SOME PREDICTIONS FOR THE COMING YEAR

You are 6 months pregnant, give a great interview; no job offer.

Your landlord increases your rent.

Your child will be suspended from school.

Your aging mother wants you to have Power of Attorney.

You change your mind about that gym membership!

You and your partner are adopting a child.

Your transmission fails, although it was repaired just last month.

Your neighbour has put up a new fence – on your property.

You have found the house of your dreams and made an offer to buy it.

You update your will.

You fail to report an automobile accident.

You injured your back at work.

Is that a stalker?

Your toddler hit the iPhone keys at random – and bought you a

Winnebago on Ebay.

Your marriage is over …

… and who gets custody of the dog?

YOU WILL NEED INFORMATION ABOUT THE LEGAL ISSUES AND LEGAL

ADVICE. (Think you can handle that?)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014

HER E ’ S N E W S

A B O U T

2014 Predictions

Our Conference: 5 March

Tenant School

Better Legal Information

Websight

Q&A: Religious garb

Shameless self promotion

Well, news

What’s caught in the web

January 2014

Communiqué #8

Connect ing Ottawa, c/o South Ottawa Community Legal Serv ices, 406 -1355 Bank Street, Ottawa

Project Coordinator: David Hole, dav id@connect ingottawa.com, 613-816-0180

Page 2 Connecting Ottawa

OUR PARTNERS

COMMUNITY SERVICES

211/Community Information

Centre

Action Logement

Carlington CHC

Centretown CHC

CMHA (Ottawa Branch)

Cultural Interpretation Services

for Our Community (CISOC)

Distress Centre

Eastern Ottawa CRC

Housing Help

Orleans-Cumberland CRC

Nepean Rideau Osgoode CRC

Pinecrest-Queensway CHC

Rideau-Rockcliffe CRC

Sandy Hill CHC

Social Planning Council

Somerset West CHC

South-East Ottawa CHC

Vanier CSC

Western Ottawa CRC

LEGAL SERVICES

ARCH Disability Law Centre

Centre for Equality Rights in

Accommodation (CERA)

Clinique juridique Francophone

de l’est d’Ottawa

CLS - Ottawa Centre

LAO (Ottawa District)

Reach Canada

South Ottawa CLS

University of Ottawa CLC

West End Legal Services

A TENANT SCHOOL FOR OTTAWA?

The Federation of Metro Tenants Associations (FMTA) has collaborated with some settlement agencies and specialty legal clinics in Toronto to present a series of ‘schools’ or trainings. The content is uniquely tailored to provide legal information on housing and tenant-related issues that specifically meets the identified needs of communities who do not speak English or French. The “Tenant School” consists of five modules and trains 15-20 front line community and settlement workers. The format for each training module is based on adult education principles and includes extensive opportunities for group discussion as well an emphasis on how each participant’s own experience relates to the information presented. For more information: http://goo.gl/HqBKJj. If you would like to bring a Tenant School to Ottawa, contact Natalie Drolet at Connecting Ottawa.

We’re trying something different this year – our Conference will be half-

day only (morning). We’ll still provide refreshments and a lunch so that

we can network together and catch up with what’s new and different.

There will still be no fee to attend and we are committed to an accessible

conference so that all can participate. And there will once again be great

content.

The conference program is not yet ready for release, but we plan to

explore at least a couple of things:

What does it mean to be a “trusted intermediary”? For you – as a

service provider? For the client who is trying to navigate a complex

system to access services?

“Access to Justice” is a determinant of health and well-being. How

can legal services be delivered holistically? Where are the

opportunities for collaboration across sectors – with community

health and social services, for example?

Watch for full details about the event in the next Communiqué.

Registration will begin on February 17th.

WEDNESDAY

MARCH 5th 08:30-13:00

CONNECTING OTTAWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Centre Richelieu-Vanier

Connecting Ottawa Page 3

CLEO recently launched a new Better Legal Information Handbook: Practical tips for community workers. If you create legal information for the public, this is a helpful resource. Consult the handbook when you start a project and follow the practical steps, all captured in an easy-to-use chart, as you go along. Topics include:

o knowing your audience and writing for them o choosing the best way to present your information o applying plain language and design principles o ensuring accuracy o testing and evaluating

You can order a copy by contacting CLEO. They will send one free copy to any non-profit group in Ontario. For multiple copies, there is a fee of $20/handbook to recover costs. However, there is also an online version with active links, available here.

MORE

CO PARTNERS

IMMIGRANT SERVICES

Catholic Centre for Immigrants

Conseil Économique Social

d’Ottawa-Carleton (CESOC)

Immigrant Women’s Services

Organization

Jewish Family Services

Ottawa Chinese CSC

Ottawa Community Immigrant

Services Organization (OCISO)

Newcomer Information Centre

(YM-YWCA)

OPL Immigrant Settlement

Partnership

Somali Centre for Family

Services

Sexual Assault Centre -

Women & War

SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH

DISABILITIES

Aphasia Centre of Ottawa

Canadian Hearing Society

(Ottawa)

Citizens Advocacy

The In Community

Stroke Survivors Association

TOH Rehabilitation Centre

THANKS TO LEGAL AID ONTARIO Connecting Ottawa is grateful for

funding from LAO’s Poverty Law

Client Service Coordination

program, used to design and

develop our web site/portal to legal

services. We appreciate this

support.

Page 4 Connecting Ottawa

Many of you have already let us know about bumps in the road; we have done our best to smooth the way to successful referrals and accessible justice – here’s what is new and what is coming soon to make these sites even better:

A new dropdown menu “About the Project” so you will be one click away from the information you are looking for – including “Contact Us”

New and updated content in “Services” News feeds – from Your Legal Rights and from our Twitter posts An events calendar – information about training opportunities, public legal education events,

and other local happenings New resources – see Accessibility Resource List and Mental Health Resource List Opportunities to “Comment” on each page – start a dialogue on what you see A survey, so we can learn how the site is being used and by whom Security updates and extermination of bugs

You’ll find all the details of the programs & resources of the Connecting Ottawa project and ways to connect with our partners to provide the most coordinated response to issues. You can also friend us on Facebook, network with us at LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter. The sites are an excellent tool for service providers who need to direct clients to legal services. We help you to identify the issue. We provide information about that issue. We direct you to local legal services that can address that issue, so that you in turn can give direction and support to your clients. Our partnership with CICO/211 gives information about service hours, location, access by public transit, etc. Our partnership with CLEO provides access to downloadable information sheets in many different languages. If your client needs more “hands-on” support from one of our trained facilitators in order to actually connect with the needed service, the sites tell you how to make that happen. Increasing numbers of you have taken us for a test drive; 1,432 unique visitors to sites that were designed only as a resource for the 44 Ottawa agencies currently in our network.

USED OUR WEBSITE LATELY? Connecting Ottawa actually has two sites, launched in February 2013: in English at connectingottawa.com, and in French at connexionottawa.com. The sites provide information about a broad range of legal issues and about the most appropriate legal services to address these. You also have easy access to the FAQ and resources library at Your Legal Rights, an online service of CLEO.

Connecting Ottawa Page 5

ASKED AND ANSWERED …

Can my employer force me to change my clothing

when it is part of my religious belief?

ANSWER:

Probably not. Generally, unless there is a proven health and safety

factor that cannot be accommodated without undue hardship to the

employer, the employer cannot force you to wear clothing that would

prevent you from observing your religion by, for example, wearing a

hijab.

Employers can have a dress code or rules about dress that meet the

business needs of the organization, as long as they comply with the

Ontario Human Rights Code. For example, the dress code should allow

for religious head coverings to be worn with the uniform and ankle-

length skirts should be provided as alternatives to pants for female

employees who wish to dress modestly for religious reasons.

If the uniform is used for health or safety reasons, however, employers

must look for ways to alter the requirement or the protective clothing

to maintain a reasonable level of safety while meeting the employee’s

religious requirements.

What can I do about discrimination?

Discrimination can sometimes be hard to prove. It is a good idea to

keep notes about what has happened. If your workplace is unionized,

you may be able to resolve the problem through the collective

agreement. In other situations, you may have to take your case to the

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (or the Canadian Human Rights

Commission, if you work in a federally-regulated workplace such as a

bank, airline, or telecommunication company). It is usually best to get

legal advice first. The Human Rights Legal Support Centre offers human

rights legal services to individuals throughout Ontario who have

experienced discrimination.

[SOURCE: YourLegalRights]

TO CONTACT

CONNECTING

OTTAWA/CONNEXION

OTTAWA:

ADVISORY GROUP Gary Stein (Chair)

Marie-Andrée Carrière

Sarah Caspi

Michel David

St-Phard Desir

Catherine Dubois

Daniel Gagnon

Mohamoud Hagi-Aden

Clara Jimeno

Cindi Rye

Tim Simboli

PROJECT COORDINATOR

David Hole

613 816 0180 david@connectingottawa.com

LAWYER

Natalie Drolet

613 402 9437 natalie@connectingottawa.com

SOCIAL WORKER

Marian Green

613 402 9376 marian@connectingottawa.com

Page 6 Connecting Ottawa

POSTERS AND RACK CARDS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

Please help us spread the word about Connecting Ottawa/ Connexion Ottawa among the

service providers in our network. Display our posters (8½x11) and rack cards. Thanks.

