CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of John Hancock Strategic Series of our report dated July 9, 2026, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of John Hancock Income Fund, which appears in John Hancock Strategic Series’ Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR for the year ended May 31, 2026. We also consent to the references to us under the headings “Financial Highlights”, “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Policy Regarding Disclosure of Its Portfolio Holdings” in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

September 23, 2026