Project Type: Public Legal Education (Presentations, workshops, podcasts, brochures, blogs, etc.)
Fields of Law: Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act, 2020 and existing rules under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Positions Available: 2 student
About the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS)
CICS aims to empower newcomers in settling and integrating them as contributing members of Canadian society through diverse, professional, and innovative services.
Project Details
The Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) is a not-for profit organization that assists newcomers in Canada in settling and integrating in Canadian society. CICS provides services to clients of all age ranges, from early year children, youth, adults to seniors. CICS also offers specialized services in employment, language training, mental health, housing, etc.
CICS is seeking student volunteers to support the CICS Housing Support Project. The project aims to support newcomer tenants in the private rental market by increasing knowledge and awareness of tenant rights and responsibilities and collaborating with various stakeholders to build a supportive community and welcoming environment for newcomers.
In the previous stage of the PBSC project, students delivered a workshop on “Landlord and Tenant Law 101” to CICS staff and created a tipsheet on “Dos and Don’ts”. This year we would like to transform the “Dos and Don’ts” tipsheet into detailed infographics so that will be posted on our website as well as social media to help newcomers have a better understanding of their rights.
Role of Student Volunteer(s)
The student volunteer will be responsible for:
- Conducting legal research on topics related to housing, such as landlord and tenant rights, dispute resolution, eviction orders, above guideline rent increases, etc;
- Drafting 10 infographics on the topics mentioned above around Tenant Rights for public legal education. The infographics will be posted on CICS website and social media. The infographics will include PBSC disclaimer.
- Deliver legal education workshops to CICS frontline staff.
Student volunteers will ensure the PBSC disclaimer is included on post from the PMG "Volunteers to include PBSC’s disclaimer on any written PBSC product (including in videos, podcasts, and any other form of publication). This resource does not contain legal advice. This resource was prepared with the assistance of PBSC Osgoode Hall law student volunteers. PBSC volunteers are not lawyers and they are not authorized to provide legal advice. This resource contains general discussion of certain legal and related issues only. If you require legal advice, please consult with a lawyer."
Is A Work Plan Required For This Position?
No, CICS will share the tipsheet from the previous year and plan with the student on the topics they will be researching for the infographics.
If yes, the student(s) must reach out to the lawyer supervisor, draft a work plan, and submit it by email to the Program Coordinator and the lawyer supervisor by November 1st at the latest. Please note that workplans are required for all legal research and writing projects.
What Type Of Training Will the Organization Provide?
Note: All first year PBSC volunteers and all volunteers working on research projects must also attend a PBSC/Thomson Reuters legal research strategies workshop.
CICS will provide the student(s) with an orientation introducing them to the organization. They will also attend an orientation session on the Housing Support Project. Additionally, students will receive training on topics related to housing.
How Many Hours Per Week Will the Student Volunteer(s) Be Expected to Volunteer?
3-5 hours per week.
Will The Student(s) Be Expected To Show Up For Regular Shifts Each Week?
Schedule is flexible.
Is Workspace Provided For the Student Volunteer(s)?
Yes, if needed as they are expected to complete most of the work virtually.
Requirements and Expectations
Knowledge or experience with Landlord and tenant law (or related area) is preferred; Experience working with newcomers is an asset.