Author: Laura Anonen
I am in financial need. How can I apply for Ontario Works?
Updated April 2025
You might be eligible for Ontario Works (OW) if you live in Ontario, are over the age of 16, are in financial need because you and your family do not have enough money to cover your living expenses, and have assets within the allowable asset limits. The intent of the Ontario Works program is to “help people in temporary financial need find sustainable employment and achieve self-reliance through the provision of effective,
Food Security Letter to the Federal Party Leaders
DVCLS joined nearly 250 organizations nationwide signing on to an open letter to federal party leaders demanding action on the growing food insecurity crisis. This campaign is being led by Community Food Centres Canada.
The letter highlights the escalating economic disruption caused by the trade war that has made the cost of living issue even more urgent.
Fighting Back Against Predatory Home Loan Scams
The Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) is proud to be working with Sotos Class Actions to commence a class action lawsuit on behalf of vulnerable homeowners—including many seniors—who have alleged they were misled into taking out predatory loans through Financeit Canada Inc. and a network of door-to-door home services dealers including Provincial Smart Home Services and JBR Contracting
Link: https://www.acelaw.ca/consumer-protection-resources/warning-scams-targeting-seniors/financeit-loans-class-action/
What’s the Case About?
Immigration Update: New plans for the 2025 Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program
*Note: The below information is current as of April 8, 2025*
In February, we posted an update that starting January 1, 2025, the Government of Canada had decided to pause the acceptance of Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship applications for the year.
However, on March 7, 2025, the government changed their plans, announcing instead that new invitations to apply would be sent out to potential Sponsors,
Making Sense of IRCC Processing Times
The following is legal information and not legal advice. If you need further information or need legal advice, please call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is the government department responsible for receiving and processing all applications related to travel, immigration and citizenship to Canada.
What happens if I am late applying for Employment Insurance (EI)?
Whenever you have an interruption of your employment income, you can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. Your eligibility for EI will be depend on a number of factors, including whether you worked enough hours (known as “insurable hours”) in the 52-week period before your application for EI (known as the “qualifying period”).
Read moreCanadian Dental Care Plan expands to include millions of new eligible Canadians
News release from the Government of Canada
March 22, 2025 | Newmarket, Ontario | Government of Canada
Investing in Canadians’ health is key to building a stronger Canada. In its first year, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has significantly improved access to affordable dental care. More than 3.4 million Canadians were approved to be part of the plan,
Tip Sheet for Healthcare Practitioners on the Disability Tax Credit
The following is from the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC)
Starting July 2025, individuals will be able to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).
Currently, the only way to access the CDB is through having an active Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The Disability Tax Credit Certificate application includes a section that must be filled out by medical practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Records of Employment
When you apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, you will likely be asked to provide your Record of Employment (ROE). The ROE provides important information that Service Canada uses to determine whether you can receive EI benefits, including the number of hours you worked, how much you earned, and the reason that you stopped working.
Read moreJoint Letter to City Council: We Need to Invest in a City for All!
We were proud to join other community and faith-based organizations co-signing a letter to Mayor Chow and the members of Toronto City Council urging them to support key investments in affordable housing, transit, youth employment, poverty reduction, and more in this year’s City Budget.
Read the our letter below:
Dear Mayor Chow and Members of Toronto City Council,