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Nobody enjoys conflict. But sometimes, issues get out of hand to
the point where we feel we have no alternative but to seek legal
help. Usually this means engaging a lawyer. While having a lawyer
is probably the best way to protect your interests, it can be an
expensive and time-consuming option. Fortunately , there are a number
of government programs that offer legal help for free or at reduced
rates for people on a budget.
Legal Aid Ontario is an independent but publicly funded and publicly
accountable non-profit corporation mandated by the provincial government
to “promote access to justice throughout Ontario for low-income
individuals by means of providing consistently high quality legal
aid services in a cost-effective and efficient manner.” The
kind of issues it deals with includes criminal matters, family disputes,
immigration and refugee hearings and poverty law issues such as
landlord/tenant disputes, disability support and family benefits
payments. Eligibility for legal aid is based on financial need and
the type of case; the applicant may pay nothing or a portion of
the costs of the legal aid, depending on his or her financial situation;
once approved, a legal aid certificate entitles a person to retain
the lawyer of their choice; the lawyer is then reimbursed by the
Plan.
Legal Aid Office
PO Box 967, 15 Government Road East
Kirkland Lake P2N 3L1
Telephone: (705) 567-9349; Fax: (705) 567-7832
Community legal clinics are independent, non-profit organizations
that are governed by locally elected Boards of Directors, and receive
funding from Legal Aid Ontario. These clinics provide services to
address the unique legal needs of low-income people and communities.
The local Board tries to match its services to meet the priority
needs of the community it serves. Although no two clinics are exactly
alike, the types of issues they may provide help with include:
- Tenant Rights
- Ontario Works and Welfare
- Ontario Disability Support Program
- Government Pensions
- Immigration
- Employment Insurance
- Workplace Safety and Insurance
- Workers' Compensation
- Employment Rights
- Criminal Injuries Compensation
- Human Rights
Lawyers and legal workers provide information, legal advice, and
represent people. In addition, clinics also can engage in test cases,
public legal education, community organizing, and other law reform
initiatives.
Legal Aid Office
PO Box 967, 15 Government Road East
Kirkland Lake P2N 3L1
Telephone: (705) 567-9349; Fax: (705) 567-7832
Specialty clinics deal with either a specific area of law (ie. workers
compensation, workers' health and safety, etc.) or represent specific
individuals (ie. seniors, disabled, urban aboriginals etc.). They
also serve clients who reside in all areas of the province, unlike
general service clinics that serve a local geographic area. These
clinics also serve as resources to other clinics, to private bar
lawyers, MPPs and community agencies. They are supported by Legal
Aid Ontario.
Legal Line Online provides information covering Ontario and Canadian
Federal Laws provides free, easy to understand general information
on 807 topics in 28 different areas of law via the Internet. It
is NOT legal advice.
The Ombudsman investigates complaints against provincial government
organizations. When the Ombudsman finds something wrong, he or she
can make recommendations to fix the problem, and if these are not
acted upon, she can report the case to the Legislature. The Ombudsman
can also help resolve complaints informally. Ontario's Ombudsman
is an Officer of the provincial Legislature who is independent of
the government and political parties. See
The Ontario Human Rights Commission is a statutory body with the
mandate of enforcing the Ontario Human Rights Code and of promoting
human rights in Ontario. Their website provides information on the
Commission and the commissioners, the complaint process, summaries
of legal decisions and other related information.
Toll Free: 1-800-387-9080.
CLEO is a community legal clinic that produces clear language material
for people with low incomes. Main topics include social assistance,
landlord and tenant law, refugee and immigration law, workers' compensation,
women's issues, family law, employment insurance and human rights.
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