What services are covered?
Under An Act respecting legal aid and the provision of certain other legal services, legal aid will be granted for some types of services*, but not for others.
GRANTED
Family matters
Youth protection
Representing youth in criminal matters
Prosecution of a criminal act
Claims regarding benefits:
- social assistance;
- automobile insurance;
- unemployment insurance;
- workman’s compensation;
- etc.
GRANTED IN SOME CASES
In criminal matters, if the case satisfies the following conditions:
- probable prison sentence;
- loss of livelihood;
- in exceptional circumstances when it is in the interests of justice that legal aid be granted.
In administrative, civil and immigration matters, if the case satisfies the following conditions:
- threat to physical or psychological safety;
- threat to livelihood or ability to provide for basic needs;
- if freedom likely to be seriously restricted.
NEVER GRANTED
Specific cases:
- to the party initiating legal proceedings in a defamation or libel case;;
- in a case regarding an election, public consultation or referendum;
- for any motion based on Book V, Title VI, Chapter II of the Code of Civil Procedure (challenge to illegal occupation or exercise of an office);
- to the party initiating legal proceedings for a breach of promise of marriage or civil union;
- to the party initiating legal proceedings for damages for alienation of affection;
- defending a parking ticket.
_
* Some applications will be refused on the basis of criteria established by the Act.