{"id":5105,"date":"2025-11-17T11:41:53","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T16:41:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sqdi.ca\/?page_id=5105"},"modified":"2026-04-15T16:41:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T20:41:49","slug":"class-action","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sqdi.ca\/en\/class-action-on-non-inclusive-socio-professional-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Class action lawsuit on non-inclusive socio-professional programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\">Class action on non-inclusive socio-professional programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Quebec Intellectual Disability Society (QIDS) is joining forces with people with intellectual disabilities and family members of people with intellectual disabilities to launch a class action lawsuit aimed at demanding recognition of the injustices experienced by people with intellectual disabilities or other disabilities in <strong>certain <\/strong>socio-professional programs\u2014such as <strong>sheltered workshops <\/strong>and <strong>internships in which people remain for years without pay and without the possibility of progressing to inclusive employment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/tjl.quebec\/en\/class-actions\/non-inclusive-socio-professional-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">law firm Trudel Johnston &amp; Lesp\u00e9rance (TJL)<\/a> represents and cooperates with the QIDS and other representatives in this class action against the Government of Quebec.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pourquoi-ac\">Why a class action?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">Why a class action? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>For several years, the QIDS has maintained that certain practices in non-inclusive socio\u0002professional programs in Quebec are problematic and constitute human rights violations.<\/p>\n<p>Other organizations, such as the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) and the United Nations (UN), have denounced the fact that participants in these programs are not remunerated and do not benefit from the protections usually guaranteed to workers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For example<\/strong>, the Act respecting labour standards and its regulations provide for a minimum wage to which most employees in Quebec are entitled (while specifying applicable exceptions), define the number of hours constituting a &#8220;normal week&#8221; of work depending on the sector of activity, establish overtime pay requirements, and provide for the annual leave and sick leave entitlements, among other protections.<\/p>\n<p>This differential treatment violates the <strong>right to equality<\/strong> protected by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (the Quebec Charter) and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Canadian Charter), as well as <strong>the<\/strong> <strong>right to protection against exploitation <\/strong>guaranteed by the Quebec Charter. It also violates the right of people with disabilities to work, as recognized by the United Nations Convention on the <strong>Rights of Persons with <\/strong><strong>Disabilities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, many of these programs do not provide meaningful training or facilitate participants\u2019 integration into the labour market, thereby contributing to situations of exploitation.<\/p>\n<p>For years, the QIDS\u00a0 has worked with the Quebec government to improve the situation.<\/p>\n<p>Despite commitments made by elected officials, little change has occurred in practice, even as increasing numbers of individuals have publicly denounced unpaid work situations.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">What is the purpose of this class action? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>According to the QIDS, thousands of individuals have experienced violations of their rights in non-inclusive socio-professional programs over the past three years.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A class action is a <strong>legal mechanism<\/strong> that makes it possible to:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 obtain recognition of, and put an end to, an injustice affecting a large group of individuals; and<br \/>\n\u2022 obtain compensation for the harm suffered.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In this context, the class action filed by the QIDS pursues <strong>two main objectives<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p>1. To seek compensation from the Government of Quebec for all class members for violations of their human rights;<br \/>\n2. To require the Quebec government to regulate socio-professional programs so that they respect participants\u2019 rights.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>In the longer term<\/strong>, the QIDS hopes that:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 persons with intellectual disabilities will have access to employment training programs that respect their rights and lead to employment for those who wish and are able to work;<br \/>\n\u2022 socio-professional programs will include clear training objectives, appropriate supervision, and limited duration; and<br \/>\n\u2022 the Government of Quebec will fund new forms of social participation based on choice, dignity, and respect for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, rather than solely on work.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">Why is the QIDS acting as the institutional representative for this class action? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>The QIDS decided to act as an institutional representative because thousands of persons with intellectual disabilities work in unpaid workshops, work platforms or internships without receiving fair wages or the benefits and protections normally granted to employees.<\/p>\n<p>The QIDS seeks recognition that these situations are unfair and discriminatory and aims to reform these programs so that they become <strong>more inclusive<\/strong> and <strong>respectful of participants\u2019 rights<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>By doing so, the QIDS supports persons with intellectual disabilities and their families, who should not have to confront these injustices alone. Many have already spoken publicly and participated in the QIDS&#8217; advocacy campaign.