Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Advocacy | March 27, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of March 23
2026 Ontario Budget: On Thursday, the Ontario government released the 2026 Budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario. Justice sector spending is projected at $7.3 billion in 2026-27, and the overall deficit for 2026-27 is $13.8 billion, up from the $7.8 billion figure in the 2025 budget. You can read more about the budget and view the full document here.
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,
Legislative Update | March 20, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of March 16
Pepper Spray: Ontario is calling on the Federal government to amend the Criminal Code to allow the use of pepper spray for self-defence. Currently, pepper spray designed for use on people is classified as a prohibited weapon.
Legislative Update | March 13, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of March 9
Jets at Billy Bishop: Premier Ford has suggested that the province may expropriate Toronto’s share of the airport lands if officials block the expansion plans. The federal government did not specifically endorse the plan, but suggested it was open to examining future expansion.
Advocacy | February 27, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of February 23
OBR Ontario Business Account: On February 23, 2026, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement launched the Ontario Business Account. If you are an intermediary using the Ontario Business Account, the ministry recommends transferring your account to the OBR Partner Portal, which is designed to help intermediaries manage client accounts efficiently.
| February 13, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of February 9
Olympic Winter Games: The 2026 Winter Olympic games are underway with a relatively slow start for Canada. Canada is currently #15 in terms of total medals, with zero golds, 3 silvers, and 4 bronze medals. The top three countries by medal count are currently Norway and Italy tied at 18 medals, with the U.S. in third with 14 medals.
Article | February 08, 2026
Similar but Different: Substitute Decision-Makers under the Rules of Civil Procedure and the Family Law Rules
The concept of a “substitute decision-maker” is deceptively simple but legally complex. While the role is often conflated with informal caregiving or family decision-making, in law it carries significant fiduciary duties and procedural consequences. Matters are further complicated by inconsistent terminology: the Substitute Decisions Act, the Family Law Rules, and the Rules of Civil Procedure each frame incapacity and representation in slightly different ways. For practitioners, this patchwork can create pitfalls when advising clients, drafting materials, or litigating issues involving incapable parties.
Article | February 08, 2026
What Ontario’s Seniors and Caregivers Should Know About the Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025
In May 2025, the Ontario government reintroduced the Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025, a legislative reform aimed at improving care standards, enhancing resident protections, and recognizing the essential role of caregivers. The Act proposes changes to both the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and the Retirement Homes Act, 2010. This article highlights the most important things seniors, and their caregivers need to know about the proposed reforms, and what they may mean for long-term care, retirement living, and caregiving in Ontario.
