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Environmental Law

From programming and advocacy to peer recognition and relevant resources, OBA Section membership connects you with education, engagement and leadership opportunities to propel you to the forefront of your area of practice. 

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Resources, Articles, & Advocacy

Legislative Update | January 30, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 26

Eglinton LRT: The long-awaited and overbudget Eglinton LRT is targeting a February 8, 2026 launch date. More than 15 years since construction began, and six years since it was originally slated to open, the 19-kilometre, 25-station line will run between Kennedy Station and Mount Dennis.

Article | January 29, 2026

PFAS Drinking Water Contamination Stigma and Residential Property Value Loss: What Real Estate Professionals Should Know

Exposure to PFAS in drinking water has been associated with health risks such as immune suppression, thyroid disruption, and an increased risk of certain cancers. As a result, there has been a significant rise in class actions alleging property value diminution due to the stigma of PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Real estate professionals should be aware of this emerging issue.

Legislative Update | January 23, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 19

EV Boycott: Premier Ford is calling on Canadians to boycott Chinese-made EVs following a deal between Canada and China to allow up to 49,000 vehicles to enter Canada tariff-free.

Legislative Update | January 20, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 12

Premier Ford and China EVs: Following Prime Minister Carney’s meeting with Chinese President Xi, Premier Ford has raised alarm bells about the impact cheap Chinese EVs would have on Ontario's auto sector. The Premier has called the deal, which would allow up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter Canada tariff-free, as a lopsided deal.

Legislative Update | January 12, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 5

Premier Ford to Turn Over Personal Phone Records: The Ford government’s request for a judicial review of two IPC rulings on access to the Premier’s private phone logs was dismissed. In their decision, the judges wrote, “The conclusion that the Premier used his personal cellphone to conduct Cabinet Office matters is a finding of fact that attracts a high degree of deference.” The Premier’s office will be seeking leave to appeal the decision.

Submission | December 02, 2025

Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025

The OBA provides comments and recommendations to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding proposed amendments to the Construction Act, Residential Tenancies Act, and Municipal-Related Acts (Development Charges Act, Highway Traffic Act, Planning Act, Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, and Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act)

Article | November 11, 2025

PFAS in Canada: From Drinking Water Contamination to Class Action Litigation

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of synthetic compounds valued for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Their chemical stability has driven widespread industrial and commercial use, but also results in environmental persistence and potential health impacts. Recent developments include Health Canada’s updated drinking-water objective, the Government of Canada’s Final State of PFAS Report and proposed Risk Management Approach, and publicly reported mapping of PFAS hotspots nationwide by the CBC and The Globe and Mail. Class actions are also on the rise, largely addressing property-value impacts due to the stigma of PFAS contamination in residential drinking water.

Provincial | September 12, 2025

Queen's Park Day and Pre-Budget Consultation

The OBA will be holding a Queen's Park Day in Spring 2026 and will likely provide a submission on the annual pre-budget consultations, which typically occurs in early January. Sections are invited to provide section executive approved policy proposals for consideration by no later than December 8, 2025.