Aptly named for its 519 Church Street address, The 519 is a community centre located in the heart of the Church-Wellesley Village in Toronto. In addition to serving the local neighbourhood and 2SLGBTQ+ community in Toronto through community programming and support services, The 519 Legal Clinic provides free legal information and legal advice in an accessible and inclusive setting.
June 21is National Indigenous Peoples Day. The day is meant to coincide with the summer solstice. It is a day of recognition and celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
In Canada, June is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of brain injuries, their impacts and the importance of prevention and support. This awareness initiative is crucial for shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by the over 1.5 million Canadians with brain injury, their caregivers and their families.
OTLA takes pride in representing victims of negligence in Ontario. When advocating for our clients, we ensure that the mental health component of their claims is not overlooked. Often long after the physical impact of an accident or negligence heals, the psychological effects continue and can be profoundly life-changing – not only for the victims themselves as they journey on the road to recovery, but for their families as well. Through regular CLE programs, OTLA offers education to its membership on how to understand and communicate their clients’ psychological experiences, and how to access and quantify the needed support and treatment that they require as a result.
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. On this day, and everyday, OTLA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Today, we stand beside all those around the world who face discrimination, violence and prejudice simply because of who they are or who they love.
Spring, the season of blooming flowers, chirping birds and cyclists eager to enjoy the sun and the open road. In honour of Bike Safety Awareness Month, let’s foster mutual awareness on the road to improve safety for everyone.
