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Connecting Ottawa Communique

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Connecting Ottawa Communique
17 juillet 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
Looking ahead: Connecting Ottawa to host a conference for frontline workers this October!
Connecting Ottawa’s free annual conference for frontline community workers will be held in-person in early October 2025! Frontline workers, such as settlement workers, social workers, housing and shelter staff, medical support teams, and many others, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between individuals facing legal issues and the support they need. This year, Connecting Ottawa’s conference will focus on building practical skills designed to support the day-to-day work of frontline workers helping clients navigate their legal issues. Topics will include how to conduct client intake interviews to best support clients facing legal challenges, setting appropriate boundaries, and using trauma-informed de-escalation strategies. Frontline workers will gain useful tools and resources and fine tune skills that will help them better support the vulnerable individuals they assist. You won’t want to miss this opportunity for professional development and to connect with colleagues in the community. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Les infographies de Connexion Ottawa, « Qu’est-ce que Connexion Ottawa ? » et « Les travailleurs de première ligne des organismes communautaires : quand dois-je communiquer avec Connexion Ottawa ? » sont maintenant disponibles en français!
Connexion Ottawa est heureux d’annoncer que nos infographies « Qu’est-ce que Connexion Ottawa ?» et « Les travailleurs de première ligne des organismes communautaires : quand dois-je communiquer avec Connexion Ottawa ? » sont maintenant disponibles en français, en plus de l’anglais. Ces infographies offrent un aperçu clair et visuel de qui nous sommes, des services que nous offrons, ainsi que du moment et de la façon dont les travailleurs de première ligne peuvent nous contacter pour obtenir du soutien. Elles ont été conçues pour fournir de l’information rapide et facile à comprendre, afin d’aider les intervenants à mieux soutenir leurs clients ayant des problèmes juridiques.

Vous pouvez accéder aux infographies en français et en anglais ici :

Connecting Ottawa’s Infographics, « Connecting Ottawa – Who We Are » and « When Should I Contact Connecting Ottawa » are now available in French!
Connecting Ottawa is glad to announce that our infographics, « Connecting Ottawa – Who We Are » and « When Should I Contact Connecting Ottawa » are now available in French, as well as English. These infographics provide a clear, visual overview of who we are, the services we offer, and when and how frontline workers can contact us for support. They’re designed to offer quick, accessible information that can help frontline workers better support their clients with legal issues.

The infographics in French and English can be accessed here:

Newly Updated Connecting Ottawa Info Sheet!: « Notarizing and Commissioning Documents in Ottawa, Ontario »
Since June, we’ve updated our information sheet that explains what it means to notarize and commission documents, who is qualified to notarize or commission documents, and common situations where a notarized or commissioned document may be required by a frontline worker or their client. We’ve added to the list of organizations and businesses in Ottawa that provide these services, along with their contact details and pricing. The updated information sheet can be found here: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Info-Sheet-Notarizing-Documents-in-Ottawa-July-2025.pdf.

Can Connecting Ottawa’s Legal Information Resources Help you?:  Please complete our Frontline Worker Survey (It’s short!)
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 July 31, 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.

Les ressources d’information juridique de Connexion Ottawa peuvent-elles vous aider ? Merci de remplir notre sondage pour les travailleurs de première ligne (c’est court !)
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 31 juillet 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.

Upcoming Connecting Ottawa education sessions
Looking ahead to Connecting Ottawa’s fall lineup of Information Sessions
Connecting Ottawa will be pausing its information sessions over the summer, but we’re excited to be preparing a new lineup of sessions for the fall, designed specifically for frontline workers. These sessions will help build knowledge and practical skills to better support clients facing legal issues in areas such as immigration and refugee law, social benefits, housing, and family law. Upcoming topics include addressing sexual harassment, a primer on Legal Aid Ontario certificates and how they work, and an overview of the Family Immigration and Housing Program and who it covers. These sessions are just the beginning – many more are in the works, including our fall Conference! We’ll be starting off the fall with an introduction to Connecting Ottawa (see details below!) but encourage you to stay tuned for more details in future editions of our Communiqué.

