Aller au contenu
  1. Accueil
  2. Connecting Ottawa Communique

Connecting Ottawa Communique

Inscrivez-vous au communiqué Connexion Ottawa


Connecting Ottawa Communique
18 juin 2026

We are pleased to provide this information for frontline workers to support the information and referral needs of clients. Connecting Ottawa education sessions that may be of interest to workers are listed following Connecting Ottawa News.  After reviewing Connecting Ottawa’s education sessions, you will find 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
Videos and Resources available from CLEO Connect webinars: Legal Aid Ontario certificates and next steps
If you missed Connecting Ottawa’s recent webinar collaborations with CLEO Connect, the webinar recordings and related materials are now available. Connecting Ottawa Staff lawyers presented on the important and practical topics of applying for Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) certificates and working with lawyers retained on LAO certificates.  You can access the materials at the links below:

Connecting Ottawa’s One Year Window (OYW) Clinic is accepting Intakes:  Clinic details, Clinic intake form and more!
The One Year Window (OYW) Program allows resettled refugees to reunite with certain family members, provided they apply within one year of arriving in Canada and the family members meet eligibility requirements. Connecting Ottawa is running a pilot project to support frontline workers assisting clients who are applying to bring family members to Canada through the OYW Program. Through this pilot project, with the support of trained and supervised law students, we will review OYW applications, provide advice on how to strengthen them, and assist with drafting affidavits and letters of explanation where needed. The OYW Clinic is now accepting intakes.  To learn more about the OYW Program and Connecting Ottawa’s OYW Clinic, you can view the slides from our recent presentation: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Connecting-Ottawa-OYW-program-Slides-June-17-2026.pdf. For a brief summary of the OYW Clinic eligibility criteria, the scope of the OYW Clinic, and process, visit: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Connecting-Ottawa-OYW-Clinic-What-It-Is-How-It-Works-and-Eligiblity-Criteria-1.pdf.  You can access the project intake form here: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Connecting-Ottawa-OYW-Clinic-Intake-Form.pdf.  

Connecting Ottawa Communiqué Sign up
In Connecting Ottawa’s bi-weekly Communiqué, 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 frontline workers serving clients in our target populations.  If you are a frontline worker who wants to receive Connecting Ottawa’s Communiqué directly to your inbox, we encourage you to sign up here: https://connectingottawa.com/connecting-ottawa-communique/sign-up-for-communque/.

Upcoming Connecting Ottawa Education Sessions
Family Law 101: Parenting Time, Decision-Making, and Support
Speaker: Representatives from the Family Justice Centre
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82625280369?pwd=DaOTE5Tx7b1q9tLT87BIDAEBChOJ8t.1
Meeting ID: 826 2528 0369
Passcode: 161952
Frontline workers regularly support clients navigating family law issues, often in high-stress situations and without access to legal representation.  This can include questions about parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibilities, and financial support following a separation. In this information session, with speakers from the Family Justice Centre, we will provide a practical introduction to key family law concepts, including parenting time, decision-making, child support, and spousal support. The session will focus on helping frontline workers understand the basic legal framework, identify common issues, and better support clients who may be self-represented or facing barriers to accessing legal services. If you are a frontline worker looking to build your confidence in supporting clients with family law concerns and to better understand when and how to refer for legal assistance, please join us!  You can learn more about the Family Justice Centre and how it can help you support your clients with certain family law issues here: https://www.probonostudents.ca/family-justice-centre.

Family Violence and Family Law: Protection Orders, Safety, and Legal Options
Speakers: Kaja Marinic (Family Justice Centre) and students
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84239037523?pwd=zOftf6DUDIivw6FoALMkG4Unwq5j8q.1
Meeting ID: 842 3903 7523
Passcode: 009578
Frontline workers often support clients experiencing family violence, coercive control, or unsafe family situations, helping them navigate urgent legal and practical concerns. Clients may have questions about protection orders, emergency safety planning, parenting issues, housing, police involvement, or how to safely leave a relationship. In this information session, delivered by the Family Justice Centre, we will provide a practical introduction to key family law tools and protections available in situations involving family violence, including restraining orders, peace bonds, exclusive possession of the home, and emergency motions. The session will focus on helping frontline workers recognize common legal issues, understand the limits of their role, and better support clients who may be self-represented or facing barriers to accessing legal services. If you are a frontline worker looking to build your confidence in supporting clients experiencing family violence and to better understand when and how to refer for legal assistance, please join us!   

