Apuntar Legal Services

10/15/2026

A tent is not a constitutional exemption. And being homeless does not mean being rights-less.

In Heegsma v. Hamilton, 2026 ONCA 726, the Ontario Court of Appeal sent a homelessness-related Charter case back for a fresh hearing after finding serious errors in how the evidence and constitutional claims were assessed.

Apparently, even when you have no roof over your head, you are still entitled to have your evidence taken seriously. Hindi porke walang bahay, wala nang boses. And mental illness or addiction is no excuse to dismiss someone's testimony based on stereotypes.

Let's be clear: the Court did not declare all encampment evictions illegal. But it did make clear that serious constitutional claims deserve serious legal analysis.

A city may manage its parks. But managing public spaces does not mean checking human dignity at the park entrance.

The rule of law is not just for people who can afford a roof over their heads.

Read our latest blog at Apuntar Legal Services.

08/20/2026

When Going Home Can Cost You Your PR

After nearly 30 years in Canada, former refugee Roman Slepcsik is facing removal after losing his permanent resident status following a refugee cessation proceeding.

The legal issue?

Under s. 108(1)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), refugee protection may cease where a person has voluntarily re-availed themselves of the protection of their country of nationality.

And the consequences can be serious. Under s. 46(1)(c.1) IRPA, cessation on certain grounds can result in the loss of permanent resident status.

But does returning to your home country automatically mean you have abandoned Canada's protection?

Not necessarily.

The circumstances, intention and conduct surrounding the return can be legally significant.

Slepcsik's case also raises an interesting question: Why did he remain a permanent resident after nearly three decades instead of becoming a Canadian citizen? Publicly available information does not appear to provide an answer.

This is more than one man's immigration case. It raises important questions about refugee protection, cessation, PR status, citizenship and Charter rights.

👉 Read the full Apuntar Legal Services article to understand the law behind the case—and why it could have broader implications for refugees and permanent residents.

General information only. Not legal advice.

07/05/2026

Victory for Temporary Foreign Workers in Ontario!
Can an employer punish a worker for asking:

❓ "Why am I being paid in cash?"
❓ "Why am I not on payroll?"
❓ "Where are my pay stubs?"

According to the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the answer is

NO.

I'm proud to have represented the successful applicant in Christian Balubar v. 11536125 Canada Inc. (Symposium Café), where the Board ruled that an employer violated the Employment Standards Act by retaliating against a temporary foreign worker after he asserted his workplace rights.

This decision sends a powerful message:

✅ Temporary foreign workers have workplace rights.
✅ Employers cannot hide behind immigration issues to avoid employment law obligations.
✅ Asking about your wages, payroll, or legal rights is protected—and retaliation can come at a cost.

If you're a temporary foreign worker, this case is a reminder that you do not lose your rights simply because your work permit is tied to one employer.

Read our analysis of this important decision and what it means for workers and employers across Ontario.

👉 Read the full article on the Apuntar Legal Services website.

06/15/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞?

Many tenants are told that they need their landlord's permission before a friend, family member, or paying roommate can move in.
In many cases, that's simply not true.

A Landlord and Tenant Board decision confirmed that Ontario tenants generally have the right to share their rental unit with a roommate—even one who contributes toward the rent—without obtaining the landlord's approval.

✅ Roommates are not the same as subtenants
✅ Paying rent does not automatically make someone a tenant
✅ Landlords cannot simply evict a tenant for having a roommate

Before signing anything or moving out because of threats from a landlord, make sure you understand your rights.
Read our latest blog to learn the difference between roommates, occupants, sublets, and assignments under Ontario tenancy law.

📖 Read the full article, see comment for the link

06/08/2026

Another casualty of Bill C-12.

In the effort to target fraudulent refugee claims, legitimate claimants are becoming collateral damage.

Behind every termination letter is a real person, a real family, and a real fear of returning to danger. Protecting the integrity of the refugee system should never come at the expense of denying protection to those who genuinely need it.

05/20/2026

I now offer online notary services for affidavits, statutory declarations, and other legal documents.

The process is simple and convenient — no need to leave your home.

Just:

✅Book an appointment, upload your document, and pay the $50 fee
✅Attend a short Zoom meeting for identity verification and witnessing of your signature through DocuSign
✅Receive your notarized document by email

Available for clients across Ontario and even outside Canada, depending on the document requirements.

This allows you to securely notarize affidavits, statutory declarations, and other legal documents via video conferencing from the comfort of your home. It is your responsibility to check with the recipient/user of this document accepts online notary.

04/21/2026

Section 132 of Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 is often overlooked—but it carries serious consequences.

Employers who fail to comply with ESA orders or obstruct enforcement can face significant fines and even imprisonment, with penalties increasing for repeat corporate offenders.

Understanding enforcement risk is just as important as understanding wage obligations.

👇Read our latest blog to learn how section 132 is applied and why compliance from the start of any investigation matters.

04/17/2026

Late refugee claim? Not the end of the road.

IRCC is moving quickly to screen out claims filed after the one-year deadline—but the law must still be applied fairly.
We recently responded to a procedural fairness letter using strong legal arguments grounded in the Charter, procedural fairness, and Canada’s non-refoulement obligations.

📌 The key issue: Can IRCC deny access to a full hearing when risk arises after entry?

Our position: It cannot.

We’re hopeful IRCC will reconsider our clients’ case—and this is a reminder that deadlines don’t override fundamental rights.

Read more 👇