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 08, 2026
Beyond Classification: Developing Legal Protections for Neurotechnology
Neurotechnology is rapidly expanding from clinical use into consumer markets, enabling the collection of highly sensitive neural data that can reveal thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Regulators in Canada, the EU, and the U.S. have begun addressing this by classifying neural data as sensitive personal information under existing or new privacy laws. However, focusing solely on classification may leave significant gaps, especially where non-neural data can be used to infer mental states or where technologies evolve beyond current definitions. Experts and organizations like the World Economic Forum argue that a broader, technology-neutral regulatory approach is needed. In response, UNESCO’s 2025 Recommendation proposes a more comprehensive framework that goes beyond data classification to address the full lifecycle of neurotechnology. It emphasizes protections for both neural and related data, stronger consent and consumer safeguards, cybersecurity standards, and limits on commercial misuse. Overall, the trend is toward more flexible, future-proof regulation that governs not just data, but neurotechnology as a whole.
Article | April 02, 2026
Scraping The Surface: The Clearview AI Cases and Testing the Limits of Technological Neutrality
Clearview AI’s facial recognition technology, which collects images from publicly accessible online sources, has led to significant privacy law challenges and litigation in Canada. The legal scrutiny focuses on issues of consent, the classification of publicly available information, and the applicability of existing privacy laws to modern data practices.
Article | April 02, 2026
Navigating Ambush Marketing Laws in Canada
As Canada prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, businesses face legal risks from ambush marketing, which involves unauthorized association with major events either through direct IP infringement or indirect suggestive tactics, both of which harm official sponsors and mislead the public. Canada lacks a broad legal ban on ambush marketing except for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but consumer protection and IP laws like the Competition Act, Trademarks Act, and Copyright Act provide remedies against misleading representations and unauthorized use of protected marks and artistic works, with penalties including injunctions, damages, and substantial fines. Advertisers and event organizers are advised to carefully review campaigns and contracts to avoid legal violations and protect brand integrity, seeking legal guidance as needed.
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.
