Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | October 30, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 26
Sault Courthouse Upgrades: The Ontario government is investing $4.3 million in security upgrades at the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse, including enhancements to holding cells, the duress system, and surveillance infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Legislative Update | October 26, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 19
OCJ Practice Direction: Effective January 1, 2027, all page limits and permissible attachments at the Ontario Court of Justice family and child protection matters are to follow the new guidelines in the Practice Direction, subject to judicial discretion on a case-by-case basis.
Article | October 26, 2026
Insights from the 25th Annual Charter Conference
On October 6, 2026, the Constitutional, Civil Liberties and Human Rights Section of the Ontario Bar Association hosted its 25th Annual Charter Conference in Toronto. This article reviews key conference themes, including recent Charter jurisprudence, upcoming cases to watch, and strategies for effective advocacy.
Article | October 26, 2026
The Limits of Liberty: Absolute Rights and Constitutional Responsibility
This article examines the relationship between individual liberty, competing constitutional rights, and the possibility of absolute rights under the Canadian Charter. Drawing on freedom of conscience, Supreme Court of Canada jurisprudence, and Canada's constitutional history, it explores how rights can coexist within a shared constitutional order while maintaining meaningful limits on governmental power.
News | October 23, 2026
Nominate a deserving colleague for an OBA Award
Each year, the Ontario Bar Association honours individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and accomplishments have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our profession, our association and the broader justice community. These awards shine a light on the people who go above and beyond to strengthen the legal profession, advance access to justice, support their colleagues and build a better justice system.
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario | October 14, 2026
HRTO: New, More User-friendly Way to Fill Out its Forms
Effective September 28, 2026, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is introducing a new, easier and accessible way to fill out its application and response forms.
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.
