Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | May 02, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of April 28
Province Proposes Plan to Get ‘Tough on Crime’: The Ontario government is proposing changes to the bail system that it says will protect communities by keeping violent repeat offenders off the streets and behind bars.
Legislative Update | April 25, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of April 21
Province Takes Control of School Board, Launches Probes at 3 Others: Ontario has taken control of one school board over financial mismanagement, launched financial probes of three other boards and ordered a fifth board to repay costs for a trip to Italy to buy art. New Education Minister Paul Calandra has ordered the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board to repay the cost of the board trip to Italy, as well as the $100,000 spent on art. The province has appointed a supervisor to the Thames Valley District School Board, in London, after it conducted a review in the wake of a staff retreat to Toronto that cost about $40,000. It is also launching investigations at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Toronto District School Board over ongoing financial deficits and spending concerns.
Legislative Update | April 22, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of April 14
New Session Begins at Queen's Park: Tuesday's throne speech, delivered by Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont, kicked off the new session of Premier Doug Ford’s third majority government. It leaned heavily on the theme of Ford’s successful election campaign, which tied the tariff threat to nearly every sector.
Article | April 17, 2025
Telecommunication Carriers and the Future of Municipal Consent under the Telecommunications Act
Telecommunication carriers in Canada need municipal consent to install and maintain infrastructure under municipal rights-of-way (ROW) as mandated by the Telecommunications Act of Canada. Municipal consent is often granted to carriers via Municipal Access Agreements, however, the enforceability of certain provisions within these agreements can be challenged. A recent application before the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) could clarify areas of dispute and shape future municipal authority over ROW access.
Article | March 31, 2025
Adapting to Tariffs: Legal Insights for Municipalities in Ontario
The recent imposition of tariffs on construction materials has significant consequences for Ontario municipalities. Tariffs will drive up costs for infrastructure projects, requiring municipalities to adjust procurement strategies, seek alternative suppliers, and explore new cost-sharing opportunities. Re-evaluating budget projections, exploring local sourcing options, and revisiting risk allocation or procurement policies will be necessary for municipalities to adapt, minimize disruptions, and maintain budgetary control in an unpredictable global trade environment.
Legislative Update | March 31, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of March 24
OBA Seeks "Urgency, Transparency and Accountability" from LSO: In an op-ed published on Thursday, the OBA urged the Law Society of Ontario to deal quickly with the current crisis and then shift its focus from the insular considerations of how to govern itself to the vital work of governing. “These are hard times for the rule of law, access to justice and our economic stability. Lawyers have a critical role to play," OBA President Kathryn Manning wrote. “We must get past this issue and turn our efforts to these fundamental matters. The only way past this issue is to chart a straightforward course through; there is no getting around it. We look forward to working with the many benchers who recognize that.”