Your guide to Connecting Ottawa – Who we are and what we do!
Speakers: Connecting Ottawa Staff Lawyers
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83227426425?pwd=Brd4aucamI6hZPFzzhBuhYrJFvQknz.1
Meeting ID: 832 2742 6425
Passcode: 221129
Session description: Join us for an introduction to Connecting Ottawa, created for frontline workers in all sectors! In this session, Connecting Ottawa’s lawyers will explain who we are, who we serve, and the legal services we offer – including how to access these services on behalf of eligible clients. We’ll cover legal case consultations, upcoming public legal education sessions, and the resource materials we’ve developed to help you better support your clients with their legal issues. We’re also looking forward to hearing from you — What legal challenges do your clients face most often? Are there legal information gaps we can fill to build your capacity to support your clients in navigating their legal issues? Whether you’re new to Connecting Ottawa or just need a refresher, we’d love to have you join us!

Preventing and Managing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Speaker: Gabrielle St-Juste, Project Manager, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Clinique juridique francophone d’Ottawa
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84735333181?pwd=NVzMDy7pLFYQjU1hI1hVawdkvZJwVU.1
Meeting Code: 847 3533 3181
Access code: 270408
Session Description: This awareness and legal education workshop addresses the different forms of sexual harassment in the workplace, employers’ responsibilities, and how to report an incident or intervene as a witness. The information presented can be particularly useful in supporting youth, vulnerable people, women, and newcomers who are beginning to navigate the job market without fully understanding their rights, or who are facing difficult situations in the workplace. It also presents possible recourse and available resources for obtaining support, information, or legal advice.

Legal information and updates
Maximum number of applications that can be received to sponsor certain family members has been reached – Government of Québec
The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) has reached the maximum quota of undertaking applications it can accept from June 26, 2024 to June 25, 2026, for sponsoring specific family members under the family reunification program:

  • A spouse
  • A common-law spouse
  • A conjugal partner
  • A dependent child aged 18 or over

As a result, MIFI will not be accepting new applications for these categories until June 25, 2026. Any application submitted after the quota has been met will be returned without processing, and no fees will be collected. Applicants whose submissions are returned may reapply when the next intake period opens. MIFI will communicate further decisions regarding the management of family reunification applications by June 25, 2026: https://www.quebec.ca/en/news/actualites/detail/family-reunification-maximum-number-applications-received-63826.

Applications for other family members eligible for sponsorship under family reunification continue to be accepted.

For additional information, please consult the Rules governing the reception of applications: https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/sponsor-family-member/rules-reception-applications.

Update Proof of Funds:  Express Entry
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the table indicating the required settlement funds for Canada. To remain eligible, update your proof of funds in your Express Entry profile by July 28, 2025. Updating won’t affect your profile’s submission time or your ranking in a tie-breaker. Please review: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html.

Extension to Canada Ukraine authorization for emergency travel measures (CUAET) deadlines
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada announced extensions to a temporary public policy to facilitate continued access to open work permits and study permits for foreign nationals in Canada who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel measures (CUAET).

Please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/ukraine-cuaet-open-work-permit-study-permit-extension.html.

Individuals who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024, under the CUAET measures have until March 31, 2026, to apply for a new open work permit, extend their existing work permit, or apply for a new study permit. Please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures.html.

Intake opens on 28 July 2025 for the Parents and Grandparents Program
As announced earlier in 2025, on 16 July 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin accepting up to 10,000 complete sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program. Starting on 28 July 2025, and over the course of approximately two weeks, IRCC will send invitations to apply to interested potential sponsors. Anyone who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 but has not yet received an invitation to apply is encouraged to check the email account they provided at the time. They should also check their junk and spam folders.

Due to the large number of interest-to-sponsor forms remaining from 2020, IRCC will send invitations to apply to sponsors from that pool instead of opening a new interest-to-sponsor form. For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/parents-grandparents-program-intake-opens-late-july.html.

Guide to Health Benefits in Ontario
Many low-income people in Ontario struggle to afford prescription medicines, eye care, and dental services because these generally are not covered by Canada’s public health care system. This new guide developed by the Income Security Advocacy Centre aims to connect people living on a low income to publicly funded programs that cover or subsidize the cost of these aspects of health care. You can access the guide in English or French here: https://incomesecurity.org/new-resource-guide-to-health-benefits-in-ontario.

