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
Air Conditioner Assistance Program
This summer the City is piloting a program to provide free portable air conditioners to some low-income seniors with health-related needs for air conditioning. This initiative aligns with climate change resilience efforts and complements existing supports, such as the City’s Hardship Fund. Toronto continues to experience the effects of climate change,
Read moreCanada Disability Benefit Update
The Canada Disability Benefit will provide direct financial support to people with disabilities who are between 18 and 64 years old. The program is administered by Service Canada. The first month of eligibility for the Canada Disability Benefit is June 2025 and it is expected that payments will begin in July 2025.
Read moreKnowing Your Rights – Temporary Changes to EI
Given the current economic climate, employees have justifiable concerns about their job security. In response, the Government of Canada has initiated a six-month pilot project introducing temporary changes to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. These temporary changes are: (1) the waiver of the one-week waiting period for all EI claims; (2) the suspension of the allocation rules regarding separation-related payments made to employees;
Read moreCity of Toronto launches Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw public education campaign
News Release
April 22, 2025
Today, the City of Toronto launched a public education campaign to help landlords and tenants understand their obligations and protections under the upcoming Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw.
The bylaw, which comes into effect on Thursday, July 31, is intended to help curb bad faith evictions and protect tenants from the practice of renovictions.
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,
Read moreFood 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.
Read moreFighting 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?
Read moreImmigration 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,
Read moreMaking 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.
Read moreWhat 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”).
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