Algoma Community Legal Clinic

OUR STATEMENT: Late last night, the Ontario government introduced the much-needed emergency order that places a moratorium on the enforcement of evictions in On...tario. What does this mean? A moratorium on the enforcement of evictions means that the Sheriff cannot carry out evictions in the next 2 weeks (scheduled to end Jan. 27th). But there are exceptions. The emergency order allows a Landlord and Tenant Board adjudicator to request that the Sheriff evict a tenant during this non-eviction enforcement period. This will be based on their discretion and we cannot predict which evictions will be granted and on what basis. Yes, you heard correctly... the Landlord and Tenant Board remains open and hearings, including applications to evict tenants, will continue. We have yet to hear otherwise from the LTB. When an eviction moratorium was announced last year (note: different from an enforcement moratorium this time around), the LTB only held emergency hearings to deal with matters involving an illegal act or serious impairment of safety - all other eviction related hearings were halted. We urge the LTB to pause all non-emergency hearings and use this time to fix the processes that have failed tenants since the resumption of hearings in August. The board must ensure there is procedural fairness and accommodations for low-income tenants facing major barriers to attend their online hearings. Ontario tenants pay some of the highest rents across the country. Low-to-moderate income tenants are struggling to make ends meet as this pandemic crisis worsens. Tenants need housing stability. Tenants cannot stay home and stay safe when they do not know if they will have a place to call home in 2 weeks’ time. #nocovidevictions #onpoli

Do you have a video hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board and need help? Reach out to us at the Algoma Community Legal Clinic and we can assist you!

Maija Laitinen, Executive Director of the Algoma Community Legal Clinic, voices concerns over access to justice at the Landlord and Tenant Board. The Landlord and Tenant Board is so broken. It’s taking so long for them to determine matters, and it is taking so long for tenants to even bring a request that parties are left to resolve things on their own without recourse to this adjudicative body. It's not serving any function, really.

The Algoma Community Legal Clinic is now providing free legal advice to victims of workplace sexual harassment. In an effort to create safer workplaces, we are also providing free webinars on workplace sexual harassment. To request a webinar for yourself or a group please use this form: https://forms.gle/87HXryefNPuGvM2m7 If you require legal advice, please call or email the clinic at: 705-942-4900... [email protected] See more

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a time to take action to end violence against women and girls around the world. Over these 16 Days of Acti...vism, we continue to shine the light on the incredible actions of 16 women in this community who have exemplified the courage to create change for future generations. These 16 women are presented with a bouquet of roses in memory of the 14 women who lost their lives on Dec. 6, 1989 and in honour of all women who have died or endured gender based violence. Our fifth Rose Campaign 2020 recipient is Jill Hewgill. Jill, you were nominated by a member of our community for your strength, your courage, your work and passion towards ending violence against women and your dedication to creating change for future generations. Specifically, you were nominated for your dedication over the past 25 years working at the Algoma Community Legal Clinic. You always put your clients first and never treat anyone differently. All can expect the same courteous, respectful, informative, dedicated, welcoming and optimal care. Jill you have been recognized as a wonderful and beautiful person inside and out and one who would feel humbled to receive such a prestigious award. Thank you Jill, for having the courage to create change in your community! #Rosecampaign2020 #couragetochange #couragetocreatechange Do you have the courage to follow their lead? Be the Change you wish to see in the world.

Legal clinics from across Ontario are calling on the Landlord and Tenant Board to address the widespread trend of low-income and marginalized tenants being denied access-to-justice since the COVID-19 pandemic forced hearings to operate remotely.