Searching for Community Legal Services

Offers a Commissioner of Oaths, authorized by the Province of Ontario, to take oaths or statutory declarations

• payment can be made by debit card, Visa, American Express or MasterCard
• Please note: if a notary public is required, a lawyer's office should be contacted

ServiceOntario provides access to Ontario government information and services - online, in person and by phone

• many services can be completed online, see website for more details

The Dorval Crossing East Service Counter provides the following in person services:

• driver's licences
  
• vehicle permits, and plates
  
• accessible parking permit
  
• driver and vehicle records
  
• health card and insurance (OHIP)
  
• organ and tissue donation
  
• photo card
  
• authentication of documents

Family mediators help parties reach an agreement on family issues including:
* support payments
* division of property
* custody of and access to the children
* any other family-related issues
* mediators do not take sides or make decisions for the parties

Child Protection Mediators assist families who are involved with the Children's Aid Society to work out a plan for their children which addresses the child protection concern.
* mediators cannot give legal advice

* service is offered away from the court location, at the office of the mediator
* service may also be provided using appropriate technology, for example by meeting on line

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Altered service delivery, but remain available to serve the community
* limiting in person contact and ask that people not attend office
* still available to help clients and service providers with legal problems
* can be reached by phone at 905-875-2069, or by email: haltonconsult@lao.on.ca

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Community legal clinic that helps low income individuals living in Halton with their legal problems, for free
* office is located in Oakville, but staff are available to meet clients in Milton, Burlington, Oakville, and Halton Hills (Georgetown and Acton)
* community outreach clinics at various locations including local libraries, food banks, courthouses, and outreach organizations on a rotating basis

Depending on the kind of problem, may be able to help by providing:
* Summary Advice
* Brief Services
* Representation
* Referrals for legal problems they cannot assist with, and to other community organizations like food banks, social and health services, crisis intervention agencies, and navigation help

Support can be provided for:
* Income Support and Public Benefits
* Housing Law
* Employment Rights
* Human Rights
* Secondary Legal Consultation
* Indigenous Rights and Services
* Youth Rights

Mobile Legal Clinic
* serving Acton and Georgetown
* a lawyer on site providing free legal information and advice in each community on alternating Fridays
* schedule will be posted on social media

ID Clinic
* offering monthly ID Clinics to provide assistance with the legal barriers preventing members of the Trans, Non-Binary, and Queer communities from accurately identifying themselves on official documents
* more information on website (haltonlegal.ca/id-clinic)

Legal Health Check-Up
* an online check-up to help people who are living in poverty identify legal problems and get help
* if you do not have enough money to live on, a good home or job, or family, social and health supports, your legal health may be at risk
* visit website to take the check-up (legalhealthcheckup.ca)

Note:
* HCLS does not provide a full range of services, nor does it provide legal aid certificates
* callers needing certificates or help in family law, criminal law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board compensation, etc. should contact a Legal Aid of Ontario office

• information and referral to community and government programs and services
• information sessions for newcomers and internationally trained professionals by external guest speakers
• information topics: employment, settlement services, government programs, education and training, credential assessment, citizenship and immigration, Canadian labour market, Canadian professional licensing requirements

Programs include:

• monthly information sessions on immigration, citizenship, labour market, education, self-employment, finances
• Settlement Services (schedule applies-call for an appointment)
• Senior's Circle
• Women's Circle
• care for newcomer children ages 6 months and above, with at least one parent on-site
• Free Commissioner of Oaths services available: call for an appointment

A service that helps individuals access and maintain safe and affordable housing

Services include:

Telephone support service

• get answers to general questions about housing by calling 3-1-1

One-to-one support

• for individuals who are having difficulty finding or maintaining their housing
• connects individuals with community services and resources
• advocates on behalf of renters with landlords and social service agencies
• an appointment must be booked by calling 3-1-1
• appointments are available on specific days in Burlington, Georgetown, Milton and Oakville

