News
- Legal Aid Ontario facing up to $70 million funding drop amid COVID-19 ‘perfect stormFrom 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 TimesI 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 billThe 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 Project"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 WeekThe 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 thing"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."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-wide"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 systemSupreme 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 ClinicsThe 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 misstepCuts 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 AllThe 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 ClinicsThe 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 & ConferenceThe 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 LSOFrom 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 & ConferenceThe 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 ReportThe 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 PlucinoGrace 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
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.
Read moreWhat's New
Legal Aid Ontario facing up to $70 million funding drop amid COVID-19 ‘perfect storm
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,
Read moreBoard Supports
The Role of Clinics in Combating Racism
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Read moreBoard Supports
Collecting Race-based Data
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What's New
The Work of Legal Clinics in Trying Times
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.
Read moreExecutive Minutes
2020 Executive Minutes
You can download the minutes from each meeting in 2020 here.
Read moreACLCO Updates
2019 Updates to Clinics
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
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.
Read moreWhat's New
The Smarter and stronger Justice Act bill
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.
Read more