Connecting Ottawa Communique

Connecting Ottawa Communiqué
September 10, 2026
We are pleased to provide this information for frontline workers to support the information and referral needs of clients. Connecting Ottawa education sessions that may be of interest to workers are listed following Connecting Ottawa News. After reviewing Connecting Ottawa’s education sessions, you will find information and updates from our lawyers and partners related to services and programs relevant to clients who have a communication barrier due to language or sensory disability. Please feel free to share this email widely among your networks.
Connecting Ottawa News
Registration is Now Open for Connecting Ottawa’s Annual Conference!
Registration is now open for Connecting Ottawa’s Annual Conference for Frontline Workers, taking place on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre. This free, in-person conference will bring together frontline workers from across Ottawa for a morning of practical learning, networking, and collaboration. This year’s conference will feature updates on recent developments in immigration, housing, and criminal law, an interactive networking session focused on sharing ideas and learning from one another, and a wellness-focused session on managing the challenges of client work. Space is limited to 100 participants, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot! View the conference poster here: https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/CO-Conference-2026-Registration-is-open-1.pdf. More information about the conference agenda and speakers will be shared in the coming weeks. We hope to see you there!
REGISTER NOW!: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/connecting-ottawas-annual-conference-for-frontline-workers-tickets-1998911888267.
Reminder: Updated Connecting Ottawa Information Sheet – Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Connecting Ottawa has updated its information sheet on the CDCP. The updated resource explains who is eligible for the CDCP, how to apply, what services may be covered, and how the program works alongside other dental coverage, including provincial and territorial programs. It also includes updated information on co-payments, private dental insurance, and common questions that frontline workers may encounter when supporting clients. The application period for the 2026–2027 CDCP benefit year is now open, making this a good time for eligible clients to apply. You can view the updated information sheet here: https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/INFO-SHEET-Canadian-Dental-Care-Plan-CDCP-July-2026.pdf.
For more information about the CDCP, you can refer to the following resources:
- Government of Canada multilingual CDCP fact sheets that can be shared with clients: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/providers/toolkit/multilingual-factsheets.html.
- Examples of how CDCP co-payments work, including sample payment calculations: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/esdc-edsc/documents/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/providers/factsheet/CDCP-PaymentFactsheet-EN.pdf.
Reminder: Updated Connecting Ottawa Information Sheet – The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)
Connecting Ottawa has updated its information sheet on the STCA. The updated resource explains what the STCA is, how it affects people seeking refugee protection in Canada, and the main exceptions that may allow someone to make a refugee claim in Canada. It also includes updated information on how the STCA interacts with the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12), including the elimination of the former 14-day rule and what this means for people seeking refugee protection at a Canadian port of entry or after entering Canada from the U.S. You can view the updated information sheet here: https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/INFO-SHEET-The-Safe-Third-Country-Agreement-July-2026.pdf.
Connecting Ottawa Communiqué Sign up
In Connecting Ottawa’s bi-weekly Communiqué, we share information about our upcoming education sessions, valuable resources, and timely information and updates on local, provincial, and federal legal and social service programs of interest to frontline workers serving clients in our target populations. If you are a frontline worker who wants to receive Connecting Ottawa’s Communiqué directly to your inbox, we encourage you to sign up here: https://connectingottawa.com/connecting-ottawa-communique/sign-up-for-communque/.
Upcoming Connecting Ottawa Education Sessions
Your guide to Connecting Ottawa – Who we are and what we do!
Speakers: Connecting Ottawa Staff Lawyers
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86120285340?pwd=yjH5VmiJZt9O0VGI1ckvm5xcACeFfh.1
Meeting ID: 861 2028 5340
Passcode: 627294
Join us for an introduction to Connecting Ottawa, created for frontline workers in all sectors! In this session, Connecting Ottawa’s lawyers will explain who we are, who we serve, and the legal services we offer – including how to access these services on behalf of eligible clients. We’ll cover legal case consultations, public legal education sessions, and the resource materials we’ve developed to help you better support your clients with their legal issues. We’re also looking forward to hearing from you – What legal challenges do your clients face most often? Are there legal information gaps we can fill to build your capacity to support your clients in navigating their legal issues? Whether you’re new to Connecting Ottawa or just need a refresher, we’d love to have you join us!
