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• summary advice and representation through all stages of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims process or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT)
• information on the polices and procedures of the WSIB and WSIAT
• advice and representation through the stages of an application and hearing of an application and hearing before the Ontario Labour Relations Board
• self-help information for workers to handle their own claims or applications where appropriate
• referrals to other organizations

The Family Advice Duty Counsel is a service run out of the Family Law Information Centre. The counsel can provide limited general advice and assistance on family law matters to everyone, and if the person meets the financial guidelines set by Legal Aid Ontario, they may be able to:

• deal with Children's Aid Society (including Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) matters, child protection, adoption, and youth justice)
• figure out or change decision-making responsibility (formerly custody), support, or parenting time/contact (formerly access)
• resolve a family matter outside of court through mediation or a negotiated settlement.
• prepare court documents and provide court representation
• obtain a restraining order in cases of domestic violence

The Criminal Law Advice Duty Counsel is a service run out of the John Sopinka Courthouse. The counsel can provide limited general advice and assistance on criminal law matters to everyone, and if the person meets the financial guidelines set by Legal Aid Ontario, duty counsel can:

• advise on rights and the court process
• ask to delay the court date
• bail hearing representation
• help with a guilty plea
• make a submission at a sentencing hearing
• have a resolution meeting with the Crown
• referral to other legal aid services

Immigration services include:

• representation at a detention review
• representation at immigration appeals

Refugee claimant services include:

• filling in Basis of Claim and related forms for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• representation at Refugee Protection Division hearing
• written appeals for cases to the Refugee Appeal Division
• preparation of a Judicial Review application in the Federal Court
• preparation of a motion for a stay of removal in the Federal Court
• representation at the Refugee Protection Division for a cessation or vacation hearing
• help in preparing a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment
• help in preparing a danger opinion

Legal Aid Ontario does NOT help people:

• obtain permanent resident status or check the status of application with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• prepare sponsorship applications
• renew temporary resident permits or student visas
• resolve problems in getting Ontario Health Insurance Plan coverage

Offers a variety of workshops and support groups, both in-person and virtually

• please visit website or Eventbrite for more details and to register

Assertiveness Coaching

• learn how to ask for and receive the things you want from life
• practice communication skills to be more assertive at work, in relationships and other areas of your life

Self-esteem Series

• focuses on making positive changes and facing challenges head on
• provides the opportunity to foster friendships, build confidence and promote positive thinking

Divorce and Finance workshop

• a divorce financial analyst discusses financial mistakes women can avoid
• topics include selling or keeping your home, support payments, income tax, banking and credit

Family Law 101

• one day seminar introducing the basics of Family law and covering everything women need to know about separation and divorce
• topics include property division, spousal support, child custody and access, separation agreements and child support

Coffee and Conversation

• join the group for lighthearted conversation and snacks

A free legal clinic with volunteer lawyers from across Halton Region, on a rotating schedule, in the following areas:

• family law
• immigration law
• criminal law

Free legal advocacy workers offer emotional and practical support navigating the family law and court system

Document Commissioning

• Commissioning of Affidavits: authorized to take affidavits for court proceedings, property declarations, and other legal necessities within Ontario courts
• Oath Commissioning: professional in-office service ensuring declarations and affidavits meet all legal requirements for Ontario courts
• Please Note: does not provide identity document certification or notarization services

Community legal clinic that helps low-income individuals living in Halton with their legal problems, for free.

• Office is located in Oakville, but staff are available to meet clients in Milton, Burlington, and Halton Hills (Georgetown and Acton) as well.

Depending on the kind of problem, HCLS could help by providing:

• Summary Advice
• Brief Services
• Representation
• Referrals for legal problems they cannot assist with and to other community organizations like food banks, social and health services, crisis intervention agencies, and navigation help.

Support can be provided for:

• Income Support and Public Benefits (OW, ODSP, CPP-D, and other programs)
• Housing Law
• Employment Rights
• Human Rights
• Indigenous Rights and Services
• Youth Rights

Other Services

North Halton Mobile Legal Clinic

• Provides North Halton with weekly access to free legal services through a Mobile Outreach Clinic.
• Every Friday, alternating between Georgetown and Acton, a lawyer or paralegal from HCLS is in the area from 10 am-3:30 pm
• Visit website for full schedule and locations.

