Access To Justice Agencies

The CBA is dedicated to equal access to justice for all, regardless of means, capacity or social situation. Find out what we are doing to bring about change by visiting the CBA Equal Justice website.

There are many agencies in Manitoba striving to fill the gaps in access to justice across the province, including:

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A Woman's Place is program run by NorWest Co-op Community Health Centre that provides women with free domestic violence support and counselling and legal advice and information. Other free legal services provided by A Woman's Place include legal representation, assistance in preparing legal documents (including Legal Aid applications) and presentations on family law.

200 - 323 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2C1
Tel.: 204-940-6624
Fax: 204-940-1971

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The Aboriginal Court Worker Program's court workers work inside the courts and provide information about the court process to, primarily, Aboriginal people who come in contact with the law. Court workers primarily help explain the court process, a person's charges and their rights. In addition, court workers may help explain the situation of the person on trial to the Judge and Crown Attorney, and in certain situations may attend court for the person on trial. Aboriginal Court Worker Offices are located in Brandon, Dauphin, Sagkeeng, Grand Rapids, Portage la Prairie, The Pas, Thompson and Winnipeg.

3rd Floor - 408 York Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C OP9
Tel.: 204-945-0024

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The Brandon Access Exchange Service is a non-profit organization that provides supervised access services, for a small fee, to families with a history of domestic violence and/or where there exists a high level of conflict. While they do not make assessments or judgments on clients, they do provide observations notes following each visit.

836 Lorne Avenue
Brandon, MB R7A OT8
Tel.: 204-729-8115
Fax: 204-726-0902
bfcaccess@mts.net

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Candace House (C. H.) is a first of its kind in Canada, provincially incorporated nonprofit, day refuge for victims and survivors of crime and their families providing support as they go through the court system and criminal justice process. Candace House was the original vision of Wilma Derksen, the name coming from Wilma and Cliff’s daughter, Candace, who was murdered at age 13 in 1984. Over the many years of their own extended court involvements and cases, Wilma and Cliff and their family experienced first-hand the needs of victims, survivors and their families when involved in the court system. It was during that time Wilma formed the vision for Candace House. Wilma spoke the vision into being and over time it has become a shared vision of the community. Every day, Candace House welcome guests to a Healing Haven. Victims, survivors, and loved ones, all affected by violent crime, now have a place to take “take their shoes off” and receive emotional support, information, and access to services and programs they need.
 
183 Kennedy St #1B
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1S6
Tel.: 204-515-4125
info@candacehouse.ca 

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Community Legal Education Association (CLEA) is a charitable organization that provides Manitobans with legal information. They also run and develop various programs and workshops. Notable programs include: the Law Phone-In & Lawyer Referral Program (where staff lawyers provide general legal information and advice over the phone and provide referrals to a list of over 130 lawyers) and the Speakers Bureau (where volunteer lawyers and service providers provide legal information sessions to the community on various legal topics).

205 - 414 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0L8
Tel.: 204-943-2382 (General)
Tel.: 204-943-3602 (Lawyer Referral)
Tel.: 204-943-2305/1-800-262-8800 (Legal Information)
Fax: 204-943-3600
info@communitylegal.mb.ca

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Community Unemployed Help Centre is a nonprofit organization with charitable status that provides information, advice and representation for individuals in regard to Employment Insurance, and Employment and Income Assistance. The Centre also engages in public education, outreach and public interest advocacy activities. It's services are free of charge.

501-275 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4M6
Tel.: 204-942-6556, and 
1-866-942-6556 toll free
email cuhc@cuhc.mb.ca

 

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El'Dad Ranch is a residential and day program of Initiatives for Just Communities that provides an alternative to institutionalization for people with intellectual disabilities. EI'Dad Ranch offers an alternative justice program that provides education and round-the-clock support and supervision to those who have been in conflict with the law.

P.O. Box 9, Group 3, R.R.1
Steinbach, MB R5G 1L9 
Tel.: 204-326-1050/1-866-286-6915
kdrain.eldad@initiativejc.org

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The Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, support, programs and resources for women in the provincial and federal justice system, with an emphasis on Aboriginal women. Programs provided by the Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba include: a court support program (that aids women through the court experience), a bail verification and supervision program, an anger management program, a shop lifting program, a transitional housing program and a reintegration program.

544 Selkirk Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2W 2M9
Tel.: 204-589-7335/1-800-582-5655
Fax: 204-589-7338
administration@efsmanitoba.org

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The Family Law Access Centre is a pilot project offered by the Law Society of Manitoba that assists middle income families to access legal services for family law matters through a monthly payment plan at a rate that is significantly lower than usual legal fees.

