Montreal, June 10, 2022 - Option consommateurs is delighted with the adoption of the Act to improve access to justice by increasing the availability of free or low-cost legal services (Bill 34), which will make a significant contribution to improving access to justice.
This law, sponsored by Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette, will enable lawyers working for non-profit organizations, such as Option consommateurs, to provide legal advice and representation to people in need, and not just legal information, as is currently the case.
"For many consumers who contact us, the legal information we provide is sufficient to help them obtain a solution to their dispute with a merchant. However, we realize that many of them would need more advanced legal services, legal advice or representation, which this law will enable us to provide. It's a great step forward for access to justice," enthuses Christian Corbeil, General Manager ofOption consommateurs.
The law will also provide better support for consumers in asserting their rights, particularly in court. Many of them currently shy away from the complexity of these procedures.
Option consommateurs underlines the work of parliamentarians from all parties who reached a consensus and enabled the law to be passed quickly at the very end of the parliamentary session.
"We will be closely monitoring the implementation of this law, and hope to be consulted as part of the regulatory rollout, to ensure that it effectively expands the legal services available to Quebec consumers, and that adequate funding is dedicated to the organizations that provide these services," concludes Corbeil.
About Option consommateurs
Option consommateurs is a non-profit association whose mission is to defend the rights and interests of consumers. It focuses on issues related to personal finance, business practices, financial services, privacy, energy, debt and access to justice.
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For more information or an interview :
Marie-Ève Dumont, Communications Consultant
514-777-6133
