The Ontario Bar Association’s (“OBA”) submission to the Licence Appeal Tribunal regarding Rules 8, 9, 10, 14 and 16 of the Common Rules of Practice & Procedure was prepared by the Insurance Law Section of the OBA.

Marit Stiles, MPP for Davenport, will be the next leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, City News Toronto reported on December 6. Per the Ontario NDP constitution, the party is scheduled to hold a confirmation vote on March 4.

Attorney General Doug Downey announced on November 21, 2022, the appointment of seven judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective December 1, 2022.

Attorney General Doug Downey announced last year that the province was planning to introduce a digital court system that will allow people to access court information from anywhere, and file documents and pay fees online. Bill 46, Less Red Tape, Strong Ontario Act, 2002, introduced on Wednesday, November 23, proposes to move jury duty questionnaires online.

On November 14, 2022, Bill 35, Keeping Students in Class Repeal Act, 2022 received royal assent and Bill 28, Keeping Students in Call Act, 2022 was repealed. Toronto Star reports that the Ontario government rescinded Bill 28 after a national outcry over the legislation that invoked s.33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the “notwithstanding clause”, to force a four-year contract on CUPE while pre-emptively banning a strike.

Minister of Education Stephen Lecce introduced Bill 28, the Keeping Students in Call Act, 2022, on Monday, October 31, 2022, the day after the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 55,000 supports workers such as custodians, administrative staff and educational support workers, gave its five-day strike notice.

Marion Boyd, Ontario’s first woman attorney general passed way at the age of 76 on October 11, 2022. Marion Boyd was elected as a New Democrat MPP in London in 1990. She was promoted to attorney general of Ontario in 1993, becoming the first woman and non-lawyer to hold the position.

Today the government tabled Ontario’s Plan to Build, the 2022 provincial budget. It outlines five “pillars”, which takes a different path after two years of pandemic spending and management. This budget proposes significant investment in healthcare, education and critical infrastructure.

The Legislature only sat for one day during the week of April 25-28, 2022 and has now adjourned. The 42nd Parliamentary Session will end on May 4, 2022

The Legislature did not sit the week of April 18 – 22, 2022 Therefore no change in bill status from the previous week

Here is what happened in the Ontario Legislature the week of April 11 – 14, 2022

Here’s what happened April 4 – 7, 2022 in the Ontario Legislature

Here is what happened this week in the Ontario Legislature.

Here’s what you need to know about what is happening at the Ontario Legislature this week.

The OBA provided this submission to the Law Society of Ontario regarding mandatory minimum compensation for experiential training for lawyer licensing candidates

This week in the Legislature the government made a number of COVID-19 related announcements including funding for mental health supports for first responders, and lifting capacity restrictions related to COVID-19.

The Legislature returned this week, after rising on December 9, 2021, for the winter break. Announcements related to COVID-19 continued to be the focus of government, including a review of COVID-19 vaccinations for long-term care workers, and examination of ending vaccination policies for workplaces. In other news, the province ended its state of emergency, and the Premier directed the LCBO to stop selling Russian products.

The OBA provided this submission to the Law Society of Ontario regarding the renewal of their Continuing Competence Framework

The OBA sent a letter to the Attorney General requesting additional adjudicators be appointed to the Licence Appeal Tribunal

The Legislature rose on Thursday this week, for the winter break.  It is scheduled to resume on February 22, 2022. Plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of government with announcements including, expansion of booster shots to all eligible Ontario adults beginning January 4 and investments in long-term care beds. In other news, the province announced funding for infrastructure projects in small, rural and northern communities.

This week in the Legislature, plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of government with announcements including, expansion of booster shots to those 50 and over, and investments in the hospital sector. In other news, and of interest to criminal lawyers and prosecutors, the Solicitor General announced expansion of the use of eIntake to Toronto courthouses and the Auditor General released her Annual Report.

This week in the Legislature, plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of government with announcements including, vaccination availability for children between 5-11 years old, and a new nursing degree at York University. In other news, the Auditor General released the Annual Report on Environment Audits and funding was announced for new schools and child-care spaces. On the legislative front, there was no new government legislation introduced this week.

This week in the Legislature, plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government announcing the ability for pharmacies to provide COVID-19 testing for symptomatic people and providing students with take-home rapid testing kits over the holidays.

This week in the Legislature, plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the main focus of government. On Thursday, the Finance Minister, released the Fall Economic Statement (“FES”), which outlines the province’s economic plan in three areas; protecting Ontario’s progress against COVID-19, building Ontario and working for workers.

This week in the Legislature, plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the main focus of government.

Tribunals Ontario is in the process of developing an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) system that will provide an opportunity for parties to engage exclusively online. While we applaud the continued advancement of technology by Tribunals Ontario, we recommend inclusion of five key hallmarks in the adoption of a successful ODR system, to ensure continued access to justice for all parties involved.

This week in the Legislature the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the stay-at-home order being lifted and the government announcing schools will not re-open in June for in person learning.  In other news, the government announced an investment in mental health services for children and youth.

