Young Lawyers Division

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 professional community.

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Resources, Articles, & Advocacy

Legislative Update | June 27, 2025

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of June 23

Crime Bill with Tougher Bail, Sentencing Provisions Coming in Fall: The federal government will table a bill this fall introducing stricter bail conditions and sentencing for some crimes, particularly those involving organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and car theft. Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the government will “at minimum” implement the crime policies the Liberals promised during the spring federal election. These include making bail more difficult to get for some offences. They also promised tougher sentencing guidelines for repeat car thieves and violent and organized crime, and to allow for consecutive sentencing for some cases of car theft and for serious and violent offences.

Article | June 27, 2025

YLD Gala Keynote Speaker, Chief Justice Wagner Encourages Young Lawyers to Keep an Open Mind and Trust in Themselves

On July 22, 2025, Chief Justice Wagner served as keynote speaker for the Young Lawyer Division’s Annual Gala. Chief Justice Wagner has served on the Supreme Court since 2012, and is the 18th Chief Justice of Canada. He leads the Canadian Judicial Council, the National Judicial Institute, and the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.

Advocacy | June 11, 2025

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of June 9

Legislative Update | June 06, 2025

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of June 2

Ford Government Passes Mining Legislation: Bill 5, or the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, passed third reading this week and has been granted royal assent by the lieutenant governor. The legislation will create so-called special economic zones where laws, ranging from municipal approvals to environmental rules or even labour law, won’t apply. At Queen’s Park on Wednesday, cries of protest rang out from the galleries inside the legislature as MPPs voted. Indigenous leaders have vowed to keep fighting against the legislation.

Article | June 04, 2025

Key Legislative Changes for Ontario Employers to Know in 2025

In this article, Shannon Sweeney highlights important amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which will take effect in 2025 and 2026. Anyone who acts for employers, or who is an employer, will want to take note of these incoming changes.