Chief Justice of Canada to discuss accessing the justice system at Law Society public forum
VANCOUVER — With some predicting the recent economic downturn will make it harder for low and middle income people to access the justice system, the time is now to discuss how to ensure people have access to one of the cornerstones of our democracy. This is especially true as many already find the cost and length of time it takes to pursue justice to be too much.
One of the groups with a big challenge in accessing the justice system is the middle class. They don’t have a low enough income to qualify for legal aid or pro bono services. And with the high cost of trials they might have to consider second mortgages or dipping into their children’s education funds to defend their civil rights — a decision that is even more difficult during tough economic times.
“Inaccessible justice is no justice,” said Gordon Turriff, QC, President of the Law Society of BC. “Ways must be found to ensure access for people who need help resolving their problems and need the court to decide right and wrong.”
“The Benchers of the Law Society — the board of directors — see access to justice as a matter of critical importance,” added Turriff, “so one of the many steps we’re taking is to present a public forum to discuss some of the barriers to accessing the justice system and potential creative solutions to overcome obstacles.”
The Law Society is presenting the forum, Clearing the Path to Justice, at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 28 at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, SFU, located at 580 W. Hastings Street. Journalists are welcome. For advance media interviews, please contact Dana Bales, Cara McGregor or Michael Bernard.
The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, PC, Chief Justice of Canada, is the keynote speaker at the forum. Other distinguished panelists who will talk about access issues, including culture and language barriers are:
* Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit of BC;
* Lyall Knott, QC, of S.U.C.C.E.S.S, which runs legal clinics for people who speak Korean, Japanese and Mandarin in Greater Vancouver in conjunction with the Western Canada Society to Access Justice; and
* Sue Talia, a private family law judge in California who will discuss a solution she’s been working on in her state to reduce the cost of legal services — a potential solution called unbundling that is expanding in British Columbia.
Community partners for the event are the Legal Services Society, the Western Canada Society to Access Justice and S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
The Law Society of BC was incorporated in 1884 and is the governing body of the legal profession in BC. Under the provisions of the Legal Profession Act, the Law Society is responsible for the licensing, professional conduct and discipline of the more than 11,000 lawyers in BC.
What is “The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program”
I have mentioned “The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program” many times on my other blogs, so i just figured i might as well give you some more details what this is.
The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment, notes Tanya Hutchens, of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.
Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
Vancity Springboard Homeownership Program – Metro Vancouver, British Columbia
In November 2006 Vancity Credit Union, the largest in Canada outside Quebec, launched Springboard Mortgage, the latest in a long line of affordable homeownership programs. The goal of Springboard Mortgage is to help people living in non-profit, rental housing move on to homeownership, which helps that family directly and frees a non-profit housing unit for someone else in need.
By the fall of 2008, Vancity had approved 16 mortgages worth $2.8 million through the Springboard Mortgage program. 18 non profit homes have been vacated and 67 applicants have been pre-approved through the program.
Qualifying applicants usually purchase their homes in the Fraser Valley communities of the Lower Mainland or the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody) area of suburban Vancouver, for prices ranging from $160,000 to $350,000. Most of the purchasers are low income families and single mothers.
To qualify for the Springboard Homeownership Program, applicants must be living in non-profit housing and have a low income. They must have verifiable employment or pension income and no rental arrears in the last two years. They are also required to take a Homeownership Readiness financial literacy course to ensure they fully understand the responsibilities of homeownership.
For qualifying applicants who agree to comply with Springboard’s requirements, Vancity provides a two-part loan that comprises 100 per cent of a home’s purchase price. One component is an interest-free loan to be paid back over 10 years. This serves as the 20 per cent down payment. The second component is a mortgage amortized over 25 years with a 10 year fixed interest rate, with interest only as the minimum payment.
After 10 years, says Tanya Hutchens, the purchaser will have repaid the “down payment” and can then negotiate a conventional mortgage for the principal amount outstanding. Under Springboard, Vancity does not dwell on an applicant’s credit rating, as long as applicants have no frauds or bankruptcies. Applicants must become members of Vancity. In addition, the borrower needs to understand that late loan or mortgage payments will immediately trigger foreclosure. Finally, they must find a home to purchase that is affordable according to Vancity’s guidelines. Under these guidelines:
- In order to ensure mortgage payments are made on time each month, the applicant’s estimated mortgage, loan, property tax and strata fees payments should be reflective of their current rent payment plus 25%.
- The total of both loan and mortgage cannot exceed $300,000, which is why the program has been most successful in suburban areas, where housing prices are lower.
- The prospective buyer must take the Homeownership Readiness course delivered in partnership with the Mennonite Central Committee. The course content is based on earlier development work done by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Once applicants have selected a home to purchase, Vancity provides technical assistance.
