Legal assistance
Access to justice in
French: a right, not a privilege
services in french

FUNDERS

The Needs

The legal clinic’s clientele is mainly made up of French speakers and newcomers living in precarious socio-economic circumstances. Their needs include navigating a complex legal system in French. Despite the law, many people struggle to assert their rights in French and require legal support in various areas of law such as immigration, housing, income assistance, family and criminal law.

These issues require comprehensive support tailored to their reality, which is marked by isolation, discrimination and a lack of knowledge of the law and the Canadian system, as well as easily accessible French-language services without excessive delays.

Our services
The legal clinic offers free and confidential services in French to people with low incomes. It provides assistance in immigration, housing, social assistance, employment, consumer, family and criminal law. Services include summary advice, court representation, notary services and legal education workshops. It aims to promote equitable access to justice for the Francophone community, taking into account its linguistic, cultural and social realities.
Learn More
1,380

new clients received the legal assistance they needed to assert their rights and resolve their legal problems

72

workshops were offered to 2,513 participants, who acquired essential knowledge to assert their rights and responsibilities

90% of the 1,500 new applications were accepted
Many people have been able to avoid deportation, regularize their status or ensure their family’s economic security

89% of clients are satisfied or very satisfied with the assistance received and access to services

95% of partners are satisfied or very satisfied with our collaboration

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participants reflected on measures to combat violence in the workplace during the Forum on Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence

Forum on Sexual
Harassment
and Domestic
Violence

Thanks to video clips, our lawyers continued their school tour and raised awareness among 718 young people about the risks associated with cannabis, vaping, carrying weapons and drink driving.

“I had a wonderful experience at the CFGT. The warm welcome and impeccable legal service were memorable. Respect, kindness and patience are the keywords that come to mind.”

- CFCT client

“Thanks to the CFGT, I had the resources I needed to settle in Toronto. The legal service took care of all the procedures. Thank you to the entire team.”

- CFCT client

“Your expertise and dedication were invaluable in my asylum application and helped me achieve a satisfactory outcome. Thank you for your availability and support throughout this period.”

- CFCT client

Launch of a
new program

Legal support for newly arrived French Speakers

Since February 2025, the clinic has been offering a service designed to meet the growing legal needs of newcomers. This innovative program includes the implementation of a free legal information line in French, which allows newcomers to ask questions, obtain legal advice and receive free representation in certain areas of law. This service was designed to address the realities faced by newcomers, who often encounter language, legal and social barriers. Many of these individuals are unaware of their rights and do not know how to navigate the Canadian justice system.

The helpline provides a quick and confidential response from bilingual legal staff trained in immigration and integration issues. Dozens of newcomers have already benefited from this service, demonstrating the real and urgent need for accessible and culturally appropriate legal support. With this new program, the clinic is reinforcing its commitment to promoting access to justice for Francophones as soon as they arrive in Canada.

Forum on sexual harassment and domestic violence in the workplace

Representation by the clinic on Bill 173 at Queens Park 

Canadian Club, Supreme Court judge

Canadian Club, Supreme Court judge

Legal aid team