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
Domestic 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!
Read moreBEWARE: SCAMMERS EXPLOITING NEW GOVERNMENT REBATE PROGRAM TO TARGET SENIORS
Ontario homeowners—particularly seniors—are being warned about scams linked to the recent launch of government energy efficiency rebate programs. On January 7, 2025, the Government of Ontario announced new rebate programs designed to help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades. These programs cover rebates for: Windows and doors Insulation and air sealing Smart thermostats and heat pumps Rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems Unfortunately,
Read moreLetter of Support for Bill 230, Housing Equity and Rental Transparency Act, 2024
Our MPP Stephanie Bowman, Don Valley West, introduced Bill 230, Housing Equity and Rental Transparency Act, 2024, at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on November 27, 2024. We were pleased to provide our feedback and a letter of support. The amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act proposed in this Bill would improve not only the lives of tenants,
Read moreTemporary Layoffs: Know Your Rights
Has your employer ever stopped giving you work without actually terminating your employment? Or perhaps your employer suddenly gives you fewer shifts? If so, then you may have been put on a temporary layoff. A temporary layoff happens when an employer stops or significantly cuts back on the work they give to an employee without actually terminating their employment.
Read moreLegal Information Webinar: Sponsorship, Super Visas and Family Reunification
You can watch a recording of our Legal Information Webinar on Sponsorship, Super Visas and Family Reunification from November 20, 2024 below. You can view a PDF of the slides here.
Read moreWill Immigration Believe My Marriage is Real? 4 Things You Should Know
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 or complete our online Intake Form. Canadian immigration law allows people to apply for their husband, wife or partner to join them as a permanent resident of this country.
Read moreBig Win for Tenants! Renovictions Bylaw Approved by Committee
On October 30, 2024, the City of Toronto’s Planning and Housing Committee approved the implementation of the new Rental Renovation Licence By-law to address renovictions. This is a big win for tenants across Toronto! DVCLS has been actively advocating for and working on this bylaw since 2019 alongside Councillor Paula Fletcher and tenant advocates.
Read moreISAC Survey on Social Assistance
From the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) Ontario’s social assistance, Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates are among the lowest in the country. Our province’s social assistance system needs a massive upgrade. We want to bring about changes so that social assistance enables Ontarians to live a life of dignity and equality.
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