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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome Place provides a broad and holistic range of settlement services to refugee claimants, privately sponsored refugees, government assisted refugees, immigrants, and their families. Such services include, but are not limited to, assistance with developing an individualized settlement plan, obtaining identification and notarizing documents, making a refugee claim from inside Canada and preparing for immigration hearings, and finding temporary accommodation.
The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts (“Clinic”) provides free legal information and services tailored specifically to artists and arts organizations across a range of disciplines. Examples of available services include drafting and reviewing contracts, starting a new business and choosing a business structure, and assistance with trademark and copyright issues. The Clinic is operated by law students, who are supervised by practising lawyers.
The North End Community Renewal Corporation’s (“NECRC”) Tenant Landlord Cooperation Advocates (“TLC”) helps mediate conflicts between tenants and landlords and provides direct advocacy to uphold tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities. In the interest of upholding tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, the TLC provides direct advocacy at the Residential Tenancies Branch. Additionally, the TLC helps tenants navigate systems like Child and Family Services, Manitoba Hydro, and mental and physical healthcare to prevent displacement.
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.
Candace House offers a safe and home-like refuge for victims and survivors of violent crimes, as well as the loved ones of victims and survivors, while they navigate the court process. Candace House’s services include victim and survivor support services, relevant resources and referrals, and educational workshops.