Stephen Lewis joins Toronto's legal clinics in their fight for justice

Stephen Lewis, renowned humanitarian and the UN Secretary-General's special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, joined with Toronto Area Legal Clinics in the fight for justice for low-income people.

"My work takes me to impoverished nations with very few resources and enormous challenges. Here in Canada, one of the richest nations on earth, our governments have not only failed to address poverty, but current spending priorities and policies have actively exacerbated our social and economic inequalities," said Mr. Lewis during his opening remarks at the annual Toronto Community Legal Clinics Conference.

"I am pleased to stand with those in Toronto who are fighting for social and economic justice," said Lewis.

"We are honoured to have Mr. Lewis kick off our conference," says Lee Ann Chapman of the Toronto Clinic Training Conference and staff member at the Justice for Children and Youth community legal clinic. "He is an inspiration to all people working to overcome poverty and ensure that it is not a barrier to justice."

Participants at the two-day conference are tackling how to provide legal help to low-income people facing harsh employment, housing, and income conditions. The lawyers, community workers, and administrative staff are also strategizing about how to continue to provide free legal help in the face of increasing demands and shrinking resources.

Each year more than 150,000 low-income Ontarians receive assistance from 79 community legal clinics across the province that are funded by Legal Aid Ontario.

<<

What: Stephen Lewis Opens Community Legal Clinic Conference

When: Wednesday November 8, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

Where: Novotel in North York at 3 Park Home Avenue

>>

For further information: Kristian Justesen, Communications Advisor, Legal Aid Ontario, (416) 979-2352 Ext 4782, 1-800-668-8258, Cell: (416) 989-7766

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