The widening gap between low-income families and legal assistance is evident. Legal Aid Ontario estimated that over one million people in Ontario had income in excess of the maximum threshold to qualify for legal aid. Considering that the percentage of low-income people in the Kensington-Bellwoods neighbourhood is up to 50% higher than that of the rest of Toronto, the need for legal services in that community is urgent. That’s where Kensington-Bellwoods Community Legal Services (KBCLS) comes in.
Since 1982, KBCLS has provided free legal services to people living on low incomes, helping them resolve issues with tenant rights, immigration and refugee status, and income security (CPP, OAS, ODSP & OW). KBCLS also offers public seminars about legal issues and advocates for law reform to all levels of government.
To help KBCLS increase capacity, legal students from Pro Bono Students Canada assist with client intake, tenant applications to the Landlord and Tenant Board, immigration research, public legal education, and ODSP appeals. Reflecting on his visit in November 2024, the Chief Justice of Canada, Rt. Honourable Richard Wagner, commented on just how important it was for him to see KBCLS and the students working together.
“It was good to be among the young students, the professionals and the volunteers, among people who want to do the right thing and are committed to helping others. The task is difficult, but they take it slowly and surely to help people. It was good for the soul to see it on the ground and was a great human experience."
