The pandemic has led to a troubling increase in the number of cases that have yet to be dealt with. The pandemic has forced families with dysfunctional dynamics into isolation together, without the reprieve of being able to leave the house. I don't need to explain the situation to you; you are no doubt as familiar with it as I am. We expect the number of complaints and court hearings to increase as a result.
In conjunction with that expected increase in complaints, transfers to the provinces were cut by $2 million, which I struggle to understand. I realize short-term funding was specifically provided for system improvements. However, if you were to ask anyone working in court administration in Quebec or even any member of the Quebec bar, I think they would all say the legal aid system is still very much in need of improvement and innovation. All kinds of programs have been put in place. Lawyers even volunteer their time to help people, but it's never enough. With all due respect, Ms. Drouin, I have trouble wrapping my head around these cuts. I gather that the only explanation is that the program no longer exists or was terminated.