Health News For Bolton Caledon

ORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $750,000 over three years to help expand access to independent legal advice for victims and survivors of sexual assault.

“Our government is improving access to critical legal advice for victims and survivors of sexual assault — the latest step in our plan to protect Ontario communities,” said Associate Attorney General Michael Tibollo. “We’re helping to ensure that victims and survivors have the information they need to make informed decisions about their legal options.”

The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic delivers the Independent Legal Advice Program, providing up to four hours of free, confidential advice to victims and survivors of sexual assault. Advice is available by telephone or video conferencing to individuals aged 16 and older who reside in Ontario and have experienced sexual assault within the province.

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"This investment is a powerful step forward in helping to ensure survivors of sexual assault have access to the legal support they need to navigate an incredibly difficult time. By supporting the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, our government is helping to expand access to compassionate, survivor-centred legal advice — that can make a real difference in a person’s path to justice and healing."

- Monica Ciriello
Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General

"Community-based services, including legal supports, are critically important to helping victims and survivors of crime heal and rebuild their lives. Investing in the Independent Legal Advice Program is part of our government’s plan to help keep people safe and empower survivors of crime."

- Michael Parsa
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services

"At the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, we believe that access to justice must be survivor-centred, trauma-informed, and grounded in care and dignity. We are deeply grateful to the Ontario government for its continued support of the Independent Legal Advice Program. This recent investment reflects a meaningful commitment to ensuring that more survivors across Ontario can access the legal advice they need, when they need it, in ways that honour their experiences and autonomy. As a long-standing partner in this work, the Clinic remains committed to walking alongside survivors and communities in building pathways to justice that are compassionate, accessible, and equitable."

- Deepa Mattoo
Executive Director, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic

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