News

• 2021 Community Champion AwardMay 15, 2021
  Omar Khan is the recipient of the 2021 Community Champion award, nominated for the award by Don Valley Community Legal Services. The Community Champion Award is a way of recognizing those who … Read more
• Proposed Rules Under the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020: Impact on Community Legal ClinicsMay 4, 2021
  In July 2020, Ontario passed new legislation governing the provision of legal aid services. The Legal Aid board has proposed rules to govern this under the new legislation. Patricia Hughs comments on … Read more
• 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