CONNECTING OTTAWA NEEDS MORE VOLUNTEER

FACILITATORS

… who can speak Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese)

… who can speak Somali

… who are proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes

québécoise (LSQ)

… who have experience with augmentative and alternative communication

devices and techniques

CONTACT Natalie (613-402-9437)

We appreciate all the

support and

encouragement

provided by

Connecting Ottawa Page 7

"WELFAREIZATION" OF DISABILITY INCOMES IN ONTARIO – THE STAPLETON

REPORT IS RELEASED Disability income expenditures are on the rise in Canada. Among disability income programs just one is growing faster than the others: social assistance. This is most pronounced in Ontario where ODSP expenditures increased 44.8% between 2005 and 2010. The Metcalf Foundation has just released The “Welfareization” of Disability Incomes in Ontario: What are the factors causing this trend?, authored by John Stapleton and providing critical insight into the intricate drivers behind the alarming rise of disability income expenditures. Stapleton has drawn on new data and original research to provide an overview of the eight disability income support programs available to Ontarians, including recent changes to eligibility and entitlement. He demonstrates that ODSP caseload growth is not endemic to the program but rather results from the changing labour market (more part-time, contract, insecure work) and the failure of other disability income support programs (federal, provincial, and private) to respond to those changes in terms of their eligibility criteria and benefit payment rules. As such, disability income supports in Ontario are being “welfareized” – i.e., people are increasingly being forced to rely on ODSP in the first instance rather than in the “last resort” and therefore, because of ODSP’s program design, are being forced into poverty. A conclusion to be drawn is that a better fix has to be found – both for program growth and for the poverty of people with disabilities relying on ODSP – than reducing the size of the ODSP caseload, as was recently recommended. Despite the many punitive aspects of social assistance it continues to act as a critical safety net; for many people with disabilities ODSP is the only program able to provide the level of financial support and employment incentives they need in order to stabilize their circumstances and find a way to enter or re-enter the workforce. Download the Report here; read Toronto Star coverage here.

NEWS SHEET

OTTAWA’S TRAFFIC STOP RACE DATA COLLECTION PROJECT IS ON TRACK Starting back in June 2013, Ottawa Police Officers, by their observation only, has been recording the race of the driver at all traffic (motor vehicle) stops for a two year period. This Traffic Stop Race Data Collection Project is the result of a settlement agreement between the Ottawa Police Services Board and the Ontario Human Rights Commission. An FAQ about the project can be found here. A project update will be presented to the Ottawa Police Services Board at City Hall on 27th January 2014 at 5:00pm. There will be an opportunity for public discussion on 6th February 2014, 6:00-9:00pm at The RA Centre (2451 Riverside Drive) - members of the project team, Ontario Human Rights Commission and the York University Research Team hired to assist with the project will be participating. For more information about the project or to provide feedback, please visit ottawapolice.ca/race, or contact racedata@ottawapolice.ca.

Page 8 Connecting Ottawa

THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW LIFE SUPPORT The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the rights of patients and their substitute decision-makers to decide regarding withdrawal of life support. The Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) and ARCH Disability Law Centre acted in coalition, as did the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic (HALCO) with the Mental Health Legal Committee, with both intervening in the Supreme Court of Canada for the rights of patients and substitute decisions makers against the ability of physicians to make a unilateral decision regarding the withdrawal of life support. This is an especially important decision for the marginalized groups that we represent, who would otherwise not have had access to justice.

REACHING EQUAL JUSTICE: AN INVITATION TO ENVISION AND ACT The year is 2030 and all people living in Canada have equal access to justice regardless of means, capacity or social situation. The justice system takes into consideration individuals’ and groups’ different legal needs and provides timely, holistic, and personalized assistance to achieve lasting and just outcomes. People are empowered to manage their own legal matters with an emphasis on prevention where feasible and to participate in overseeing the justice system; as a result, they feel a strong connection to it and there is a strong sense of public ownership. Practices are evidence-based and the justice system is a nurturing environment for innovation; it consists of learning organizations committed to continual improvement. This ‘ambitious but possible’ vision of equal justice is at the heart of the Canadian Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee’s recent report, Reaching Equal Justice: An Invitation to Envision and Act. The Committee starts from the premise that 100% access is the only defensible goal while recognizing the current abysmal situation, which in fact reinforces rather than mitigates inequalities. Rejecting piecemeal reform, the report sets out 31 concrete targets organized around six major themes. Three themes delineate the substance of reform (facilitating everyday justice, transforming formal justice, reinventing the delivery of legal services) and three set out the required support structure (building public engagement and participation, building collaboration and effective leadership and building the capacity for innovation). While the targets are framed as long-term goals to be achieved by 2020, 2025 or 2030, the report also contains a range of indicative actions to be initiated today and interim goals to serve as markers of progress in achieving the targets. Expect this important paper to make waves; this is an invitation to the legal profession and all justice system stakeholders, including the public, to seize the moment of opportunity created by a broad Canadian consensus on the need for significant change. Both the summary and the full report are available online in English and French. Connecting Ottawa is cited (p.111) as “a best practice for holistic, coordinated, comprehensive service delivery”, characterized by