Government of Canada extends temporary adjustment to Employment Insurance (EI) regional unemployment rates for three months
In anticipation of job losses due to the impact of U.S. tariffs, the Government of Canada introduced temporary measures to EI. To improve access to benefits, the temporary measure adjusting unemployment rates has been extended to October 11, 2025. Therefore, 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 October 11, 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.

University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic (UOCLC): Intake Hours and Updates
The UOCLC will be closed for intakes from August 8 to September 14, 2025. Intakes will begin again on the following schedule:

  • September 15 to October 21, 2025
  • November 3 to November 25, 2025
  • January 5 to January 15, 2026
  • February 2 to February 24, 2026
  • March 9 to April 7, 2026

Eligible clients seeking assistance may complete the UOCLC Services Application Form, available here, https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/sites/g/files/bhrskd406/files/2025-06/UOCLC-Services-APPLICATION-FORM-en.pdf, and email it to uoclc@uottawa.ca. If assistance is required in filling out the form, call the UOCLC at 613-562-5600.  To learn more about the UOCLC, eligibility criteria, and areas of law, please visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/student-centre/courses/clinics/community-legal-clinic/clients/information-clients.

In addition, on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. until August 6, 2025, the UOCLC is continuing to run drop-in hours at the Ottawa Courthouse (161 Elgin Street, office outside courtroom #4) for people facing criminal or provincial charge(s).  For more information about the drop in hours and other clinic services, see: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CLSO-Leaflet-July-2025.pdf.

Employment Law Information Sessions (in French):  Employment Contracts and Workplace Rights
On July 23, 2025 and July 30 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., the Ontario Legal Information Centre (OLIC) in collaboration with L’Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario (AFNOO) will be facilitating legal information sessions touching on key legal concepts about the rights and duties of workers in Ontario.  The sessions will be presented in French.   Session 1, Le contrat d’emploi (partie I), will address the components of employment contracts, important clauses, what to do if the employer does not respect the contract, and possible remedies.  Session 2, Le droit de l’emploi (partie II), will review the applicable laws and an overview of the following themes: leave, overtime, dismissal, and the Human Rights Code and possible remedies.  For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.afnoo.org/evenements/connaitre-ses-droits-et-devoirs-en-tant-que-travailleur-en-ontario.

New Peer Mentoring and Skill-Building Project: « From Survivor to Thriver » Project
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) and World Skills are working in partnership on a new initiative! The « Survivor to Thriver » project is a peer mentorship and skill building project is designed to empower immigrant and newcomer women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) by providing:

  • One-on-one mentorship with women who have similar lived experience
  • Employment readiness and leadership training
  • Employment counseling and opportunities to connect with employers

The project is currently seeking Mentees and Mentors:

Key project information and documents are available at the following links: 

Newcomer Donation Network (NDW)
The NDW connects people with local agencies to help newcomers in need. They are currently accepting donation offers of temporary housing for newcomers: https://newcomerdonations.ca/en/donate.

Research study on paid sick days for workers
A research team led by Dr. Monika Dutt is looking for participants for a study about the impact of having/not having legislated paid sick days. There is a draw for a $50 electronic gift card to a retailer of the participant’s choice. For more information and recruitment notices in English, Spanish, Punjabi, and Tagalog contact: sickdays@mcmaster.ca.

2025 OCASI Compensation & Benefits Survey
The 2025 OCASI Compensation and Benefits Survey seeks to gather up-to-date insights on compensation trends across Ontario’s not-for-profit immigrant and refugee-serving sector, specifically for organizations dedicated to serving immigrants and refugees. The deadline to participate is Friday, July 18, 2025: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5FPTGVT.

Applications open for Director – College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada is seeking applicants for the Board of Directors of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Closing date July 25, 2025: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/notice-opportunity-dir-cicc.html.

