Progressive Barristers PC
174 Davenport Road M5R 1J2 Toronto, ON, Canada

Can I use constructive dismissal and still get Employment Insurance benefits? Our partner Shibil Siddiqi provides an answer in The Globe and Mail

We stand in solidarity with those demanding accountability for the state-sanctioned brutalization of Black bodies and an end to the systematic devaluation of Black lives. We must do better. Now.

We are proud to participate in Ontario's Family Law Limited Scope Services Project, providing innovative and affordable service-delivery options for family law clients. Contact us today to find out about options to get exactly the legal help you need, when you need it, at a transparent and predicable cost.

Pamela Cross, feminist lawyer and leader of the Not Okay project (with the Barbra Schlifer Clinic), appeared on The Agenda last night to elaborate on factors leading to increase in domestic violence during the COVID-19 lockdown. https://bit.ly/3e12Ik0 https://bit.ly/39SroYy

Now more than ever, it is important to plan for your familys future. If you dont have a will, or your will is out of date, we can help. Contact us today.

Applications to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit are now open. To make sure we can help you quickly, were asking you to apply on different weekdays depend...ing on birth month. Today is Monday - calling all those born in January, February, or March! Find out more at http://ow.ly/wJaB50z5IP5

We must all do our part to arrest the spread of COVID-19, but blended families face special challenges in adopting physical distancing measures. Talk to us about your rights and responsibilities.

We can help you to navigate the complexities of making a will in the current public health emergency. Healthcare, retail and other frontline workers with dependents will be given priority.

In our latest blog post, we answer some common questions about the rights of tenants during the COVID-19 crisis.

Family courts in Ontario are now dealing only with urgent matters, with hearings taking place remotely. But what does the word urgent actually mean amid the COVID-19? http://torstar.co/uttW50yYBRm

An excerpt from useful decision released today by an experienced family law judge, which should provide parents with some direction on how courts will be approaching child access issues in light of the current public health emergency. Ribeiro v. Wright, SCJ file no. 517/19 (24 March 2020), per Pazaratz J.: 11. In most situations there should be a presumption that existing parenting arrangements and schedules should continue, subject to whatever modifications may be necessa...ry to ensure that all COVID-19 precautions are adhered to including strict social distancing. 12. In some cases, custodial or access parents may have to forego their times with a child, if the parent is subject to some specif ic personal restriction (for example, under self-isolation for a 14 day period as a result of recent travel; personal illness; or exposure to illness). 13. In some cases, a parents personal risk factors (through employment or associations, for example) may require controls with respect to their direct contact with a child. 14. And sadly, in some cases a parents lifestyle or behaviour in the face of COVID-19 (for example, failing to comply with social distancing; or failing to take reasonable health-precautions) may raise sufficient concerns about parental judgment that direct parent-child contact will have to be reconsidered. There will be zero tolerance for any parent who recklessly exposes a child (or members of the childs household) to any COVID-19 risk. 15. Transitional arrangements at exchange times may create their own issues. At every stage, the social distancing imperative will have to be safeguarded. This may result in changes to transportation, exchange locations, or any terms of supervision. 16. And in blended family situations, parents will need assurance that COVID-19 precautions are being maintained in relation to each person who spends any amount of time in a household including children of former relationships. 17. Each family will have its own unique issues and complications. There will be no easy answers. 18. But no matter how difficult the challenge, for the sake of the child we have to find ways to maintain important parental relationships and above all, we have to find ways to do it safely.

Our latest blog post addresses the issue of safety for those living with intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 crisis. This may be triggering for some readers.

Although written from an American perspective, this piece provides sobering insight into the sorts of social, economic and legal challenges likely to arise over the longer term as a result of COVID-19.

It has been very busy at the grocery stores but if you get the chance, thank your local grocery workers for their hard work during this pandemic. More than 20,0...00 #ufcw1006a members are working at grocery stores to make sure families across Ontario can stock up and stay safe. Our members work at No Frills, Loblaws Great Food, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, Valu-Mart stores across the province. #ufcw #ufcwcanada #unionmembers #thankagroceryworker See more

Check out our latest blog post for information about your rights at work during the COVID-19 crisis.

Coronavirus, quarantine, and personal rights: What are the laws, rights, and ethics around a coronavirus quarantine?

In consideration of the health and safety of our clients, colleagues and others in our community, and consistent with the advice of public health authorities, we will primarily be working remotely until further notice. The most immediate and reliable way to contact us during this time will be by email. You can reach Shibil Siddiqi at [email protected], Scott Byers at [email protected], and Natasha Manning at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.

OPINION: Doug Fords government has toyed with the idea of cutting supports meaning residents with disabilities face losing what little economic independence they have.

Watch the documentary PUSH - The Film on TVO! Push is about the financialization of the global rental housing market. The film includes an interview with Parkdale tenants!

We unequivocally oppose the motions the at Law Society of Ontario today to restrict the participation of equity groups and censure free expression by the Equity Advisory Group Chair. We are proud of our commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion in our profession and the broader community.

Thoughtful analysis and constructive suggestions from Prof. Sanderson.

We may ask you questions about your citizenship status when it is relevant to your legal issues, but everything you tell us in the context of receiving legal advice is protected by solicitor-client privilege and will not be voluntarily disclosed to immigration authorities.