Le droit du logement 101 : Une introduction pratique pour les travailleurs et travailleuses de première ligne
Présentateur : Éric Cabana, Avocat au Clinique juridique francophone d’Ottawa
Date : Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Heure : 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lien Zoom : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85624655662?pwd=iKkvuI4zG4tZO97ba2ok9AOs4DTqXP.1
ID de réunion: 856 2465 5662
Code d’accès : 207471
Les travailleurs et travailleuses de première ligne accompagnent souvent des personnes qui vivent des problèmes de logement, comme un avis d’expulsion, des problèmes de réparations, une augmentation illégale du loyer ou un conflit avec leur propriétaire. Une bonne compréhension des règles de base du droit du logement en Ontario peut vous aider à donner de l’information juridique fiable, à reconnaître les situations urgentes et à orienter les personnes vers les bonnes ressources. Cette séance d’introduction présentera un aperçu du système de location résidentielle en Ontario, notamment les droits et les responsabilités des locataires, les problèmes de logement les plus fréquents et les démarches juridiques qui peuvent survenir pendant une location. Les participants découvriront également les ressources et les services de référence offerts à Ottawa. Cette séance est particulièrement utile pour les travailleurs et travailleuses de première ligne qui accompagnent des personnes à la recherche d’un logement, qui sont locataires ou qui vivent des difficultés liées à leur logement. Session in French only. This session is an initiative of the Ottawa Housing Education Group.
Housing Law 101: A practical introduction for frontline workers
Speaker: Liz Majic, Staff Lawyer at Connecting Ottawa
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88490109119?pwd=4cnPtah95Ts2PHohmbTu56KJyTeRTN.1
Meeting ID: 884 9010 9119
Passcode: 169342
Frontline workers often support clients facing housing issues such as eviction notices, maintenance problems, illegal rent increases, or disputes with landlords. Understanding the basics of Ontario’s housing laws can help you provide accurate legal information, identify urgent issues, and connect clients with the right resources. This introductory session will provide an overview of Ontario’s residential tenancy system, including tenants’ rights and responsibilities, common housing issues, and the legal processes that can arise during a tenancy. Participants will also learn about practical resources and referral options available in Ottawa. This is an especially valuable session for frontline workers who support clients who are looking for housing, are currently renting, or are experiencing problems with their tenancy. This session is an initiative of the Ottawa Housing Education Group.
Supporting Clients with Human Rights Complaints: An Introduction to the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) and the CHRA Project
Speakers: Amanda Montague-Reinholdt and Amarkai Laryea, Workers’ Education and Rights Collective
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
English Information Session:
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81879866427?pwd=bakt3QCIo38bxb5vdWpAIumXRo8nAh.1
Meeting ID: 818 7986 6427
Passcode: 187709
French Information session:
Time: 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85175701121?pwd=x92OLRTqMbFHfcbn7gzZJ583jMbD4Y.1
Meeting ID: 851 7570 1121
Passcode: 798452
Frontline workers may support clients who have experienced discrimination by the federal government or federally regulated organizations, such as being denied a service because of a disability, experiencing discrimination by a federally regulated employer, or facing barriers when accessing federal programs or benefits. In this session, presenters from the CHRA Project will provide an overview of the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), explain the federal human rights complaint process, and introduce the free legal case consultations, workshops, and plain language resources available to support complainants. This session is intended for frontline workers who want to better understand when the CHRA may apply, recognize potential human rights issues, and connect clients with appropriate information and support.
***Please note: This session focuses on federal human rights law. Stay tuned for a future Connecting Ottawa information session on Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the provincial human rights system.
Legal Information and Updates
Expiry of the Public Policy to Facilitate the Sponsorship of Certain Undeclared Family Members
The public policy facilitating the sponsorship of certain previously undeclared family members is set to expire on September 10, 2026. Introduced in September 2019, this public policy was a temporary measure designed to support the family reunification of previously undeclared family members through Family Class sponsorship. Applications for Family Class Sponsorship received on or before September 10, 2026 will continue to be assessed and processed under the policy. After this date, family members who were not declared at the time their sponsor applied for permanent residence will no longer be eligible for sponsorship in the Family Class. For more information please review: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/who-you-can-sponsor/undeclared-family.html.
Temporary Public Policy Allowing Work Permit Holders to Study Without a Study Permit (September 9, 2026)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy that will allow certain foreign nationals already working in Canada to pursue short‑term studies without needing a study permit. The measure comes into effect 30 days after the Minister’s signature and will remain in place until December 31, 2027. Its purpose is to give workers greater flexibility to upgrade their skills, support sectors experiencing labour shortages, and strengthen long‑term pathways to permanent residence.
