Alberta Crown prosecutor strike averted
EDMONTON, AB – A group representing Alberta prosecutors says an announcement by the provincial government to raise pay and enter into negotiations to improve the justice system is the beginning of a new chapter.
The Alberta Crown Attorneys’ Association sent a letter last month threatening job action to Premier Jason Kenney, Justice Minister Tyler Shandro and Labour Minister Kaycee Madu. The letter also included demands to address what it called “chronic underfunding” of the prosecution service.
Shandro says a review found that prosecutors in Alberta have been noticeably underpaid, and they will be getting raises. The government has also committed to more negotiations to deal with other concerns, including prosecutors wanting to bargain on their own behalf.
The association’s president, Dallas Sopko, says it’s a positive step forward.