219 Kennedy Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1S8
Tel.: 204-942-5571
Fax: 204-956-0624
drossol@lawsociety.mb.ca

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Infojustice Manitoba est une organisation qui offre des services d’information juridique, d’orientation, et d’accompagnement. Leur mission est de faciliter l’accès à l’information juridique en français afin que tous puissent comprendre les questions de nature juridique auxquelles ils font face et puissent faire des choix éclairés. Ces services sont confidentiels et offerts en personne ou par téléphone. Les services d’Infojustice sont offerts en complémentarité avec plusieurs organismes juridiques, gouvernementaux et communautaires afin de diriger les justiciables vers les ressources d’aide appropriées. Infojustice Manitoba n’est pas autorisé à offrir des avis juridiques. Il est conseillé de consulter un avocat afin de connaître les règles qui s’appliquent à votre situation particulière.

Infojustice Manitoba is an organization that provides legal information, referral and support services. Their mission is to facilitate access to legal information in French so that everyone can understand the legal issues they face and make informed decisions. These services are confidential and are offered in person or by telephone. Infojustice’s services are offered in conjunction with several legal, government and community organizations to refer individuals to appropriate useful resources. Infojustice Manitoba is not authorized to provide legal advice. It is advisable to consult a lawyer to find out what rules apply to your particular situation.

614, rue Des Meurons, pièce 250
Winnipeg, MB  R2H 2P9
Téléphone: 204.815.5274/ 1.844.321.8232
ajefm-infojustice@ajefm-infojustice.com

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The John Howard Society of Manitoba is a non-profit charity that works primarily with men both in institutions and in the community with the goal of addressing the root causes of crime through education and providing support. They offer various programs, supports and resources based on the principles of restorative justice. Programs include literacy programs, Bail Assessment, Support and Supervision Program, as well as anger management and parenting classes. The John Howard Society of Manitoba also advocates on behalf of clients within the justice system.

583 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 1Z7
Tel.: 204-775-1514
Fax: 204-775-1670
office@johnhoward.mb.ca

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L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic is run by law students at Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba under the supervision of practising lawyers to provide free legal information and services to entrepreneurs, small businesses, start-ups, innovators, including family businesses, non-profits, charities, artists, art, culture, and community organizations who do not have a lawyer and cannot afford legal assistance. The Clinic is able to provide services remotely to anyone in Manitoba that has an internet connection. Access a secure online client intake form here
 
224 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
https://business-law-clinic.sites.umanitoba.ca/
business.law.clinic@umanitoba.ca 

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The Legal Help Centre non-profit, charitable organization that works to improve access to legal and social service systems for economically and socially disadvantaged community members in partnership with students and volunteers.  They operate a Drop-in Clinic that provides legal information, legal support and referrals to persons with incomes that meet their income scale, which varies based on family size. In addition, if the matter qualifies for additional assistance, individuals can get more extensive help with problems caused by a family breakdown through the Family Law Clinic and other legal matters through the Consumer Protection Clinic.  Legal Help Centre's website contains detailed information on eligibility criteria and how their process works.

202 - 393 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6
Tel.: 204-258-3096
info@legalhelpcentre.ca

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The Main Street Project is an organization that serves the needs of vulnerable and at risk residents in Winnipeg. It provides many different services for its clients, including emergency services, detoxification, counselling and transitional housing. Its Transition Services Team provides counseling and advocacy to clients, and helps them establish plans to address issues such as: housing, substance abuse, health, employment and relationships.

2nd Floor-661 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R3B 1E3
Tel.: 204-982-8245
Fax: 204-943-9474
admin@mainstreetproject.ca

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The Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) offers services and programs that aid refugee newcomers settle and integrate into Canadian society. MIIC also provides para-legal services to those without legal status in Canada. This service includes providing information about making refugee claims and other applications, facilitating access to lawyers and advocacy.

521 Bannatyne Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3A 0E4
Tel.: 204-977-1000
Fax: 204-956-7548

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The Manitoba Law Foundation is a non-profit foundation which provides funding to law and justice related programs that benefit the public through: legal education, legal research, law reform, legal aid services, and the development and maintenance of law libraries. It provides funding to many access to justice organizations and initiatives in Manitoba.