Halton Rent Connect

• a free service for renters and landlords
• links to housing supports in Halton

Landlord Engagement Specialist

• can help landlords resolve tenant issues
• provides direction to community resources that can help with the Residential Tenancies Act and other responsibilities as a landlord

Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
* English Classes
* Enhanced Language Training
* Settlement Assistance
* Community Connections Programs
* free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment

A free legal clinic with volunteer lawyers from across Halton Region, on a rotating schedule, in the following areas:

• family law
• immigration law
• criminal law

An impartial and confidential service designed to assist patients and families in the resolution of hospital related concerns, to receive information about hospital rules and policies and to share complimentary feedback about staff

• answer concerns regarding the care at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH), Milton District Hospital (MDH) or Georgetown Hospital (GH)
• the service is available to all inpatients, outpatients, clinic patients, Emergency patients and the community
• Patient Relations Advisor is available and will listen to patients and family members and offer recommendations about the steps which can be taken in resolving their concerns * facilitate effective communication between the patient and their health care team

COVID19 -- all offices are open for appointments, services are offered remotely over the phone, zoom, email
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Settlement services -- needs assessment, information and referral to community and social services

• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Supportive counselling -- provides short-term counselling for difficulties adjusting to life in Canada and assistance in overcoming challenges

Peel Halton Integrated Services Reception Centre

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) -- needs assessment, including emergency needs

• life skills support including orientation in clients' language on a variety of topics, such as federal and provincial programs and services, health care issues, managing money, education system, family life, employment
• referrals to community services and other settlement programs
• assistance with searching for, viewing, selecting, and moving into permanent accommodations

Commissioner of Oaths -- for verifying documents

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry,

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) -- assists newcomer students and their families with settling into schools and the community

• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June

Youth Achievers

• after school activities for children 6-12 years including coding, robotics and life skills
• other programs for youth include Homework Club, and Youth Job Connection, see separate entry

Seniors Organized and Supported Program (NHSP)

• increases social participation and inclusion of seniors in their communities
• activities led by seniors' leadership groups brought together from the local community
• activities include physical and mental wellness sessions such as yoga, meditation, Share Your Talents, gardening, painting and community exploration trips

Due to COVID 19, some ServiceOntario service locations may be operating on reduced hours -- for information CLICK HERE

Appointments required or recommended for in-person service -- check ahead; complete your transactions online whenever possible

Renewal requirements for drivers' licenses, license plate stickers, accessible parking permits, health cards and Ontario Photo ID Cards which expired during the pandemic are changing; residents have until September 30, 2022 to renew expired health cards, and until February 28, 2022 to renew other expired products -- for details CLICK HERE

LICENCE PLATE STICKER REFUNDS -- If you renewed your licence plate sticker for an individually owned passenger vehicle, light-duty truck, motorcycle or moped for the period of March 1, 2020 to March 12, 2022, you will receive a refund cheque in the mail; to receive refund, update the address on your vehicle permit or driver's licence and pay any outstanding fees, fines or tolls by March 7, 2022


Access to a wide range of Ontario government services and information ; staff assistance, information and referral

Driver and Vehicle

• vehicle permits and plates
• driver's licence renewals
• accessible parking permits
• copies of records
• product sales including information packages on specific used vehicles

Forms and Official Documents

• commissioner of oaths

Health

• Ontario health card registration, renewal, replacement (lost, stolen or damaged) and change of name or address
• organ and tissue donor registration

Photo Identification

• Ontario Photo Card provision, renewal or replacement

COVID19 -- call or email concerning service updates


Information and referral to community services

Settlement information for immigrants and refugees (including GARs)

• job search and housing help; information about health and education system
• in-home settlement visits available
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry, childminding may be available for attendees with children 2 to 6 years, bus fare for eligible attendees
• computer/Zoom classes: Zoom classes open to all who want to learn video conferencing via the Zoom app; class outside LINC/ESL class time

Seniors programs including information and referral, social activities -- membership, help applying for benefits

