Agreement allows for market adjustments to take place in relation to association members' pay
The Alberta Crown Attorneys’ Association (ACAA) has formally ratified an agreement with the Alberta government that is said to be the first of its kind in the province’s history.
The government confirmed that the agreement is the result of months of discussions and negotiations between the ACAA and the Ministries of Justice and Treasury Board and Finance. It was ratified on October 21 and will be force until March 31, 2024.
“This agreement is an important step forward for the stability of Alberta’s justice system,” Minister of Justice Tyler Shandro said. “It will act as a solid basis for the strong and enduring relationship between Alberta government and the Alberta Crown Attorneys’ Association. I’d like to thank all those who helped us reach this point, from the civil service to the association’s representatives.”
According to the government, the agreement allows for market adjustments to take place to ensure that the ACAA members’ pay is competitive with other provinces and the federal prosecutor service. It also commits to a one-year pilot project, which would provide prosecutors with access to one-on-one counselling sessions with a registered psychologist or psychiatrist in recognition of the toll on mental health that prosecutors face.
Moreover, the agreement defines the relationship between Crown prosecutors and the government in several aspects, including dispute resolution, occupational health and safety concerns, and education for the ACAA members.
ACAA president Dallas Sopko expressed gratitude to Shandro and other government leaders who he said have taken part “in making the landmark agreement a reality.”
“Sufficient mental health supports, manageable workloads, and competitive compensation are the main priorities of our membership. Each of these priorities has been addressed in this agreement,” Sopko said. “Our membership is confident that this agreement will create a solid foundation for a prosecution service that is properly funded and able to attract and retain experienced and qualified prosecutors to ensure just outcomes for Albertans.”
“We look forward to continuing our constructive relationship with the justice department in pursuit of our common goal of a properly resourced justice system,” he added.
