Volunteer Legal Support Program

"The program provided fundamental support to us.  Without it we wouldn't have been able to move forward with our case. You know everything about your own story, but organizing it, and making sure that the evidence proves the facts were hard.  When we received the denial letter from Legal Aid, it affected us strongly.  We didn't know what we were going to do.  [The volunteer] is a person who is full of willingness to help.  He gave us everything he could:  his assistance, his experience; all through the process.  Also translations done by MCRS are so important.  We know it costs money and for you guys to do it free of charge is a blessing.  We had a large quantity of documents.  With your help, it was possible.  Everyone at MCRS helps as part of a team, working for a common goal, from the executive director to the person who helps with photocopying.  One is lost when they get here, but the work you do is essential.  [The volunteer] is a great person.  He's a professional and a great person, with lots of enthusiasm and he gave us hope again.  The program is very good and well implemented.  I recommend it to everyone going through the refugee claim process.  Not having legal representation is hard, but now I feel supported. "

 - Refugee Claimant preparing for her hearing

Overview

The Legal Support Program involves Canadian and foreign-trained immigration law professionals and students in providing free legal assistance for refugee claimants. Refugee claimants who do not receive Legal Aid funding to have legal representation at their hearings are at a significantly disadvantaged when having their claims adjudicated. The Volunteer Legal Support Program was created to provide refugee claimants with accurate information about the refugee claim process, the hearing, preparation for the hearing, and what to expect post-hearing. Refugee claimants receive direct, one-on-one support when filling out all refugee related applications (for example, Claim for Refugee Protection, Personal Information Form, Work Permit, Interim Federal Health, Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds application, Pre-Removal Risk Assessment and Legal Aid applications). The Volunteer Legal Support Program was developed in 2011 through the support of the Law Foundation of Ontario.

Volunteering with the Legal Support Program:

Find out more about volunteering with the Volunteer Legal Support Program at MCRS!

Volunteer Legal Support Program Description

A Story from the Legal Support Program:

"Since my first day being part of the Legal Support Program at MCRS I have been consistently impressed with the outcome. I was given excellent in-depth and detailed training when I started and have attended several trainings by outside professionals since. Being part of the program has helped me narrow down what legal profession I would like to pursue in the future. It has also provided me with opportunities to network with professionals from a variety of areas; many of whom will be valuable to me in the future. Every day in the office is rewarding and fulfilling. I enjoy being challenged, by the program, to use the knowledge I have gained to assist families in their journey to becoming permanent residents of Canada. I would recommend becoming part of the VLSP to anyone with a background in law who has a passion for social justice."

- Legal Support Volunteer

Program generously funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario.