Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Article | October 14, 2025
The Impact of Eliminating Examinations for Discovery in 2026
In 2026 the Civil Rules Review Working Group (CRRWG) is looking to bring changes which include the elimination of Examinations for Discovery and replacing it with an early disclosure of all affidavits from all anticipated trial witnesses and documentation to be used at trial. Among the proposed reforms, the elimination of discoveries is by far the most discussed and striking proposal for litigators. Without oral testimony prior to trial, lawyers lose the critical opportunity to assess a plaintiff’s credibility and identify inconsistencies in their affidavits or documents. With trial being the first time evidence is heard, both parties may face unexpected developments, making it harder to anticipate and counter arguments. The elimination of discovery also removes the ability to request undertakings for key documents. Under the proposed 'documentary disclosure', there’s concern that parties may withhold materials that could support the opposing case. Without the mechanism of undertakings, obtaining crucial evidence may become significantly more challenging.
Legislative Update | October 14, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 6
Premier Ford Car Alarm: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Canadian officials and business leaders that America is committed to consolidating vehicle assembly within its borders and that Canada would come “second”. Premier Ford warned that Canada faces a massive threat to domestic manufacturing, and threatened cutting off critical mineral exports to the U.S.
Advocacy | October 03, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 29
Minimum Wage Bump: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island all increased the minimum wage on October 1, 2025. Ontario’s minimum wage is the highest among the five provinces, now at $17.60-per-hour. British Colombia, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador each raised their minimum wage earlier this year. Alberta is the only province that has not increased its minimum wage, which sits at $15-per-hour, the lowest rate in Canada.
Legislative Update | September 26, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 22
Courts Digital Transformation Launch: Starting October 14, 2025, all electronic court filings for Toronto must be submitted through the Ontario Courts Public Portal (OCPP). This new public portal will be used in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (SCJ) for Family proceedings, Civil proceedings, Small Claims Court proceedings and Divisional Court proceedings and Enforcement, and in the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) for Family proceedings.
Legislative Update | September 22, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 15
Courts Digital Transformation Launch: Starting October 14, 2025, all electronic court filings for Toronto must be submitted through the Ontario Courts Public Portal (OCPP). This new public portal will be used in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (SCJ) for Family proceedings, Civil proceedings, Small Claims Court proceedings and Divisional Court proceedings and Enforcement, and in the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) for Family proceedings.