Misrepresentation in Immigration Law: Common Issues, Risks, and Responses
Speaker: Julie Dodwell (Dodwell Immigration Law)
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84007596552?pwd=MHSOen9aZqvDk4X7cGI4LCDJCofuAG.1
Meeting ID: 840 0759 6552
Passcode: 688121
Providing incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can have serious implications, including an application being refused, loss of immigration status, removal from Canada, and more. This session will explain what « misrepresentation » is and review common situations where it arises. Importantly, a person can be found to have misrepresented even if there was no intent to deceive – errors, omissions, and misunderstandings can still lead to a finding of misrepresentation. We will discuss issues such as inaccurate forms, undisclosed family members, errors made by legal counsel, and inconsistent information and fake documents. Participants will also learn what happens when IRCC raises concerns about possible misrepresentation and what options may be available in response. This session is intended for frontline workers supporting newcomers and will include an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Legal Information and Updates
IRCC temporarily pauses issuing immigration documents to residents of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan due to the Ebola outbreak
Due to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and related public health concerns in Uganda and South Sudan, Canada has temporarily paused issuing immigration documents to people living in those countries. While IRCC will continue processing applications, it will not finalize applications or issue visas or permanent resident visas while the measures are in effect. These measures are expected to remain in place until August 28, 2026, but could be extended. As a result, some people may experience delays in coming to Canada. This could affect refugee resettlement, One-Year Window (OYW) applications, family sponsorship applications, visitor visas, and other immigration processes involving people living in the affected countries. For more information, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/special-measures/ebola-2026.html.

Important update: Canada Disability Benefit excluded from net income
An amendment to the Income Tax Act excludes the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from net income. As a result, the CDB will not affect income tested benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Workers Benefit, Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, Rent Geared to Income, and others.

Key changes to the Residential Tenancies Act coming into force on July 1
Beginning July 1, 2026, requests to review a Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) decision must generally be filed within 15 days instead of 30 days, although the LTB may extend the deadline where it is just and appropriate to do so. This shorter deadline applies to decisions or orders issued on or after July 1, 2026.

Muslim Legal Support Centre Virtual Drop-in Clinics:  Employment and Housing & Tenancy Law
The Muslim Legal Support Centre is offering free & virtual drop-in clinics on Employment and Housing Law that will provide 30-minute, one-on-one sessions with a lawyer. The Employment Law Drop-in is on June 24, 2026 and the Housing and Tenancy Law Drop-in is on June 25, 2026.  The clinics give eligible participants space to ask questions, receive tailored guidance, and leave with practical next steps. To learn more and reserve a spot, please visit: https://simplyk-bucket-production.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/deliveries/ae7da6eb-38f2-4421-bdef-93d6b4841ce0/emails/f98733ac-4134-4884-9207-b6912deb234d.html.

Resources on Rental Housing Basics, Human Rights in Housing, and Eviction Prevention in multiple languages
The Canadian Centre for Housing Rights offers a collection of printable resources in multiple languages that provide basic information about Ontario housing law, human rights in rental housing, and renters’ rights when facing eviction: https://housingrightscanada.com/resources/know-your-rights-printable-resources-for-ontario-renters/?mc_cid=2598cc0ad4&mc_eid=e4b5bff94e.

Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC): “Know Your Options » webinar and new resources for community & legal service providers
Are you a legal or community service provider whose clients and members have faced discrimination and want to know more about what options and resources you can refer your clients to? The Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) is hosting a webinar on June 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to share more about newly launched legal support resources aimed at increasing options and access to justice! Learn about the HRLSC’s new « Guide to Asserting your Rights, » a guide for those who have faced discrimination and wish to explore early resolution options before or instead of taking legal action. The Guide provides practical legal information, including sample letters and templates that can be used when trying to resolve issues directly with employers, landlords, service providers, or others: https://hrlsc.on.ca/how-to-guides/asserting-your-human-rights/.  Created in collaboration with Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO), and funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario, the HRLSC is also pleased to introduce the new « Guided Pathway for making a human rights complaint, » an online tool that helps guide people step-by-step through the process of filing a human rights complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. This new Guided Pathway is available here: https://stepstojustice.ca/guided-pathways/human-rights-making-a-complaint/.  To learn more about these valuable tools and to register for the webinar, visit: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Fz2k9VLoSPGHBnsoyJ56OA#/registration.

