Reducing barriers to notarial access: a strong commitment from Bourassa Notaires
In some regions of Quebec, access to a notary can be a real obstacle course. Faced with this reality, Bourassa Notaires has made a bold decision: to go where the need is greatest.
A mission of legal accessibility
Bourassa Notaires doesn’t just provide traditional legal services. It is actively committed to filling the gaps in the notarial network in remote areas. Under the impetus of Me Stéphanie Bourassa, the team has chosen to open offices not only in Montreal, but also in localities where notarial services are in short supply, such as St-Adolphe-d’Howard and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.
“Too many citizens have to travel hundreds of kilometers for essential services such as signing a will, buying a property or managing an estate. We wanted to change that,” explains Me Bourassa.
A necessary presence in Gaspésie
Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is a perfect example of this crying need. Before the arrival of Bourassa Notaires, residents of this region sometimes had to travel several hours to meet with a notary. Now, thanks to this regional office, they have direct access to legal services adapted to their local realities.
Laurent Carli-Trudeau, the firm’s notary, divides his time between Montreal and the Gaspé to ensure continuity of service. “We quickly realized that our presence here made a real difference. Residents express their relief at finally being able to obtain legal advice without having to leave their region,” he emphasizes.
Unique challenges and opportunities
Operating in the regions doesn’t just mean offering real estate or inheritance law services. It also means adapting to local economic and cultural realities. In the Gaspé Peninsula, for example, Bourassa Notaires has had to learn about specific issues such as natural resource leases and the transfer of family farmland.
“These particularities have forced us to develop an expertise that we might not have acquired if we had stayed in an urban environment,” admits Me Bourassa. This diversification of skills strengthens the firm’s ability to meet the varied needs of its customers, wherever they may be.
A model to be extended?
Building on the success of this approach, Bourassa Notaires is planning to set up further branches in regions where notarial services are scarce. However, expansion also depends on the availability of professionals ready to take up the challenge.
“We are determined to pursue this mission, but it also depends on working with notaries who share our vision,” explains Mr. Bourassa.
A commitment that inspires
The Bourassa Notaires en Gaspésie initiative is part of a broader trend of legal professionals seeking to reduce inequalities in access to legal services.
By putting their expertise at the service of underserved regions, Me Bourassa and his team are proving that the notarial profession is not just an administrative profession, but also a genuine commitment to justice and accessibility for all.
