Three programs, one line of support.
Everyday lessons, timely reminders, and early help when the stakes are high. Each one covers a gap the other two miss.
Community Legal Navigators
People trust information more when it comes from someone like them. Navigators are members of newcomer communities, trained to explain Canadian law in plain language and in the languages their neighbours speak.
- Who
- Members of newcomer communities, trained and supported by legal professionals.
- Where
- Settlement agencies, campuses, libraries and community centres.
- What
- Small sessions on renting, work, driving, buying and family law.
Messages at the right moment
Legal information is most useful just before a decision. Instead of waiting for people to search, we send a short explainer when something is about to happen in their life.
- Someone signs up and tells us what is coming: a move, a new job, a car purchase.
- We send a short explainer by text or WhatsApp, in their language, at the right time.
- If they have questions, they can reply to reach a navigator.
Example message
Starting a new job in Ontario? Your employer must give you a pay statement on or before each payday, showing your hours, pay and deductions. If you don't get one, reply HELP to talk to a navigator.
Based on the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (Ontario), s. 12
Help before a charge
Some moments change the course of a life. For a newcomer, a criminal charge can affect work, study and status in Canada. Early, accurate information about rights and options can change what happens next.
- (a)Navigators explain what is happening and what a person's rights are, in their language.
- (b)They connect people quickly with a lawyer or legal clinic for advice.
- (c)They follow up afterwards, so no one is left to work out the next steps alone.
Navigators teach the rules before people need them. Messages bring the right rule at the moment it applies. Early help deals with a mistake before it becomes a lasting problem.
Help us run the first pilot