News

In accordance with the OBA By-law, all members are hereby advised that the OBA annual meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 6 p.m.

The OBA welcomes the 2017-2018 Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Executive. The new executives assume their roles on August 15th, 2017. The Alternative Dispute Resolution executive is responsible for facilitating learning, advocacy and networking on behalf of the Alternative Dispute Resolution section.

For several years, the Ontario Bar Association ("OBA") has advocated for modernization of our civil justice system. As I have discussed with you in our earlier meetings, this is a critical priority for our members and for me personally as the OBA President.

The province has announced measures aimed at "making housing more affordable." Lawyers should review the measures, particularly those that will have immediate or almost immediate effect, upon the of enactment of legislation.

On behalf of the Ontario Bar Association (the “OBA”), I am writing in relation to the new Toronto courthouse (“NTC”) and our members’ continuing support for models of criminal justice that effectively address youth-specific considerations and access to justice challenges.

These outstanding members of the profession have made exceptional Contributions to the practice of law in Ontario and to the Ontario Bar Association.

OBA Institute, an award-winning continuing professional development (CPD) event for Canadian lawyers, will take place February 7-11, 2017.

Earlier today, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynn announced new updates to the provincial cabinet. She named Marie-France Lalonde as the new Community Safety and Corrections Minister – a position that became vacant following David Orazietti’s recent departure.

Happy new year! I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated volunteers and staff in 2016. It is our combined effort and enthusiasm that helps ensure our members are heard. I look forward to continuing our important work in 2017.

OBA President David Sterns penned an article for the Toronto Star, outlining some of the efforts that could be taken immediately to help modernize Ontario’s court infrastructure. Bringing technology to Ontario’s courts is one way to help the profession practice more efficiently and help build the public’s confidence in our cherished justice system.