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
Canadian Dental Care Plan expands to include millions of new eligible Canadians
News release from the Government of Canada March 22, 2025 | Newmarket, Ontario | Government of Canada Investing in Canadians’ health is key to building a stronger Canada. In its first year, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has significantly improved access to affordable dental care. More than 3.4 million Canadians were approved to be part of the plan,
Read moreTip Sheet for Healthcare Practitioners on the Disability Tax Credit
The following is from the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) Starting July 2025, individuals will be able to apply for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). Currently, the only way to access the CDB is through having an active Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The Disability Tax Credit Certificate application includes a section that must be filled out by medical practitioners.
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions About Records of Employment
When you apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, you will likely be asked to provide your Record of Employment (ROE). The ROE provides important information that Service Canada uses to determine whether you can receive EI benefits, including the number of hours you worked, how much you earned, and the reason that you stopped working.
Read moreJoint Letter to City Council: We Need to Invest in a City for All!
We were proud to join other community and faith-based organizations co-signing a letter to Mayor Chow and the members of Toronto City Council urging them to support key investments in affordable housing, transit, youth employment, poverty reduction, and more in this year’s City Budget. Read the our letter below: Dear Mayor Chow and Members of Toronto City Council,
Read moreGuarantee the Canada Disability Benefit!
We call on the Government of Canada to finalize the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) regulations by March 7 to “Guarantee the CDB” will be paid out as promised on July 1, 2025. Finalizing the regulations is the last step in getting the CDB across the finish line. We know it’s not perfect but if the CDB regulations aren’t finalized before a federal election is called,
Read moreCan My Spouse Get a Work Permit Before We Get Canadian Permanent Residence?
Coming to Canada as a foreign-national has never been easy, and over the last few months it has become harder. In the fall of 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a number of changes intended to curb Canada’s population growth. Amongst the casualties are programs that allow people to bring their families to Canada while they await a permanent residence decision.
Read moreWhat government sources of income are available?
There are various sources of income which are administered by the government. These income supports may be available depending on your particular situation. The following is a brief overview of some of the common sources of income. Employment Insurance (EI) If you have been employed or self-employed, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
Read moreDomestic Workers and the Employment Standards Act, 2000
The Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), sets out the basic workplace rights of most employees in Ontario. Employers are required to act in accordance with these rights. However, depending on the job you perform, you may be subject to special rules and/or exemptions. Work performed by Domestic Workers is one such example.
Read moreImmigration Update: 2025 Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program
Government of Canada pauses the acceptance of Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship applications as of January 1st, 2025. According to an announcement in the Canada Gazette, this year (2025), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will only be accepting and processing Permanent Residence applications made under the PGP program that were already submitted by the end of 2024.
Read moreMarjorie Hiley awarded the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal
Our Executive Director, Marjorie Hiley, received the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal in recognition for her contributions to our community. Thank you MPP Stephanie Bowman for nominating Marjorie!
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