Community Outreach Clinic

• Community outreach clinics are available at various locations including local libraries, food banks, and outreach organizations on a rotating basis
• Visit website for upcoming clinic locations and times

ID Clinic

• HCLS offers an ID Clinic to members of the Trans, Non-Binary, and Queer communities in overcoming the legal barriers to accurately identify themselves on official documents
• The ID Clinic provides assistance with this process and helps with commissioning documents
• If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact by phone or fill out the contact form found here

Legal Health Check-Up

• An online check-up to help people who are living in poverty identify legal problems and get help
• If you do not have enough money to live on, a good home or job, or family, or social and health support, your legal health may be at risk
• Take the check-up today: www.legalhealthcheckup.ca

Secondary Legal Consultation

• Service providers can contact HCLS directly to talk about their client's problems and find solutions
• For more information, visit website

Note:

• HCLS does not provide a full range of services, nor does it provide legal aid certificates
• Callers needing certificates or help in family law, criminal law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board compensation, etc. should contact a Legal Aid of Ontario office

Free legal services for low-income people funded by Legal Aid Ontario

• advice and representation available through this nonprofit independent community legal clinic to clients who have issues such as housing, social assistance (OW, ODSP ,CPP-D), government pensions and employment insurance and Employment

Services provided in the following areas of law:

• Residential tenancies (for tenants)
• Employment Insurance (EI)
• Employment issues
• Income Maintenance (OW)
• Disability issues (ODSP, CPP-D)
• Consumer Protection
• Notary services

Legal Health Check-Up:

• an online check-up to help people who are living in poverty identify legal problems and get help
• if individuals do not have enough money to live on, a good home or job, or family, social and health supports, legal health may be at risk

This organization does not practice in Family law, Criminal law, Immigration law, Small Claims, Civil matters, Traffic (Highway Traffic Act) or Will/Estates

Provides Indigenous-controlled and culturally based justice alternatives

• Gladue Reports - preparation of Gladue reports for court proceedings
• Gladue Letters - preparation of Gladue letters for court proceedings
• Yoha:te ne kahsen:na (The Road to Your Name) - cultural learning program facilitated by local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers designed for those in the justice system and people supporting those in the justice system
• Indigenous Knowledge Keepers Program - Indigenous Knowledge Keepers attend each session of Indigenous Peoples Court. They are a cultural resource to Court personnel, justice workers and clients. They are facilitators of client conferences

Represents the full time and part time students of Sheridan College

Student Services include:

• Health & Dental coverage - covers gaps in government coverage
• Clubs & Associations - provides guidance, financial and promotional support and meeting spaces for all clubs on campus
• Dressed for Success - campus wide donation program provides students with easy access to winter clothing as well as business clothing
• Empower Me - allows students to connect with qualified counsellors, consultants and life coaches for a variety of issues
• Legal Advice - free consultations with a lawyer in all areas including family law, immigration, criminal law, real estate business
• Student Savings - exclusive discounts and deals offered by community businesses
• Free Condom Dispensers - located inside all SSU washrooms
• Free Menstural Products - located inside all SSU washrooms
• Hygiene Kits - travel-sized essentials to support students personal care
• Food First - assistance for students experiencing food insecurity - connect with a student advisor to discuss options by emailing: [email protected]
• Graduation Photos - traditional and fun grad portraits shot by a professional photographer
• Equipment Loan - includes calculators, sketch pencils, architectural tools as well as safety glasses, lab coats, and calipers

Offices also located at the Hazel McCallion Campus and the Davis Campus

• duty counsel (legal aid lawyer in an Ontario courthouse) - criminal, refugee and immigration, family or youth courts, mental health
• summary legal advice for family law (criminal matters referred to local services)
• certificate program for complex cases
• poverty law, civil services - delivered through community legal aid clinics
• referrals to other social assistance agencies

• Criminal Duty Counsel - 36 Wyndham St S (Ontario Court of Justice Criminal Division)
• Family Duty Counsel - 74 Woolwich St (Ontario Court of Justice, Family and Superior Court of Justice, County of Wellington Courthouse)

• deals primarily with tenant issues, Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D), employment, subsidized housing, immigration (limited)
• may provide representation
• referrals
• community education
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Friendship Centre to meet, socialize, share and learn from each other, services include

Urban Indigenous Food Security (UIFSP) -- learning opportunities for clients to empower food security

• food security by accessing to food bank, grocery hauls and community gardens
• traditional Indigenous knowledge by growing and harvesting food including ceremonial foods
• build food skills including cooking, growing food at home, storage and preservation
• urban aboriginal healthy living program
  

Indigenous mental health and addictions -- sweat ceremony, sharing circles, one on one sessions with Elders, Healers and Seers

Intergenerational Trauma (ITC) -- culture based mental health services

Indigenous court worker program -- support, liaison services, resources and information on matters relating to the judicial system

Lifelong Care Program (LLC) -- community services including transportation assistance, friendly visiting, security checks, support services, congregate dining services

Cultural resource

• cultural and recreational program
• traditional teaching
• drumming circles
• talking circles
• one on one, group and peer informal counselling
• community referrals

• legal information and advice
• supportive counselling in navigating workplace conflict
• assistance navigating government programs and protections
• client support through advocacy, letter writing, assistance with form-filling
• mediation with employers
• legal representation in cases regarding unjust dismissals, violations of rights, claims, and appeals
• accessible Know-Your-Rights public legal education workshops on labour rights and protections in plain language
• Building Leadership and Skills workshops regarding legal education, updates on labour law, and capacity-building exercises to empower workers to advocate for their labour rights

• deals primarily with tenant issues, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment and immigration
• may provide representation
• referrals
• community education
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Provides summary legal advice, legal representation, and public education on legal matters.

