Waterloo Region Community Legal Services

September 20 to 26 is , and this year’s theme is “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities.”

As part of our SHAPE (Sexual Harassment, Advice, Prevention, Education) initiative, we’ve been reflecting on what “equal opportunities” means in the context of sexual harassment in the workplace (SHIW).

For this reason, we wanted to share some of the impacts that can have on workers, and also what the law says about employer responsibilities.

Sexual harassment in the workplace can limit work opportunities in different ways. Here are a few examples:

• Causing someone to either leave a job before they planned to or causing them to reduce their working hours because of fear of harassment.

• Forcing someone to experience negative consequences for reporting sexual harassment. This can include negative performance reviews, social exclusion in the workplace, or being denied raises or promotions.

• Discouraging someone from entering industries dominated by specific genders or that enforce rigid gender performances. This can happen because a person worries they’ll experience sexism or harassment for their gender, gender performance, or sexual orientation.

If you're experiencing workplace sexual harassment or discrimination, SHAPE (Sexual Harassment, Advice, Prevention, Education) provides free and confidential legal advice across Ontario.

Call 📞 1-833-677-5146 or
Visit 🌐 shapeyourworkplace.ca (link in bio) or Shape Your Workplace

"The former owner of Dutchie’s Fresh Market in Kitchener has been charged with five criminal offences. Michael Renkema was formally charged on Aug. 11 with two counts of making a threat to cause death or bodily harm, as well as three counts of criminal harassment. The charges date back to November 2025, just weeks after the last Dutchie’s store in Waterloo Region closed its doors."

Check out the full article via CTV Kitchener at https://bit.ly/4yfdGLr

📌 We will be back at Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre in New Hamburg on Monday, September 28 from 9 am to 12 pm.

☎️ Contact Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre to book an appointment and speak directly with a legal staff for free legal help!

"The Region of Waterloo spent almost $1.7 million of our tax dollars on legal bills over a 13-month period in 2025 and 2026, as it unsuccessfully tried to remove homeless people living in tents at Victoria and Weber streets in Kitchener."

Check out the full article through the Waterloo Region Record

📌 We will be back at Woolwich Community Services this Wednesday, September 23 from 9 am to 12 pm for our next mobile legal clinic.

☎️ Walk-ins are welcome, or contact Woolwich Community Services to book an appointment.

A recent CTV News report looks at documents showing that the Region of Waterloo has spent more than $1.7 million in legal fees defending its encampment bylaw related to 100 Victoria Street in Kitchener. The costs come as the Region continues to appeal the Ontario Superior Court’s May 2026 decision, which found that the bylaw violated residents’ Charter rights.

Watch the news segment and read the full article from CTV News for more details.

📅 Our next Free Drop-in Legal Clinic at the Multi-Agency Community Space is tomorrow, September 17 from 1pm to 4pm.

If you are experiencing homelessness or precarious housing and you have a legal issue, come talk to us and get legal support for free! No appointment needed!

We look forward to meeting you!

Thrive HIV Prevention & Support

🌙 On September 17, we march together.

🌙 Take Back the Night
🛍️ Feminist Night Market
📍 The W – YWCA Cambridge
⏰ 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Because this movement has always been about more than one night.

Take Back the Night grew out of feminist organizing in the 1970s, as women came together to challenge sexual violence and the idea that women should have to change their lives, movements and behaviour to avoid being harmed.

The movement spread across communities, campuses and countries — including here in Canada.

Decades later, we continue to march because the right to feel safe walking home, going to work, going to school, meeting friends, using public transit, attending a concert or simply existing in public spaces should never depend on how carefully we protect ourselves from someone else’s violence.

The movement has changed. Our communities have changed. The ways violence happens have changed.

But the need to speak out, organize and stand together remains.

For nearly 60 years, Take Back the Night has been bringing communities together around the world to show solidarity with survivors and advocate for safety, equity, and justice.

Gather with us in Downtown Kitchener on Thursday September 17th at Gaukel Block between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Make your voice heard!

Join us for:
- connecting with community organizations 🤝
- learning about local resources and supports 💜
- a photo booth by 📸
- face painting by 🎨
- live music from Natalia Zuk and Nick Maldonado of Red Carpet Revival 🎵
- speakers and a march through downtown! 🏙️

This is a FREE event and all are welcome.

Survivors’ voices loud and clear, for a world with no more fear! 📣



Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region

🗓️We are back at the Wellesley Branch library today (September 4)! If you have a legal problem or legal question, come and speak to a community legal worker directly and receive free legal help.

📌Visit the link below to book an appointment: bit.ly/RegisterWellesley
We also have room for drop-ins today.

*Please note that WRCLS does not provide services in Criminal or Family law.