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Connecting Ottawa Communiqué
June 5, 2025

We are pleased to provide this information for front-line workers to support the information and referral needs of clients. Connecting Ottawa education sessions that may be of interest to workers are listed first followed by 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
We need your input!  Please Fill Out Connecting Ottawa’s Frontline Worker Feedback Survey!
We want to hear from you! Connecting Ottawa is collecting feedback on our public legal education programs. These include our in-person and virtual information sessions, our information sheets, and the information available on our website. These resources are designed to help frontline workers support their clients with legal issues. Your feedback is very important – it will help us improve our resources and make sure they meet your needs. We are listening and committed to making changes based on what you tell us!  The survey is open until June 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. and it takes only 5 minutes to complete.
You can find the English language version of the survey here:  https://forms.gle/LihB7nFiir41CBt56.  The French language version is available below.

Participez au sondage de Connecting Ottawa destiné aux travailleurs de première ligne !
Votre avis compte pour nous!  Connexion Ottawa souhaite recueillir vos commentaires sur ses programmes d’information juridique publique. Cela comprend nos séances d’information (en personne et en ligne), nos fiches d’information, ainsi que les ressources disponibles sur notre site web. Ces outils ont été créés pour aider les travailleurs de première ligne à soutenir leurs clients confrontés à des enjeux juridiques. Vos retours sont très importants – ils nous aideront à améliorer nos ressources et à mieux répondre à vos besoins. Nous sommes à l’écoute et nous nous engageons à apporter des changements concrets en fonction de ce que vous nous direz!  Le sondage est ouvert jusqu’au 30 juin 2025 à 17 h, et il ne prend que 5 minutes à remplir.
Accédez au sondage ici : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-0SP7wTOz_1GneErsbcfVSb-J1xiX0hDlrOWsFVwuSPFO8w/viewform?usp=dialog.

New Connecting Ottawa Information Sheets: Helping Your Clients Work with Legal Representatives
Connecting Ottawa has developed a new series of Information Sheets to support frontline workers in helping their clients work effectively with lawyers and paralegals. These resources are based on the “Advancing Access to Justice for Vulnerable Clients – Help Your Clients Work with Lawyers” information sessions held in March and April of this year. The Information Sheets offer practical guidance and clear explanations on many aspects of working with legal representatives – from what to consider when hiring a lawyer or paralegal, to understanding how legal fees typically work in Ontario, to tips for effective communication. Designed as a tool for frontline workers, these resources aim to build familiarity with the legal system so that workers can better support their clients when they come to them with questions or concerns. The titles in the series are as follows:

  • How to Find a Legal Representative – June 2025
  • Communicating with Legal Representatives – June 2025
  • Legal Fees – How Do Lawyers and Paralegals Charge Clients? – June 2025
  • Legal Fees – How Does LAO Charge Clients? – June 2025
  • Hiring a Legal Representative – June 2025
  • Firing a Legal Representative – June 2025

You can access the Information Sheets here: https://connectingottawa.com/about-us/connecting-ottawa-resources/.

Connecting Ottawa “Legal Information versus Legal Advice” Information Sheet
Connecting Ottawa has created a new resource to help frontline workers understand the difference between legal information and legal advice. Frontline workers often support clients by sharing legal information. However, it’s important to avoid giving legal advice, as this should only be provided by someone with legal training. This Information Sheet includes clear explanations and many examples to help frontline workers recognize the difference and feel confident when sharing legal information. Since our last Communiqué, this Information Sheet has had a minor update. You can access the updated version here: https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Info-Sheet-Legal-Information-v.-Legal-Advice-June-2025.pdf.

