New service geared to assisting local Muslims with legal help
Often due to language barriers or understanding law in Ontario, many local Muslims struggle to navigate the legal system.
A new service recently began operating in Windsor that offers free legal services — predominantly in the area of family and immigration law — to assist the roughly 25,000 Muslims across Windsor and Essex County.
The Toronto-based Muslim Legal Support Centre (MLSC), a non-profit organization, opened a Windsor branch in January and is seeking to get the word out regarding its availability.
“We offer legal support and representation, but also do educational workshops on topics such as family law, wills, estate planning,” said Iman Mohamed, the centre’s executive director.
“There is definitely a need, especially with cultural and linguistic barriers. We try to provide the Muslim community with more cultural understanding of legal issues.
“With family law we explain what you are dealing with. We explain divorce or common law and what does that look like under the Canadian government.”
A full range of legal services is being offered by the centre with the exception of representation in court
“We do have some pro bono lawyers who will do that,” Mohamed said.
The centre’s new branch in this area recently formed a partnership with the Windsor Islamic Association and is primarily being operated by local lawyer Hajar Tohme.
“My hope is for people to know we are here and know that we are here to help,” Tohme said. “We are working on making the community aware because we are finding there is quite a need.
“Especially with family law navigating the system for separation and custody for anyone is not easy. When you add language and cultural barriers it becomes even more difficult. We just want people to know we are here. When they do find out they really want to take advantage.”
Funding to help support the legal support centre has been provided by the federal Department of Justice and Law Foundation of Ontario, along with private donations.
The centre, in conjunction with ongoing Ramadan activities and a bid to become more known locally and help raise funds, is hosting an Iftar dinner on April 12 starting at 6 p.m. at Tabouli by Eddy’s (1614 Lesperance Rd. in Tecumseh). Space is limited so registration is required.
“Ramadan is a great opportunity for people to come together, support each other and build on the community aspect,” Mohamed said. “Giving back is the heart of the holy month. The dinner is designed to help provide knowledge about our legal services and what we do to help.”
For more information about the Muslim Legal Support Centre visit online at muslimlegalcentre.ca. To inquire about the Iftar dinner or reservations email info@muslimlegalcentre.ca.
Learn more: https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/new-service-geared-to-assist-local-muslims-with-legal-help