The Community Legal Education Association (“CLEA”) provides legal information to Manitobans that helps them understand and navigate their legal situation. With its Law Phone-In and Lawyer Referral Program, callers can access legal information and advice from staff lawyers, and if appropriate, referrals to law-related agencies and a separate referral to a lawyer on the Lawyer Referral Panel. Additionally, CLEA provides presentations, workshops, and plain language publications on various legal matters.
Legal Aid Manitoba (“LAM”) provides legal assistance to individuals who qualify financially and whose cases have merit. LAM provides services in the following areas: public interest matters, family, immigration and refugee, residential tenancies, child protection, mental health, and criminal matters. LAM’s lawyers regularly travel to more than forty communities surrounding Manitoba’s major cities.
Legal Help Centre (“LHC”) provides free legal information, self-representation support, system navigation, and referrals to resources through its in-person Drop-in Clinic or telephone appointments. To get legal information, summary advice, or a referral at a Drop-In Clinic, clients must not have a lawyer already assisting them with the matter, not qualify for Legal Aid, and meet the financial eligibility guideline. In some instances, clients may receive further assistance with drafting court documents, writing letters, and legal research.
Mediation Services offers an alternative solution to dispute resolution. Mediation Services assists families, workplaces, and neighbours and community members with addressing and resolving conflict without the use of the courts.
NorWest Co-Op Community Health Centre’s Family Violence Program is available to individuals who have experienced family violence, are supporting children impacted by violence, or need assistance with safety planning, system navigation, or emotional support. Participants can live anywhere in Winnipeg. Services include (but are not limited to) domestic violence support and counselling, legal advice, information, and representation, and child and youth counselling.
Clinique Juridique Franco-Justice serves Manitoba’s francophone community by providing free legal services to francophone newcomers and settled francophones who are ineligible for legal aid. Clinique Juridique Franco-Justice’s services include summary legal advice, reviewing and drafting documents, selected on the record legal representation, and notary services. Additionally, the organization offers legal services to English-speakers from racialized communities.
The First Nations Family Advocate Office provides information and assistance to individuals seeking a way to advocate for a child’s well-being while they navigate the child welfare system. A First Nation Family Advocate will help participants ensure that children are not placed in care for experiencing unique needs due to medical, behavioral, or mental health reasons; that children with traumatic experiences receive full supports for at least one year before any consideration of Voluntary Placement Agreements with Child and Family Services; and that children and families can access services within and outside the community.