Upcoming Connecting Ottawa education sessions
Register Now!: Webinar for Frontline Workers on Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Refugee Claimants
Speakers: Tania Princz-Lebel, Staff Lawyer at Connecting Ottawa, Mego Nerses, Registered Psychotherapist at Mego Nerses Psychotherapy, Nicoy Davis, Engagement Officer, Volunteer Coordination & Community Mobilization at Rainbow Railroad
Date:  Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Session description: Connecting Ottawa and Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) are collaborating on a webinar designed to help frontline workers better understand the challenges LGBTQI+ people face when making refugee claims – and how you can support them. In this webinar, Tania will walk through the refugee claims process, with a focus on common issues in claims based on sexual orientation and gender identity – such as challenges gathering evidence and requesting accommodations during refugee hearings. Mego will discuss how the experiences of LGBTQI+ refugee claimants, both before and after arriving in Canada, can impact mental health, and how frontline workers can offer supportive, appropriate care. Finally, Nicoy will share insights into the lived experiences of LGBTQI+ refugee claimants and highlight available supports and services across Ontario. Participants will also receive a resource sheet with practical information and contacts to share with clients.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED!  Please register here: https://outreach.cleo.on.ca/civicrm/?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fevent%2Fregister&reset=1&id=440.  

Strengthening the Human Right to Housing: Advancing the Federal Housing Advocate’s Mandate and Priorities
Speaker:  Marie-Josée Houle, Federal Housing Advocate
Date:  Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time:  11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87882346033?pwd=SAlBp2Jqqi12hwaDCZforfcNf3UTeu.1
Meeting ID: 878 8234 6033
Passcode: 251813
This information session, facilitated by the Ottawa Housing Education Group, and led by the Federal Housing Advocate, will provide an overview of the human right to housing in Canada as recognized under the National Housing Strategy Act. Participants will learn about the Advocate’s mandate and priorities, the definition of adequate housing, and how a human rights-based approach can be applied when supporting individuals with housing needs or experiencing homelessness. The session will also explore ways to engage with the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate to help advance the right to housing across the country. Key resources will be shared, including the online submission tool, recent reports, a list of advocacy organizations, and factsheets on meaningful engagement.

Overview and Updates on Ontario Works
Speakers:  Kim MacKenzie, Coordinator at the City of Ottawa Employment and Social Services West Office, and Kelly Young, Case Worker with the Outreach Mobile Service Team
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83201133752?pwd=Zd2YHDwnb20Rsns02i9dR59Fb5SnR8.1
Meeting ID: 832 0113 3752
Passcode: 872794
Session Description: Connecting Ottawa will be hosting an information session in collaboration with representatives from the City of Ottawa’s Employment and Social Services office. This session will provide an overview of how Ontario Works operates, highlight recent changes to the application process, and share current information on related benefits and services. This session will be particularly valuable for frontline workers who support clients receiving Ontario Works and wish to stay informed about the latest updates and procedures.

Legal information and updates
IRCC changes rules for maintained status – Multiple Applications
On 28 May 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued updated instructions to officers regarding maintained status in situations where a temporary resident submits multiple applications. According to the new regulations, if a temporary resident submits an application for an extension while in maintained status and their initial application is rejected, their authorised period of stay will not be extended due to the subsequent application. The subsequent application will be denied and returned to the applicant. Previously, if a foreign national submitted a subsequent application while on maintained status (and the initial application had been denied), their authorised period of stay in Canada would be extended, though they would not be authorised to work or study. Please note that if the initial application is rejected, and the applicant submits their subsequent application for an extension prior to the expiration of their status, the applicant’s status is maintained during the processing period of the subsequent application.

For more information, please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/visitors/implied-status-extending-stay.html.  Also see the following, addressing the question, “I applied for a new work permit. Can I stay in Canada if my work permit expires?”: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=188&top=17.

ODSP rates to increase by 2.8% effective July 2025
In September 2022, the Ontario government tied ODSP rates to inflation. The 2025 inflation-based increase will take effect on July 1, 2025. Therefore, people receiving ODSP will see an inflation-based increase of 2.8% to:

  • basic needs and shelter maximum amounts for singles and families
  • board and lodge amounts for singles and families
  • the amount provided for a couple where both have disabilities
  • amounts for services provided by a Long-Term Care Home or a Specialized Care Residence

For example, if you are a single person, your payment could be up to $1,408 for basic needs and shelter. The ODSP Income Support Directives are expected to be updated in July to reflect the new rate maximums for various benefit unit types.

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) now open to those 35-54 years of age
The CDCP opened in May by age group as follows:

  • May 1: 55 to 64 years old
  • May 15: 18 to 34 years old
  • May 29: 35 to 54 years old

For more information on the CDCP, we encourage you to review Connecting Ottawa’s information sheet: https://connectingottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Canadian-Dental-Care-Plan-Info-Sheet-May-9-2024.pdf.