• Involving multiple service providers on the same team • Getting all service providers on the “same page” • Encouraging dialogue between service providers, e.g. through case conferences • Ensuring everyone understands each other’s roles

One of the members of the committee that produced this report John Sims, will be one of the guest speakers at our upcoming Conference (March 5th), as will Ab Currie, who is also cited in many places in the report.

Connecting Ottawa Page 9

SUPPORT BILL 88: CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AMENDMENT ACT The proposed Child and Family Services Amendment Act (Children 16 Years of Age and Older) will significantly improve the equality of access to child welfare services for children and youth in Ontario. The current legislation significantly restricts first-time entry into the child welfare system for children above the age of 16. Ontario remains the only jurisdiction in Canada that limits access to child welfare services for 16 and 17 year olds in this way. Many of the young people who seek the assistance of Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY) are not eligible for child protection services simply on the basis of their age. Youth needing care for the first time after they turn 16 are left with few choices to sustain their safety and security, often leaving them with no option but the shelter system or the streets. Bill 88 will finally make it possible for 16 and 17 year olds, who find themselves without the support of family, to voluntarily access child welfare support services. In December, Bill 88 passed Committee with some further positive amendments – including the duty on a Children’s Aid Society to provide services after a youth requests, and the ability for youth to access services up to age 21. Read the Bill here.

CHEO’S PARTNERSHIP WITH PRO BONO LAW ONTARIO SUPPORTS FAMILIES

FACING LEGAL STRUGGLES Legal help is now available to patients at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), thanks to a new program. Pro Bono Law Ontario (PBLO) recently partnered with CHEO and the law firm Borden Ladner Gervais LLP to bring their services to Ottawa. At no cost to the eligible patient or family, the PBLO at CHEO program brings a lawyer into the care mix if legal issues are impacting a child’s health or the family’s ability to care for that child. This medical-legal partnership was recently created to help low-income families resolve legal problems that may prevent them from focusing their full attention on caring for a sick child. The program covers a variety of legal needs such as employment, family law, immigration, health care coverage, tax law and more. PBLO provides its services at no cost to the hospital or to eligible families. The program is anchored by CHEO’s social workers who will speak to families about their legal concerns, collect information, and then refer cases to the on-site Triage Coordinator. Families without a social worker can ask their medical team for a referral. PBLO Triage Coordinator Mihiri Senaratne is now a part of the CHEO team; she meets with families on site and provides services such as legal information, document preparation and referrals to volunteer lawyers for representation.

CONNECTING OTTAWA WISHES 211

A HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY!

Page 10 Connecting Ottawa

CAUGHT IN THE WEB

CONNECTING WITH

CONNECTING OTTAWA ON TWITTER @connectottawa ON FACEBOOK /ConnectingOttawa AT OUR WEB SITES connectingottawa.com

connexionottawa.com

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT …

Supreme Court of Canada strikes down Canada's prostitution laws. http://cbc.sh/I06uJrW - Via @PACTottawa

Government crackdown on temporary foreign workers set to begin. http://is.gd/rlcBnI and http://is.gd/rlcBnI

Have you submitted an Accessibility Compliance Report (due Dec 31)? Find out how: http://goo.gl/WUewju and http://goo.gl/2vqvEI Via @AODAontario

Changes to eligibility age for sponsoring dependent children not being implemented...yet. http://ow.ly/s1396 - Via @lao_law

In some Ottawa neighbourhoods upwards of 55% speak a first language other than French or English – infographic at http://ow.ly/o6HWB

Ontario Bridge Training programs (http://goo.gl/X2Si8Z) extended by CIC (http://goo.gl/cC1iec).

"Persons with mental illness are disproportionately criminalized, incarcerated, impoverished, & under-housed." http://goo.gl/CrwSDs

Refugee health cuts endanger refugees’ lives, cost taxpayers more by delaying preventive treatment, court hears. http://goo.gl/8sxo0B

Can small legal firms and solo practitioners solve the access to justice problem...or not? http://goo.gl/y8SUof - Via @atlblog

Via @CBA_News - What will it take to fix the most pressing issue facing Canada's justice system - access to justice? http://youtu.be/dzXBEP0mJX8

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." (Martin Luther King Jr) "In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for

issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same." (Albert Einstein)