Empowering Refugees, Eliminating Barriers and Combating Misinformation: Supporting Chinese Refugees through Education and Research
The Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter (CCNCTO) will develop and disseminate legal resources tailored to the needs of Chinese refugees across Ontario. The resources will cover the refugee claims process, how to prepare a humanitarian and compassionate grounds claim, labour rights, how to apply for temporary resident permits, and the options for legal recourse for those experiencing gender-based violence. CCNCTO will also share guidelines for selecting and working with legal representatives and immigration consultants. Partners include Butterfly: Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network. This initiative will connect Chinese refugees in Ontario to culturally and linguistically responsive legal resources.
$ 75,000
March 30, 2021
Indigenous Peoples' Court of Peterborough
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough will work alongside other members of the Indigenous Peoples’ Court (IPC) committee to pilot a bi-weekly provincial court in Peterborough for Indigenous individuals facing criminal charges. The IPC committee consists of representatives from First Nations communities, Friendship Centres, Legal Aid Ontario, and the Ministry of the Attorney General. Grant funds will be used to hire an Indigenous court worker who will raise awareness among court personnel of the IPC process and provide system navigation support to those participating in the court. Through this initiative, the IPC committee will work to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.
$ 44,930
March 30, 2021
Indigenous Human Rights Program
Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) will host bi-monthly human rights summary advice clinics as well as public legal education sessions for Indigenous communities in Ottawa and Thunder Bay. Community members will receive summary advice from volunteer lawyers on their rights under the Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act. PBSC students will conduct intake and facilitate referrals during the clinics. Partners include the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). The OFIFC will lead Indigenous cultural competency training for the volunteer lawyers and PBSC students. This initiative will enhance Indigenous communities’ access to culturally responsive legal support.
$ 100,000
March 30, 2021
Catalyst 2021
Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC) works to end gender-based violence across communities through education, research, and policy. The Catalyst grant supports METRAC’s Community Justice Program, which works to build individual, community, and organizational capacity in the City of Toronto and across Ontario, through legal education and information, research, and partnerships to increase access to justice for women and youth affected by violence. While METRAC’s programming is designed to benefit all women and youth experiencing violence, there is a particular focus on reaching isolated and vulnerable women including Indigenous women, newcomer women, LGBTQ2S communities, women with disabilities, and older women.
$ 222,745
March 30, 2021
Public Interest Articling Fellowship 2022/2023
Innocence Canada will host an articling student to support its mission to identify, advocate for, and exonerate individuals who have been convicted of a serious crime they did not commit, and to prevent future miscarriages of justice through legal education and legislative reform.
$ 69,500
March 30, 2021
Public Interest Articling Fellowship 2022/2023
Peacebuilders International (Canada) will host an articling student to primarily support its work within its Restorative Youth Circles program where youth have the potential to have their court cases diverted pre-trial out of the court system.
$ 69,500
March 30, 2021
Public Interest Articling Fellowship 2022/23
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre will host an articling student to support its work providing legal, advocacy, and research services on behalf of those elements of the public interest that would otherwise be unable to be adequately heard before courts, tribunals, and decision-makers.
$ 69,500
March 30, 2021
Protection Orders: An Empirical Foundation
The Law Commission of Ontario will undertake empirical research examining the efficacy of family protection orders. This initiative will support data-based decision making to more effectively protect individuals experiencing family violence in Ontario.
$ 86,000
February 23, 2021
Annual Comprehensive 2021-2022
The University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, Common Law Section will conduct activities that respond to access to justice needs in the local community and provide student enrichment opportunities through experiential learning and other means.
$ 336,600
December 23, 2020
Catalyst 2021
Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust will provide workshops, seminars, and in-class sessions in schools, educational institutions, and faculties of education, educating students and teachers about their civil rights and freedoms. It prepares the next generation of Canadians for civic engagement by introducing students and educators to the exploration of civil liberties, critical thought, and the development of democratic habits.
$ 221,100
December 23, 2020
