Human Rights Advocate

Today, we announced temporary measures to help Indigenous people in the United States reunite with their families in Canada and reconnect them with their traditional territories. The measures will allow eligible Indigenous people whose family members live in Canada to:
• work or study in Canada with some requirements waived
• extend their stay for up to 3 years (for those who are already in Canada)

These temporary measures were implemented to relieve hardship on families while the federal government of Canada continues to work toward long-term solutions that address Indigenous border mobility challenges.

Learn more about what the measures offer, who is eligible and how to apply:

Supporting cross-border mobility for Indigenous Peoples Colonial borders have had profound impacts on Indigenous Peoples. They have put stress on families, kinship, cultural ties, traditional practices, language preservation and revitalization, governance, and economic opportunities. For some communities separated by the Canada–United States border, th...

When the police arrest a husband for domestic violence, they usually conduct an investigation to gather evidence, including statements from both parties and any witnesses. The husband might be held in custody and charged depending on the evidence. He could face conditions such as no-contact orders or restrictions on returning to the home. The case then moves to the court, where he may be prosecuted, and the outcome could include penalties like fines, counseling, or jail time, depending on the severity of the incident and the legal findings.

Housing and Lease Agreements: Many students, especially those living off-campus, face legal challenges related to renting. Issues may include disputes with landlords over security deposits, rent increases, lease violations, or eviction notices. Understanding tenants’ rights and obligations under provincial laws is essential.

For university students in Ottawa facing housing and lease issues, several resources are available to provide support and guidance.

1. Off-Campus Housing Services: The University of Ottawa offers a platform where students can find off-campus housing options and get advice on lease agreements, rights, and responsibilities. This is particularly helpful for students navigating the rental market for the first time [oai_citation:5,Off-campus checklist | Campus life](https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/housing/off-campus-checklist) [oai_citation:4,Student Housing Billboard](https://web5.uottawa.ca/rezweb/search.php).

2. Legal Assistance: The Community Legal Services of Ottawa offers free legal aid for low-income tenants, including students, covering issues such as disputes with landlords, lease violations, and eviction prevention [oai_citation:3,Tenant Duty Counsel - Community Legal Services of Ottawa / Services juridiques communautaires d'Ottawa](https://www.clsottawa.ca/how-we-can-help/tenant-duty-counsel/) [oai_citation:2,Tenants rights and supports | City of Ottawa](https://ottawa.ca/en/family-and-social-services/housing-and-homelessness/tenants-rights-and-supports).

3. Housing Help Ottawa and Action Logement are additional non-profit organizations that provide advice and support to students dealing with housing challenges, ensuring their rights are protected [oai_citation:1,Tenants rights and supports | City of Ottawa](https://ottawa.ca/en/family-and-social-services/housing-and-homelessness/tenants-rights-and-supports).

These services can help you understand your rights as a tenant, navigate the rental market, and resolve any legal disputes you might face during your studies in Ottawa.

Tenants rights and supports | City of Ottawa On this page Tenant rights Property standards Tenants who live in housing in need of repair should first work with their landlord or property management company. Comments to the landlord or property manager should be put in writing and the tenant should keep a copy. After a reasonable amount of time...

Old Age Security (OAS) in Canada: Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What is the Old Age Security (OAS) pension?

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly benefit for Canadians aged 65 or older, designed to provide financial support during retirement. The amount you receive depends on how long you’ve lived in Canada after the age of 18.

Who is eligible for OAS?

To be eligible for OAS, you must be 65 years old, a Canadian citizen or legal resident, and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18. If you’ve lived abroad, you may still qualify based on international agreements or by combining periods of residency.

How much can I receive through OAS?

The maximum OAS payment for 2024 is $691.00 per month. The actual amount you receive depends on your residency in Canada and income. Low-income individuals may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which provides additional financial assistance.

What is the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?

The GIS is an additional monthly benefit for low-income OAS pensioners. It helps those who have little or no other income. The amount you can receive depends on your income and whether you have a spouse or common-law partner who also receives OAS.

Can I delay my OAS pension to receive a higher payment?

Yes, you can defer your OAS pension for up to 5 years after your 65th birthday. For every month you delay, your pension increases by 0.6%, resulting in a maximum 36% increase if you wait until age 70.

How does income affect OAS payments?

If your annual income exceeds a certain threshold, your OAS payments may be reduced through a clawback system known as the OAS Recovery Tax. For 2024, the threshold is $87,000, and OAS benefits will be reduced if you earn above this amount.

How do I apply for OAS?

You can apply for OAS online through your My Service Canada Account, by mail using a paper application, or in person at a Service Canada office. It’s recommended to apply at least six months before you turn 65 to avoid delays in payments.

What happens to OAS payments if I live outside Canada?

If you’ve lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18, you can receive OAS payments even if you reside outside the country. Otherwise, payments may stop after six months abroad unless you return to Canada.

What should I do if I have a low income and need more support?

If you qualify for OAS but still have a low income, you can apply for the GIS. Additionally, provincial and territorial governments offer income support programs that can supplement OAS and GIS benefits.

These are the key points to know about OAS in Canada. Understanding the eligibility, payment amounts, and supplemental benefits can help retirees plan their financial future effectively.

The Divorce Act in Canada now requires family law lawyers to encourage their clients to use family dispute resolution processes whenever appropriate. These processes include negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration, which are alternatives to going to court and can be less costly, faster, and less adversarial.