Upcoming CLEO webinar: legal options for community organizations being harassed
Community organizations and front-line workers across Ontario are increasingly facing harassment because of the work they do. This can include threatening emails, hostile social media comments, protests, repeated complaints, and even vandalism. On June 23, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) is hosting a free webinar on the legal rights and options available to organizations and workers who are experiencing harassment from members of the public. The webinar will cover employment, civil, and criminal law responses to harassment, employers’ responsibilities to keep workers safe, how to document incidents, and steps organizations can take to support future legal action if necessary. The presenters are Benjamin Miller (Staff Lawyer and Policy Advisor, Ontario Nonprofit Law Network), Lauren Paparousis (Lawyer and Associate, Porter Litigation), and Sasha Hart (Lawyer and Founder, Sasha Hart Law). ASL interpretation will be available, and a recording will be posted online after the event. For more information, and to register, please visit: https://outreach.cleo.on.ca/en/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=505.

Income Security Advocacy Centre’s « In Their Own Words » Policy Report: Report Launch and Community Panel Discussion
The Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) is launching a new policy report called « In Their Own Words: The State of Social Assistance in Ontario. » You can read more about the report here: https://incomesecurity.org/new-report-in-their-own-words-the-state-of-social-assistance-in-ontario/.  On Thursday, June 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., ISAC will host a webinar to launch the report.  The webinar will include a short presentation on the findings, followed by a panel discussion on the issues raised in the report (including social assistance and income adequacy, work and disability, and inequitable access to services) and how to turn the report data into action. Learn more and register: http://bit.ly/3Sm0X9D. Please note that the event will likely not be recorded.

Take the survey: Impact of IRCC funding cuts
Recent cuts to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funding are placing unprecedented strain on the vital services delivered by immigrant and refugee serving organizations. To support advocacy efforts, the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) is conducting a survey to capture the realities facing front line organizations and the communities they serve: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZXN722F.

Study about Sexual Harassment in the Skilled Trades in Canada: Survey
The trades can provide entry into well-paying and meaningful jobs. Sexual harassment is a significant barrier to accessing and maintaining jobs, as well as training and advancement opportunities in the skilled trades. It can have negative short- and long-term impacts on workers. Western University is conducting research to learn more about and raise awareness of sexual harassment in the skilled trades sector. The project aims to better understand workers’ experiences and the actions they take, factors that increase risk of sexual harassment, how workplaces respond, and the kinds of supports needed by and available to workers. The study is a collaboration between the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC), Western University, and Unifor. If you have clients working in the skilled trades, please share this anonymous survey with them or help them to complete it:  Bit.ly/SkilledTradesSurvey. Participation is important to learn more about sexual harassment in the skilled trades and to create safer workplaces.

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa’s (IWSO) June Calendar of Activities
IWSO has a new calendar of free settlement and integration activities. Activities include conversation circles, art and painting, Canadian Citizenship test preparation, digital literacy and so much more. See these posters for more information: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Eng-Weekly-Schedule-June-2026.pdf (English) and https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fr-Weekly-Schedule-June-2026.pdf (French).

Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW): Schedule of Events
WOW is an annual, week-long series of dialogues, cultural and celebratory events, guided tours, sports activities, documentary screenings, and other fun events designed to convey the genuine welcome and hospitality of Ottawa to newcomers.  The many amazing WOW events begin on June 22, 2026 and are listed here: https://welcomingottawaweek.ca/event/. We encourage you to check out the schedule and share with your networks and clients!

Reminder: Ontario has revoked all existing OINP permanent residence pathways
Ontario has announced that regulatory amendments to Ontario Regulation 421/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act will come into force on May 30, 2026. These amendments were originally announced in the March 16, 2026 program update and are available on Ontario’s e‑Laws site: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates#march16-0. The purpose of these changes is to prepare for the redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). For more information please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates.

Reminder: Canada Expands Visa‑Free Air Travel for Eligible Travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia
Canada has announced a significant change to its entry requirements for eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia, marking a new step in the country’s broader strategy to strengthen economic and strategic ties across the Indo‑Pacific region. Beginning May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time, qualifying travellers from both countries will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a traditional temporary resident visa (TRV) when travelling to Canada by air. The announcement was made by the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with Indo‑Pacific partners. The policy shift is expected to streamline travel, reduce processing times, and lower costs for eligible visitors, while maintaining Canada’s security standards.