<\/p>\n<p>The time has now come to bring these stories before the Court.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"impact-org-pers\">Impact on organizations and individuals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">Is the QIDS calling for the closure of sheltered workshops and work platforms, or for internships to be abolished? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p><b>No. <\/b>The QIDS does not seek their closure. <strong>These programs may play an important role in <\/strong><strong>socio-professional training.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>However, the QIDS seeks to transform them so that they become genuinely inclusive, fair, and respectful of participants&#8217; rights.<\/p>\n<p>In its policy directions and policy asks, the QIDS calls on the government to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>review<\/b> socio-professional activities to ensure <b>fair compensation<\/b>;<\/li>\n<li>provide <strong>diversified options<\/strong> reflecting individuals\u2019 interests and abilities; and<\/li>\n<li><strong>support transitions<\/strong> toward inclusive workplaces or toward leisure and respite activities, while recognizing the active social contribution of persons with intellectual disabilities \u2014 that is, the idea that these individuals can contribute a great deal to society, rather than simply receiving assistance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In other words, the QIDS does not oppose the existence of workshops and work programs, but rather their current form where participants often work for years without pay, benefits, or legal protections normally granted to employees.<\/p>\n<p>The QIDS promotes <strong>meaningful choices<\/strong> and <strong>new opportunities<\/strong> not based exclusively on work, enabling everyone to grow, learn, and fully contribute to society.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">My organization offers socio-professional programs (workshops, internships, and others). What changes for us? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>Each organization remains responsible for complying with human rights legislation and all other applicable laws in Quebec.<\/p>\n<p>This class action does not target individual organizations. At this stage, the application for authorization does not change anything for your organization. In this class action, the QIDS is pursuing only the <strong>Government of Quebec<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>However, the QIDS advocates that organizations offering such programs receive adequate resources to ensure compliance with the law and the Charter in all aspects of their services.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">Does the QIDS want to send people who are unfit for employment home? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p><strong>No.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It is true that some people are unable to enter the labour market, even on a part-time basis and even with reasonable accommodations in the workplace. For these individuals, the QIDS considers it essential to provide satisfactory and stimulating alternatives not based on work, while respecting participants\u2019 constitutional rights and dignity.<\/p>\n<p>The QIDS notably calls for the Quebec government to fund day programs and respite services for individuals unable to access the labour market. If the government considers that these individuals cannot hold paid employment because they are not sufficiently &#8220;productive&#8221;, then the manner in which they participate in activities that constitute forms of work must be reconsidered.<\/p>\n<p>In the coming years, the QIDS intends to work on developing alternatives to existing programs for individuals who will not be able to enter the labour market.<\/p>\n<p><strong>No one should be left behind.<\/strong> Employment is not the only way to contribute to society.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"q-a\">Questions and answers about class action lawsuits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">What is a class action? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>A class action is a<strong> legal procedure<\/strong> that allows one person to bring a claim before the court on behalf of a group of individuals experiencing, or having experienced, a similar situation.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, an organization\u2014 such as the QIDS \u2014 may also institute a class action on behalf of such a group.<\/p>\n<p>It is a way of <b>defending the rights of several people at the same time<\/b>, without each person having to act alone with their own lawyer.<\/p>\n<p>It helps make justice more accessible and fairer for everyone.<\/p>\n<p>It also aims to change government practices so that things improve for everyone. When people ask for systemic change together, it is easier to convince the government to change problematic practices.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">What are the advantages of a class action? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>Class actions offer several important <strong>advantages<\/strong>. In particular, they allow for:<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Improved access to justice and reduced costs<\/strong><br \/>\nA class action enables thousands of individuals in a similar situation to assert their rights through a single representative.<br \/>\nLegal costs are shared, making legal proceedings accessible to individuals who could not otherwise pursue claims individually.<br \/>\nIn practice, members pay no fees, except for a percentage of compensation if the action succeeds.<br \/>\nMembers also benefit from a degree of anonymity compared with individual proceedings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Strength in numbers<\/strong><br \/>\nBy bringing together thousands of people in a single proceeding, a class action helps rebalance the power dynamic vis-\u00e0-vis large corporations or governments.