First month of eligibility for Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is June 2025 – applications to open soon!
The Government of Canada’s webpage has been updated considerably with additional details on eligibility and benefit calculation for the CDB: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit.html. Information on the actual application process will be available at this link in the coming weeks. Expected payments will begin in July 2025.

Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) exempt as income for purposes of social assistance
The Ontario government intends to exempt the CDB as income so that social assistance recipients can receive the benefit without seeing a reduction in their monthly payments. June 2025 will be the first month of eligibility for the CDB and payments are expected to begin in July.

What is the Disability Tax Credit?
Some of your clients may be eligible for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). Currently, the only way to get the CDB is by qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). This tip sheet from the Income Security Advocacy Centre provides information on the DTC and outlines the potential benefits of the DTC to your clients: https://incomesecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DTC-Tip-Sheet-for-Healthcare-Practitioners-to-Support-Patients-with-Disabilities-March-2025.pdf.

Impact of Canada Post labour disruption on Ontario Works and ODSP
If there is a Canada Post labour disruption:

  • cheques will not be sent by mail
  • documents that are sent by Canada Post will not be received
  • payments made by direct deposit will continue

Clients should be encouraged to contact their local office if they need to set up direct deposit, or to sign up for a reloadable payment card or MyBenefits, or if they have questions about other ways to receive their cheques.

Impact of Canada Post labour disruption on Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT)
Mail services may be impacted at the SBT due to the Canada Post labour disruption.

Notices of Hearings, decisions, and Interim Assistance Orders may be delivered by courier or email to the parties or their representatives. For parties who may not have access to email, courier services may be an option. For further assistance, you may wish to contact the SBT: SBT.Registrar@ontario.ca or 800-753-3895.

Impact of Canada Post labour disruption on Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
Mail services may be impacted at the LTB due to the Canada Post labour disruption. Parties are encouraged to use the Tribunals Ontario Portal for uploading and filing applications, evidence, and correspondence. For parties waiting for their Notice of Hearing or for time-sensitive Orders, the LTB may send them by courier. If parties have not consented to service by email, the LTB may direct certain documents (Orders, Notice of Hearing) to be served by the applicant on the respondent. LTB applications can be filed at some ServiceOntario locations. For further assistance, contact the LTB: LTB@ontario.ca or 888-332-3234.

Facts sheets in different languages on rental housing basics from the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CERA)
CERA published a series of fact sheets on Ontario housing law, including human rights, eviction, repairs and maintenance, and record keeping for tenants. Some of these fact sheets are in French, simplified Chinese, Hindi, Persian, and Spanish: https://housingrightscanada.com/resources/know-your-rights-printable-resources-for-ontario-renters/.

Mandatory mediation for all human rights applications after June 1, 2025
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is changing its rules, practice directions, and procedures to make mediation mandatory for all applications received after June 1, 2025. The HRTO is also setting more stringent conditions for when an extension of time, rescheduling, or adjournments will be approved, and no longer permit filing by fax.

A party may request an exemption to the mandatory mediation requirement by submitting a form 10 at least seven days prior to the hearing. New information sheets on these changes can be accessed here: https://tribunalsontario.ca/2025/05/30/hrto-operational-update-updates-to-the-hrtos-rules-of-procedure-practice-directions-and-processes-effective-june-1-2025/.

Ottawa Pro Bono Employment Law Legal Clinic: Open & Accepting Referrals
The Ottawa Pro Bono Employment Law Clinic is back up and running this summer with the support of a team of exceptional volunteer lawyers and students from the uOttawa Faculty of Law. The Clinic provides free virtual employment law services to non-unionized Ontario workers that cannot afford a lawyer who are facing the following employment law issues: Termination with/without cause; Constructive dismissal; Employment standards claims; Workplace Safety/Injuries; Workplace Violence/Harassment; Discrimination and/or human rights; and a job-offer or a new contract. Referrals can be sent to: freelaw@uottawa.ca / 613-562-5800 x3846 Please note that the Clinic will be taking clients between June 2 and August 29, 2025. More information is available here: https://www.ottawalegalclinic.ca/.

