STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

1. To provide legal services to the low income community of Northern Etobicoke, carried out by lawyers and community legal workers, including activities which encourage access to justice by our community.

2. To provide the most appropriate delivery method from a range of services which includes summary advice, representation, community development, public legal education and law reform.

3. To ensure that our resources are directed to cases that are most consistent with the priorities of our community as set by our Board of Directors.

4. To ensure that the root causes of the legal problems of our community are addressed and not only individual legal problems.

5. To ensure that our clinic provides legal services relevant to our community and is a known and trusted resource within its community.

Our clinic provides free Legal Aid advice and assistance to low income people living in our geographic boundaries in the following areas of law:

• Housing problems, tenant rights
• Employment Insurance
• Welfare/ Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support Program
• Canada Pension Disability
• Workers Compensation

We also provide community education in several areas of law to local groups, school and organizations. If we cannot help you, we may be able to refer you to a source of help in your community.

You can phone us at 416-741-5201 or use links on this page to determine whether you are eligible for our services, and how to find us. If you do not live in the area marked on the map (click the "map" button on the left side of your screen) you may be able to link to another clinic's site or to phone the clinic nearest to you. There are about thirty clinics funded by Legal Aid Ontario, www.legalaid.on.ca in the Toronto area. Most can only serve people who live in a specified neighbourhoods, so it is important to know which clinic can serve you before you get on the bus.

English is not your first language?
We provide immediate services in over 100 languages through the use of The Language Line and can obtain the services of translators for more complex matters.

How much will it cost?
There is no charge for the services provided by the Clinic. There may be minor costs related to your case which will be discussed with you at the first interview.

Can I access Clinic services by e-mail?
You will have to speak to a worker by phone, and probably come in to our office, to obtain services. It is a good idea to phone first, in case we cannot help, or in case we need to refer you to Legal Aid for another form of help.

Will the clinic help me with traffic violations or criminal charges, immigration, or family law problems?
Sorry, no. For some criminal charges, immigration, and family issues, you may be eligible for Legal Aid. Please call 1-800-668-8258 or by email at csc@lao.on.ca (in French or English) Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or check Legal Aid Ontario's website, www.legalaid.on.ca, for more information.

If you have a court appearance scheduled, you can apply at the courthouse and/or speak with duty counsel on the day.

What can I do while I am waiting for you to open, or to call me back?
There are several ways to get legal information on the internet. See the links at the left side of this page. We also offer links below to some recent developments on www.CLEOnet.ca, a resource and information website funded by Legal Aid Ontario.

What if my problem isn't listed on this page?
Not all areas of law qualify for assistance from Legal Aid Ontario or clinics. Call us, 416 741-5201, or the clinic in your area, to clarify what you can do if you have a different issue. We may be able to refer you to another agency.