This is a joint project between Osgoode Hall, University of Toronto Faculty of Law & Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Name of Organization: Centre for Immigrant and Community Services
Website of Organization: www.cicscanada.com
Organization’s Mandate: CICS aims to empower newcomers in settling and integrating them as contributing members of Canadian society through diverse, professional, and innovative services.
Project Name: Client Intake on ESA and Worker’s Rights
Project Type: Client services (court forms, shadowing, mock hearings, intake, legal clinic, etc.)
Project Delivery: Remote. Most of the work can be done virtually
Description of Project: The Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) is a not-for-profit organization that assists newcomers in Canada in settling and integrating. CICS provides services to clients of all age ranges, from early year children, youth, adults to seniors. CICS also offers specialized services in employment, language training, mental health, housing and etc.
The project focuses on providing newcomers with essential information on employment standards and workers’ rights through one-on-one intake sessions. Student volunteers will assist in answering inquiries from newcomers, all under the supervision of a qualified lawyer. It is important to note that while the students will provide valuable information, they will not be offering legal advice.
This project aims to empower newcomers with the knowledge they need to navigate the Canadian labor market confidently. It also offers law students a valuable opportunity to apply their learning in real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding of employment standards and workers’ rights. By creating a supportive environment where newcomers can seek information and ask questions, we strive to build a more informed and empowered community.
Role of Student Volunteers:
1. Law students will provide one-on-one intake once a week from 2-5pm to answer inquiries from newcomers on various employment related topics including ESA and worker’s rights.
2. All intake sessions will be conducted virtually, either via phone or Zoom, ensuring accessibility and convenience for newcomers. The session will be in Mandarin and Cantonese for easy communication.
3. If capacity allows, and student volunteer(s) can work onsite CICS office, they can assist clients with form filling or letter writing on complaints for owed wages.
4. CICS will schedule the appointments and share with students the nature of the enquires ahead of the session.
Role of Supervising Lawyer(s):
1. Answer questions of a legal nature
2. Support students to provide accurate and relevant information
3. Provide guidance to the students on handling the intake
Type of Law: ESA, AODA, Human Rights and labour laws
Main Project Deliverable: Completing client intake and assistance (e.g. completing client intake, providing client referrals, helping clients with their ID documents, etc.)
Number of Student Placements: 1-2 students.
Hours per week the student volunteer(s) will be expected to work: 3-5 hours/week
Regular shifts or a flexible schedule: Intake session schedule will be fixed after consulting with the student on their availability
Is there a workspace provided for the student at the Organization: Yes, if the student volunteers can work onsite to provide intake services.
Devices and technologies the students will be required to have: Computer, internet access, telephone, Zoom, MS Teams.
Is there an expectation for the student(s) to be bilingual: Cantonese or Mandarin speaking students is preferred because those are the native languages of our target clients. If not, we can explore to bring in translator.
Law School Pre-Requisites: Knowledge on ESA is preferred
Other Requirements or Expectations: Experience and knowledge on newcomer settlement is an asset.