With some federal departments announcing another wave of Workforce Adjustment this month, the Association of Justice Counsel remains steadfast in its advocacy and support for its 3,500 members.  

One thing is clear: the federal government and Canada's democracy cannot function without an adequately resourced LP workforce. When governments cut legal professionals, they cut access to justice, they impede on the proper implementation of the rule of law and they put at risk the very systems Canadians depend on to ensure fairness, accountability and public safety.  

The union also stands in solidarity with thousands of colleagues across the federal public service who recently received affected notices.  These notices are destabilizing for individuals, forcing people to make serious career and life decisions under pressure and uncertainty. 

In June 2025, 27 AJC members received notifications of affected status; seven members remain in the WFA process today.  

No matter what lies ahead, the AJC will continue to support and advocate for its members – the public servants who deliver justice.  

WHAT THE AJC IS DOING 

From the first WFA notices in 2025 and then the onset of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review, the AJC has not stopped meeting with the employer, lobbying decision-makers, and helping affected members navigate WFA. 

Holding departments accountable 
In meetings with department officials and by representing members on WFA committees, AJC has ensured that members’ rights under WFA are respected – and that the employer meets its legal and moral obligations to AJC members who are impacted by WFA. 

Sounding the alarm on impact of cuts 
The union’s leadership continues to lobby members of Parliament and political staffers with a clear message: budget cuts and WFA are hollowing out Canada’s legal capacity and create real risks for Canadians.  

Hands-on member support 
A dedicated team of AJC Labour Relations Officers have supported affected members  - from information sessions and resources to one-on-one navigation and support through the WFA process. The union’s labour relations team is ready to extend that support to other members who may be affected by further rounds of WFA. Plus, the AJC’s WFA alternation list provides a robust network of alternation possibilities to help affected members avoid job loss.  

RECEIVING AN AFFECTED NOTICE 

Receiving a Notification of Affected Status is stressful – but AJC members are not alone in this process. If you receive a Notification of Affected Status, remember to:  

  • Read your letter carefully.
  • Ask your manager direct questions about your status.
  • Continue working and performing your duties as usual.
  • Connect with the AJC for support.  

Remember: receiving a Notification of Affected Status means a WFA process has been initiated and that your position is under review and may be impacted.  

A NOTE ON ALTERNATION 

Alternation is an effective way to help avoid job losses. It allows affected members who are opting and who wish to remain in the public service to potentially exchange positions with a non-affected member who is considering leaving. 

If you are considering leaving the federal public service, consider signing up as an alternate on available platforms, including: 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Members with questions should consult the AJC’s WFA FAQs on our website.  If you have further questions about WFA or alternation, please submit an inquiry through our website. 

 

ABOUT THE AJC 

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. 

MEDIA CONTACT 

The Communications Department 
Association of Justice Counsel 
300–2725 Queensview Drive 
Ottawa, ON, Canada 
K2B 0A1 

Phone: (613) 798-9900 
Toll-Free: (866) 218-3310 
Fax: (613) 564-0606 
Email: admin@ajc-ajj.ca 

 

 

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