Steps to Justice gives reliable and practical information on common legal problems including:

• step-by-step information to help you work through your legal problems
• practical tools, such as checklists, fillable forms, and self-help guides
• referral information for legal and social services across Ontario
• live chat and email support if you can’t find the answers to your questions

The action requested must be within the scope of jurisdiction of the Legislative Assembly, and the request must be clear, temperate, proper and respectful.

The request must appear at the top of every page of signatures submitted with the petition.

Click here for more information on preparing a petition.

Click here to download a petition template.

Signatures

Petitioners must be residents of the Province of Ontario; it is acceptable for petitioners to be under the age of majority.

A petition must contain original signatures only, written directly on the face of the petition.

Each person petitioning the Legislative Assembly must print his or her name and address and sign his or her name under the text of the petition.

Form and Content

A petition must be addressed to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Petitions addressed to the Government of Ontario, or to a particular minister will not be accepted.

Petitions must be written, typewritten or printed. Email, faxed or photocopied petitions are not admissible and will not be presented.

Products that expired on or after March 1, 2020, have an extended expiry date until further notice. You will be notified when it is time to renew.

You can renew online if:

• you have a full licence (G, M class) that isn’t cancelled, suspended
• you have a combination class of G1M, G2M, GM1, GM2, M1 or M2 (only the full portion will be renewed online)
• you haven’t updated your address within the last 90 days
• you don’t need tests (vision, written, or road)
• you’re not removing a vision condition
• you have no new medical conditions that may prevent you from driving
• you don’t have outstanding fines or penalties

Click here and here for more information.

Your closest Service Ontario location is:

Dundas
17 King St East Unit 101,
Dundas, ON L9H 1B7

(905) 627-0667

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.,
Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.,
Sat 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Hamilton

50 Dundurn St South,
Hamilton, ON L8P 4W3

(905) 577-4100

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.,
Sat 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Hamilton Mountain

1400 Upper James St #11,
Hamilton, ON L9B 1K3

1800-267-8097

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.,
Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Want to find other locations? Use the Service Location Finder.

• ON428 Ontario Tax
• ON479 Ontario Credits
• ON-BEN Application for the 2012 Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant

Visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance website for more information.

About the Board and the Residential Tenancies Act

• What does the Landlord and Tenant Board do?
• Who is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (the Act)?
• How can I talk to someone about the Act?
• Where can I get a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act (the Act)?
• Where can I get copies of the Landlord and Tenant Board’s forms and brochures?

Starting a Tenancy

• Can a landlord ask a person applying for a rental unit to provide information about their income, credit references and rental history?
• Do landlords and tenants have to have a written lease or tenancy agreement?
• What information should be included in a tenancy agreement?
• Can I get a lease or rental application from the Landlord and Tenant Board?
• What information does a landlord have to give to a new tenant?
• Can a landlord charge a person a deposit or a fee for allowing them to rent a unit?
• Can the landlord refuse to rent to a person if they have a pet?

Maintenance and Repair

• Who is responsible for maintaining the unit?
• Can a tenant withhold rent because their landlord isn’t properly maintaining their building or unit?
• What should a tenant do if repairs are needed to their building or unit?
• Can a tenant pay their rent to the Board if their landlord isn’t properly maintaining their building or unit?
• Who is responsible for snow removal?
• Who is responsible for garbage removal?
• When does a landlord have to turn the heat on?  What temperature does my landlord have to keep my apartment at?
• What can a tenant do if their landlord does not turn on the heat?
• Does a landlord have to renovate a rental unit before a tenant moves in?  Or, renovate it after the tenant has lived there a couple of years?

Entering the Tenant’s Unit

• Can the landlord enter a tenant’s unit?
• Can a tenant refuse to let the landlord in if the landlord wants to enter their unit?
• What can happen if a landlord enters a unit illegally?
• Can a tenant change the locks?
• Can the landlord change the locks?

Rent

• How is the rent on a rental unit decided?
• How often can my rent be increased?
• How much can a landlord legally increase the rent this year?
• Does a landlord have to notify a tenant of a rent increase?
• Does a landlord have to give rent receipts?
• What information must be provided in a receipt?
• When is rent considered late?
• If a tenant is late with their rent, what can the landlord do?

Rent Deposits and Other Charges

• Can a landlord charge a person a deposit or a fee to rent a unit?
• Can a landlord ask a tenant to pay money to update their rent deposit?
• Does a landlord have to pay interest if a rent deposit is collected?
• Can a landlord ask for a deposit for keys?
• Can the landlord charge for additional or replacement keys?
• If the landlord changes the locks, can the landlord charge the tenant for the new keys?
• Can the landlord charge the tenant a damage deposit?
• Can a landlord charge a fee if a tenant’s rent cheque is returned NSF?