Areas of law that the clinic deals with:

• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Workplace Safety and Insurance
• Issues with various government agencies
• Immigration and Refugee matters
• Ontario Works
• Employment Law
• Residential Tenancies Act
• Canada Pension Plan/Income Security Programs
• Consumer and Debt Problems

Can also assist with:

• Advice (free and not income tested)
• Wills and Powers of Attorney
• Advocacy
• Community Organizing
• Public Legal Education and Information
• Law Reform
• Representation before Courts and Tribunals

Can give legal information on:

• Abuse and Family Violence
• Criminal Law
• Family Law
• Getting Help from Lawyers and Paralegals

See website for information and tips on a variety of legal topics.

Community legal services, including:

• summary advice
• brief services
• representation
• public legal education

Level of services provided is determined on a case-by-case basis

Direct legal services in four areas of law, including:

Social assistance and income maintenance:

• Ontario Works (OW)
• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• Old Age Security (OAS)
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
• Federal Child Tax Benefits

Housing:

• evictions
• Landlord and Tenant Board orders
• rent subsidy
• pests
• harassment and discrimination
• maintenance issues
• other Landlord and Tenant matters

Immigration:

• humanitarian and compassionate applications (H&C)
• permanent residence applications (PR)
• sponsorship applications and sponsorship breakdowns
• loss of status and deportation
• work permits
• visitor permits
• study permits and temporary resident permits
• issues related to citizenship

Employment:

• Employment Insurance (EI)
• wrongful dismissal
• breaches of the Employment Standards Act
• harassment and discrimination in the workplace
• workers' rights

Other services include:

• public legal education
• law reform initiatives
• providing referrals for legal matters outside our areas of law
• public outreach and community development

Provides summary legal advice, legal representation, and public education on legal matters.

Areas of law that the clinic deals with:

• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Workplace Safety and Insurance
• Issues with various government agencies
• Immigration and Refugee matters
• Ontario Works
• Employment Law
• Residential Tenancies Act
• Canada Pension Plan/Income Security Programs
• Consumer and Debt Problems

Can also assist with:

• Advice (free and not income tested)
• Wills and Powers of Attorney
• Advocacy
• Community Organizing
• Public Legal Education and Information
• Law Reform
• Representation before Courts and Tribunals

Can give legal information on:

• Abuse and Family Violence
• Criminal Law
• Family Law
• Getting Help from Lawyers and Paralegals

See website for information and tips on a variety of legal topics.

Women-led organization providing support to South Asian and racialized women in the language of the client's choice

Violence Against Women Program: counselling and referral for assaulted women, social assistance, crisis intervention, immigration assistance

• health education and promotion
• multicultural wellness support groups
• life skills support group; sewing collective
• seniors group for all South Asian women
• youth group for girls, homework club for children
• first language literacy instruction
• job search workshops, employment assistance and counselling
• legal clinic -- advice on family law, immigration, custody, child support, abuse, legal education workshops

Intersectional Services

• settlement services, information and referral, translation and interpretation, advocacy, group activities
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process
• year-round income tax clinic for individuals and families with low incomes
• food bank, member of the Daily Bread Food; emergency food including South Asian dry goods provided to those in need on alternate Tuesdays; call ahead for details
• volunteer opportunities

Satellite location at Frontline Community Services (see separate listing), 2761 Markham Road, Scarborough

• immigration and sponsorship issues
• job training; business and community economic development
• anti-racism program
• health and nutrition information
• accompaniment to services; translation and interpretation
• housing referrals; legal information
• newcomer mental health advice, support and referrals
• culturally appropriate family counselling

Settlement Services, email [email protected] or [email protected]

• information and help filling out forms and documents including applications for citizenship or permanent resident card, child tax benefit
• citizenship preparation classes
• translation and interpretation in Vietnamese, Spanish and Farsi
• English conversation circle
• legal information support
• year round income tax clinic
• Job Search Preparation and Training - developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills, with an online or in-class option
• Employment Counselling - resume help, job readiness clinic, employment counselling, skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks

Seniors Services, email [email protected]

• health information workshops
• information and form filling for seniors' benefits
• exercise and fitness programs, field trips

VWAT Youth Leadership Program, email [email protected]

• leadership training, skill building workshops
• sports programs, field trips
• youth led workshops or events
• volunteer opportunities

Cultural Events - Two Sisters Commemoration, Lanterns Festival, Lunar New Year Celebration