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
Immigration Updates and Options for Persons from Afghanistan and Ukraine *Note: Information current to July 15th, 2022.*
Immigration Updates and Options for Persons from Afghanistan and Ukraine *Note: Information current to July 15th, 2022.* Recently, the Government of Canada has announced many new immigration programs for people fleeing Afghanistan or Ukraine. Below are some key highlights, specific to each country. Information about all the programs can be found on the Immigration,
Read moreTough Times – I Need More Money!
Our Income Maintenance Team has a wealth of knowledge about the variety of Government income sources available. Click here to learn more. Read our article highlighting the variety of federal and provincial income sources that you may be eligible to apply for and receive. For more information,
Read moreThe Fair Pass Transit Discount Program
The Fair Pass Transit Discount Program is a City of Toronto poverty reduction initiative to make public transit more affordable for low-income Toronto residents. The program provides a discount for eligible users for 12 months, programmed onto a PRESTO Opens in new window card. Cardholders must load funds to access the discounted Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) adult fare or TTC monthly pass.
Read moreLegal Aid Ontario YouTube Videos – Getting Help in the Virtual Criminal Court in Toronto Series
Legal Aid Ontario is creating information videos to bring accessible information about a variety of legal services. YouTube Link: Legal Aid Ontario – YouTube
Read morePromoting Rights for All Workers
Steps to Justice Website – New and Updated Information for Migrant Workers May 1st is better known as May Day – a long history in many countries representing change –new growing seasons, new life, new work conditions, new laws…each change takes on a new meaning. Here in Ontario many recognize May 1 as a Day of Mourning for Injured and Deceased Workers.
Read moreVirtual Town Hall: Your Apartment, Your Rights – March 23, 2022
Thank you to all who participated in the virtual Town Hall., “Your Apartment, Your Rights”, held on March 23, 2022. As a follow up we include: Video Link to the presentation – https://www.kapwing.com/videos/6241c50842e66c00852f6920 RentSafeTO information – call 311 or visit https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/rental-housing-tenant-information/rental-housing-standards/apartment-building-standards/rentsafeto-for-tenants/ Contact information for the Federation of Metro Tenants’
Read moreAddressing the School to Prison Pipeline: Documentary Community Film
Addressing the School to Prison Pipeline: Documentary Community Film, produce by Moses Latigo from Kigaana Productions Event Date & Time: Thursday March 31, 2022 at 6:30 pm Toronto Black community is addressing anti-Black racism within our classrooms and in the justice system through community engagement and advocacy. My name is Tiffany Taylor,
Read moreImmigration Updates and Options – Canada’s Response to the War in Ukraine
*Note: Information current to March 3rd, 2022.* Over recent days, the Government of Canada has announced how they plan on helping people impacted by the war in Ukraine. Information about all the programs can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures.html Below are the key highlights: There is a dedicated phone number available for people with questions about the situation: 613-321-4243.
Read moreLow-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
To support Ontarians through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is once again temporarily increasing the flexibility of the Low-income Energy Assistance Program-Emergency Financial Assistance (LEAP EFA). In addition, the maximum value of grants amounts has been increased. To be eligible for LEAP EFA, the applicant still needs to be in arrears but does not need to be in threat of disconnection or have been disconnected.
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