Under this policy, individuals who hold a valid work permit may study in Canada without applying for a study permit, provided the course or program is six months or less in duration. This change removes the need for a separate application and allows workers to access short‑term training while continuing their employment. The exemption is granted under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and specifically waives the requirement in IRPR 188(1)(c), which normally obliges short‑term courses to be completed within the period of stay authorized upon entry. By lifting this restriction, IRCC is addressing a practical gap between entry‑stamp validity and the longer validity of inland work permits.
The exemption remains in effect only until the earlier of the work permit’s expiry or the expiry or revocation of the public policy. All other admissibility and eligibility requirements continue to apply unless the individual is covered by another public policy. IRCC has noted that this measure is intended to support labour market needs, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, and aligns with broader efforts to facilitate economic integration and retention of skilled workers already contributing to the Canadian economy.
For more information please check: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/study-without-study-permit-2026-2.html
Temporary Ebola Measures Extended to September 28, 2026
The Public Health Agency of Canada has announced that the temporary border measures introduced in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will remain in place until September 28, 2026. Originally introduced earlier this summer, these measures will now remain in effect until September 28, 2026.
Anyone arriving in Canada who has been in affected regions within the past 21 days will continue to undergo enhanced screening. Those showing symptoms will be isolated immediately, while asymptomatic travellers will be required to complete a 21-day quarantine. Foreign nationals who have recently visited the DRC are still prohibited from entering Canada, and airlines must continue to enforce these restrictions.
Canada is also maintaining a pause on finalising immigration documents for residents of high-risk countries — the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan — even if they already hold a visa or permit. Applications will continue to be processed, but they cannot be finalised until the temporary measures are lifted. Please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/special-measures/ebola-2026.html
For more information please review: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2026/05/government-of-canada-introduces-temporary-border-measures-in-response-to-the-ebola-disease-outbreak.html
Program Delivery Update: New In‑Canada Measures for Foreign Nationals Affected by the Crisis in Palestine
On August 24, 2026, IRCC released updated operational guidance outlining two new temporary public policies designed to support foreign nationals in Canada who have been impacted by the crisis in Palestine.
Overview of the Temporary Public Policies
IRCC confirms that the new measures provide operational guidance for officers assessing applications under two distinct in‑Canada pathways:
- In‑Canada temporary measures for foreign nationals of Palestine who arrived in Canada as temporary residents on or before September 30, 2027: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/2026-special-meaures-in-canada-palestine.html
- Open work permit renewals for individuals previously facilitated under earlier public policies related to the crisis in Palestine: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/2026-palestine-owp.html
The temporary public policies take effect on August 1, 2026, and expire on December 30, 2027
Canada Raises Financial Requirements for Study Permit Applicants
Effective date: September 1, 2026, Applies to: All study permit applicants intending to study outside Quebec
Canada has announced an increase to the minimum funds required for international students applying for a study permit. These changes apply to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, and reflect updated living‑expense calculations published by IRCC. For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html
Permanent residence pathways in Hong Kong closing to new applications
Canada introduced permanent residence pathways in 2021 to provide eligible Hong Kong nationals in Canada who have recently studied or worked in Canada with an additional opportunity to become permanent residents. These temporary pathways will stop accepting new applications on August 31, 2026. The IRCC will continue to process applications received on or before that date. For more information please review: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/hongkong-permanent-residence-pathways-closing-new-applications.html
Government of Canada extends temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures
The Government of Canada has extended the following temporary measures to support workers:
- The waiver of the one week waiting period to access EI has been extended for one year.
- The measure allowing workers to receive EI benefits without first using separation payments, such as severance or vacation pay, has been extended for one year.
- The temporary measure providing an additional 20 weeks of EI regular benefits for long tenured workers has been extended by eight months.
New temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measure for workers who voluntarily leave a job
The Government of Canada is introducing a temporary measure for one year for workers who voluntarily leave a job and want to access EI. Under this measure, workers will not be penalized when applying for EI as long as their most recent job loss is through no fault of their own. Therefore, workers will not have to start from zero when accumulating insurable hours at a new job after voluntarily leaving a previous job.
Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) releases new resources on requesting debt relief for pandemic benefit overpayments
ISAC has released new resources to support individuals seeking debt relief for pandemic-related benefit overpayments, including overpayments from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), and Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB). The public resource and additional information are available on ISAC’s website: https://incomesecurity.org/new-resource-requesting-debt-relief-for-pandemic-benefit-overpayments/.
University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic (UOCLC): Open for Intakes
The UOCLC is currently conducting intakes for eligible clients:
- Clinic intakes:
- September 17 to October 20, 2026
- November 2 to December 3, 2026
- January 5 to January 14, 2027
- February 1 to February 23, 2027
- March 8 to April 8, 2027
- Courthouse intakes:
- Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., starting September 16, 2026 to December 2, 2026 (Courthouse intakes reserved for people facing criminal charges and/or provincial offences)
An online Application for Services Form is available here: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/sites/g/files/bhrskd406/files/2026-09/UOCLC-Services-APPLICATION-FORM-en.pdf. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Clinic at 613-562-5600 or uoclc@uottawa.ca.
To learn more about how the UOCLC can help your clients with legal issues, visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/student-centre/courses/clinics/community-legal-clinic/clients/information-clients and the poster available here: https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Clinic-Leaflet-Community-BIL-FINAL-1.pdf.
Indigenous Human Rights Clinic in Ottawa
The Indigenous Human Rights Clinic provides free legal information and legal advice about human rights and discrimination to self-identifying Indigenous people who live in and around Ottawa. The Clinic is staffed by University of Ottawa law students and volunteer lawyers and runs at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre from September to April: https://www.probonostudents.ca/indigenous-human-rights-clinic-odawa.
Help Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) improve access to justice for family law clients
CLEO is continuing to recruit participants for a research study evaluating how self represented litigants complete the Family Law Rules Form 8: Application (General). Form 8 is used to start family court proceedings involving children, support, or property. Participants who complete the study will receive up to two hours of free unbundled legal services with a family law lawyer to review and correct their Form 8. Legal clinics, community organizations, and other service providers are asked to share the pre screening questionnaire with self-represented clients who are starting a Form 8: https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/rct.
New workplace safety resources for parents of young workers
The Canadian Coordinators of Young Worker Safety has launched Safety Starts at Home, a resource kit designed to help parents support workers under 25 in understanding their workplace health and safety rights. Developed by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, these resources provide practical tools to help parents start conversations with young workers about workplace hazards, safety practices, and the importance of speaking up about concerns.The resource kit and accompanying video are available here: https://www.ccohs.ca/youngworkers/safety-starts-at-home?mc_cid=501c7bc1db&mc_eid=70c896856c.
Upcoming information Session: Renting with Confidence: Understanding Ontario Tenant Protections, September 10, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
The Muslim Legal Services Centre (MLSC) will be hosting a free information session titled “Renting with Confidence: Understanding Ontario Tenant Protections.” The session will run from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on September 10, 2026. If you or your clients need to learn more about renters rights, responsibilities, and protections under Ontario’s rental housing laws, this session may be particularly valuable. Topics to be covered include leases and rent increases, deposits, repairs and maintenance, landlord entry, evictions, discrimination and privacy, dealing with disputes, and navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board. More information and registration details can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/renting-with-confidence-understanding-ontario-tenant-protections-tickets-1998970866673.
Information Session: Understanding Your Rights As An Employee, September 17, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
The Muslim Legal Services Centre (MLSC) will be hosting a free information session titled “Understanding Your Rights as an Employee.” The session will be held on September 17, 2026 and will run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. The session is designed to help workers better understand their rights and protections in the workplace, including wages and hours of work, harassment and discrimination, accommodation, workplace safety, and termination. More information and the registration link is available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/understanding-your-rights-as-an-employee-tickets-1999223796192.
Back-to-School: Know your Human Rights Webinar, September 29, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
ARCH Disability Law Centre is hosting a free webinar on September 29, 2026 at 5:30 pm. The webinar is designed to help students, parents and caregivers of students from Kindergarten to grade 12 better understand their rights and where to get help. It will cover the following topics: human rights in school; getting accommodations and supports at school; suspensions, expulsions, and exclusions; and when and where to get support when you need it. ASL will be provided. For more information and to access the registration page, visit: https://archdisabilitylaw.ca/back-to-school-know-your-human-rights/.
Reminder: Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) releases its first annual Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) rates sheet
This resource provides updated information on:
- Current CDB benefit amounts for different family types.
