Hamilton Community Legal Clinic

04/22/2021

Know your rights: How COVID-19 enforcement could target Ontario's most vulnerable

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04/21/2021

How COVID-19 enforcement could target Ontario's most vulnerable: Live at noon on Thursday | CBC News

An exciting live-stream tomorrow: How COVID-19 enforcement could target Ontario's most vulnerable! Toronto lawyer Knia Singh, Michael Blashko from the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic and former Canadian Human Rights Commissioner Sandi Bell join us live at noon on Thursday to talk about how COVID-19 enforcement could target Ontario's most vulnerable.

Toronto lawyer Knia Singh, Michael Blashko from the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic and former Canadian Human Rights Commissioner Sandi Hall join us live at noon on Thursday to talk about how COVID-19 enforcement could target Ontario's most vulnerable.

04/21/2021

No Hate in the Hammer is hosting an anti-hate community summit on May 19 and 20th! Throughout this summit we will be committing to individual and collective action to make lasting change.

Let’s imagine a hate free community, together!

Register here: https://nohateinthehammer.ca/summit/

No Hate in the Hammer is hosting an anti-hate community summit on May 19 and 20th! Throughout this summit we will be committing to individual and collective action to make lasting change.

Let’s imagine a hate free community, together!

Register here: https://nohateinthehammer.ca/summit/

04/15/2021

Employment Opportunities - Hamilton Community Legal Clinic

Short Term contract position at HCLC !
https://hamiltonjustice.ca/en/about/employment/

Positions with the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic are posted here when available.

04/14/2021

New pathway to permanent residency for over 90,000 essential temporary workers and international graduates - Canada.ca

New pathway to permanent residency for over 90,000 essential temporary workers and international graduates - Canada.ca

Today, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced an innovative pathway to permanent residence for over 90,000 essential workers and international graduates who are actively contributing to Canada’s economy.

04/13/2021

Hey #HamOnt, our monthly Trans ID Clinic will be taking place THIS Thursday! Check it out

Hey #HamOnt, our monthly Trans ID Clinic will be taking place THIS Thursday! Check it out

04/13/2021

Photos from Hamilton ACORN's post

04/12/2021

To all our friends

To all our friends

04/12/2021

Foreign workers assigned unsafe housing during contracts at Ontario baby formula plant: documents | CBC News

Migrant justice is needed here

Workers brought to Canada for contracts at the Canada Royal Milk plant lived in overcrowded housing that wasn't up to code. Now, some of their co-workers say work they were doing was also unsafe, even though the contractor was issued permits for workers "of significant economic benefit to Canada."

04/12/2021

Aaniin, check out the latest Michi Saagiig "OUR NATIONS UNITED" quarterly newsletter, Enh! Miigwech - enjoy. https://www.mississauganation.com/uploads/9/8/1/8/98183112/mississauga_nation_2.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2E_EdeJDJh2nO5CArBBrgBt3T1mq6n0A8qQwxVanNY6fh52E97UBXn-kQ

04/12/2021

The Life-Sized City - Hamilton

Affordable.... for who?

"Toronto has always cast a long shadow on the city of Hamilton, Ontario, for a number of reasons: it's bigger, it's more economically successful, and people want to live there. But times are changing. Young people seeking opportunities are priced out of T.O., and Hamilton is proving to be the place that can provide them with both affordable housing as well as opportunity. Hamiltonians want us to know that great things come in mid-sized packages, too."

Toronto has always cast a long shadow on the city of Hamilton, Ontario, for a number of reasons: it's bigger, it's more economically successful, and people want to live there. But times are changing.

04/11/2021

Hamilton woman's ODSP cut after selling her home to pay off debt | CBC News

"The family's story highlights the challenges in paying down debt and maintaining long-term financial health for people on disability payments, says Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction senior policy analyst Laura Cattari. She says people on ODSP are restricted to $40,000 of accumulated savings, so can't build up a very big rainy-day fund — even if they get an inheritance or other lump sum. Further, ODSP can revisit a recipient's payments if they sell an asset and don't put the money into certain "protected assets" such as a house or a car."

The family’s story highlights the challenges in paying down debt and maintaining long-term financial health for people on disability payments, says anti-poverty advocate.

04/09/2021

FYI:
Hamilton Public Health Services is reaching out today to share information and resources on COVID-19 vaccinations with you and your community networks. We ask that you share this information as appropriate.

Information on COVID-19 vaccine clinics:
Vaccination eligibility continues to evolve rapidly in Hamilton. Individuals and groups become eligible to book a vaccine appointment based on vaccine supply and provincial & local prioritization.

We recommend you check www.hamilton.ca/vaccinebooking for the latest information about who is eligible for a vaccine in Hamilton, as this information is updated several times per week. Individuals may be eligible for a vaccine currently based on their age, where they live in Hamilton (postal code area), their job or other criteria.

