Press release: April 23, 2019 – LAO Cuts

For Immediate Release, April 23, 2019
LAO Cuts
As part of the recently released Provincial budget, the Ontario Government has announced a $133 million decrease in Legal Aid funding. This is a significant cut and amounts to approximately 30% of Legal Aid Ontario’s annual funding. While the government is yet to provide further details of where the cuts will be aimed, the government has confirmed that it will be eliminating its entire funding for immigration and refugee services, which receive approximately $13-$16 million dollars each year.
SABA Toronto strongly opposes these cuts. We are concerned about the disproportionate impact that these cuts will have on low income communities across the province, including South Asians, who rely on this funding to seek access to justice. These cuts could mean a significant reduction in front-line Legal Aid services that play crucial roles in supporting vulnerable communities. It is distressing that these cuts target immigrant and refugee communities which make up some of the most disadvantaged and helpless members of our population. Providing them with no recourse to Legal Aid creates a risk that these members will be unable to access the justice system and obtain even basis level legal services.
SABA Toronto will be closely monitoring the cuts to Legal Aid and will be working to advocate against the disproportionate impact on marginalized and ethnic communities. We call on all of our allies and community partners to do the same and to unite in their commitment to ensure access to justice for all Ontarians regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Press Release: April 5th, 2019

For Immediate Release, April 5, 2019

The Quebec legislature recently tabled Bill 21 – An Act respecting the laicity of the State. If passed, this legislation would prohibit public servants in positions of authority from wearing any kind of religious symbols. This would include police officers, judges, prosecutors and school teachers. The South Asian Bar Association of Toronto is strongly opposed to the enactment of this legislation. Bill 21 was proposed by the Quebec Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion in the spirit of secularism. However, Bill 21 is far from inclusive as the legislation appears to be specifically targeted at certain communities, including Muslims and Sikhs who wear turbans and head scarves as part of the practice of their respective religions. Even though the legislation applies to all public servants, these two communities will face particular disproportionate effects. Additionally, we are concerned that similar legislation may ultimately influence private sector employment laws and that in the interim Bill 21, will justify discriminatory hiring / employment policies that may be adopted by private sector employers.

The Quebec government has invoked the notwithstanding clause to implement Bill 21 which will allow the legislation to override the religious freedoms and protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. While the notwithstanding clause is a fundamental aspect of Canadian federalism, it is most concerning when this clause appears to be used to implement a blatant attack on the religious freedoms of many minorities.

At SABA Toronto we respect all religions and everyone’s right to express their religious beliefs. SABA Toronto will continue to defend religious freedom and diversity in our communities and in workplaces across Canada. 

 

Press Release: March 15th, 2019

For Immediate Release, March 15, 2019

At least 49 people were killed and 20 seriously injured in a mass shooting that occurred in New Zealand, in the City of Christchurch today. The attack took place at two local mosques. SABA Toronto condemns this heinous act of terrorism. We pray for those who have been killed in this attack and for those who are undergoing treatment for their injuries. We stand with Muslim communities across the world at this difficult time and with all of those who face violence for their religion, race and diversity.

While this attack occurred far from Canada, it is a reminder that hate and violence continue to be propagated on minority communities. Hate crimes against minorities and especially Muslim communities continue to occur across the world and have increased in Canada over the last four years. Only two years ago we were faced with similar violence in Canada when a gunman attacked worshippers at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, a mosque in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood of Quebec City.

At SABA Toronto we stand to defend religious freedom and diversity in our communities. We work to protect all who are affected by acts of hatred, violence and discrimination.

Aaron Bains
President SABA Toronto

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