ISAC welcomes the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision. The Court removed the new restriction on judicial reviews of exceptional circumstances, if at all. The Court also clarified that the Divisional Court’s new restriction was “unfortunate and unnecessary” and gave “rise to confusion regarding access to judicial review as a remedy in cases where there is a statutory appeal.” The Court confirmed that “judicial review is a discretionary remedy.”
In October 2020, the Supreme Court of Canada heard a case about whether courts should grant sealing orders over court files that contain an individual’s private and sensitive information. ISAC successfully intervened in the case…
In Ontario, if your boss refuses to pay the minimum wage or violates your other employment rights, you can go to court or contact the Ministry of Labour. But can your boss make you sign an agreement to give up that right? ISAC argues that the workers’ right to seek justice in our public institutions cannot be signed away or privatized.
Unfortunately, people on social assistance, especially single mothers sometimes face stereotypes and prejudice. While decision-makers are supposed to act with an open mind and treat people fairly sometimes they fail to do so. The Social…
The eligibility rules for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits do not require a person to undergo specific medical tests, treatments or referrals. Instead, decision-makers must look at how a person’s health problems impact them…
ODSP is an essential program for persons with disabilities who have no or very limited sources of income. Doctors play a very important role in the application process for ODSP benefits. But for many people,…
When a person with a disability appeals a decision to refuse them ODSP benefits, they have the right to have their appeal hearing conducted fairly. The Tribunal must listen to their testimony with an open…
The Ontario Drug Benefit is an essential program that ensures that social assistance recipients and seniors can access the medications they need. However, the Ontario Drug Benefit does not cover the costs of all medications.…
Background on the Case Disability insurance plays a critical role in ensuring that those who are off work due to disability have access to the income they need to survive. Every worker contributes to the…
The Income Security Advocacy Centre intervened in an appeal that raised the issue of whether a man with a disability who lives with his separated spouse so he can get help with his day-to-day living…
Where can you go when government benefit programs discriminate against you? The Government of Canada is responsible for a number of very important programs and social benefits that people rely on in order to get…
This case concerns access to justice and privacy at administrative tribunals that serve people in poverty. Toronto Star brought a Charter challenge at the Ontario Superior Court concerning whether the public should have access to…