The Legislature did not sit this week.  The government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government publicly musing over reopening schools in certain regions as of May 31 and facing criticism for lack of a coherent plan. 

The OBA provided a submission to Legal Aid Ontario regarding the draft rules prepared by LAO pursuant to the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020.

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government announcing an extended stay-at-home order for the province and cancelling the use of the Astra Zeneca vaccine as the first vaccine shot for individuals. 

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government announcing the creation of mobile vaccine units for small and medium sized businesses in provincial hot spots.  With daily COVID-19 cases ranging between 2800 to 3400, the government continued to announce funding for COVID-19 priorities including funding for seniors struggling with COVID-19 related cognitive impairments. 

The Legislature did not sit this week.  The government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of government announcements this past week including the Premier’s decision to once again enact a provincial emergency and stay-at-home order.  The government announced funding this week for a manufacturing plant that produces disinfectants to help against the spread of COVID-19 and the Toronto school boards switched to remote learning. 

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government announcing a provincewide ‘emergency brake’ today, restricting in person activities.  The government announced funding this week for four hours of free legal advice for survivors of sexual assault commencing May 1, and $200M to support small business in Ontario’s tourism and hospitality industry impacted by the pandemic. 

This week in the Legislature, the government released the 2021-2022 budget.  The province’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and government announcements, including announcements that restaurant staff would be added to the essential workers list for the purposes of earlier access to vaccines and funding for transportation to help seniors and people with disabilities reach vaccine centres. 

The Legislature did not sit this week, as a result no new legislative matters proceeded. The government made a number of announcements to address ongoing concerns and impacts of COVID-19 including the launch of the online booking system for vaccine appointments for those over 80, investments in recruiting and training staff for long-term care homes and investments in new long-term care projects. 

The OBA provided a submission to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on Bill 245, Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021 (Schedules 8 & 9).

This week in the Legislature, the government marked the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaration of COVID-19 as a Global Pandemic.  The province’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and government announcements, including announcement that all Ontario residents will receive their first vaccination shot by June 20, investments in youth mental health and homelessness shelters.

The OBA provided a submission to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on Bill 245, Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021 (Schedule 3).

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements including, a technical briefing on March 5, 2021 of vaccine roll outs. Notably, courts and justice system workers and youth justice workers will be included at the end of Phase 2.

The OBA made a submission to the Ontario Land Tribunal on their proposed Draft New Rules to harmonize the practices and procedures in a proceeding before any Tribunal within Ontario Land Tribunals.

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be front and centre including an announcement of free tuition for 6000 new Personal Support Workers, and the announcement that Ontario will launch its online portal for booking COVID-19 vaccine appointments on March 15. 

The Legislative Assembly resumed sitting this week, after rising in early December, with a continued focus on the province’s COVID-19 response.  The government announced expansion of its Main Street Relief Grant and an investment in a new COVID-19 contract tracing device for workplaces.  On the legislative front, the government introduced Bill 245, Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021 an omnibus bill comprised of 11 schedules.  

The 42nd Parliament of Ontario, which began its Fall Sitting on September 14 rose on December 8, 2020, concluding a Fall Session which saw 26 government Bills passed with the primary focus remaining on curbing the continued spread and impact of COVID-19.

The OBA provided feedback on the experience our members have had with electronic hearings including advocating for an expansion of the use of videoconference as well as continued dialogue to develop best practices and guidelines.

This week in the legislature the government remained focused on curbing the continued spread and impact of COVID-19. The government announced the creation of a Support for Learners program to provide additional financial support to parents and an investment in the tourism industry to support its ‘long-term sustainability’.  

This week in the legislature the government remained focused on curbing the continued spread of COVID-19 as Toronto and the Region of Peel were placed in a 28-day lockdown. The government announced holiday celebrations should only take place with family members and also announced the release of new technology allowing for COVID-19 rapid tests. The Auditor General released a special report this week criticizing the government for its handling of the pandemic.  

This week in the legislature the government remained focused on the continued spread of COVID-19 as it made plans for further restrictions in the hardest hit areas in the lead up to the holiday season.  The government announced the creation of a new agency to centralize government procurement of supplies and equipment to help during the pandemic and announced an investment in justice system mental health services. 

This week in the legislature the government released the province’s 2020 Budget and continued to be focused on COVID-19 related issues.  The government announced a new framework for monitoring and responding to the pandemic and faced criticism regarding a supply shortage of flu shots.

The 2020 Ontario Budget was released on November 5 at Queen's Park.  The Budget, originally scheduled for release in March, was postponed as the government focused its efforts on emergency management during the pandemic. 

This week in the legislature the government continued to be focused on COVID-19 related issues including funding in health care, education and housing supports.  The government faced scrutiny for proposing arts and science degree granting powers for the Canada Christian College under a COVID-19 omnibus bill. 

The OBA provided feedback to the Financial Services Tribunal on its two proposed practice directions on In-Person Hearings Covid-19 and Electronic Hearings while supporting fairness and access to justice principles.