Family abuse, mental health and rights information

Community Volunteer Income Tax program for low income families

Help for low-income families and seniors

• applying for Ontario Works in Peel or for Peel Access to Housing
• assistance with applications for OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program)
• help to apply for COVID-19 support benefits

Commissioner for taking affidavits

Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
* English Classes
* Enhanced Language Training
* Settlement Assistance
* Community Connections Programs
* free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment

Library card lets you borrow books, magazines, movies and other materials, digital content such as eBooks, eAudiobooks and databases such as online newspapers, magazines, music and language learning, access to free WiFi, meeting rooms

Branch Locations

Educational sessions covering topics such as career, current technology such as 3-D printing

Homebound Services for those unable to visit a branch

Newcomer services -- career and training sessions, commissioner of oaths, interest circles for conversation

Services to assist newcomers to Canada to adjust to life in Canada

• personalized counselling and support workshops, information sessions and guidance on skills development, training and employment
• translations and interpretation for settlement related issues
• Commissioner of Oaths services
• information and referrals to external services such as income tax clinics and legal aid or to other relevant community and government resources
• online citizenship test preparation classes

English Language Training

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
• bus fare for eligible attendees, and childminding for children 19 months-6 years while parents attend
• part-time classes, mornings or afternoons

Employment Services

• job search training; skills assessment
• resume and cover letter help, interview coaching
• labour market information
• access to computers, internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• multi-sector job fairs, networking events

Entrepreneurship Program for Newcomers

• learn sewing and clothing alterations, with skills, knowledge and language to manage a small business; work experience
• goal to become financially independent and self-employed

Community Connections Program

• for those in Canada less than 3 years
• community support through volunteer befriending
• orientation to the community and services such as banking, transit, education

Services for International Students

• settlement counselling and orientation; employment information
• information on housing, health care, financial supports, assistance filling documents and forms, referrals to community resources

Child, Youth and Parenting

• supportive counselling for parents and families dealing with cultural and inter-generational conflict- culturally and linguistically responsive
• positive parenting strategies and helps families understand the range of supports available
• crisis intervention and risk assessment, system navigational support, linkages to resources for youth and families
• support in areas such as challenges or conflict over social norms, family violence/breakdown, mental health, developmental disability, dealing with anxiety and stress, identifying abusive behaviours and healthy versus unhealthy relationships, coping strategies for families dealing with separation, divorce, co-parenting or parenting in blended families

Community Mental Health Support

• Housing and Support in Peel (HASP) in partnership with Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP) delivers housing support services to clients residing in SHIP units including case management, service coordination, and person-centred centered support planning
• advocates with landlords, hospitals, psychiatrists
• skills development to improve quality of life, resolve day to day conflicts, manage setbacks and increase independence and housing stability

Family Court Support Services

• support to victims of domestic violence navigating the family court system
• helps clients understand their rights and to make informed decisions on matters related to custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property and assets
• helps clients to understand and navigate court appearances and lawyer appointments; safety planning and risk assessments
• assistance documenting the history of abuse
• court accompaniment where appropriate

ACES Program for Women (Advocacy, Counselling, Empowerment & Safety)

• culturally sensitive counselling for women who are victims of domestic/family violence and abuse
• crisis intervention, counselling, risk assessment, safety planning, transitional support, educational workshops, assistance with legal issues and advocacy, and referrals to community resources
• women's groups to support health and wellness
• support groups for women and children who have witnessed partner abuse through the Helping End Abuse for Life (HEAL) network
• French service through partners OASIS or La Maison d'Hébergement (see separate listing)

Intersections: Support for 2SLGBTQ+ Newcomers

• drop-in, safe space, for settlement information with a 2SLGTBQ+ lens
• private, confidential, one-to-one settlement support
• peer mentoring
• referral to other services
• workshops and information sessions
• resource library, and social activities such as movies, art and crafts
• promotes welcoming communities through community presentations and information sessions

Services also offered at Safe Centre of Peel, 60 West Drive, Suite 110, Brampton

COVID19 -- in person meetings suspended, intake by phone

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Community legal clinic

• deals primarily with tenant issues, Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D), employment, subsidized housing, immigration (limited)
• may provide representation
• referrals
• community education
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Satellite clinic held at

