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
Congratulations to 2023 Agnes Macphail Award Recipient Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova
Congratulations to this year’s Agnes Macphail Award recipient, Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova, a member of the Thorncliffe Park community. She has been heavily involved in caring for the needs of community members and founded the Thorncliffe Park Autism Support Network (TPASN). Those who know her know how dedicated she is to our community.
Read moreBacklogged tribunals creating ‘distress’ for Ontarians waiting months or years to be heard
One of our Employment lawyers, Amy Brubacher, spoke to CBC about the backlog and issues at the Human Rights Tribunal. These backlogs are impeding access to justice. Read the article below. Backlogged tribunals creating ‘distress’ for Ontarians waiting months or years to be heard Tribunals Ontario says it is making progress in addressing delays Muriel Draaisma · CBC News · Posted: Mar 11,
Read moreA Message from our Executive Director for International Women’s Day
Here is a message from our Executive Director, Marjorie Hiley, for International Women’s Day. We’re celebrating the achievements of women in the legal profession, in the communities we serve and world wide. We continue to fight for gender equity and to end discrimination.
Read moreI heard that, as an Ontario Works recipient, I am entitled to certain benefits other than financial assistance. What are these benefits?
As a recipient of either Ontario Works or Ontario Disability benefits, you may be entitled to more than just financial assistance. There are additional benefits which are mandatory so long as you qualify and there are also benefits which are discretionary (meaning you do not automatically qualify, but you can be considered for these).
Read moreCan my landlord terminate my tenancy in order to renovate my unit. If so, what are my rights?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (the “RTA”) permits your landlord to give you a notice of termination to end your tenancy in order to renovate your unit, but only if the renovations are so extensive they require a building permit and vacant possession of your unit.
Read moreWhat is the Old Age Security pension and who qualifies for it?
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment you can get if you are 65 years and older. The OAS pension is predominantly based on your residency in Canada. The federal government may send you a letter to let you know that you will receive the OAS pension. If you do not receive a letter about the OAS pension by the month after you turn 64,
Read moreDVCLS 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).
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