- Income thresholds before CDB benefits begin to decrease.
- Earned income exemptions before benefits are reduced to zero.
- Definitions, application resources, and legal information related to the CDB.
Because CDB amounts are indexed annually to inflation, ISAC plans to update this resource each July. The publication is public and may be shared widely with clients and community partners: https://incomesecurity.org/new-resource-canada-disability-benefit-rates-sheet/.
Reminder: Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) releases French resources
ISAC has released French translations of two recently published resources:
- Vous percevez des prestations du programme OT/POSPH et vous allez avoir 65 ans? – for people turning 65 and transitioning off Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
- Votre patient atteint-il 65 ans et reçoit-il de l’aide sociale? – for professionals supporting individuals who are turning 65 and leaving social assistance.
Both resources are available in the Publications section of ISAC’s website: https://incomesecurity.org/publications/.
Reminder: Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) changes email address
Effective July 24, 2026, all automated email notifications from the Tribunals Ontario Portal for LTB matters are being sent from: ltbdonotreply@tribunalsontario.ca. This replaces the previous email address: ltbdonotreply@ontario.ca.
The change is intended to improve email security and reduce phishing, spoofing, and spam. Parties using the Tribunals Ontario Portal should:
- Add the new email address to their contacts or safe senders list.
- Remove the old email address from their contacts.
- Update any email rules or filters that reference the old address.
- Regularly check their junk or spam folder to ensure they do not miss important LTB correspondence.
Reminder: Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) expands public access to decisions
Beginning July 24, 2026, all final LTB orders issued between January and May 2026 will be published on the Ontario government’s Open Data Catalogue, except for orders where confidentiality has been granted: https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/ltb-order-catalogue. Historical orders dating back to 2021 will be added in phases over time, and new orders will be published monthly. Some orders issued before December 2021 continue to be available through CanLII, while others may be requested directly from Tribunals Ontario.
Reminder: Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc (OHCOW) Heat Stress Toolkit – Free multilingual resources for workers and employers
OHCOW has developed a free Heat Stress Toolkit to help workers and employers recognize, prevent, and respond to heat-related illnesses in the workplace. The toolkit includes practical guides, videos, an online heat stress calculator, and downloadable resources designed to support safer workplaces. Of particular interest are OHCOW’s heat stress infographics, which are available in English, French, and Spanish: https://www.ohcow.on.ca/heat-stress-toolkit/?mc_cid=29a0765dd9&mc_eid=70c896856c.
Reminder: Connecting Ottawa’s Infographics, “Connecting Ottawa – Who We Are” and “When Should I Contact Connecting Ottawa?”
Connecting Ottawa has infographics that provide a clear, visual overview of who we are, the services we offer, and when and how frontline workers can contact us for support. They’re designed to provide quick, accessible information that can help frontline workers better support their clients with legal issues.
The infographics in French and English can be accessed here:
- Connecting Ottawa – Who We Are (English): https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/What-is-Connecting-Ottawa-July-2025.pdf
- Qu’est-ce que Connexion Ottawa (French): https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Quest-Ce-Que-Connexion-Ottawa-July-2025.pdf
- When Should I Contact Connecting Ottawa (English): https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Frontline-Workers-at-Community-Agencies-When-Should-I-Contact-Connecting-Ottawa-July-2025.pdf
- Les travailleurs de première ligne des organismes communautaires: quand dois-je communiquer avec Connexion Ottawa (French): https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Les-Travailleurs-De-Premiere-Ligne-Des-Organismes-Communautaires-Quand-Dois-Je-Communiquer-Avec-Connexion-Ottawa-July-2025.pdf
In case you missed it … (we think the following information bears repeating):
Updated Connecting Ottawa information sheets
The following resources have been produced by Connecting Ottawa lawyers to provide frontline workers and community members with information and referral resources for common legal issues. Please feel free to share with your clients and networks. More resources on a variety of topics are available on our website here: https://connectingottawa.com/about-us/connecting-ottawa-resources/.
