Issue

Increase in legal aid eligibility thresholds

Between 2006 and 2010, the Québec government increased the eligibility thresholds for legal aid. The thresholds set the maximum amount a person can earn while still remaining eligible for free or contributory legal services. This helped bring the thresholds into line with current earnings, following a 20-year freeze on the thresholds for a single person and a 10-year freeze on the thresholds for other categories of beneficiaries.

Starting on January 1, 2011, the eligibility thresholds have been indexed annually.

Further increase scheduled for June 1, 2012

The Minister of Justice has announced a further increase in the legal aid eligibility thresholds, to take effect on June 1, 2012. The threshold for free legal aid will increase by 1.65% annually, and for contributory legal aid, by 10.5% annually. Over time, and taking into account both the new annual indexation (estimated at 2% annually) and the further increase, the draft regulation will result in an 11.5% increase in the threshold for free legal aid, and a 43% increase in the threshold for contributory legal aid.

Press Release (in French)

Free legal aid	Contributory legal aid

For any question regarding legal aid, visit the website of the Commission des services juridiques .

For more information
Press Release (in French)
Legal aid eligibility thresholds for gratuitous services
Legal aid eligibility thresholds with contribution
Legal Aid Act and the provision of certain other legal services
Report by the Working Group on reform of the legal aid system in Québec (in French)

Latest update: November 22, 2011