Muslim Legal Support Centre survey for legal service providers, community workers, and community leaders
We encourage you to complete the survey to help shape legal services that are accessible, culturally competent, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfI92o-mPfRES603_JM_N7TzG-E52iz65FBemjZy_E0Htvguw/viewform. The survey is open until June 30, 2025. You can also email the Muslim Legal Support Centre to give your input through a focus group or one-on-one interview: info@muslimlegalcentre.ca.

Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC)’s National Newcomer Survey
The UCC is conducting a National Newcomer Survey aimed at better understanding the experiences, needs, and priorities of recently arrived Ukrainians in Canada. The goal of the survey is to gather insights directly from newcomers to inform the development of future programs, resources, and advocacy efforts that more effectively support their needs.  To access the survey and share with your Ukrainian clients and networks, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRTJD73.

2025 MTM Newcomers Survey now open
The Media Technology Monitor (MTM) Newcomers survey is a national survey that explores how newcomers to Canada use media and technology in their everyday lives.  The data gathered through the survey will inform better policies and improve how information is communicated to newcomers on topics such as public health, immigration, and settlement. It will also help social services and media companies develop better strategies for creating content and sharing news and information that is relevant and convenient for newcomers. The survey is open to newcomers who arrived in Canada in the last 5 years and is available in 12 languages.  Respondents receive a $10 prepaid digital gift card.  You can help ensure that the voices and experiences of newcomers are accurately reflected by sharing this survey with newcomers in your networks. For more information and to access the survey, visit: https://mtm-otm.ca/newcomers/index.html.  To help you spread the word about this survey, including social media post paragraphs and graphics, please see: https://mtm-otm.ca/newcomers/resources.html.

Community Engagement Sessions for the City’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Framework
These sessions will provide an update and an opportunity for feedback on the City of Ottawa’s EDIB Framework, with a focus on the Anti-Racism Strategy and Women and Gender Equity Strategy. You can register for the sessions here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-community-engagement-sessions-on-the-citys-edib-framework-tickets-1384282108049?aff=oddtdtcreator.

OCDSB Elementary Program Review
The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) has been undergoing a review of its elementary program. A number of program changes, including the following, were approved at a Board meeting on May 13, 2025:

  • Middle French Immersion will be phased out gradually. Students currently in Grade 4 who enroll in September 2026 will be the last group to complete the program up to Grade 8.
  • Alternative programs will also be phased out gradually. Students entering Junior Kindergarten in September 2025 will be the last group to complete the program up to Grade 8.
  • There will be some revisions to grade configurations, school boundaries, and program offerings starting in September 2026.

An exemption process is being developed. To learn more about these changes, visit: https://engage.ocdsb.ca/elementary-program-review.

Let’s Bike Month 2025!
Let’s Bike Month is one of the largest and longest-running cycling campaigns in Canada. You can like or follow Let’s Bike Ottawa on Facebook or Instagram. Some activities require registration and space is limited: https://letsbike.ca/events/. 

Reminder: Newborn OHIP denial reporting form
If you know a birth parent who has been denied OHIP for their newborn at a hospital or Service Ontario kiosk, please fill out this short anonymous form: https://www.hnuc.org/newborn. The Health Network for Uninsured Clients is gathering information to learn more about what is happening in our communities, with the goal of reducing barriers to newborn care.

Reminder: What to expect at a Canada Pension Plan disability hearing
The Social Security Tribunal (SST) launched a video to help people understand what to expect at a Canada Pension Plan disability hearing. The video walks you through a typical hearing from start to finish and addresses common questions and concerns. The video applies to both General Division and Appeal Division hearings: https://sst-tss.gc.ca/en/your-appeal/video. We encourage you to share this video with any clients who may have an upcoming hearing before either the General Division or the Appeal Division.

