News

Legal Aid Ontario facing up to $70 million funding drop amid COVID-19 ‘perfect stormJuly 15, 2020
From the Toronto Star (July 13, 2020): https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/07/13/legal-aid-ontario-facing-up-to-70-million-funding-drop-amid-covid-19-perfect-storm.html As demand for legal aid services rises from Ontarians facing evictions, job loss, domestic violence and other issues, Legal Aid Ontario is staring down a funding … Read more
The Work of Legal Clinics in Trying TimesMay 29, 2020
I have been reflecting on what our work means to our client communities in the context of the current pandemic. Three key aspects come to mind as critically needed at this time: … Read more
The Smarter and stronger Justice Act billDecember 9, 2019
The provincial government introduced for first reading, an omnibus justice bill (The Smarter and Stronger Justice Act bill) containing provisions that will amend the current Legal Aid Services Act, 1998.
“No Advocate” Video ProjectDecember 1, 2019
"NO ADVOCATE" was made in an effort to shine light on the great work done by Toronto-based legal clinics and the trickle down impact these cuts will have on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, … Read more
Access to Justice WeekNovember 25, 2019
The ACLCO recognized Access to Justice week 2019 by launching a video series speaking with influential people in the justice sector about what access to justice means and the role Community Legal … Read more
Hoping Ontario’s new Attorney General does the right thingJuly 3, 2019
"Today we are in the midst of writing a new chapter in the history of legal aid in Ontario — a system that has served as a much-emulated model of the world, … Read more
The Star Editorial Board calls on the Ontario’s new Attorney General to reverse the cuts to legal aid.June 23, 2019
"Ontario has a new attorney general, Doug Downey, who is no doubt facing a massive to-do list. But before he starts on any new projects, Downey should revisit a decision made in … Read more
Community Legal Clinics worried about their future after provincial cuts to the budgets of the local clinic and clinics province-wideJune 22, 2019
"The Northwest Community Legal Clinic’s executive director is worried about its future after provincial cuts to the budgets of the local clinic and clinics province-wide have affected its ability to provide legal … Read more
Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice says legal aid essential to fair justice systemJune 20, 2019
Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Richard Wagner says legal aid is "essential" to ensuring the justice system is fair and efficient for all. His remarks come as Ontario Premier Doug Ford … Read more
Statement on Cuts to Community Legal ClinicsJune 12, 2019
The Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario (ACLCO) condemns the cuts in community legal clinic services to the province’s poorest and most vulnerable people, flowing from the Ontario government’s spring budget. … Read more
Cuts are a short-sighted misstepMay 8, 2019
Cuts are an unconscionable attack on the province's most vulnerable. "The recent decision of the Ford government to drastically cut Legal Aid Ontario’s funding is not only an unconscionable attack on the … Read more
Stop the Cuts: Access to Justice for AllMay 6, 2019
The provincial government has cut funding to Legal Aid Ontario by 35%, which will result in a massive funding cut to Community Legal Clinics. This will directly impact front-line services and our … Read more
2018 Annual Report on Community Legal ClinicsApril 16, 2019
The ACLCO is pleased to share its Annual Report, "Together Making the Equal Rights Dream a Reality" showcasing the fine work done in our community legal clinics to advance access to justice … Read more
2019 Annual General Meeting & ConferenceApril 16, 2019
The ACLCO will be hosting its 22nd Annual General Meeting and Conference in Toronto on April 26-27, 2019. The 2019 AGM theme is Surviving and Thriving in Challenging Times, focusing on ensuring that clinics … Read more
Submissions to the LSOOctober 17, 2018
From time to time, the ACLCO assists clinics in exercising their collective voice by developing systemic positions. The Law Society of Ontario recently held consultations and called for submissions on two issues … Read more
2018 Annual General Meeting & ConferenceAugust 21, 2018
The ACLCO held its 21st Annual AGM and Conference May 25-26 featuring two days of important board and staff training and ACLCO business focused on the theme of "Building on our Successes".
2017 Annual ReportJune 1, 2018
The ACLCO is pleased to share its Annual Report, "Together Making the Equal Rights Dream a Reality" intended to showcase the fine work done in our community legal clinics for audiences such … Read more
2017 Sydney B. Linden Award goes to Grace PlucinoFebruary 22, 2018
Grace Pluchino, a community legal worker at the forefront of tenants' rights for the past 30 years, is this year's recipient of the Sidney B. Linden Award given by Legal Aid Ontario … Read more

Clinic System Issues

Clinic Pensions

15.12.2020

Recently, an ACLCO committee worked with Legal Aid Ontario and Sun Life to review and revise the investment options for clinics staff using Sun Life. Until recently, an RRSP was the only retirement savings option for community legal clinic staff. However, there are now defined benefit pension plan options available to community legal clinics.

What's New

Legal Aid Ontario facing up to $70 million funding drop amid COVID-19 ‘perfect storm

15.07.2020

From the Toronto Star (July 13, 2020): https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/07/13/legal-aid-ontario-facing-up-to-70-million-funding-drop-amid-covid-19-perfect-storm.html As demand for legal aid services rises from Ontarians facing evictions, job loss, domestic violence and other issues, Legal Aid Ontario is staring down a funding crisis that lawyers say could decimate front-line services in the coming months. “There could be anywhere from a $60 to $70 million shortfall,” said Lenny Abramowicz,

Board Supports

The Role of Clinics in Combating Racism

09.07.2020

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Board Supports

Collecting Race-based Data

09.07.2020

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What's New

The Work of Legal Clinics in Trying Times

29.05.2020

I have been reflecting on what our work means to our client communities in the context of the current pandemic. Three key aspects come to mind as critically needed at this time: recognizing our place; diversity in our work; and vulnerability of our client communities.

ACLCO Updates

2020 Updates to Clinics

23.01.2020

The following updates are available from 2020.

Executive Minutes

2020 Executive Minutes

06.01.2020

You can download the minutes from each meeting in 2020 here.

ACLCO Updates

2019 Updates to Clinics

03.01.2020

The following updates are available from 2019 Update to Clinics – 2019, December 16
Update to Clinics – 2019, December 9
Update to Clinics – 2019, Sept 23
Update to Clinics – 2019, August 16
Update to Clinics –

AGM Archives

2019 AGM

23.12.2019

The 2019 AGM and Conference was held on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, 2019 in Toronto. Conference Theme: “Surviving and Thriving in Challenging Times“ Events that have transformed Ontario since our last AGM have directed us to focus the 2019 Annual Conference and General Meeting on ensuring that clinics thrive as they defend the rights of their communities and ensure access to justice for the most disadvantaged.

What's New

The Smarter and stronger Justice Act bill

09.12.2019

The provincial government introduced for first reading, an omnibus justice bill (The Smarter and Stronger Justice Act bill) containing provisions that will amend the current Legal Aid Services Act, 1998.