Minister Finley Announces Recipients of CMHC Housing Research Grants
OTTAWA, April 29, 2009 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), today awarded 17 Canadian researchers grants of up to $25,000 each under CMHC’s External Research Program. What a great program, says Tanya Hutchens.
“The External Research Program is an excellent way to encourage researchers to conduct relevant, high-quality and innovative housing research projects that address the housing needs of Canadians and contribute to improving the sustainability of housing in Canada.” said Tanya Hutchens.
“Our Government applauds the individuals who have been selected and their dedication to ensuring that our housing system and technologies meet the needs of future generations.” said Minister Finley.
This year’s grants, which total approximately $375,000, encourage researchers working in universities, private consulting firms, housing-related professions and the housing industry to conduct research on housing issues. Research produced under the program is available through CMHC’s Canadian Housing Information Centre (CHIC).
A national committee of housing experts, that includes experienced researchers and practitioners in academic institutions and housing-related professions, selects grant recipients on the basis of the quality of their proposals. Under the program, researchers submit their proposed projects in the fall, and they are reviewed in February.
Launched in 1980, the External Research Program has provided more than 655 grants for research on a number of topics such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and assessing the housing conditions and needs of at-risk populations.
CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.
Tommy Sexton Centre St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Until 2006, there was no shelter or supportive living program east of Montréal for people living with HIV/AIDS. When people are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, they often undergo drastic changes in their lives, including not only deterioration in health, but job loss, financial distress and social isolation. They often need a place to retreat where they can receive support services such as counselling and plan for their future care. In addition, a sanitary environment is necessary to protect their lowered immune systems.The AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACNL) worked for many years to raise funds to establish a shelter. One of the committee’s ardent supporters was the mother of Newfoundland actor Tommy Sexton, who died from AIDS-related complications in 1993. Sara Sexton’s goal was to establish a shelter and supportive services program in her son’s honour. In 2006, the Tommy Sexton Centre opened in St. John’s, as the only supportive shelter in the Atlantic provinces for people living with HIV/AIDS. The ACNL-operated centre is located on a former military base in the Pleasantville district of St. John’s, on land donated by the provincial Department of Transportation and Works. The attractive energy-efficient building is universally accessible to people with disabilities. The Centre consists of three distinct program areas: a short-term shelter, supportive housing for persons living with HIV-AIDS and the ACNL offices. The short-term shelter has four- units, while the supportive housing has six-units for longer stays. The supportive housing provides safe and affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments to people with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers while they find more permanent living arrangements. The ACNL offices offer services including individual support and advocacy services, prevention education and access to a variety of support and health resources. Funding for construction of the $1.4 million centre included $450,000 in capital funding from CMHC and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, through the Affordable Housing Initiative and $870,000 from the Government of Canada’s National Homelessness Initiative. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador contributed additional funding and the City of St. John’s provided in-kind contributions. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provide annual funding for the centre’s operations. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.
Buying a Condo Who You Need on Your Team
When you buy a condo, you’re not just buying a place to live. You’re becoming part of a community. Before you make an offer on your dream condo, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends that you get some expert advice to help you navigate through the process. CMHC has identified many industry professionals who are available to provide you with information. They are the following:
- Real estate agent: A real estate agent who specializes in condominiums can save you time, energy and help you make an offer once you’ve found the condo that’s right for you. Make sure you’re clear about who’s paying their commission and what your obligations will be once you’ve signed any agreement. Be specific about the type, features, location and price range you’re looking for in a condo. This will allow your agent to pre-screen properties that are within your specifications.
- Real estate lawyer: A lawyer who is knowledgeable about condominiums can protect your legal interests, explain all the documentation and review the purchase and sale agreements. Your lawyer will determine whether or not there are any legal actions pending against the condominium. If your offer is accepted, he or she will also be responsible for many of the closing arrangements.
- Home inspector: A qualified home inspector will go through the condominium unit and common elements and perform a comprehensive visual inspection. The inspector will determine the components that are not performing properly as well as items that are beyond their useful life or are unsafe. He/she will also identify areas where repairs may be needed or where there may have been problems in the past. Inspections are intended to provide you with a better understanding of property’s condition before you buy. All too often, people make purchase decisions too quickly in anticipation of competing offers. This can leave you vulnerable to substantial additional repair and renovation costs that a pre-purchase inspection might have detected.
- Financial Institution: Your bank manager or financial advisor can help customize your mortgage to suit your financial goals and ensure you can afford your monthly mortgage payments.
- You should also investigate the financial well being of the condominium corporation you’ll be buying into. For resale condominiums, check documents such as the estoppel or status certificate as well as annual operating budgets and end-of-year financial statements. Technical audits and reserve fund studies can also offer insight on the condition of the building and the adequacy of the reserve fund to meet future major repairs and building renewal work. For new buildings, also review the full disclosure statement.