<br \/>\nThis collective mobilization strengthens the ability of ordinary people to obtain justice and contributes to the protection of the public interest.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Concrete changes in practices<\/strong><br \/>\nClass actions often encourage organizations or governments to modify their practices.<br \/>\nWhether in response to a class action or to avoid one, the actors concerned tend to correct problematic behaviour.<br \/>\nThe very existence of a class action can increase political or financial pressure to end an unfair situation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. More efficient use of judicial resources<\/strong><br \/>\nInstead of hundreds or thousands of individual claims, a class action combines similar claims into a single proceeding.<br \/>\nThis makes the work of the courts more efficient and allows for simpler and faster management of the dispute<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">What are the different stages of a class action?  <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>Class actions proceed in <strong>three main stages:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>First stage: Application for authorization<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Before examining the merits of the case, the class action must be authorized by a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec.<br \/>\nThe organization or person filing the class action submits an Application for Authorization to Institute a Class Action. After the application is filed, the Court sets a hearing date.<\/p>\n<p>At this hearing, the judge will<strong> hear the arguments of each party<\/strong> in order to determine whether <strong>four conditions are met:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1) The issues raised are sufficiently similar to be dealt with together;<br \/>\n2) The proposed class action appears to be well founded;<br \/>\n3) The composition of the group makes individual proceedings difficult or impractical;<br \/>\n4) The person or organization representing the group is capable of adequately defending the interests of the members.<\/p>\n<p>If the Court finds that these conditions are met, it will authorize the class action and issue a written judgment that will be made public.<\/p>\n<p>The authorization stage may be brief or may take several years, depending on the complexity of the case. Once the class action has been authorized, the lawyers begin preparing the case for trial.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Second stage: trial on the merits of the case<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the second stage, the Court examines what is known as the merits of the case. The Superior Court judge examines all aspects of the case in detail, hears testimony, reviews expert reports and documentary evidence presented by counsel for each party, and hears legal arguments.<\/p>\n<p>This stage resembles any other trial, but class actions are often complex. Preparation may take several years, as the parties must gather substantial evidence to support their respective positions.<\/p>\n<p>Disagreements may arise regarding certain documents or procedural steps. In such cases, the Court may intervene. Certain decisions may also be appealed, which may result in additional delays.<\/p>\n<p>Special rules also apply to protect the interests of members, even if they do not participate directly in the trial.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Third stage: final judgment and distribution of compensation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After hearing the parties, the judge retires to write the judgment; this period is known as <strong>deliberation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If the class action is successful, the Court determines:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 The compensation that members may receive;<br \/>\n\u2022 How that compensation will be distributed.<\/p>\n<p>The distribution procedure varies depending on several factors:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 The amount to which each member may be entitled;<br \/>\n\u2022 The evidence required to establish eligibility;<br \/>\n\u2022 The costs associated with distribution.<\/p>\n<p>The Court always selects the procedure that is in the best interests of the members.<br \/>\nOnce judgment has been rendered, a party who believes it contains an error may appeal to the Quebec Court of Appeal and, if necessary, to the Supreme Court of Canada.<\/p>\n<p>Each appeal may take several years. Compensation is distributed only once all appeals have been exhausted.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>What if there is an out-of-court settlement?<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\nThe parties may reach an agreement at any stage of the legal process.<\/p>\n<p>Even if the group representative accepts the agreement, it must be submitted to a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec. The Court must verify that the agreement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the members.<\/p>\n<p>This ensures that members\u2019 rights are protected at every stage of the class action.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">Who are the members of this class action? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>The members of the class action are persons who meet the definition of the group proposed in the Application for Authorization, which must still be approved by the Superior Court of Quebec.<\/p>\n<p>The current definition of the group appears in French in the official court proceedings, as follows:<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00ab Toute personne en situation de handicap ayant particip\u00e9 \u00e0 un atelier de travail, <\/strong><strong>un plateau de travail et\/ou un stage individuel relevant, ou \u00e9tant supervis\u00e9, ou <\/strong><strong>\u00e9tant soutenu par le minist\u00e8re de la Sant\u00e9 et des Services sociaux (MSSS) et\/ou <\/strong><strong>Sant\u00e9 Qu\u00e9bec depuis le 17 novembre 2022. \u00bb<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An unofficial English translation reads as follows:<\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8220;Any person with a disability who has participated in a workshop, work platform and\/or individual internship relevant to, supervised by, or supported by the Minist\u00e8re de la Sant\u00e9 et des Services sociaux (MSSS) (the Ministry of Health and Social Services) and\/or Sant\u00e9 Qu\u00e9bec since 17 November 2022.