justice, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and in various federal agencies, tribunals and courts across Canada.