Funding will support 20 legal clinics in Eastern, Northern and Southwestern Ontario
Federal Justice Minister David Lametti has announced funding for The Help and Legal Centre of Northumberland to address workplace sexual harassment and improve access to justice in Ontario.
The federal investment of $3,747,000 will support 20 legal clinics in Eastern, Northern and Southwestern Ontario in a coordinated approach for the development and delivery of legal information and advice to individuals, as well as public legal education on sexual harassment in the workplace.
“The 20 Ontario Community Legal Clinics involved in this project are very pleased to be selected to deliver this important program, which seeks to ensure a safe workspace for all workers,” said Lois Cromarty, executive director of The Help and Legal Centre of Northumberland. “Community Legal Clinics are uniquely situated to be able to carry out this vital work. First, they have expertise in developing and delivering public legal education and information, and in giving legal advice. And second, Community Legal Clinics are locally based, and as such, they can tailor their materials and delivery towards workers, workplaces and the types of employment that are found in their own community.”
“Everyone should have the right to a workplace free of sexual harassment,” said Lametti. “It is essential that we increase support for victims of workplace sexual harassment and access to justice across Ontario and across Canada. I am proud that our government’s support will empower these 20 legal clinics, to make a substantial difference in the lives of individuals who experience sexual harassment in their workplace.”