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements including, funding for mental health supports for children and youth and advising against ‘trick-or-treating’ on Hallowe’en.  

The Legislature did not sit this week, as a result no new legislative matters proceeded. Of interest to family lawyers, the Standing Committee on Justice Policy held public hearings on Bill 207, Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act, 2020, at which the OBA appeared.  The government made a number of announcements this week to address ongoing concerns and impacts of COVID-19. 

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements.  With COVID-19 daily cases continuing to be above 500 and a backlog in Ontario’s COVID-19 testing, the government came under fire for reluctance to put in place further restrictions on businesses and lack of preparedness for the second wave.

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements.  With COVID-19 daily cases rising to the highest level since the outbreak occurred, the government focused on rolling out its plan for the second wave. On the legislative front, of particular interest to family lawyers, the Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act, 2020 passed second reading. 

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements. 

The Legislature sat on Monday and Tuesday this week.  There were no new bills introduced.  The Legislature adjourned this week, for the session, and will return on September 14, 2020.

The Legislature sat on Monday through Wednesday this week this week.  No new bills were introduced, however the government brought motions to time allocate Bill 195, Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 and Bill 197, COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, which were introduced last week. The motions would move the two bills to 3rd Reading next week, without committee hearings, when the legislature is scheduled to sit again on July 20th.

On Tuesday, the government introduced Bill 195, Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020. The legislation allows for the government to continue the use of existing emergency powers otherwise restricted for use under a Declaration of Emergency. The current Declaration of Emergency was introduced on March 17th and has been renewed within each consecutive two week period.

The OBA submission raised three specific issues that it would like to see addressed with respect to the proposed Legal Aid Services Act in Bill 161: (1) Ensuring additional funding for court-ordered services currently covered directly by the Attorney General; (2) Clarifying a fair process regarding information disclosure for lawyers who represent LAO clients; and, (3) Clarifying proportional representation on the LAO Board.

As part of the provincial government’s pre-budget consultations, the OBA asked the government to commit to adequate and predictable funding for the legal aid system and ensure adequate funding of a comprehensive strategy that recognizes the prevalence of mental health issues for society’s most vulnerable who are served by lawyers in all areas of the legal aid system.

The Ministry of the Attorney General, in partnership with Legal Aid Ontario is currently engaged in the Legal Aid Ontario Modernization Project (“Project”). The mandate of the Project is to develop and implement reform proposals and legislative amendments that will contribute to moving the legal aid system towards sustainability and modernized service delivery to better meet the needs of low-income Ontarians through governance and service delivery improvements.

The OBA writes to the Executive Chair of Tribunals Ontario seeking a meeting and further information on issues and challenges faced by Tribunals Ontario, and the appointment of adjudicators in particular.

The OBA provides a submission to the Minister of Finance regarding pre-budget consultations with individuals and organizations throughout the province.

The OBA wrote to the Law Society to reiterate the OBA’s unequivocal support for the CFRL Report and to identify failures to date in the implementation of the requirement for a Statement of Principles

The concise submission argues that the Condominium Authority Tribunal should be given some discretion in the way that it will make its orders available to the public, with regard to balancing openness and the privacy of individuals.

The OBA provided a submission to the legislative committee considering Bill 84, Medical Assistance in Dying Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017. The Bill amends six acts in response to the Federal Criminal Code amendments and relevant case law dealing with medical assistance in dying ("MAID").

The Ontario Bar Association (“OBA”) appreciates the opportunity to comment on issues raised in the Law Society of Upper Canada (“Law Society”) Challenges Faced by Racialized Licensees Working Group (“Working Group”) Final Report “Working Together for Change: Strategies to Address Issues of Systemic Racism in the Legal Professions” (the “Final Report”).

The Ontario Bar Association appreciates the opportunity to provide input on the Law Society of Upper Canada Professional Development and Competence Committee report to convocation dated September 22, 2016 addressing the Pathways Pilot Project Evaluation and Enhancements to Licensing.

The Ontario Bar Association (“OBA”) is pleased to provide this submission to the Law Society of Upper Canada Task Force on Compliance-Based Entity Regulation in response to its Consultation Paper: “Promoting Better Legal Practices” (“the Consultation Paper”).

The Ontario Bar Association (the “OBA”) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Ministry of the Attorney General’s consultation paper “Exploring an online Administrative Monetary Penalty System for infractions of provincial statutes and municipal by-laws in Ontario” (“the Consultation Paper”).

The Ontario Bar Association (“OBA”) is pleased to provide this update on our consideration of the issues raised by the Law Society of Upper Canada in “Alternative Business Structures and the Legal Profession in Ontario: A Discussion Paper” (the “Discussion Paper”)

The Ontario Bar Association (“OBA”) appreciates the opportunity to provide input on the Environment and Land Tribunals Ontario ("ELTO") Proposed Information Sheet and Practice Direction concerning Growth Plan hearings.

The Ontario Bar Association (“OBA”) appreciates the opportunity to provide input on the Ontario Human Rights Review 2011-12 (the “Review”).