The provincial government’s recent budget made cuts to a number of public programs and services, which will hurt low-income people in Ontario. This includes cuts to social assistance, public health, library services, prescription coverage for…
In a landmark group of cases, the Supreme Court today struck down the mandatory victim surcharge, finding that it was cruel and unusual in its effects on people living in poverty. The mandatory victim surcharge…
On November 22, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Lisa MacLeod, announced a number of changes to Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). These changes include: changing the definition…
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…
In the spring of 2017, the federal government acted on complaints from across the country by hiring a consultant to carry out a review of the Employment Insurance appeals process. That consultant’s report has now…
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…
The federal government released its Fall Economic Statement yesterday, which included new investments in the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB). Since 2016, advocates have been pushing the federal government…
As the world witnesses one of the largest mass migrations due to violence, war and famine, Canada’s refugee system is experiencing a major surge. Refugee claimants need access to legal services to help them navigate…