Giselle General, Volunteer and Communications Coordinator, ECLC (Edmonton Community Legal Centre)
- Provides free legal advice, information and referrals to low income people in the Edmonton area.
- Provides free legal education seminars on a wide variety of topics which are available to everyone.
- They rely heavily on lawyers who volunteer their services, but they do have 3-4 staff lawyers who can guide clients through the whole court process or even represent them.
- Their financial guidelines vary, but they usually have a little higher threshold above Legal Aid. The do offer some exemptions, e.g. victims of domestic violence who may not have access to the family income.
- Meetings are by appointment only. You can contact them via phone, email or an online form on their website. They will ask some preliminary questions to see if you qualify for their services.
- There are no limits to how many times you can use their services.
- They will also refer clients to various social service agencies as required.
- They do NOT assist with Criminal matters.
- They CAN help with:
- Family Law, including separation and divorce, child custody, child support, and more
- Landlord and Tenant
- Employment and wrongful dismissal
- Human Rights
- Debt
- Small Claims
- Immigration, including concerns of Temporary Foreign Workers. Eligibility for their services does not depend on your status in Canada.
- Income supports, including appeals for AISH, Employment Insurance, CPP, and others.