Legal Resources
For low-income survivors, accessing the legal system presents yet another obstacle to overcome. Justice does not come cheaply in our society. The following sections provide information on what your rights are, and what services are available should you require legal advice or representation.
Legal Services
Although they vary across the province, Legal Clinics generally represent low-income people faced with “poverty”-related legal crises, such as eviction, and Social Assistance problems. If you need legal advice or representation, there are several services available in London to those who would not otherwise be financially able to hire a private lawyer.
Tenants’ Rights
A go-to resource on who to contact regarding tenants’ rights.
Legal Aid
The Ontario Legal Aid Plan, the system we currently have in place in Ontario, was developed to ensure that people had access to the legal system when faced with ’essential’ issues. Everyone should have access to legal representation when charged with a criminal or civil offence, when suing for divorce, custody, or support, when denied social benefits (GWA, FBA, UIC, CPP, or WCB), when assaulted or injured in an accident, or when seeking refugee status.
Human Rights
Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, every person has a right to freedom from discrimination. If you feel your human right have been violated you have options to correct it.