There are three mass vaccination clinics in Hamilton:

St. Joe’s West 5th Vaccine Clinic, 100 West 5th St.
FirstOntario Centre Vaccine Clinic, 101 York Blvd.
Hamilton Health Sciences Vaccine Clinic, 293 Wellington St. N.

In addition, mobile pop-up clinics will take place in many neighbourhoods across the city, and some pharmacies offer vaccinations. Please check the website for mobile clinic locations, as these change often.



Information on vaccines
Find answers to questions about vaccines: https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions

Find vaccine resources for specific communities and vaccine resources in multiple languages: https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-resources. Resources include fact sheets, videos and more to help people learn about COVID-19 vaccines.

Hamilton Public Health continues to offer support to tailor vaccine information for community needs. Please reach out if you have a specific request.

Thank you for the work you do with your community and for helping to share this information.



Vaccine Confidence and Promotion Team
Hamilton Public Health Services
[email protected]

04/02/2021

East Hamilton Tenants Stand up to landlord attempting to renovict entire building! | ACORN Canada

https://acorncanada.org/east-hamilton-tenants-stand-landlord-attempting-renovict-entire-building

04/01/2021

A conversation on Payday loans

A -partial- conversation with Tom Cooper of the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction on Payday Loans. So sorry, we had some techichal diffculties

04/01/2021

See you at 2 PM :)

In hard times, low income residents may fall prey to predatory lenders.... Find out more, bring your questions. All in simple, accessible language LIVE, here on our page

03/31/2021

The International Trans Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating trans people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide.

Trans people, especially trans youth, disproportionately experience violence, poverty, and homelessness. We serve people of all genders in our programs and are continuously learning how to be better supporters and allies to our diverse Hamilton community.

To support organizations that do great work specifically supporting trans people in Hamilton, check out (including but not limited to!) Kyle's Place, speqtrum Hamilton, Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, and Hamilton Trans Health Coalition.

03/31/2021

Déclaration de solidarité condamnant le racisme envers les Asiatiques - Clinique juridique communautaire de Hamilton

“ La coalition Pas de haine dans le Hammer aimerait que la communauté asiatique sache que nous sommes à ses côtés, aujourd’hui et pour toujours.”

Lisez la déclaration de No Hate in the Hammer qui condamne le racisme envers les Asiatiques:

https://hamiltonjustice.ca/fr/2021/03/31/declaration-de-solidarite-condamnant-le-racisme-envers-les-asiatiques/

La haine envers les communautés asiatiques n’est pas un problème nouveau dans le monde, au Canada et plus particulièrement à Hamilton. Le racisme envers

03/31/2021

Statement of Solidarity Condemning Anti-Asian Racism - Hamilton Community Legal Clinic

“We at NHH want the Asian community to know that we stand with you now and always.”

Check out No Hate in the Hammer’s statement condemning Anti-Asian Racism:

https://hamiltonjustice.ca/en/2021/03/31/statement-of-solidarity-condemning-anti-asian-racism/

Hate against Asian communities is not a new issue globally, in Canada and more specifically in Hamilton. Anti-Asian racism can be traced back to the

03/31/2021

‘Free benefit’ or blacklisted? Hamilton tenants and landlords clash over private information

Disturbing, you can read the full article in the comment section

At a downtown Hamilton low-rise, tenants are clashing with landlords over their private information being provided to a company that can affect their ...

03/30/2021

In hard times, low income residents may fall prey to predatory lenders.... Find out more, bring your questions. All in simple, accessible language LIVE, here on our page

In hard times, low income residents may fall prey to predatory lenders.... Find out more, bring your questions. All in simple, accessible language LIVE, here on our page

03/29/2021

Petition e-3288 - Petitions

We are supporting the call for a #CERBAmnesty repayment plan for anyone living below or near the Low Income Measure.

It is unfair that folks who can't prove their eligibility will have to pay back thousands that they don't have.

Sign this petition: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-3288

There is no obligation on the part of the House of Commons or any Member of Parliament to authorize the publication of an e-petition or to present an e-petition or a paper petition to the House of Commons. Neither the House of Commons nor any Member of Parliament authorizing the publication of an e-...

03/29/2021

The Professional Aboriginal Advocacy Networking Group (PAANG) Presents the 15th Annual:

Celebration of Growth
Community virtual gathering open to Indigenous peoples and their families who are residents of the City of Hamilton
May 17 – May 21, 2021

This year’s event will be a completely virtual event. Also for the first time it will be a week-long event!

• Two events daily
• Community virtual social
• Door Prizes

More information to come but make sure to mark your calendar!

Follow the PAANG page to get updates on the events as they become available.

03/29/2021

The 50 – 30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage

We have joined the Federal Government’s 50 – 30 Challenge to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The goal of the Challenge is to encourage organizations to reach 50% gender parity and 30% representation from under-represented groups, including racialized persons, those who identify as LGBTQ2, people living with disabilities, as well as First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, at the board and senior management levels.
Our Board of Directors has achieved this goal and our management team is very close. This undertaking is part of our Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression Plan.
For more information on the challenge, visit: www.canada.ca/50-30-Challenge. We strongly encourage your organization to consider signing up.

