Ottawa, October 26, 2026 - The Association of Justice Counsel (AJC) is moving forward with preparations for this round of collective bargaining, following productive meetings of its Negotiating Committee over the past few weeks. With negotiations scheduled to begin on December 8, the Committee is working to bring forward a comprehensive, evidence-based set of proposals that reflects the priorities of LP members.

The meeting brought together Committee members for substantive discussions about the challenges facing federal Crown counsel and the improvements needed in their collective agreement. The discussions focused on approaching negotiations strategically, with an eye to securing meaningful improvements in this round while laying the groundwork for stronger working conditions in the years ahead.

A key part of this work involves examining where the current collective agreement has fallen behind those of comparable groups of lawyers. The Committee has identified provisions in other agreements that more directly recognize the nature of legal work and the working conditions of the professionals performing it. This analysis, alongside the development of comprehensive new proposals that are focused on members’ priorities, is helping build a well-supported case for improvements at the bargaining table.

“Throughout the process, our Committee worked through the issues collaboratively, with decisions guided by discussion and consensus,” said Gregory Harlow, AJC President and Chair of the Negotiating Committee. “As a result, our members have a strong, united and committed team representing them at the table.”

That unity matters. Drawing on different perspectives and experiences from across the LP group, the Committee is working toward a common objective: a stronger collective agreement that better reflects the work LPs do and the conditions under which they do it.

The Committee will meet again on October 30 and at several points leading up to the first bargaining session with the employer on December 8. These meetings will allow the team to refine proposals and prepare to present them with the evidence and arguments needed to support members' priorities.

Stand Together in Bargaining

A united membership strengthens the Committee's position at the bargaining table and reinforces the importance of securing a collective agreement that reflects the value of the work federal Crown counsel perform.

Members are encouraged to stay engaged and show their support through the #TogetherInBargaining campaign.

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, notaries 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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