Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Article | October 19, 2026
Exciting Upcoming OBA Child and Youth Law Section Opportunities for the 2026/2027 Term
This article covers the OBA Child and Youth Law Section's upcoming events and opportunities to become involved this term.
Article | October 16, 2026
Starting with the Child: Children’s Meaningful Participation in Family Law Matters
At the OBA’s Seventeenth Annual Bread & Butter Issues in Family Law program on September 24, 2026, Dr. Rachel Birnbaum, Adjunct Research Professor and Distinguished University Professor Emerita at King’s University College, Western University, and Caterina (Cathy) Tempesta, Counsel at the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, jointly delivered a presentation to attendees on children’s participation rights, the different ways children may be heard, and the importance of treating their views as the beginning of a child-centred inquiry. This article summarizes some of the key principles and practice tips provided during this session.
Advocacy | October 12, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 12
Toronto Written Consent Release Pilot Project: Effective October 19th, the Ontario Court of Justice is beginning a pilot project in Toronto that allows for out of Court written consent release orders to be issued by Judicial Officers for individuals in bail Court, who are seeking a straightforward bail release on consent of the Crown’s office.
Legislative Update | October 02, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 28
Ontario Judicial Appointments: The Honourable Sean Fraser, announced eight judicial appointments to the Court of Appeal of Ontario and Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. The appointments were done under the judicial application process established in 2016, emphasizing transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population.
Legislative Update | September 25, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 21
Starlink Costs: Ontario’s new Treasury Board President, Kinga Surma, declined to disclose how much the Ford government spent cancelling its $100 million agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service. When asked, Surma said, “the decision remained with the taxpayer, that was a big component of our election and the people voted to cancel the contract,” explaining that the government will “continue to move forward with [their] broadband strategy.”
