News & Events
Welcome to our News & Events page. Don Valley Community Legal Services actively participates in a variety of community activities, public legal education workshops, and community networking tables. One key component that allows members to be self-empowered is knowledge of what is happening around them. This page will allow us to share what is happening in the communities we serve.
Here we will share legal information articles, local law reform campaigns, news stories, community events and details for our Annual General Meeting.
For community events, workshops, public legal education (PLE) information or membership, please contact our Community Development Worker at 416-441-1764 ext. 22.
Legal Info Articles & News
Basics on How to Start an Application in The Permanent Residence Portal
This information is current as of September 15, 2025. The purpose of this article is to provide a basic introduction to the internet portal used to apply for permanent residence in Canada, as well as to apply to renew permanent resident cards or permanent resident travel documents (for permanent residents who are outside of Canada).
Read moreCall for Board Nominations!
We’re looking for candidates to join our volunteer Board of Directors Candidates must meet the following requirements: Must be a member of DVCLS Must be at least 18 years of age Must live or work within our catchment area Commitment to attend Board meetings throughout the year and actively participate on the Board and subcommittees Our Board members are people who work or live in the communities we serve.
Read moreCDCP Dental Coverage – Are You Covered? Don’t Forget to Renew!
By: Kimber-lee Wargalla, Community Outreach Co-Ordinator, Advocacy Centre for the Elderly The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is making dental care more affordable for eligible Canadians. If you have not applied yet, or are already enrolled, here’s what you need to know: WHO IS ELIGIBLE? ✔ You don’t have access to dental insurance ✔ Have filed your tax returns for the previous year ✔ You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes ✔ Individuals or couples with a net annual income under $70,000 – Full coverage or between $70,000 and $90,000 – Partial coverage Already receiving dental benefits through a government program?
Read moreToronto’s ‘renovictions’ bylaw to start end of July
Watch the video from Global News on Toronto’s new renovictions bylaw, featuring our Housing Lawyer Michelle Choe. Link: https://globalnews.ca/video/11304943/torontos-renovictions-bylaw-to-start-end-of-july
Read moreCity of Toronto Lived Experience Advisory Group – Third Cohort Application
The City of Toronto is seeking individuals who have lived experience with poverty to join the next Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG). Understanding that poverty affects people differently, this is an open call to residents of Toronto who can inform the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy as well as a range of City services and programs based on their firsthand experience with poverty.
Read moreShelter Bed Class Action for Refugee Claimants
The following is information from Stieber Berlach LLP, Lewis Litigation and the Black Legal Action Centre. DVCLS is not involved in this class action. Stieber Berlach LLP, Lewis Litigation and the Black Legal Action Centre, have commenced a class action proceeding against the City of Toronto on behalf of refugee claimants that have been negatively impacted by the discriminatory practice of excluding refugee claimants from shelter beds.
Read moreAir Conditioning: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Note: The Residential Tenancies Act was amended in 2023 to alter the laws around air conditioning, but these changes are not yet in force. This article reflects the current state of the law in Toronto (as of July 10, 2025). As Toronto experiences more heat waves, many tenants have questions about air conditioning (“AC”).
Read moreDifferent Appeals in the Canadian Immigration System
You’ve applied to come to Canada (or bring a family member) and been refused? What can you do? Perhaps you have heard you can “appeal” the decision. “Appeal” is a common word in the English language. What a layperson (or a lawyer, trying to communicate in simple terms with a client) calls an “appeal” might not technically be an appeal under immigration law.
Read moreCanada Disability Benefit Update – Applications Open June 20, 2025
The federal government has announced that applications for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will open on June 20, 2025. The main CDB webpage now states: When to apply Applications will open on June 20, 2025. You cannot apply before this date. Get ready to apply Individuals who have been approved for the disability tax credit and who meet most of the eligibility criteria as listed on the do you qualify page,
Read moreOntario is increasing ODSP rates by 2.8% effective July 2025
This is the fourth rate increase since the province tied ODSP rates to inflation in September 2022. Rates have increased by a total of 20% since then. The 2025 inflation-based increase to ODSP will take effect on July 1, 2025. People receiving ODSP will see an inflation-based increase of 2.8% to: basic needs and shelter maximum amounts for singles and families board and lodge amounts for singles and families the amount provided for a couple where both have disabilities amounts for services provided by a Long-Term Care Home or a Specialized Care Residence For example,
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