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.

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, fair 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 your union, 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.  

The terms of the settlement deliver tangible gains for members impacted by the Program pause, and delivers these gains at the earliest possible opportunity.

This is a strong settlement that demonstrates what we can achieve by working together as a union. 

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 meaningful 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 your union and individual members advocated consistently with stakeholders.  

Your union also has a responsibility to use members’ dues strategically – to fight where we can win meaningful improvements, and to avoid risking everything on uncertain outcomes.  

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 mediation and the resulting settlement provide 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. Your union, 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?

 

The AJC cannot settle individual grievances without the consent of each affected member.  

Because the current settlement secures the strongest possible result for the membership, the AJC will no longer provide support or representation for individual grievances related to the Program pause.  

Members retain the right to pursue their grievance independently through the internal grievance process directly with the Employer. Members who do not wish to accept the terms of the settlement may choose to keep their grievance active, but some of the settlement terms will not apply.  

The AJC recommends accepting the terms of settlement.  

LP-01s with grievances should review the information provided to them by email to review their options in detail. If you are an LP-01 and have misplaced the email, please contact your union to request a copy.