News

On April 1, 2020, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is raising the eligibility threshold by six per cent for its certificate program and for clinic law services.

As part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) is working to offer more resources to clients through the telephone and online.

The final paper of the Legal Aid Ontario’s Racialized Communities Strategy is now available. The paper was the result of a three year consultation with clients, staff, stakeholders and communities in Ontario about the experience of racialized people in the justice system and LAO’s role within it. Along with the final paper of the Racialized…

We are working with justice partners to ensure the safety of our clients, in our effort against COVID‑19 (coronavirus). We are following advice provided by the Ministry of Health, Chief Medical Officer of Health and Public Health Officials, and we are committed to keeping you informed of any new developments. Please call or check this…

In light of recent concerns with COVID‑19, Legal Aid Ontario has decided to defer the Sidney B. Linden award presentation which was scheduled for March 26. The award ceremony will be rescheduled to another date to be announced. Like everyone in the legal profession in Ontario, LAO is excited to celebrate the achievements of Tim Lutes and his work…

Legal Aid Ontario welcomes the provincial government’s announcement of a new Legal Aid Services Act, a bill that, if passed, would establish a new framework in which we deliver legal aid services. The proposed changes to the act would ensure continuity and Legal Aid Ontario’s status as an independent corporation accountable to the government and people of Ontario.…

It’s time to send in your nominations for the Sidney B. Linden Award! The deadline for submission is Friday, November 15, 2019, at 5 p.m.

Further to the federal government’s August 12, 2019 announcement of $25.7 million in one‑time funding for immigration and refugee services, Legal Aid Ontario is fully restoring services in these areas for the remainder of the fiscal year. Beginning August 16, 2019, legal aid coverage for immigration and refugee services will resume at levels offered prior to April 15, 2019,…

Following the province’s April 11th instruction to Legal Aid Ontario to use only federal funding for refugee and immigration services, LAO may only use an estimated $13 to $16.5 million in current federal funds for new services this current fiscal year. LAO is permitted to use provincial dollars for transition costs. Our projected costs for 2019‑20 refugee…