Connaître ses droits — la première étape pour les défendre.
1. Why know about legal aid
Several free or low-cost legal resources exist in Quebec. Before paying a lawyer, explore these options.
2. The Legal Services Commission
Legal aid is managed by the Commission des services juridiques.
- Lawyers paid by the government
- Eligibility based on your income
- Show up with proof of income
3. Two eligibility tiers: free or with contribution
Legal aid works in two tiers. The free tier covers your fees in full if your income falls below the lower threshold.
The contributory tier asks for a contribution between $100 and $800 depending on income and case complexity — still far cheaper than a private lawyer. The Commission evaluates your eligibility for free and assigns you either a staff lawyer or a private-practice lawyer based on availability.
4. University legal clinics
Free university clinics in Montreal:
- UQAM legal clinic
- McGill Legal Information Clinic
- Pro Bono Students Canada (Université de Montréal)
5. The housing tribunal
For disputes with a landlord:
- Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL)
- Accessible without a lawyer
- Housing committees offer free support to prepare your file
6. TAL filing fees to budget for
Filing a request at the TAL is not free, but stays very affordable compared to an ordinary civil suit. Fees vary by type of request and, for rent fixation, by the monthly rent amount.
Last-resort financial assistance recipients are exempt from these fees.
In-person payments are accepted in cash, debit card, certified cheque or bank draft. By mail, only cheques and drafts are accepted.
Reach the TAL at 514 873-2245 in the Montreal area or 1 800 683-2245 elsewhere in Quebec — the tribunal commits to answering 97% of online questions within two business days.
| Type of request | Rent ≤ $350 | Rent $350–600 | Rent over $600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent fixation | $59 | $70 | $92 |
| Rent review or contestation | $59 | $70 | $92 |
| Non-payment of rent | — | — | $92 |
| Relocation indemnity, damages | — | — | $92 |
| Other general request | — | — | $92 |
| Reinstatement on the roll | — | — | $47 |
| Request to reopen a hearing | — | — | $47 |
| Conversion to co-ownership | — | — | $226 / unit |
7. Justice Pro Bono and others
- Justice Pro Bono: volunteer lawyers
- Cases handled: family, housing, debt, consumer
8. Immigration help
Organizations for immigration questions:
- TCRI (Table de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes)
- CARI Saint-Laurent, PROMIS, CSAI, and other community organizations
9. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about legal aid in Quebec: who is eligible, how long it takes to process, whether newcomers qualify, and what to do if you are refused.
Are newcomers entitled to legal aid?
Yes, in most cases. Quebec legal aid is open to anyone who lives in Quebec, regardless of immigration status, as long as the income test is met.
Asylum claimants, permanent residents, and study or work permit holders all qualify. Some immigration cases — asylum claims, sponsorship appeals, detention reviews — are explicitly covered.
How long until a lawyer is assigned to me?
It depends on urgency. For an urgent matter — eviction with hearing already scheduled, criminal arrest, child-custody emergency — the office can usually open the file the same day or within 48 hours.
For a non-urgent civil matter, plan on one to three weeks between the initial visit, the income evaluation and the lawyer assignment. If your file has a strict deadline, mention it at intake.
What if I am refused legal aid?
Three options. First, ask for a written reason for the refusal — most are based on income or case type.
Then, you can contest a refusal before the Comité de révision of the Commission des services juridiques within thirty days. Finally, apply to Justice Pro Bono or contact a university legal clinic for an initial consultation. Many lawyers also offer a first 30-minute consultation at a fixed rate via the Quebec Bar referral service.
Does legal aid cover disputes with an employer?
Partially. Legal aid covers some employment-related files, especially when they concern social-protection benefits — an unjustified Employment Insurance refusal, an appeal of a CNESST decision.
Pure wrongful-dismissal cases or contract disputes against a private employer are generally not covered. For unpaid wages or labour-standards issues, contact the CNESST directly: their complaint and recovery service is free.
10. Official sources
For official information:
- Commission des services juridiques
- Tribunal administratif du logement
- TAL — filing fees
- Justice Pro Bono
- Éducaloi — Quebec laws in plain language
11. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Community resources for newcomers in Quebec — the full directory of free aid in Quebec, including legal aid.
- Essential Quebec government websites — to access the official portals (TAL, Éducaloi) cited here directly.
- Common scams in Quebec — legal aid is also your recourse if you fall victim to fraud.
Author's Note: Knowing your rights is how you protect yourself. Quebec often protects tenants, consumers and workers better than people realize. Always verify with an official or community source.
