Employment Standards
Ministry of Labour (Provincial)
The Ministry of Labour has useful fact sheets and guides to the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA), the laws that cover non-unionized workers in Ontario. You can also find the forms on the website to file an Employment Standards claim if your rights have been violated.
1-800-531-5551
www.labour.gov.on.ca
Federal Labour Program
Some workplaces (eg. Banking, airport workers) are covered by federal labour legislation. Call to find out if this affects you.
1-800-641-4049
Small Claims Court
Workers can decide to take their employer to court to recover unpaid wages.
Toronto: 416-326-3554
To find your local Small Claims Court go to www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca
Lawyer Society Referral Service
Free consultation by phone for up to 30 minutes with a lawyer to help you determine your rights.
1-800-268-8326
www.lsuc.on.ca/faq
Workers’ Action Centre
Non-profit organization providing information, referral and support to workers who have experienced violations in the workplace.
Workers’ Rights Information Line: 416-531-0778
www.workersactioncentre.org
Health and Safety - Injured at Work
Ministry of Labour Occupational Health & Safety Branch
1-877-202-0008
www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/
Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)
The WSIB provides payment to workers who have had an injury or illness directly related to their working environment. Keep in mind that not all workplaces are covered under WSIB.
1-800-387-0750
www.wsib.on.ca
Office of the Worker Advisor
Support with WSIB appeals.
1-800-435-8980
Support for non-unionized workers who have been threatened or punished for following or trying to enforce their workplace health & safety rights.
1-855-659-7744
www.owa.gov.on.ca
Industrial Accident Victims’ Group of Ontario (IAVGO)
A community legal clinic that provides free services to injured workers in Ontario including legal advice, legal representation, public legal education, advocacy training and community development.
1-877-230-6311
www.iavgo.org
Toronto Workers Health & Safety Legal Clinic
A legal clinic which provides free information, legal advice and representation to low income workers who face health and safety problems at work. They also provide summary advice and representation in other areas of workplace law including employment standards, wrongful dismissal, human rights, Canada Pension Plan disability, employment insurance sick benefit, WSIB.
416-971-8832
www.workers-safety.ca
Injured Workers Consultants (Toronto)
A collaborative effort of injured workers, trade unionists, community activists and advocates, and doctors seeking better treatment for injured workers.
416-461-2411
www.injuredworkersonline.org
Human Rights
Ontario Human Rights Tribunal (HRTO)
The HRTO mandate is to resolve claims of discrimination and harassment brought under the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”) in a way that is fair, just and expeditious. The HRTO website has detailed information on the Code, as well as information and forms on how to bring submit a claim.
1-866-598-0322
www.hrto.ca
Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Canadian Human Rights Commission provides dispute resolution services in cases of alleged discrimination by federally regulated organizations (eg banks, airlines).
1-888-214-1090
www.chrc-ccdp.ca
Human Rights Legal Support Centre
The Human Rights Legal Support Centre offers human rights legal services to individuals throughout Ontario who believe they have experienced discrimination. The Centre’s services range from legal assistance in filing an application at the Tribunal to legal representation on human rights applications.
1-866-625-5179
www.hrlsc.on.ca
Workplace Harrassment
Ministry of Labour (Provincial) – Occupational Health & Safety Branch
The Ministry of Labour has useful fact sheets and guides to the Ontario Health & Safety Act, the laws that cover non-unionized workers in Ontario.
1-800-202-0008
www.labour.gov.on.ca
Workers’ Action Centre
Non-profit organization providing information, referral and support to workers who have experienced harassment & discrimination in the workplace.
Workers’ Rights Information Line: 416-531-0778
www.workersactioncentre.org
Assaulted Women’s Hotline
The Assaulted Women’s Helpline offers a 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line to all women who have experienced abuse. They provide counseling, emotional support, information and referrals.
1-866-863-0511
www.awhl.org
Distress Centre
Provides 24-hour telephone crisis & emotional support, and suicide prevention services.
(Visit their website to find their text and chat options.)
416-408-4357
www.torontodistresscentre.com
Taxes and Help with Finances
Canada Revenue Agency
Information and forms about income tax.
