Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | April 10, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of April 6
To The Moon and Back: The Artemis II mission is returning to Earth and will splash down off the coast of San Diego Friday evening. Artemis II was the first journey to the moon in more than 50 years, and paves the way to a moon landing in the near future.
Article | April 09, 2026
Environmental Fines and Penalties: Enforcement Trends for the Natural Resource Sector
Environmental enforcement in the natural resource sector is becoming more active, with regulators relying on larger fines, administrative penalties, and broader compliance tools. Recent developments suggest a growing preference for faster enforcement mechanisms, particularly where regulators are seeking timely compliance outcomes. For regulated parties, this underscores the importance of maintaining strong internal systems, documentation, and environmental compliance practices.
Article | April 09, 2026
Environmental Class Action Legal First: Punitive Damages Certified Against Federal Government for Delay in PFAS “Forever Chemical” Drinking Water Contamination Disclosure
Nathan Adams examines a landmark Ontario Superior Court of Justice decision where the court allowed punitive damages against the federal government in a PFAS class action, finding that a 2.5-year delay in warning residents about contaminated drinking water could amount to “high-handed” conduct; signalling real legal consequences for regulatory inaction.
Advocacy | March 27, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of March 23
2026 Ontario Budget: On Thursday, the Ontario government released the 2026 Budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario. Justice sector spending is projected at $7.3 billion in 2026-27, and the overall deficit for 2026-27 is $13.8 billion, up from the $7.8 billion figure in the 2025 budget. You can read more about the budget and view the full document here.
Advocacy | March 27, 2026
OBA Update - Budget 2026
Justice sector expense is projected to increase from $7.2 billion in 2024–25 to $7.4 billion in 2028–29. Investments in the sector support enhanced border security, the expansion and construction of new correctional institutions, and public safety,
Legislative Update | March 20, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of March 16
Pepper Spray: Ontario is calling on the Federal government to amend the Criminal Code to allow the use of pepper spray for self-defence. Currently, pepper spray designed for use on people is classified as a prohibited weapon.
Legislative Update | March 13, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of March 9
Jets at Billy Bishop: Premier Ford has suggested that the province may expropriate Toronto’s share of the airport lands if officials block the expansion plans. The federal government did not specifically endorse the plan, but suggested it was open to examining future expansion.
Advocacy | February 27, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of February 23
OBR Ontario Business Account: On February 23, 2026, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement launched the Ontario Business Account. If you are an intermediary using the Ontario Business Account, the ministry recommends transferring your account to the OBR Partner Portal, which is designed to help intermediaries manage client accounts efficiently.