Reminder: University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic (UOCLC):  Scheduling Intake Appointments for New Clients
The UOCLC is now scheduling intake appointments for new clients. Clients are asked to complete an online application form for the Clinic’s services. The form is available here: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/sites/g/files/bhrskd406/files/2025-05/UOCLC%20Services%20APPLICATION%20FORM%20%28EN%29.pdf.  Completed forms can be emailed to uoclc@uottawa.ca. If clients are unable to complete the online form, they may contact the Clinic office at 613-562-5600 to make an application for services.  Those who complete a form, will be contacted by the UOCLC at the phone number they provide or by email. To learn more about the UOCLC, the areas of law for which the Clinic can provide assistance and eligibility criteria, please visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/student-centre/courses/clinics/community-legal-clinic/about.

Reminder: CLEO:  New videos on family law motions
Community Legal Education (CLEO) has 4 new videos on family law motions that explain how to get a temporary court order. These plain language videos help people understand: 1. which family law motion they need; 2. how to start a regular or urgent motion; 3. how to respond to a regular or urgent motion; and 4. what happens at a motion.  To learn more and access the link to the videos, visit: https://outreach.cleo.on.ca/civicrm?civiwp=CiviCRM&q=civicrm%2Fmailing%2Fview&reset=1&id=1911.

Reminder: Connecting Ottawa Communique Sign up!
In Connecting Ottawa’s bi-weekly Communique, 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 front-line workers serving clients in our target populations.  If you are a front line worker who wants to receive Connecting Ottawa’s Communique directly to your inbox, we encourage you to sign up here: https://connectingottawa.com/connecting-ottawa-communique/sign-up-for-communque/.

Reminder: Connecting Ottawa Infographics – What is Connecting Ottawa? When should Front-line Workers contact Connecting Ottawa?
Connecting Ottawa is pleased to share infographics that describe our services and help front-line workers understand how we can build your capacity to support clients who meet our eligibility criteria with their legal issues.  You can view the infographics here:  

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 front line workers and community members with information and referral resources for common legal issues. Please feel free to share with your clients and networks.

Federal government raises the Right of Citizenship Fee
To apply for Canadian citizenship, permanent residents aged 18 and older are required to pay two fees:

  • Processing fee ($530)
  • Right of citizenship fee ($119.75)

As of midnight on March 31, 2025, the right of citizenship fee for adults increased to $119.75. Permanent residents applying for Canadian citizenship on or after this date must pay the new fee. Those who applied online before midnight on March 31 and paid the $100 fee are not affected. Paper applicants before this date may need to pay the difference. Please refer to: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fee-changes.asp#roc.  Adults will therefore pay a total of $649.75, an increase from the previous fee of $630 before March 31. Stateless adults born to a Canadian parent also need to pay the increased right of citizenship fee.  Minors (those under 18) only pay a $100 processing fee when applying for citizenship, which has not changed.  For more information please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship.html.

Temporary changes to Employment Insurance (EI) program now in effect
The Government of Canada introduced temporary measures to improve access to EI benefits in response to major economic changes in Canada:

  • The one-week waiting period is waived for all new claims for EI benefits that start between March 30, 2025 and October 11, 2025.
  • Earnings paid because of a temporary or permanent separation from employment, such as vacation pay, pay in lieu of notice, severance pay, closure bonuses, and sick leave credits will not be deducted from EI benefits if your claim or the allocation starts between March 30, 2025 and October 11, 2025.
  • A person in Ottawa needs only 630 insured hours of employment to qualify for EI regular benefits if their claim starts between April 6, 2025 and July 12, 2025. The number of hours required to qualify for EI regular benefits in other regions can be found at this link:  https://srv129.services.gc.ca/ei_regions/eng/postalcode_search.aspx.

Small Claims Court’s monetary jurisdiction will increase to $50,000 effective October 1, 2025
The provincial government will increase the Small Claims Court’s monetary jurisdiction from $35,000 to $50,000 on October 1, 2025. In addition, the minimum monetary limit to appeal a Small Claims Court decision will increase from $3,500 to $5,000. This will also increase the Landlord and Tenant Board’s (LTB) maximum administrative fines that may be ordered on a T2 application or a T5 application to $50,000. This is because the LTB’s monetary jurisdiction and maximum fines are currently tied to the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court.

Ontario increasing minimum wage to $17.60 effective October 1, 2025
The minimum wage in Ontario will increase from $17.20 to $17.60 an hour effective October 1, 2025. The annualized wage increase is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index of 2.4%.

Connect with us …
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.