Minimal services ordered during strike: first decree under new law
Posted February 6, 2026 3:26 pm.
Last Updated February 6, 2026 3:37 pm.
A Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean childcare centre and a striking union have become the first parties subject to a government decree under a new law that allows minimum services to be maintained during a strike or lockout in certain cases.
The provisions are included in the Act to better consider the needs of the population in the event of a strike or lockout, tabled by Labour Minister Jean Boulet and in force since Nov. 30.
The law allows the government, under certain conditions, to refer a case to the Administrative Labour Tribunal to determine whether minimum services should be provided to prevent the public from being disproportionately affected by a strike or lockout. The measure goes beyond traditional essential services, which are based strictly on health and public safety.
In this case, the order concerns CPE Le Jardin de Robi in Roberval, where workers have been on an unlimited strike since Oct. 22, affecting the families of 84 children.
The employer notified the Labour Department that the service disruption was having significant impacts on the children and their families, allowing the matter to be referred to the tribunal.
It will be up to the tribunal to determine whether minimum services must be provided.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