Public advisory: impersonation of community support organizations
The Toronto Police Service is drawing attention to scammers impersonating community support organizations and legal services designed to support new immigrants, with a particular focus on members of the Chinese community. It is reported that people are receiving unsolicited calls from people falsely claiming to be representatives from newcomer support agencies, immigrant service organizations, and legal services. People are pressured to provide identity documents, banking information, and credit card numbers. For information on protecting yourself from scammers visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/fraud.html.

Ottawa Public Libraries: A Summer Destination
The Ottawa Public Library has 33 locations where you can access computers, printers, scanners, and more books and movies that you’ll ever need! It’s also a nice place where you can spend some time for free, and it is always welcoming to you and your children. Learn more by visiting: www.biblioottawalibrary.ca or Google ‘Ottawa library’. The Ottawa Public Library also runs English and French conversation groups. To learn more about them, please visit: http://bit.ly/4nzbYPZ.

Reminder: Update on field of study requirement for post-graduation work permits
On June 25, 2025, the Government of Canada revised the list of fields of study eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWP) in alignment with the 2025 Express Entry priorities. The update included the addition of 119 new fields in areas such as education, healthcare, social services, technology, and trades. Additionally, 178 fields of study associated with occupations experiencing long-term labour shortages were removed.  As a result of these changes, there are now 920 fields of study eligible for a PGWP. Find the complete list of PGWP-eligible fields of study on the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/field-of-study/currently-eligible.html.

Students who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, remain eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the approved list at the time of application, even if it has been removed since. For further information please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/update-requirement-post-graduation-work-permits.html.

Reminder: Rules about air conditioners
Every summer there can be confusion between landlords and tenants about air conditioning. The law isn’t always clear about the rules, but you can help clients know their legal rights by reviewing the rules about air conditioners from Steps to Justice: https://stepstojustice.ca/questions/housing-law/what-are-rules-about-air-conditioners/ and the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights: https://housingrightscanada.com/resources/ontario-housing-law-101-air-conditioning/.

Reminder: Apply for cooling devices from ODSP/Ontario Works (OW)
Recipients of OW, ODSP, or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities may be eligible to obtain a cooling device, such as an air conditioner or fan, as a discretionary benefit. To qualify, applicants need a letter of support or prescription from a healthcare provider indicating the necessity of the device for their health and safety and must have a recognized medical condition. Funding requests are accepted between June 1 and September 15, with a maximum amount covered (list not exclusive): https://cela.ca/poster-apply-for-cooling-devices-through-odsp-ow/.

Reminder: Annual rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1%
The annual rent increase guideline for 2026 is 2.1%. The rent increase guideline is the maximum amount a landlord can increase rent during the year for most tenants without the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board. For more information on rent increases and the guideline, please visit Steps to Justice: https://stepstojustice.ca/questions/housing-law/how-much-can-my-rent-go/.

Reminder: New long-term illness leave
A new long-term illness leave was established under the Employment Standards Act, which came into force on June 19, 2025. The new leave provides an employee who has been employed by an employer for at least 13 consecutive weeks with an entitlement to an unpaid leave of absence if:

  • the employee will not be performing the duties of their position because of a serious medical condition AND
  • a qualified health practitioner issues a certificate stating the employee has a serious medical condition and setting out the period where the employee will not be working because of their serious medical condition

The maximum entitlement to long-term illness leave is 27 weeks in a 52-week period.

Reminder: Applications NOW OPEN for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
Applications are now open for the CDB. Individuals who have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit and meet the rest of the eligibility criteria received a letter in June that includes a unique application code and instructions on how to apply.  Before applying, applicants should gather their Social Insurance Number (SIN) and direct deposit information. Applications can be submitted via the application portal, by phone, or in-person at a Service Canada Centre: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit/apply.html.  If you do not receive a letter and think you’re eligible, you can still apply with the following information: SIN, status in Canada, mailing address, and net income (line 23600) from your 2024 notice of assessment.  Expected payments will be on the 3rd Thursday of the month starting in July or by lump sum if the annual amount is below $240.

Reminder: Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) estimator
While this tool does not assess eligibility for the CDB, it can provide an estimate of the amount you may receive for payments made between July 2025 and June 2026. The estimator takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete and will ask for your marital status and income: https://estimateurpcph-cdbestimator.service.canada.ca/en.