1. Dispute Resolution Processes: The main processes are negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration. These methods allow parties to reach agreements without a judge's decision, focusing on cooperation and mutual understanding.

2. When and How Lawyers Should Use These Processes: Lawyers should assess the appropriateness of these processes based on the specifics of each case, such as the level of conflict, power balance, and any safety concerns, including family violence. Lawyers must advise their clients about these options early in the process and encourage their use unless clearly inappropriate.

3. Becoming Proficient: Lawyers can enhance their skills in these processes by undertaking specialized training, gaining experience in mediation and collaborative law, and continuously learning about best practices in family dispute resolution. This helps them better support clients through non-court-based solutions [oai_citation:3,Fact Sheet - Family dispute resolution: resolving family law issues out of court](https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fl-df/fsfdr-firdf.html) [oai_citation:2,The Divorce Act Changes Explained](https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fl-df/cfl-mdf/dace-clde/index.html) [oai_citation:1,Canadian Bar Association - The changing landscape of family dispute resolution in Canada](https://www.cba.org/Sections/Family-Law/Articles/2021/The-changing-landscape-of-family-dispute-resolutio).

For more details on how these processes work, you can visit the official resources available on the [Justice Canada website](https://www.justice.gc.ca).

Fact Sheet - Family dispute resolution: resolving family law issues out of court Department of Justice Canada's Internet site

Make sure they know about the Retirement Hub! 💻

It’s an easy-to-use online tool to help with retirement planning and applying for and receiving retirement income benefits.

👉

Learn and plan for your retirement - Retirement Hub - Canada.ca It's never too early or too late to learn about your retirement options and plan for your future. Find out about public pensions, when to take them and tips to consider for your retirement income.

Integrating newcomers in Canada involves several practical steps. First, provide access to language training programs to help them improve their English or French skills, which are essential for daily life and employment. Second, connect them with community support services, including settlement agencies that offer guidance on housing, healthcare, and education. Third, encourage participation in local community activities and networks to build social connections. Finally, assist them in finding employment by offering job search workshops, mentorship programs, and understanding Canadian workplace culture.

Are you a newcomer aged 15 to 30 and want to put your awesome skills to work?

Friendly and experienced settlement professionals can help you find a job, among other services, tailored to your needs.

Find services near you:

Find free newcomer services near you Search our list of settlement organizations across Canada (except Quebec) and access newcomer services that can help you adjust to life in Canada.

Spoofing is a deceptive practice where someone or something pretends to be a legitimate source to trick individuals into providing personal information or performing certain actions.

Types of Spoofing:

1. Email Spoofing: Involves sending emails with forged sender addresses to steal information or infect devices with malware.
2. Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers falsify the phone number displayed on caller IDs to trick individuals into answering and revealing personal information.
3. Text Message Spoofing: Similar to email spoofing but uses SMS messages to appear from legitimate sources like banks or companies.
4. URL or Website Spoofing: Creating fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate ones to capture login credentials or spread malware.
5. GPS Spoofing: Misleading GPS devices into showing incorrect locations, used in both gaming and more serious contexts like maritime navigation.

Spoofing is often part of broader social engineering attacks and can be very sophisticated, making it crucial for individuals to be vigilant and employ protective measures like spam filters, careful scrutiny of unexpected communications, and using reputable cybersecurity software.

The process of choosing refugees for resettlement in Canada through the UNHCR involves several steps designed to identify those most in need and ensure a smooth transition to their new home. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Identification and Referral:

• Assessment: UNHCR field officers assess refugees in camps and urban areas to identify those most vulnerable. This includes individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, and human rights abuses.
• Referral: Once identified, UNHCR refers the cases to resettlement countries, including Canada, based on criteria such as vulnerability, family reunification, and the potential for successful integration.

2. Eligibility and Priority:

• Criteria: The selection is based on the refugee’s need for protection and the likelihood of a successful settlement. Priority is often given to those with medical needs, survivors of violence and torture, women at risk, and those with no other durable solution.
• Documentation: UNHCR prepares a Resettlement Registration Form (RRF) which includes detailed information about the refugee’s background, reasons for resettlement, and specific needs.

3. Resettlement Process:

• Screening: The Canadian government reviews the RRF and may conduct interviews to assess the eligibility and security of the refugee.
• Approval: If approved, the refugee undergoes medical exams and security checks. They are also provided with information about life in Canada.

4. Preparation and Departure:

• Orientation: Pre-departure orientation sessions help refugees understand Canadian society, laws, and what to expect upon arrival.
• Travel Arrangements: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) often assists with travel arrangements, ensuring that refugees reach Canada safely.

5. Arrival and Integration:

• Settlement Services: Upon arrival, various organizations help refugees settle. This includes assistance with housing, language training, employment services, and social integration.

This process ensures that those in the greatest need are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives in Canada.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook.

UNHCR Resettlement Handbook | The UNHCR Resettlement Handbook offers resettlement management and policy guidance to UNHCR staff, and is a key reference tool on global resettlement policy and practice for resettlement countries, NGOs and other partners. Search for: © UNHCR/Christopher Herwig Preface UNHCR has been entrusted by t...

My year has been productive and fulfilling, as I’ve been able to offer complimentary guidance and support in various legal areas such as Residential Tenancy, Family and Personal Law, Corporate Law, Land and Titles, and Immigration for both Canada and the USA. For 2024, I’m excited to expand my services further and help even more individuals navigate their legal challenges.

“Happy Canada Day! Wishing you a day filled with pride, joy, and celebration of our beautiful country.”