701-177 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5
Tel.:204-947-3142
Fax: 204-942-3221
mblawfoundation@gatewest.net

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The Manitoba Law Reform Commission is an independent law reform agency whose role is to improve, modernize and reform the law and administration of justice in Manitoba. While the Manitoba Law Reform Commission does not provide legal advice, interpret the law or conduct research for individuals or organizations, it welcomes suggestions for future projects and comments on previous Commission reports. Access to justice is one issue that the Commission has written about in their Issue Papers.

432 - 405 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3L6
Tel.: 204-945-2896
Fax: 204-948-2184
mail@manitobalawreform.ca

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The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts provides free legal services to artists and arts organizations throughout Manitoba. The clinic is operated by law students at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law and supervised by experienced lawyers. They are the only clinic in Manitoba that provides pro bono legal information and services tailored specifically to artists and arts organizations. 

224 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2H2
arts.law.clinic@umanitoba.ca

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Manitoba W.I.S.E. Inc. is the voluntary sector non-profit organization, which works to advance the equality of women and girls, through legal education and law reform, based on the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms.

301 - 960 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg,MB R3G OR4
Tel.: 204-453-1379
Fax: 204-453-1379
mbwiseinc@mymts.net

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Mediation Services is a non-profit organization that works with individuals and groups in the community to help them resolve disputes without involving the police or the courts. Mediation Services runs several programs. Their Community Resolution Centre services facilitate dispute resolution and conflict and the program is free of charge to participants. Their Restorative Action Centre brings offenders and victims together in a safe, structured situation where they can work to find a resolution to the crime without resorting to the court system.

302 - 1200 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G OT5
Tel.: 204-925-3410/1-866-925-3410
Fax: 204-925-3414
info@mediationserviceswpg.ca

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Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) is a national network of law schools, law students, community organizations and lawyers that work together to solve traditionally unmet legal problems. PBSC Manitoba matches law student volunteers with non-profit agencies, lawyers on pro bono cases, and other public interest groups. The law students then provide legal information and research that is supervised by a practicing lawyer. PBSC Manitoba is run out of the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Law and is coordinated by law students.

Tel.: 204-474-7908
Fax: 204-474-7580
probono@cc.umanitoba.ca

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The Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) is a Legal Aid Manitoba office which takes test cases for public interest groups and low-income individuals. Though there are staff lawyers, PILC is supported by a panel of pro bono lawyers which allows PILC to take on more cases. PILC primarily focuses on cases involving consumer law, poverty law, environmental law, Aboriginal law and Charter of Rights challenges.

200 - 393 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6
Tel.: 204-985-8504/1-800-261-2960
Fax: 204-985-8544

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Snowflake Place for Children and Youth is Manitoba’s only Children’s Advocacy Centre.  They are a charitable non-profit organization that offers a central service model for victims of child abuse. They are designed to facilitate multi-system collaboration and foster best practices in child abuse investigations to ensure that victims receive sensitive and immediate support in a setting that puts their needs first. Snowflake Place Provides a safe, child-friendly and supportive environment where young victims are interviewed as part of a formal investigation into allegations of child abuse. Police, Child and Family Services and Victim Services come together at Snowflake Place to share information and coordinate roles and responsibilities. 
 
225 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2A6
Tel.: 204-944-1405
infosnowflakeplace@winnipeg.ca 

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The Native Clan Organization is a non-profit agency that provides services primarily to Aboriginal offenders and ex-offenders to help facilitate their reintegration into the community as constructive and law abiding citizens. Their Reintegration/Release Planning program begins while a person is still incarcerated and involves employment training, community support and advocacy.

94 McGregor Street
Winnipeg, MB R2W 4V5
Tel.: 204-943-7357
Fax:204-943-4085
admin@nativeclan.org

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The University of Manitoba Community Law Centre is a Legal Aid Manitoba office which primarily deals with Criminal Code offences that are not likely to end in jail time, welfare appeals, residential tenancies cases, and small claims cases. The Centre is staffed by second and third year law student volunteers under supervision by several lawyers. The Centre is primarily funded through a grant by the Manitoba Law Foundation, and because most labour is donated, the costs for clients are more affordable - usually costing less than $100 per person.

101 Robson Hall
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Tel.: 204-985-5206/204-985-5210
Fax: 204-985-8551

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The Winnipeg Children's Access Agency is a non-profit, charitable organization that facilitates contact between children and their family members in a safe, neutral and child-focused environment. Their services include supervised visits, supervised exchanges and providing observation notes. Visiting parties are responsible for paying service fees, which are subsidized by the Province of Manitoba.

385 River Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3L OC3
Tel.: 204-284-4170
Fax: 204-284-4162