News

On June 13, 2016, Premier Wynne announced significant changes to her cabinet, increasing its size from 27 to 30, moving ten ministers into new roles, and bringing in seven new members. Cabinet has four lawyers, including Yasir Naqvi as Attorney General.

On June 7, 2016 the Premier announced new “Gender Diversity Targets,” which flow from recommendations in a report commissioned by the government on Gender Diversity on Boards in Canada.

A recent Law Times article reports on the impact of judicial vacancies on the court system, and quotes OBA President Ed Upenieks as saying “It impacts on the whole system. When you have delays, justice delayed is justice denied.”

The OBA congratulates Past President Orlando Da Silva, one of the recipients of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation’s 2016 Transforming Lives Awards.

The OBA Taxation Law section is pleased to announce that Brian Carr, KPMG Law LLP has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Ontario Bar Association Award for Excellence in Taxation Law.

Today the Ministry of the Attorney General announced an expansion of the small claims court online filing service. All small claims up to $25,000 can now be filed online through an around-the-clock service, including both liquidated and non-liquidated claims.

Last night, the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) recognized outstanding members who have made significant contributions to the practices of law in Ontario.

Events are scattered across the country today and for the next month to commemorate the April 17, 1982 signing of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

As you may be aware, Court Services Division (CSD) is committed to modernizing practice areas to support accessible, fair, timely and effective justice services. As a result and in a continued effort to improve service to clients, I am pleased to advise that a vetting station will be implemented effective April 11, 2016 in the civil and family intake office with the Superior Court of Justice at 393 University Avenue.

The Law Society Human Rights Award, established in 2013, recognizes outstanding contributions to the advancement of human rights and/or the promotion of the rule of law provincially, nationally or internationally. The award is granted every two years to an individual who has demonstrated devotion to the advancement of human rights and the rule of law over a long term or a single outstanding act of service.