How a Tenant Can End a Tenancy

• How much notice does a tenant have to give if they want to move out?
• Can a tenant break a lease?
• What is the difference between assigning and subletting a unit?
• How can a tenant sublet their unit?
• What happens if a tenant assigns or sublets their unit without the landlord’s consent?

How a Landlord Can Evict a Tenant

• What is the process for evicting a tenant?
• Can a tenant be evicted without a hearing?
• Can a tenant be evicted in the winter?
• For what reasons can a landlord evict a tenant?
• Can a landlord evict a tenant for having a pet?
• Can a tenant be evicted for having a roommate?
• Can a tenant be evicted if the landlord wants to use the unit themselves?
• Can a tenant be evicted if the landlord sells the house and the purchaser wants to move in?
• Can a tenant be evicted for something that their roommate or a guest they allow into the rental unit does?
• What can a tenant do if the landlord gives them a Notice of Termination?

Abandoned Unit

• If the tenant didn’t give notice that they were leaving, but the landlord believes the tenant has left the rental unit – can the landlord change the locks and re-rent the unit?
• What can a landlord do with property that is left in the unit after the tenant has moved out or been evicted?

Applications to the Board

• How can I file an application with the Board?
• How much does an application cost?
• How can I pay for an application?
• How will I know if an application has been filed against me?
• What can I do if an application is filed against me?
• If the landlord files an eviction application about non-payment of rent, can a tenant stop the eviction process before the hearing?

Hearings at the Board

• What happens at a hearing?
• What issues can a tenant raise at a hearing of a landlord’s application based on non-payment of rent?
• Do I need a lawyer or agent?
• Does the Board supply an interpreter at hearings?
• Can I ask someone else to go to the hearing in my place?
• What if the hearing date is not good for me – can I have it moved to another day?
• What happens if I am late for my hearing?
• What happens if I do not attend my hearing?
• Does the Board always hold a hearing to resolve an application?

Board Decisions

• How do I find out about the decision on my application?
• If I don’t agree with the decision that is made, is there anything that I can do?
• What is an ex parte order and how can it be set aside?
• What can be done if the landlord or tenant refuses to pay the other any money they were ordered to pay by the Board?
• What can a landlord do if the tenant does not move out of the unit by the date set out in the eviction order?

This Act requires that any person acting as a representative for an injured worker be either: a lawyer, a paralegal, a representative of a trade union, or a member of the Office of the Worker Advisor. Although my office is exempt from this provision, my staff are not properly trained to represent workers. This means that we cannot represent you.

However, we are able to assist you with finding the representation you deserve. Although we are unable to represent you at hearings, we are still able to review your claim file and make recommendations.

If you require assistance with any WSIB matter, please ensure you have a copy of your entire claim file. This will ensure we are able to view all the documents pertaining to your matter.

Visit the WSIB Ontario website for more information.

You may need your Social Insurance Number. At the beginning of the application process, you will receive information about the Ontario Disability Support Program/Ontario Works. You will also be told which information and documents may be needed to complete the application process. You will need:

• Health Card Number
• Proof of Identity and Date of Birth
• Employment History/Information
• Income and Asset Statements
• Shelter Costs
• Status in Canada and Dependent Information

The application process is completed in person at your local ODSP/Ontario Works office. You will be required to complete and sign all necessary forms, including the application for assistance, and a participation agreement outlining the specific employment activities you may participate in. You will also need to provide any required information and documents.

A resident of Ontario must have a health card to show that he or she is entitled to health care services paid for by OHIP. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care pays for a wide range of services, however, it does not pay for services that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery.

Eligibility for OHIP

Ontario residents are eligible for provincially funded health coverage (OHIP). Generally, to be eligible for Ontario health coverage you must be:

• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or among one of the newcomer to Canada groups who are eligible for OHIP as set out in Ontario’s Health Insurance Act ; and
• Physically present in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period; and
• Physically present in Ontario for at least 153 days of the first 183 days immediately after establishing residency in the province; and
• Make your primary place of residence in Ontario.

OHIP coverage normally becomes effective three months after the date you establish residency in Ontario. The ministry strongly encourages new and returning residents to purchase private health insurance in case you become ill during the OHIP waiting period.