A Targeted Expansion of Visa‑Free Travel
Under the new rules, Indonesian and Malaysian nationals may qualify for an eTA if they meet one of the following conditions:

  • They have held a Canadian TRV within the last 10 years, or
  • They currently hold a valid U.S. non‑immigrant visa.

These criteria apply only to air travel to or through Canada. Travellers who already possess a valid TRV may continue to use it without interruption.

IRCC emphasized that the eligibility conditions are designed to ensure that travellers have previously undergone security screening by either Canada or the United States, allowing the government to facilitate travel while upholding border safety. For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/05/canada-strengthens-indo-pacific-ties-through-changes-to-visa-requirements-for-eligible-travellers-from-indonesia-and-malaysia.html

Reminder: Program delivery update: Spouses or common-law partners of foreign nationals authorized to work in high-skilled occupations TEER 0 or 1, or select occupations TEER 2 or 3 – [R205(c)(ii) – C41] – Canadian interests – International Mobility Program (IMP)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its program delivery instructions for the International Mobility Program (IMP), specifically those relating to work categories designated by the Minister under R205(c)(ii), administrative code C41. These updates modify the guidance originally implemented on January 21, 2026.

Key Change: New Exemption to the 16‑Month Restriction
IRCC has added new instructions introducing an exemption from the open work permit restrictions associated with the 16‑month rule for a specific group:

  • Spouses of foreign‑trained health care professionals in Quebec.

Under the general C41 framework, open work permits issued to spouses of certain foreign workers are subject to a 16‑month validity restriction tied to the principal applicant’s licensing or credentialing timeline. The newly added exemption recognizes the unique regulatory and labour‑market context in Quebec’s health care sector. See: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/foreign-workers/exemption-codes/public-policy-competitiveness-economy/spouses-common-law-authorized-work-high-skilled-occupations.html

For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-spouses-health-quebec.html.

Reminder: IRCC Program Delivery Update: Digital Nomads (May 26, 2026)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its program delivery instructions to clarify the requirements applicable to digital nomads — foreign nationals who perform remote work for an employer or business located outside Canada while staying temporarily in Canada. The update signals that IRCC has refined the operational guidance used by officers when assessing temporary residents who enter Canada for remote work purposes. The update appears under the Temporary residents – Digital nomads section of the Program Delivery Instructions and reflects IRCC’s ongoing effort to distinguish remote work that does not require a work permit from activities that may constitute work in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-digital-nomads.html.

Reminder: Social Security Tribunal (SST) launches new portal
The SST, which hears appeals about Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Canada Disability Benefits, or Employment Insurance, has a brand-new platform where you can manage appeal documents online, including:

  • filling in and submitting appeal forms
  • submitting supporting documents
  • receiving documents from the SST
  • keeping all your appeal documents organized
  • communicating with the SST through the portal

Representatives can also create an account and use the portal to support appellants: https://portal-portail.sst-tss.gc.ca/.

Reminder: University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic (UOCLC): Open for Intakes
The UOCLC is currently conducting intakes for eligible clients:  

  • Clinic intakes: May 19 – August 10, 2026 (inclusive)
  • Courthouse intakes:  Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., May 20 – August 12, 2026 (inclusive) (Courthouse intakes reserved for people facing criminal charges and/or provincial offences)

An online Application for Services Form is available here: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/student-centre/courses/clinics/community-legal-clinic/clients/information-clients.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Clinic at 613-562-5600 or uoclc@uottawa.ca.

To learn more about how the UOCLC can help your clients with legal issues, visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/student-centre/courses/clinics/community-legal-clinic/clients/information-clients.

Notarial and commissioning services will continue by appointment only for uOttawa and Carleton University students.  For more information, please see the poster: https://connexionottawa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Clinic-Leaflet-Community-BIL-FINAL-1.pdf.  

Reminder: Family Justice Centre new website
The Family Justice Centre offers limited scope services for people in Ontario facing family law issues who can’t afford a lawyer and don’t qualify for legal aid. We encourage you to check out their new website, which contains an educational video library, where common questions about family law are answered in clear, accessible language: https://www.probonostudents.ca/family-justice-centre/resources.

Reminder: Information and hotline from Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking operates the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, a confidential, multilingual, and trauma-informed service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hotline connects victims, survivors, family members, service providers, and members of the public with information, supports, and local services across Canada. Additional information and resources are available through their website: https://ccteht.ca/labour-trafficking/.