- NEW: Info Sheet: Canadian Dental Care Plan (Updated: July 2026)
- NEW: Info Sheet: The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) (Updated: July 2026)
- NEW: Info Sheet: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (May 2026)
- Info Sheet: Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) (March 30, 2026)
- Info Sheet: Intake Questions – Immigration and Refugee Law (April 2026)
- Info Sheet: Intake Questions – Housing Law (March 2026)
- Info Sheet: Family Sponsorship: Who can sponsor, and who can be sponsored? (March 2026)
- Info Sheet: What is a “spouse”, “common-law partner” and “conjugal partner” for the purposes of Sponsorship? (March 2026)
- Info Sheet: Disability Tax Credit (Updated: December 2025) (Also available in French and Arabic)
- Info Sheet: Visitor Visas, Visitor Records, and Electronic Travel Authorizations (December 2025) (Also available in Arabic)
- Info Sheet: Legal Aid Ontario and Community Legal Clinics (Updated: November 2025) (Also available in French)
- Info Sheet: Notarizing and Commissioning Documents in Ottawa (July 17, 2025)
- Info Sheet: How to Find a Legal Representative (June 5, 2025) (Also available in French and Arabic)
- Info Sheet: Communicating with Legal Representatives (June 5, 2025) (Also available in French and Arabic)
- Info Sheet: Legal Fees – How Do Lawyers and Paralegals Charge Clients? (June 5, 2025) (Also available in French and Arabic)
- Info Sheet: Legal Fees – How Does LAO Charge Clients? (June 5, 2025) (Also available in French and Arabic)
- Info Sheet: Hiring a Legal Representative (June 5, 2025) (Also available in French and Arabic)
- Info Sheet: Firing a Legal Representative (June 5, 2025) (Also available in French and Arabic)
- Info Sheet: Legal Information versus Legal Advice (Updated June 5, 2025) (Also available in French)
- Wills and POA Resources Information Sheet (June 16, 2023)
- Overview Canadian Refugee Law (January 31, 2023)
- Rights and Responsibilities of Refugees in Canada (July 22, 2022) (available in French, Arabic, Turkish, and Spanish)
Update: Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP) (July 15, 2026)
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department has paused the intake of new applications under the PGP, noting that demand continues to exceed the number of spaces available under the immigration levels plan.
IRCC will continue to process existing applications and plans to grant up to 15,000 individuals permanent residence in 2026, in line with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. This pause is intended to help reduce processing times and improve predictability for families navigating the programme.
The update reaffirms that family reunification remains a core pillar of Canada’s immigration system. Parents and grandparents can still visit their families in Canada with the super visa, which permits stays of up to five years at a time and multiple entries over a ten-year period. IRCC has recently made the super visa more accessible by adjusting income and health insurance requirements.IRCC has confirmed that no new interest-to-sponsor forms will be accepted and no new invitations to apply will be issued until further notice. For more information please check: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/responsibly-manage-parent-grandparent-program.html.
Program delivery update: Temporary resident visas for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza (July 7, 2026)
IRCC has issued a program delivery update clarifying the facilitation measures available to certain extended family members arriving in Canada under the Gaza special temporary resident visa pathway. For more information please check: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-trv-family-gaza.html.
The update outlines the supports accessible once individuals reach Canada, including fee‑exempt applications to extend or change temporary resident status, eligibility for transitional financial assistance, access to settlement services, and coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
IRCC also reinforced port‑of‑entry facilitation instructions for officers and confirmed that temporary resident documents issued under this pathway must include the “MOME2023” remark to ensure service providers can identify eligible clients and deliver the appropriate supports.
This update is operational in nature and does not change eligibility criteria. It provides clearer guidance for officers and service providers supporting individuals arriving through the Gaza special measures. For further review, please check: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/temporary-resident-visa-gaza.html
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) application updates
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced changes to help process DTC applications more quickly. As of July 14, 2026, new DTC applications can no longer be submitted through the “Submit Documents” feature in a CRA account. This feature may only be used if the CRA requests additional information about an existing application. As of September 8, 2026, the CRA will only accept the 2023 or later version of Form T2201 for paper applications. Older versions will no longer be accepted. The CRA encourages applicants to use the online DTC application form, which is always up to date, helps ensure applications are complete, and allows both the applicant and their medical practitioner to complete the process online: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit/how-apply-dtc.html#digital-form.
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Connecting Ottawa is available to support front-line workers in Ottawa to provide appropriate legal information and referrals to clients with communication barriers as a result of language or sensory disability. If you have a question or require a consultation, please complete our request for legal information/consultation form: https://connectingottawa.com/request-for-information-consultation/. Along with your completed request for legal information/consultation, please send any documents related to your client’s legal issue by email to info@connectingottawa.com. This will ensure the most efficient response to your request. As a reminder, we do not provide direct legal services to individuals.