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In other words, you may be part of the class action (be a member of this class action) if:<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; You are a person with a disability;<br \/>\nAND<br \/>\n&#8211; You have participated in a workshop, work platform, or individual internship relevant to, supervised by, or supported by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) and\/or Sant\u00e9 Qu\u00e9bec since 17 November 2022.<\/p>\n<p>Parents and family members representing these individuals may also participate in the class action and receive updates regarding its progress.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">Who is targeted by this class action? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>This class action lawsuit names the <strong>Government of Quebec<\/strong>\u2014specifically, the <strong>Attorney General<\/strong> as representative of the <strong>Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS)<\/strong> and <strong>Sant\u00e9 Qu\u00e9bec<\/strong>\u2014as defendants.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to note that the class action lawsuit <strong>does not seek to hold non-profit organizations or private companies<\/strong> legally responsible for the situations of the participants.<\/p>\n<p>According to the QIDS, the Quebec government bears the main responsibility because it designed, funded, coordinated, and maintained these programs as they currently exist, without a legal framework guaranteeing the rights and dignity of participants, despite numerous warnings issued by various organizations.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">I recognize my situation or that of a person I represent  in the description of the group: how do I become a  member of the class action? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>In Quebec, a person <strong>automatically<\/strong> becomes a member of a class action if they meet the definition of the group.<\/p>\n<p>There is therefore nothing you need to do at this stage to become a member.<\/p>\n<p>If the class action is successful, or if a settlement provides for compensation, <strong>each member will later be required to submit a claim<\/strong> if they wish to receive compensation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For now, however, no action is required.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">I recognize my situation or that of a person I represent,  but I do not wish to be part of or associated with this class action: what should I do?  <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>In Quebec, a person is <strong>automatically<\/strong> a member of a class action if they meet the definition of the group.<\/p>\n<p>Being a member of the class action <strong>does not<\/strong> require a person to:<br \/>\n\u2022 claim compensation (if applicable);<br \/>\n\u2022 participate in legal proceedings;<br \/>\n\u2022 have their name associated with the class action, unless they testify or participate actively.<\/p>\n<p>Some individuals may nevertheless wish to exclude themselves (opt out).<\/p>\n<p>The primary reason for opting out is generally to bring an individual action against the same defendant for the same alleged harm.<\/p>\n<p>If the class action is authorized, the Court will establish <strong>an opt-out period<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>A notice explaining the opt-out procedure will then be published and distributed to members<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">I would like to read the application for authorization for this class action. Is that possible? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>Yes.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Application for Authorization to Institute a Class Action<\/strong> is a public document.<\/p>\n<p>You can view it on the TJL website at the following address:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/tjl.quebec\/en\/class-actions\/non-inclusive-socio-professional-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/tjl.quebec\/en\/class-actions\/non-inclusive-socio-professional-programs\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">I would like to receive updates on the class action.  What should I do? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>If you <strong>wish to receive updates<\/strong> regarding this class action, you may <strong>complete the form <\/strong>available on the website of Trudel, Johnston and Lesp\u00e9rance, counsel for the group:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tjl.quebec\/en\/class-actions\/non-inclusive-socio-professional-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/tjl.quebec\/en\/class-actions\/non-inclusive-socio-professional-programs\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\nYou do not need to subscribe to receive updates in order to become a member of the group.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As explained above, <strong>you are automatically a member<\/strong> if you meet the definition of the group.<\/p>\n<p>You can also subscribe to the newsletter even if you are not a member of the class action.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If you have any other <strong>additional questions<\/strong>, you may contact <strong>Trudel, Johnston &amp; Lesp\u00e9rance <\/strong>using the contact information below:<\/p>\n<p><strong>750 C\u00f4te de la Place d&#8217;Armes, Suite 90<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Montr\u00e9al (Quebec) <\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>H2Y 2X8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Telephone<\/strong> 514 871-8385<br \/>\n<strong>Toll free<\/strong> 1-844-588-8385<br \/>\n<strong>Fax<\/strong> 514 871-8800<br \/>\n<strong>Email<\/strong> <a href=\"mailto:info@tjl.quebec\">info@tjl.quebec<\/a><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">Who is Trudel Johnston &#038; Lesp\u00e9rance (TJL)? