Here’s an important call to action from our partners at the Migrant Rights Network. Migrants and refugees are being forced out from their homes in unprecedented numbers globally. Here in Canada, anti-immigrant protests and racially motivated attacks are on the rise. Meanwhile, right wing politicians who use anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric are getting rewarded with …
Human Rights
Human Rights Tribunal ruling on insurance companies and CPP-D: Reilly v. Ford
In a disappointing decision released on January 18, 2019, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario ruled that insurance companies do not discriminate when they deduct benefits received from a Canada Pension Plan Disability pension from long-term disability insurance payments. Background on the Case Disability insurance plays a critical role in ensuring that those who are …
Improving access to justice for Indigenous people: New inter-regional Gladue Briefs Project
Community legal clinics in the south-west region of Ontario, along with Thunder Bay’s Kinna’aweya legal clinic and the Income Security Advocacy Centre, have joined together in a Gladue Briefs Project with the aim of ensuring that administrative tribunals make decisions that better take into account the circumstances of Indigenous people who appear before them. Background …
Open Letter to Minister MacLeod: Five Principles for the 100-day Review
More than 1100 people and nearly 100 organizations from across Ontario have signed this letter to Minister Lisa MacLeod, which we sent today to her office and the offices of all Ontario’s MPPs. If you missed signing this letter and want to take action, please send an email to Minister MacLeod voicing your support for …
100 Days: Take Action Before November 8!
The new Ontario government recently announced that they will reveal a new direction for social assistance, based in part on “compassion for people in need,” after a 100-day review. Take action now to help ensure their November 8 announcement moves Ontario’s social assistance programs – Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) …
Protect the Privacy of Individuals at Administrative Tribunals: Court Case April 4-6
An important case concerning the privacy of individuals who seek to enforce their rights at administrative tribunals will be heard this week. This case could directly affect the privacy of individuals at the Human Rights Tribunal, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, and the Landlord and Tenant Board, among other administrative tribunals. It could also set …
Government should be held accountable for discrimination: Court case Feb 28
In a landmark case at the Human Rights Tribunal, Sheryl Abbey was successful in proving that the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) discriminated against her. But the Tribunal refused to award her compensation for the injury that she experienced as a result. She has asked the Divisional Court to review that decision. A coalition made …
Challenging discriminatory legislation: Watch the Supreme Court hearing live
Where can you go when government benefit programs discriminate against you? The Supreme Court of Canada will be hearing an important case about that issue on November 28, 2017. The Government of Canada is responsible for a number of very important programs and social benefits that people rely on in order to get by, including …
ODSP and Indigenous Persons / Le POSPH et les personnes autochtones
– la version française suit dessous – Improving Access to ODSP for Indigenous Persons with Disabilities: A new resource to support ODSP applications and appeals The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes that Indigenous peoples have inherent rights that must be respected. As the original nations on these lands, the UN …
UN report reveals major holes in Canada’s social safety net
Yesterday, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights released a report urging Canada to address growing income inequality and discriminatory policies that leave at least 4.6 million Canadians living in poverty and many more vulnerable Canadians struggling to get by. ISAC made a submission to the committee that highlighted several important failings …