Reminder: Disability benefits navigation services
The Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability component funds not-for-profit community-based organizations to address long-standing barriers related to awareness and take-up of benefits for persons with disabilities. Funded organizations provide accessible, individualized disability benefits navigation on a one-to-one basis. These organizations provide disability navigation services to persons with disabilities and their families and caregivers:

Reminder: 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.

Reminder: Appeal process now in place for Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
If you disagree with a decision about your eligibility for the CDB or the amount of your benefit, you can ask for the decision to be reconsidered: https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/content/EForms/en/Detail.html?Form=CDB0006. To do this, the request must be submitted within 180 days of the date on the decision letter (found in the top right-hand corner). If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can appeal the decision to the Social Security Tribunal’s General Division. If you disagree with the decision of the General Division, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal’s Appeal Division, with permission. We encourage you to request a consultation with Connecting Ottawa or Community Legal Services of Ottawa if your client disagrees with the decision about their eligibility for the CDB or the amount of their benefit.

Reminder: 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.

Reminder: Updated targeted processing times for Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Certificate
Due to higher than normal intake volume, the Canada Revenue Agency is experiencing delays in processing Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate. If you recently applied for the DTC, it may take up to 15 weeks to process your request.

Reminder: 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.  

Reminder: Legal Aid Ontario’s Service Finder tool now available
Legal Aid Ontario launched a self-triage tool to quickly and easily find legal services, locate nearby offices, and access legal information and resources for your legal matter. The Service Finder can be used to:

  • assess legal and financial eligibility for Legal Aid services
  • apply for Legal Aid
  • get referrals to external service providers if you do not qualify for free legal support
  • choose the area of law you need help with
  • locate Legal aid services and offices, including family law service centres, refugee law offices, specialty clinics, and student legal service organizations

To learn more about Service Finder, watch this brief video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07anptekzls.

Reminder: Family law and immigration resources in different South Asian languages
The South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario created a number of resources in family law and immigration law, including Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu, and Bengali. The resources are also available in English: https://salc.on.ca/public-legal-education/.

Reminder: New booklet on making a complaint to the Ontario Ombudsman
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) created a new booklet on Making a complaint to the Ontario Ombudsman: https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/making-a-complaint-to-the-ontario-ombudsman. The Ombudsman takes complaints from people who feel they were not treated fairly by a provincial or city service, such as the Landlord and Tenant Board or Ontario Works. Ombudsman staff try to help resolve the complaint. It does not cost any money to file a complaint and all complaints are confidential.

Reminder: Navigating Transitions at the End of the School Year
School is out! The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) has compiled some information to help caregivers and children transition into summer. The resource also includes a list of mental health and wellness resources available in the community to support families. Learn more here: https://www.ocdsb.ca/family-community-support/mental-health/mental-health-in-action-parents-caregivers/186860.

Reminder: Adventure in Finance: Financial Readiness Forum for Youth
Do you work with families who are seniors in high school or recent grads? Adventure in Finance is a one-day event geared just for them that will guide them.  Youth will learn essential strategies for handling personal finances, diving into the world of money management and gaining new tools to build financial independence in a fun, interactive way!  Explore the risks of « get rich » schemes, learn credit card management, better understand the rewards of saving and investing, and learn practical tips for budgeting and setting financial goals.  This free event, hosted by the Rotary Club of West Ottawa, in partnership with Youth Ottawa, is happening on August 23, 2025 from 9 am – 4 pm.  Learn more and register here: https://sites.google.com/rcwo.ca/adventureinfinance/home.

Reminder: Heading to the Beach? Review Refugee 613’s Open Water Safety Infographic
If you support newcomer communities in your work, please share Refugee 613’s infographic on open water safety.  Designed for newcomers and available in 11 languages, this helpful infographic reviews essential water safety information designed to help keep everyone safe while enjoying a summer visit to a local lake or river.  More details and the link to the infographic is available here: https://mailchi.mp/refugee613/share-safety-tips-for-swimming-this-summer?e=9545bb140b.

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/.

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.

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.