Reminder: Guided Pathway from Steps to Justice: Applying for a section 810 peace bond
Community Legal Education Ontario offers a free Guided Pathway to help people learn about or apply for a section 810 peace bond, which is a court order to protect you or your family from harm, property damage, or non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The pathway asks questions about your situation, helps complete forms, and provides instructions for submitting them to the court: https://stepstojustice.ca/guided-pathways/guided-pathways-guided-pathway-for-applying-for-a-peace-bond/.

Reminder: Muslim Legal Support Centre Virtual Information Session – Uncovering ‘Invisible’ Barriers
The Muslim Legal Support Centre has one more information session left in its June series.  Learn more and register at the link below:

Reminder: YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centre Information Session
On June 22, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., YMCA Ottawa will be hosting an upcoming session to provide information about the YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centre. This online workshop will include details on how to navigate language classes, and provide insight on tools, resources and supports. Sign up can be completed at the following link: https://www.ymcaottawa-nic.ca/event-details/language-assessment-and-language-class-navigation-en.

Reminder:  Connecting Ottawa’s Infographics, « Connecting Ottawa – Who We Are » and « When Should I Contact Connecting Ottawa »
Connecting Ottawa has infographics that 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 provide 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:

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 frontline workers and community members with information and referral resources for common legal issues. Please feel free to share with your clients and networks.  More resources on a variety of topics are available on our website here: https://connectingottawa.com/about-us/connecting-ottawa-resources/.

Temporary Public Policy: Exception to New Refugee Claim Ineligibilities for Unaccompanied Minors
Recent amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) introduced through Bill C‑12 came into force on March 26, 2026, creating two new ineligibility provisions for refugee protection claims. These measures aim to manage sudden increases in claims, reduce pressure on the asylum system, and discourage the use of the refugee process to bypass regular immigration pathways.

New Ineligibility Rules

  • One‑year rule: Claims made more than one year after a person first entered Canada (after June 24, 2020) are ineligible for referral to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). This applies to all foreign nationals, including workers, students, and visitors.
  • 14‑day rule for irregular entry: Individuals who enter Canada irregularly from the United States and make a claim 14 days or more after entry are also ineligible for referral to the RPD.

Exception for Unaccompanied Minors
During the parliamentary review of Bill C‑12, the Government committed to exempting unaccompanied minors from these new ineligibility provisions, recognizing the challenges they face in navigating the asylum process without a parent or legal guardian.

A Temporary Public Policy has now been implemented to ensure this exemption applies until a permanent solution is established.

Eligibility Under the Public Policy
Delegated officers may grant an exemption where the claimant:

  • Has made a refugee protection claim under subsection 99(3) of IRPA; and
  • Is under 18 years of age at the time of the claim and does not have a parent or legally responsible adult in Canada.

This policy ensures that unaccompanied minors retain access to the refugee determination system despite the new ineligibility rules. For more information please check: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/unaccompanied-minors-asylum.html.

Program Delivery Update: Study Permits – Final Decisions May 20, 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the instructions for officers under the section “Determining validity periods.” The revision adds information about individuals who, under subsection 52(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, are not required to hold a passport or other travel document valid for the full period authorized for their stay in order to enter Canada. See: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/final-decisions.html#validity.

This clarification guides officers on how to assess study permit validity when the applicant falls under this regulatory exemption: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-students-final-decisions.html.

Program Delivery Update: Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Consideration Pages
On May 12, 2026, IRCC made minor adjustments to the Program Delivery Instructions (PDIs) related to humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations. These updates provide additional guidance to officers when assessing and processing applications or requests involving H&C factors: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2026-updates-to-humanitarian-and-compassionate-hc-consideration-pages.html.

Updated Instructions

  • Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations: Administrative law principles – Guidelines to H&C decision‑making
  • Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations: Guidelines for note‑taking

New Instructions

  • Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C): Assessing, researching and recording a decision

Deleted Instructions

  • Humanitarian and Compassionate: Conducting Research
  • Humanitarian and Compassionate: Recording the reasons for an H&C decision

ODSP rate increase effective July 2026
The provincial government announced that people receiving Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income support benefits will see an inflation-based increase of 1.9% in July to:

  • Basic needs and shelter maximum amounts for individuals and families
  • Board and lodge amounts for individuals and families
  • The amount provided for a couple if both people have disabilities
  • Amounts for services provided by a long-term care home or a specialized care residence

Ontario Works rates remain unchanged. For more information on the rate increase, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program.

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.