Finding a Family Doctor – Health Care Connect

Health Care Connect helps Ontarians who are without a family health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) to find one. People without a family health care provider are referred to a family doctor or a nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients in their community.  To find out more information about Health Care Connect, click here.

Finding Long-term Care

Arranging care for yourself or a family member will involve a number of steps. This section of the website describes the process for arranging care, and the role you can play in the process. See the Arranging Care page for more details.

Your Local Health Integration Network can help. LIHNs are provincially-funded agencies that provide Long-Term Care information and referral services in your area. The information is provided free of charge.

To find a suitable long-term care home, this search engine will help you.  If you require any assistance with finding a long-term care space, please contact my office.

Your first point of contact for help with applying for OSAP is the Financial Aid Office of the school you are applying to. Out-of-province students can get help by calling 1-877-OSAP411 (1-877-672-7411) during business hours.

Please review the OSAP website for more information.

Births are recorded by the province through the Office of the Registrar General, a department of the Ministry of Government Services. For applications and further information, please click on the links below.

• Apply for your newborn’s birth certificate online
• Replace your Ontario birth certificate online

If you need assistance, or require expedited service, contact my community office for help.

*If the birth happened outside Ontario and within Canada, please contact the Vital Statistics Office in the province or territory where the birth took place.

How much does a birth certificate cost?

• First birth certificate (short form —2.5″ x 3.75″) $25
• Replacement birth certificate (short form) $35
• First certified copy of birth (long form — 8.5″ x 14″) $35
• Replacement certified copy of birth (long form) $45

How can I pay?

You can pay online by VISA, MasterCard,American Express or Interac® Online. If you are mailing in your application, you can pay by cheque, money order or credit card.

How long will it take?

• Provided that the birth is registered, it should take:
• Online service — 15 business days (including delivery)
• Premium online service — (Online Only) 5 business days (including delivery) plus $30 surcharge
• Fax or regular mail service — 6 to 8 weeks plus delivery
• Expedited service — 10 days plus delivery

What if I need a birth certificate in a hurry?

As long as the birth is registered and you have proof of urgency:

2 days plus delivery and $30 surcharge

You MUST apply in person at my Community Office. Only credit card applications will be processed at the Community Office. All other applications (either cash or money order) must be made in person at the Toronto office.

What is the difference between short form and long form birth certificates?

A short form is an extract of information from the original birth registration. It is useful as basic identification.

A long form is a certified copy of the birth registration and is needed when you are:

Moving to another country

An executor for a foreign estate

Are adopting a child abroad

Filling out certain citizenship or immigration documents

Am I entitled to apply for the birth certificate?

You are entitled to apply:

• If the birth took place in the province of Ontario.
• If the application is for your own birth certificate and you are at least 13 years old.
• If the application is for your child’s birth certificate and you are named as a parent on your child’s original birth registration.
• If you are the legal guardian of a child and you can provide court documents proving that you have custody of the child.
• If you are the next-of-kin, executor or estate administrator, and the person named on the certificate is deceased. You must provide proof of death, (e.g., a death certificate or a funeral director’s statement of death, and any other documentation requested by the Office of the Registrar General). You will only be able to obtain a long form (certified copy) of a birth certificate. Short form birth certificates will not be issued for a deceased person.

The Office of the Registrar General maintains birth registrations for 95 years. For records older than this, please contact the Archives of Ontario.

Do I have a valid guarantor?

If you are applying for a birth certificate for an individual nine years of age or older you need a guarantor.

A guarantor is a Canadian citizen and someone who has known you (the applicant) personally for at least 2 years, and is currently serving in or a practicing member in good standing of a profession from this guarantor’s list.

The role of the guarantor is to certify that information provided on a birth certificate application is as complete and accurate as possible. If required, a qualified guarantor must also be available to verify the information with the Office of the Registrar General.

Once a death occurs the physician or coroner attending the death completes the Medical Certificate of Death and gives it to the Funeral Director to go with the body.

To register a death, a family member and the funeral director complete the Statement of Death with information about the deceased.

Once completed, the Medical Certificate of Death and the Statement of Death are submitted to the local municipal clerk’s office by the Funeral Director.

• Request Ontario Death Certificate online
• Request Ontario Death Certificate by mail

The funeral director will issue copies of a proof of death that you can use in certain situations. There are some organizations, however, that may require an official death certificate from the Province of Ontario, Office of the Registrar General.

You may need an official death certificate or certified copy for:

• Settling an estate
• Insurance purposes
• Access to/termination of government services, e.g., health card, pension, voters’ list
• Genealogy searches