For more than 60 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.
Save Money and Improve Your Home’s Resale Value!
10 Steps to a Cooler Planet – Save Money and Improve Your Home’s Resale Value!
Each Canadian generates, on average, five tonnes of greenhouse gases a year that are linked to climate change. The good news, says Tanya Hutchens, is there are things each of us can do to reduce our ecological footprint without having to make drastic changes to our lifestyles.
From better transportation choices to changing the way we heat, cool and light our homes, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has 10 steps we can all take to help keep our planet healthy, all while saving money, living in healthier and more comfortable homes, and increasing our home’s resale values:
- Don’t drive — use transit: Simply switching some of your local travel from a car to public transit can save up to 230 kg of CO2 per year for every 1,000 km you drive.
- Think smaller: Dropping your family vehicle a size or two can eliminate 1,100 – 2,600 kg of CO2 each year — and save you hundreds of dollars at the gas pump!
- Stay grounded: For shorter family trips, taking the bus or train instead of traveling by plane could do both the planet and your wallet a favor.
- Reduce your home heating bills: If you live in an older home, improving the energy-efficiency, or even just lowering the thermostat by as little as 1°C, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reconsider your space needs: Larger homes use considerably more energy so, the next time you move, ask yourself if a smaller home might better fit your needs.
- Buy green: When buying appliances, choosing the most energy-efficient models can save up to 400 kg of CO2 a year.
- Stay out of hot water: Wrapping your hot water heater in a thermal blanket, washing clothes in cold water and installing low flow showerheads and faucet aerators (which mix air into the water stream, thus producing a steady flow) saves both energy and water.
- Eat your vegetables: Adopting a less meat-intensive diet can have a significant impact on your ecological footprint — and your family’s health!
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Cutting your garbage production by just one bag a week could save your family 300 kg of CO2 a year.
- You have the power: In response to consumer demand, many utility companies are introducing Green Power options at a premium price. By switching to green power, you can reduce your home’s CO2 emissions.
For more information or a free copy of the research paper 10 Steps to a Cooler Planet, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.
GTA Leased Space Over 400,000 Square Feet in March
TORONTO, April 17, 2009 — TREB Commercial Members reported 421,642 square feet of space in March according to Garry Lander, Commercial Council Chair. This compares to the 933,299 square feet recorded during March of 2008.
Lease rates for Industrial space (all size categories) came in at $5.59 sfn, unchanged from March 2009. “The lower level of activity seems to have translated into a flattening of rental rates,” Mr. Lander commented.
Sales Market Highlights
Of the 38 sales of industrial/commercial properties in March, the 21 Industrial property sales (all size categories) averaged $121.18 per square foot. This compares to the $79.60 per square foot figure obtained through non-MLS® sources. Tanya Hutchens says, members of the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Commercial Division adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice, only those who have met the standards established by their peers are eligible to become Members. Greater Toronto REALTORS are passionate about their work, notes Tanya Hutchens. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 28,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. This TREB report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.
Just wanted to share this with you: CMHC Launches Campaign to Help Homeowners
OTTAWA, March 26, 2009 — Today, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) launched a consumer outreach campaign to help borrowers understand the importance of working with lenders to find manageable solutions if they are facing financial difficulties in repaying their mortgage loans.
“CMHC has a long tradition of offering mortgage default management tools to lenders to help them assist homeowners whose financial circumstances have changed. We want to remind people that the best course of action is to speak to their lenders at the first sign of financial difficulty. With early intervention, cooperation and a well executed plan, you can work together with your lender to find a solution.” stated Tanya Hutchens.
The campaign includes consumer information on the options available to homeowners who may be having difficulty meeting their mortgage payments. This information is also being provided to government partners and credit counseling organizations.
CMHC advises homeowners to:
1. Talk to your lender at the first sign of financial difficulty
2. Clarify your financial picture, both for yourself and your lender
3. Stay informed about what options and resources might be available to you
For Approved Lenders with CMHC-insured mortgages, we provide tools and the flexibility to make timely decisions when working with homeowners to find a solution to an individual’s unique financial situation. These tools include:
* Offering a temporary short-term payment deferral. Lenders may be prepared to offer greater payment flexibilities especially if previous lump sum prepayments have been made, or if an accelerated payment schedule has been previously chosen.
* Extending the original repayment period (amortization) in order to lower the monthly mortgage payments.
* Adding any missed payments (arrears) to the mortgage balance and spreading them over the remaining mortgage repayment period.
* Offering a special payment arrangement unique to an individual’s particular financial situation.
More information and resources are available at 1-800-668-2642.
Tanya Hutchens says, CMHC is Canada’s national housing agency. For more than 60 years CMHC has shared a wealth of knowledge and housing expertise to help create an informed and reassured homeownership experience for Canadians. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.
