Racialized Communities Strategy: Action plan update 2025

Published: March 21, 2025

On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is pleased to share our Racialized Communities Strategy (RCS) 2025 Action Plan Update.

Your ongoing engagement with LAO has been instrumental in shaping our approach to addressing systemic barriers in Ontario's justice system.

We have made meaningful strides this year through several key initiatives:

• expanding financial eligibility thresholds to improve access to legal aid services
• establishing specialized bail support for those without private counsel and
• implementing comprehensive tariff reform for sustainable, quality legal representation.

These advancements reflect the insights and feedback gathered through our continued engagement with equity-seeking organizations and community partners. While we recognize there is more work ahead, these changes represent concrete steps toward our shared goal of a more equitable justice system.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with you as we work to eliminate racial discrimination in the justice system and enhance access to justice for Ontario's racialized communities.