1-800-959-8281
www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html
Financial Empowerment and Problem Solving Program at West Neighbourhood House (FEPS)
Provides free services to help make informed, long-term, financial decisions.
416-848-7980
www.westnh.org
Employment Insurance and Employment Benefits
Service Canada
Main connection to services and programs that are provided by the federal government, including Employment Insurance (EI) and other benefits like Maternity Leave. You can apply for and report on your EI claim here. You can also find information and help on a wide range of topics – education, employment and job search, income and legal assistance.
Main Number: 1-800-622-6232
EI, Sick Benefits, Maternity & Parental Leave, & more: 1-800-206-7218
Canada Pension Plan (CPP): 1-800-277-9914
www.servicecanada.gc.ca
Employment Insurance Reporting & Appeals
EI Reporting: 1-800-531-7555
Find legal aid help in over 200 languages. Contact your local community legal clinic.
EI Appeals: 1-800-668-8258
www.legalaid.on.ca
Ministry of Community Services Social Assistance
Main connection to services and programs of the Ontario Government.
To find your local office visit: www.mcss.gov.on.ca
Workers’ Action Centre
Non-profit organization providing information, referral and support to workers to access and appeal EI.
Workers’ Rights Information Line: 416-531-0778
www.workersactioncentre.org
Disability Support and Legal Advice
ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)
Main connection to services and programs of the Ontario Government.
To find your local office visit: www.mcss.gov.on.ca
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) - Disability Benefits
Get information on eligibility and how to apply for CPP Disability.
1-800-277-9914
www.canada.ca/en/
ARCH Disability Law Centre
ARCH Disability Law Centre is a specialty community legal aid clinic dedicated to defending and advancing the equality rights of people with disabilities in Ontario. ARCH provides legal services to help Ontarians with disabilities live with dignity and participate fully in our communities.
1-866-482-2724
www.archdisabilitylaw.ca
Community Legal Aid
Community Legal Clinics
Free legal advice & information on workers’ compensation, social assistance, employment, EI, pensions, tenant’s rights & more. Not every clinic covers all issues. Eligibility is based on income & if you live in the area served by the clinic. Contact Legal Aid to find the clinic in your area.
1-800-668-8258
www.legalaid.on.ca
Francophone Legal Advice Lines
Greater Toronto: 1-877-966-7345
Northern Ontario: 1-877-687-2847
Eastern Ontario: 1-877-500-4508
Southwestern Ontario 1-855-650-9716
Speciality Community Legal Clinics
The following clinics do not work by location, but serve specific communities:
Aboriginal Legal Services 416-408-3967
Advocacy Centre for Tenants 1-866-245-4182
African Canadian Legal Clinic 416-214-4747
Chinese & Southeast Asian Community Clinic 416-971-9674
Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples Community
Legal Services 416-533-0680
Income Security Advocacy Clinic 1-866-245-4072
South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario 416-487-6371
Legal Resources and Education Materials
“Your Legal Rights” (CLEO)
On-line resources about your rights at work and other legal information. Presented by Community
Legal Information Ontario (CLEO). Publications are in many languages.
www.yourlegalrights.on.ca
www.cleo.on.ca
Workers’ Action Centre
Non-profit organization producing factsheets and booklets on rights at work (available in many languages).
www.workersactioncentre.org
Ministry of Labour (Provincial)
The Ministry of Labour has useful fact sheets and guides to the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA), the laws that cover non-unionized workers in Ontario.
1-800-531-5551
www.labour.gov.on.ca
Community Services in Your Neighbourhood
211Toronto
An online database helping you to locate community, social, health and related government programs and services in your neighbourhood in Toronto.
www.211toronto.ca
211Ontario
An online database helping you to locate community, social, health and related government programs and services in your community in Ontario.
www.211ontario.ca
Caregivers and Migrant Workers
Caregivers' Action Centre
Provides help to caregivers, including live-in or other healthcare / LTC workers. WhatsApp, call or text: 647-782-6633
caregiversactioncentre.org
Migrant Workers Alliance for Change
Coalition of community groups, unions, and workers supporting migrant workers. WhatsApp, call or text:
Migrant farmworkers – 905-324-2840 (English); 647-807-4722 (Spanish)
Migrant student workers – 647-858-2854
www.migrantworkersalliance.org