Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | September 25, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 21
Starlink Costs: Ontario’s new Treasury Board President, Kinga Surma, declined to disclose how much the Ford government spent cancelling its $100 million agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service. When asked, Surma said, “the decision remained with the taxpayer, that was a big component of our election and the people voted to cancel the contract,” explaining that the government will “continue to move forward with [their] broadband strategy.”
Legislative Update | August 10, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of August 3
Provincial By-Elections: Premier Ford has called byelections in three Ontario ridings: Scarborough Southwest, York–Simcoe and Hamilton East–Stoney Creek. The voting day will be on Sept. 3.
Article | June 03, 2026
Why Where You Post Legal Career Opportunities Matters More Than Ever
In hiring lawyers, context, credibility, and connection can shape better outcomes for employers and candidates alike.
Article | May 25, 2026
When the Minimum Fine is Too Much: Section 59(2) Submissions in Provincial Offences Court
This article discusses the use of section 59(2) of Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act as a sentencing tool to reduce mandatory minimum fines in exceptional circumstances where imposing the statutory minimum would be unduly oppressive or contrary to the interests of justice. It explains the legal principles governing section 59(2) submissions, the distinction between inconvenience and genuine hardship, and the evidentiary requirements counsel should prepare to support relief applications. The article also examines the limitations imposed by appellate jurisprudence, including the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in Ontario (Environment, Conservation and Parks) v. Henry of Pelham Inc., emphasizing that mandatory minimum fines serve important deterrence and public welfare objectives. Practical guidance is provided for counsel representing clients facing significant fines under provincial regulatory legislation.
Media Release | May 11, 2026
Ontario Justice Centres Honoured with OBA President’s Award for Transforming Access to Justice
Ontario Bar Association President, Katy Commisso, is recognizing Ontario’s Justice Centres with the association’s annual OBA President’s Award.
Article | April 25, 2026
Beyond the Weather: A Newcomer Lawyer's Guide to Small Talk
In this personal reflection, Dr. Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang shares what she learned about small talk after arriving in Canada as a new immigrant in her thirties, the first in her family to attend post-secondary education. Drawing on the T.A.L.K. framework by Harvard Business School Professor Allison Wood Brooks, she walks through four practical principles, Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness, and applies them to the everyday conversations that shape a legal career: client intakes, networking receptions, mentor coffees, and difficult phone calls. Written for lawyers who, like her, were never handed the unwritten manual on Canadian small talk, the article offers both a framework and a quiet permission to keep learning.
Resource | April 01, 2026
The Art of Client Communication: Skills for Your Modern Legal Practice
Client relationships, both institutional and individual, are critical to file management and to providing accurate and competent legal advice and representation.
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,
Article | March 13, 2026
Adjudicate, Lien, or Both? Strategic Pathways in Ontario’s Evolving Regime
Adjudication under the Construction Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.30, has become an established mechanism for resolving payment and contract disputes, but recent legislative and regulatory changes have reshaped how it intersects with lien and trust remedies. Practitioners must now navigate a more nuanced landscape, weighing not only the timing and scope of adjudication but also whether it should complement or replace traditional lien proceedings. Decisions about pursuing adjudication, liens, or a combination of both require careful consideration of enforcement options, procedural efficiency, and cost, particularly where multiple invoices or complex disputes arise. This article explores the evolving framework, recent case law, and strategic considerations for practitioners for selecting the most effective pathway to protect client interests and maximize recovery.
Video | March 05, 2026
Drafting Effective Opinion Letters
A good opinion letter is clear, well-reasoned and nuanced to your client’s particular circumstances. Ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and insights you need to draft effective opinion letters with this helpful session.
