Legal Literacy Education

Grand Prize Winner

Details

Southern Alberta

$10,000

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Legal Literacy Education

With the support of the Field Law Community Fund Program, The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) continued to strengthen the Legal Literacy Education Initiative throughout the year, expanding access to clear and practical legal information for vulnerable newcomers, immigrants, and refugees in Southern Alberta. The program includes plain-language workshops, one-on-one legal navigation, and the development of easy-to-understand educational materials, supported by collaboration with legal professionals, law students, law enforcement and community partners.

One-on-One Legal Navigation Support: individualized legal navigation supported clients across a wide range of issues, including:

Family-related matters, including concerns connected to domestic violence
Immigration questions, such as application preparation and interpreting official correspondence
Tenant–landlord issues, including rights, responsibilities, and navigating disputes
Employment-related concerns, including workplace rights and understanding legal protection

Group Workshops/Presentations: delivered a series of plain-language legal literacy workshops throughout the year, including:

Human Rights in Canada
Canadian Charter Rights and Freedoms
Tenant and Landlord Rights
Employment Rights and Responsibilities
Domestic Violence and Safety Planning
Wills and Estates
Immigration-related topics and more

In the second half of the year, the initiative incorporated experiential learning opportunities, including court tours at the Calgary Courts Centre. During these visits, participants observed courtroom processes, learned about legal roles, and gained a clearer understanding of decision-making—an experience that helped reduce fear and uncertainty about the justice system.

Clients continued to face significant challenges when navigating legal systems, such as language barriers, cultural stigma, limited familiarity with Canadian legal processes, fear of authorities, and confusion around immigration procedures. These factors often prevent newcomers from recognizing legal issues early or seeking timely support. The program addressed these needs by offering culturally responsive explanations, practical navigation assistance, and accessible information designed to build confidence and increase awareness of available resources.

A total of 476 clients received support this year, achieving 132% of our target. Participant feedback remained strong:

99% of participants indicated that they would recommend the session to others.
86.5% stated that they feel confident applying what they learned to real-life situations.
39% expressed interest in receiving updates about upcoming programs and workshops.

Participant feedback included comments such as:

“The topic is very important, much needed—not only for students, but for me. The presentation was informative, and the lawyers were experienced.” — Maysa, English teacher

“Thank you for allowing me to experience every edge of Canadian culture, system, and life.” — Court Tour Attendee

“I want to attend more legal literacy workshops.” — Domestic Violence Presentation Participant

The results highlight the continued value of providing clear, culturally informed legal literacy education to newcomers and reflect the positive impact of this year’s activities.