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.
For those appealing a written decision made by the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation’s Internal Review Office regarding a bodily injury claim, the Claimant Advisor Office (“CAO”) can assist with filing a notice of appeal with the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission. The notice of appeal must be filed within 90 days. The Claimant Advisor can provide guidance on the details of the appeal process and evidence needed, carry out investigations and inspections, and represent participants at the appeal hearing. The CAO’s services are free, bilingual, accessible to clients with disabilities, and strictly confidential.
The Community Unemployed Help Centre provides free information, advice, and representation to individuals navigating the Employment Insurance program and/or the Employment and Income Assistance program.
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.
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba (“EFSM”) provides advocacy, support and resources for women in the provincial and federal justice system. The EFSM offers court assistance and support, bail verification and supervision, clothing and hygiene products, transitional housing and more.
Independent Living Resource Centre (“ILRC”) gives clients the tools to successfully and independently advocate for themselves. ILRC provides information and guidance on various clients’ rights, including (but not limited to) essential and social services, home care, human rights, and tenant and housing rights.
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.
The John Howard Society of Manitoba (“John Howard Society”) works primarily with men, both in institutions and in the community, and helps them address the root causes of crime through supportive education. The John Howard Society offers programs around literacy, bail assessment, supervision and provide parenting and anger management classes.
At the referral of the judiciary, Crowns, the local RCMP, band constables, and other entities, Ochekwiwanasowewin Restorative Justice Program works with victims and offenders on reserve in Fisher River Cree Nation to provide quality, confidential, and restorative justice and mediation services. The program is assisted by community members and elders. The program operates as an alternative to, or alongside, the formal court process.
L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic (“Clinic”) provides free legal assistance to small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Services are available to family businesses, non-profit organizations, charities, and artistic, cultural, and community organizations who do not have a lawyer and cannot afford legal assistance in Manitoba. The Clinic is operated by law students, who are supervised by practising lawyers.