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. We will post information on local law reform campaigns, news stories, community events and our Annual General Meeting. If you wish to be on our mailing list, please complete our Membership form.
If you are seeking legal assistance, an affidavit or notarial true copy, please use the Intake Form or call our Intake Line at 416-441-1764 ext. 1.
For community events, workshops, public legal education (PLE) information, or membership, please contact our Community Development Worker at 416-441-1764 ext. 22.
News & Announcements
DVCLS Executive Director, Board Member and Volunteer Receive Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Awards
On Sunday, January 15th, 2023, our Executive Director, Marjorie Hiley, received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award from Don Valley East Member of Parliament Rob Oliphant and Member of Provincial Parliament Stephanie Bowman. The Awards Ceremony took place during the Don Valley East New Year’s Levee. Also receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award were Board Member Geoff Kettel and volunteer Miyadah Babulla.
Read moreMaking employment rights info accessible to South Asian immigrants
OMNI News interviewed Richa Sandill from Don Valley Community Legal Services and Anchal Bhatia from the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario on January 5, 2023 about their “Tareekh Pe Tareekh – Know Your Employment Law Rights” Public Legal Education Campaign. “ਦੋ ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਕਲੀਨਿਕ, South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario,
Read moreI have been found medically ineligible for Ontario Disability benefits and have filed an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal. What is the appeal process?
After submitting your appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal, you will receive a notice of hearing letter. This letter notifies you of the time and date of your hearing as well as whether you will have a telephone hearing or videoconference hearing over Zoom. If you have made a request for an in person hearing and have been granted your request,
Read moreI would like to dispute a decision made by the social assistance office. I heard that I can appeal. Is this true and what is the process?
If you disagree with a decision made by the Ontario Works (OW) office or by the Ontario Disability (ODSP) office, you may have the right to appeal it. This includes decisions refusing your social assistance (including your application for ODSP), reducing your social assistance amount, suspending/terminating your social assistance, or creating an “overpayment” (debt).
Read moreWhat is the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)? How do I qualify for it?
What is Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)? ODSP is commonly referred to as ‘disability benefits’ and it is run by the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. This kind of help is to pay for things you need, and is called ‘financial assistance or income support’. ODSP is generally for people with serious health problems.
Read moreTareekh Pe Tareekh – “Know Your Employment Law Rights” Public Legal Education Campaign
The South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO) and the Toronto East Employment and Immigration Law Services (TEEILS) have been working to create the “Tareekh Pe Tareekh – Know Your Employment Law Rights” Public Legal Education Campaign. The campaign will be launched on social media on September 6, 2022. We will be posting a series of short educational videos in Hindi,
Read more“Breaking up” with your apartment: Options for when you’re not on the lease
My partner and I recently split up, and they moved out of our apartment. I love this apartment and would like to stay, but the lease is only in their name. What can I do? Unfortunately, the stress caused by a breakup or separation can be exacerbated by Toronto’s limited rental market.
Read moreI am in financial need. How can I apply for Ontario Works?
You might be eligible for Ontario Works (OW) if you 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, you live in
Ontario 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 selfreliance through the provision of effective,
The Definition of Family Member
*Note: Information current to July 25th, 2022. A ‘family member’ can mean different things to different people. In the context of immigration, the Canadian government has set their own definition for what it means in terms of applications regarding sponsorship. In general, a ‘family member’ can include: – Your spouse/partner; –
Read moreThe Rent Increase Guideline for 2023 and Creating Affordable Housing Can Start with Two Policies
The Ontario rent increase guideline for 2023 is 2.5%, as announced by the provincial government on June 29, 2022. Based on the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, 2.5% is the maximum guideline amount that the province can set. The guideline for 2022 is 1.2%. The rent increase guideline is the maximum amount by which your landlord may increase your rent,
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