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: Infographic Posts on ESA and Worker’s Rights
Project Type: Public Legal Education (presentations, workshops, podcasts, brochures, blogs, etc.)
Project Delivery: Remote.
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.
CICS is now seeking student volunteers to support the public education through infographic posts on employment standards and worker’s rights, especially those commonly experienced by new immigrants due to language and cultural barriers. These infographics will be posted on CICS social media channels to provide newcomers with essential information to confidently navigate the Canadian Labour market.
This project not only helps newcomers understand their rights but also provides law students with a valuable opportunity to apply their legal knowledge practically. By fostering a better- informed community, we aim to contribute to a fairer and more inclusive workplace for everyone.
Role of Student Volunteers:
The student volunteers will
1. Research, design, and create up to 10 infographics to ensure they are accurate, easy to understand, and visually appealing.
2. Each infographic will address the specific needs and concerns of newcomers, using simple language and considering cultural relevance.
3. Sample topics are: work hours and overtime, employment contracts, workplace safety, leaves and holidays, termination and severance, equal pay and non-discrimination, filing complaints and seeking help.
Role of Supervising Lawyer(s):
- Answer questions of a legal nature;
- Provide guidance to the student(s) on work product;
- Review and approve the student(s) work product periodically over the course of the project and upon final completion.
Type of Law: ESA, AODA, Human Rights and labour laws
Main Project Deliverable: Creating produced content (e.g. research memos, brochures, podcasts, 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: Flexible
Is there a workspace provided for the student at the Organization: No
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: No, but knowledge of Chinese language is an asset.
Law School Pre-Requisites: Knowledge on ESA is preferred
Other Requirements or Expectations: Experience and knowledge on newcomer settlement is an asset.