Submissions and Legislative Updates

This week in the legislature the government released the province’s 2020 Budget and continued to be focused on COVID-19 related issues.  The government announced a new framework for monitoring and responding to the pandemic and faced criticism regarding a supply shortage of flu shots.

The 2020 Ontario Budget was released on November 5 at Queen's Park.  The Budget, originally scheduled for release in March, was postponed as the government focused its efforts on emergency management during the pandemic. 

This week in the legislature the government continued to be focused on COVID-19 related issues including funding in health care, education and housing supports.  The government faced scrutiny for proposing arts and science degree granting powers for the Canada Christian College under a COVID-19 omnibus bill. 

The OBA provided feedback to the Financial Services Tribunal on its two proposed practice directions on In-Person Hearings Covid-19 and Electronic Hearings while supporting fairness and access to justice principles.

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements including, funding for mental health supports for children and youth and advising against ‘trick-or-treating’ on Hallowe’en.  

The Legislature did not sit this week, as a result no new legislative matters proceeded. Of interest to family lawyers, the Standing Committee on Justice Policy held public hearings on Bill 207, Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act, 2020, at which the OBA appeared.  The government made a number of announcements this week to address ongoing concerns and impacts of COVID-19. 

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements.  With COVID-19 daily cases continuing to be above 500 and a backlog in Ontario’s COVID-19 testing, the government came under fire for reluctance to put in place further restrictions on businesses and lack of preparedness for the second wave.

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements.  With COVID-19 daily cases rising to the highest level since the outbreak occurred, the government focused on rolling out its plan for the second wave. On the legislative front, of particular interest to family lawyers, the Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act, 2020 passed second reading. 

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and the focus of government announcements. 

The Legislature returned this week after adjourning on July 21.  The government introduced two pieces of legislation, Bill 202, Soldier’s Aid Commission Act, 2020 and Bill 204, Helping Tenants and Small Businesses Act, 2020. The main issues this week revolved around the government’s back to school plans and the rise in COVID-19 cases.