Join the 50-30 Challenge to increase diversity in your workplace.

03/29/2021

How much you need to earn to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Canada in 2021 - Career Beacon

How much you need to earn to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Canada in 2021 - Career Beacon

Looking for a place to live? Here's how much you need to earn to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Canada in 2021.

03/26/2021

What to expect at a phone or videoconference hearing

Great resource

Due to the pandemic, the LTB has suspended all in-person hearings. Instead, hearings are now taking place over the phone or by videoconference. This tip sheet will help you consider 5 important things during your remote hearing, and what to do if you are not able to attend the hearing. Learn more

03/24/2021

More property standards protection on the way for Hamilton tenants

"The City of Hamilton will be updating its property standards bylaw in the hope of ensuring that tenants are not forced to live in substandard housing."

Ward 2 Coun. Jason Farr presented the motion, saying 'good tenants deserve the peace of mind to have healthy and safe environments.'

03/23/2021

Supporting Hamilton ACORN

Hamilton Community Legal Clinic written delegation today at the Planning Committee. Allies coming together to fight for #healthyhomes! #HamOnt

03/18/2021

We stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence. - Hamilton Community Legal Clinic

To the survivors directly: at the HCLC we believe you. We say this to upend the cultural norm of doubting victims of sexual assault. We say this with the explicit intention of making space for all survivors to come forward to speak their truth and be heard.

https://hamiltonjustice.ca/en/2021/03/18/we-stand-in-solidarity-with-survivors-of-sexual-violence/

The survivors who have recently come forward to expose their unjust and violent workplaces have done so in the face of potential personal, social and

03/08/2021

IWD 2021 campaign theme: #ChooseToChallenge

Happy IWD !

International Women's Day 2021 campaign theme is #ChooseToChallenge

03/07/2021

New program aims to support mental health of Black and racialized youth

“A new program in two Hamilton high schools aims to support the mental health of Black and racialized youth.

Students at Bernie Custis Secondary School and Cathedral High School, both in central Hamilton, will have access to a “health and wellness connector” who will connect youth to services to support their overall health and well-being.”

https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2021/03/04/new-program-aims-to-support-mental-health-of-black-and-racialized-youth.html

Students at Bernie Custis Secondary School and Cathedral High School will have access to a ‘health and wellness connector’ who will connect youth to c...

03/05/2021

Home - Black Legal Action Centre

Black Legal Action Centre
Suite 221 – 720 Spadina Avenue • Toronto • Ontario • M5S 2T9

Executive Director and General Counsel Position
The Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is an independent, non-profit community legal clinic with a mission of combatting individual and systemic anti-Black racism by providing legal services to members of Ontario’s Black communities, including engaging in advocacy, community development, law reform, test case litigation, and public legal education. BLAC is funded by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
The Executive Director will lead a team of legal and other staff and volunteers to ensure the implementation of BLAC’s strategic plans, goals and objectives. Collaborating with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will guide the overall legal services, operational, financial, facilities and staff management activities. The Executive Director will represent BLAC, champion the legal rights of members of Ontario’s Black communities and provide senior legal and analytic skills to the work of the clinic.
Minimum Qualifications
The successful candidate will be a member of the Law Society of Ontario with a minimum of seven years post-call experience, hold a minimum of a Juris Doctor or LLB degree, and an established record of working in Black communities. A job description including further details about the required skills and experiences for the position is available here.
How to Apply
Interested individuals may submit an application to Mr. Roy Williams, Chair of the Selection Committee, by emailing [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on March 15, 2021 with the following documents included:
 Letter of interest detailing why you meet the requirements as stipulated for the position
 An up-to-date curriculum vitae
 A separate one-page statement identifying the applicant’s contributions, or potential
contributions, to eradicating anti-Black racism and working within Black communities
 Optional: two samples of your cases or legal scholarly work within the interpretive
framework for the application of subsection 15(1) equality or other constitutional rights
 Race-based litigation cases in which you were involved
 Names and contact information for three referees, along with the written permission of
the applicant for the Chair of the Selection Committee to contact the referees. Referees will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates.
Please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will take place the week of March 22, 2021.
BLAC welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to section 15 race-based litigation, public/community legal education, policy development, advocacy and lobbying on matters which
Website: www.blacklegalactioncentre.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 416-597-5831 • Toll Free: 1-877-736-9406 • TTY 1-800-855-0511
Facsimile: 416-925-3564 • Toll Free Facsimile: 1-844-302-2694

might impact Black communities but might not be expressly grounded in a Charter claim, while working towards the eradication of anti-Black racism and upholding the values of racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from members of Black communities or Black-identified persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or LGBTQ+.
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We are a non-profit community legal clinic that provides free legal services for low or no income Black residents of Ontario.