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>TJL is a law firm specializing in class actions and public interest litigation for more than 20 years. Several of its cases have resulted in landmark decisions, including before the Supreme Court of Canada.<\/p>\n<p>TJL accepts only cases that contribute to advancing Quebec and Canada <strong>toward a more just <\/strong><strong>society that respects individuals, their health, and the environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Like the QIDS, TJL considers this class action to be an important human rights matter. Together, we believe this proceeding represents an important opportunity to change the law and improve the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities.<\/p>\n<p>The firm represents groups historically marginalized or excluded from the justice system, including:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 women, Indigenous peoples, and racialized communities;<br \/>\n\u2022 persons with disabilities and migrants;<br \/>\n\u2022 workers and persons living in poverty or experiencing homelessness,<br \/>\n\u2022 survivors of institutional violence, among others.<\/p>\n<p>Over the years, TJL has developed inclusive and accessible practices, for example:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 translations for predominantly Spanish-speaking groups;<br \/>\n\u2022 Quebec Sign Language interpretation services for deaf women;<br \/>\n\u2022 adaptation to the realities of incarcerated persons.<\/p>\n<p>These practices demonstrate the firm\u2019s commitment to conducting complex litigation while taking into account the needs and realities of the communities it represents.<\/p>\n<p>In representing the QIDS in this class action, TJL is committed to ensuring that all information relating to the proceeding is accessible to class members and their families.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content-accordion-ctn\" data-module-accordion data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <button>\n        <p class=\"title -h4\">What is a non-inclusive socio-professional program? <i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i><\/p>\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n            <p>A socio-professional program is considered non-inclusive when:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 persons with disabilities perform work to produce goods and services;<br \/>\n\u2022 the program generates revenue for the host organization or other parties;<br \/>\n\u2022 the tasks performed are equivalent to those of a regular employment, yet participants do not receive the minimum wage or the statutory protections and benefits usually afforded to employees.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/button>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions &#8211; FAQ<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sqdi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2026-04-15-FAQ-final-EN.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View FAQ<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"contacts\">Questions and comments<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We understand that this action may raise concerns. The QIDS will hold ad hoc meetings to inform and support member organizations about the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further communications will follow to inform and support member organizations, people with an intellectual disability, and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the QIDS by email at <a href=\"mailto:direction@sqdi.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">direction@sqdi.ca<\/a> or by phone at 514-725-7245, or contact TJL directly at <a href=\"mailto:info@tjl.quebec\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">info@tjl.quebec<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:14px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your voice matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>TJL would like to hear from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 people who have participated in these programs; and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 their family members and loved ones<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>who have experiences to share, questions to ask, or concerns to raise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your stories can help us better understand people\u2019s lived experiences and advance the protection of rights and socio-professional inclusion for people living with an intellectual disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/tjl.quebec\/en\/class-actions\/non-inclusive-socio-professional-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fill up the form<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udce9 To stay informed about the class action, subscribe to the Trudel Johnston &amp; Lesp\u00e9rance (TJL) newsletter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/tjl.quebec\/en\/class-actions\/non-inclusive-socio-professional-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Subscribe<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-inline\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/tjl.quebec\/nos-recours-collectifs\/quest-ce-quun-recours-collectif\/les-etapes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about the steps involved in a class action lawsuit<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Class action on non-inclusive socio-professional programs The Quebec Intellectual Disability Society (QIDS) is joining forces with people with intellectual disabilities and family members of people with intellectual disabilities to launch a class action lawsuit aimed at demanding recognition of the injustices experienced by people with intellectual disabilities or other disabilities in certain socio-professional programs\u2014such as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":6554,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"wf_page_folders":[26],"class_list":["post-5105","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - 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