Malton Neighbourhood Services, 3540 Morning Star Dr, Thursdays 3 pm-6 pm

Information and referral centre offering comprehensive information on topics such as employment, licensing, credential evaluation, language training, housing, health services, legal issues, government programs, citizenship and immigration, and social, community and recreational services

• information sessions requiring registration on a variety of topics introducing newcomers to life in Canada
• Commissioner of Oaths by appointment to take affidavits, certify true copies of original documents
• resource centre access to printed resources, telephone, computers, fax, printer, scanners and Internet
• settlement workers can help individually with filling forms or documents, preparing for citizenship tests or applications

For refugee services, settlement information, employment counselling and access to self-serve Newcomer Information Centre Online CLICK HERE

For information on the Accelerating Career Advancement Program for internationally trained individuals CLICK HERE

Services provided at itinerant sites in partner agencies and libraries across Peel Region

Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
* English Classes
* Enhanced Language Training
* Settlement Assistance
* Community Connections Programs
* free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment

Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
* English Classes
* Enhanced Language Training
* Settlement Assistance
* Community Connections Programs
* free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment

COVID19 -- now open by appointment, call or email

Programs to help newcomers become established; cultural and social activities for the Vietnamese community

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
• childminding may be available, bus fare for eligible attendees

Settlement Services

• citizenship preparation
• assistance to fill out government applications
• settlement counselling
• support groups for women, youth, and seniors to aid in integration
• interpretation and translation
• Commissioner of Oaths by appointment

Educational Programs

• citizenship classes
• English and Math tutoring for students in grades 1-12
• heritage language (Vietnamese)
• French classes
• computer classes

Job search techniques for resume writing and office skills

Cultural Services

• organizes traditional festivals, ritual ceremonies and Canadian celebrations
• traditional music and visual and performing arts programs and training
• picnics, camping trips, talent show

COVID19 -- services continue but in-person meetings suspended, email contact preferred,
https://tribunalsontario.ca/en/covid-19/

Adjudicative tribunal under auspices of Social Justice Tribunals Ontario

• informs landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act
• provides balanced and timely dispute resolution in accordance with the law
• handles eviction applications filed by non-profit housing cooperatives

Effective January 1, 2022 -- Rent increase guideline for 2022 is 1.2%

Immigrant Services -- settlement information and orientation to life in Canada

• needs assessment
• referral to other agencies and government services
• help filling in government forms and applications
• Commissioner of Oaths, document translation and interpretation with service providers
• crisis support counselling
• Youth Achieving Employment Project (YAE) research project to develop an intervention for recent postsecondary graduates struggling to find employment
• Mississauga Cycles cycling mentorship and do-it-yourself Bike Hub
• New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) where seniors help seniors learn computer based social networking skills, digital photography, event management, report writing and also a social and physical exercise club

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- sector specific language training with job search workshops and a co-op placement
English Conversation Circles (ECC), and ESL Home Based Business Language Training

Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST Program)

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
• trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Community Services

• digital Literacy Training
• free seasonal income tax clinic
• mobile dental clinic
• Orientation to Ontario (O2O) webinars

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications

Provides advocacy and assistance with all Ontario provincial ministries and programs, for example Ontario Works, ODSP, Health and Long-Term Care
* consultation on matters of local interest
* congratulatory messages/scrolls for significant milestones

Queen's Park Contact Information for all MPPs

Natalie Pierre (PC) MPP, member of Provincial Parliament for Burlington Electoral District and also the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges and Universities

Staff at the constituency office are Commissioners for taking affidavits, and offer this service free of charge
* a Commissioner for taking affidavits may take affidavits and administer other legal oaths, affirmations or declarations
* please call ahead for an appointment

A free legal clinic with volunteer lawyers from across Halton Region, on a rotating schedule, in the following areas:

• family law
• immigration law
• criminal law