Submissions and Legislative Updates

The Ontario Bar Association, Family Law Section (the “Section”) wishes to congratulate the Action Committee on Access to Justice in Civil and Family Matters (the "Committee") on the excellent work on the Beyond Wise Words Report (the "Report") dated December 19, 2012.

As promised, I am writing to provide more detail on one of the issues of growing concern, namely, the “status notice” and “status hearing” procedures outlined in Rule 48.14 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

The Ontario Bar Association (the “OBA”) appreciates the opportunity to provide input on an issue so fundamental to the future of the profession.

As the people on the front lines of the justice system, OBA members understand the crucial importance of ensuring access to justice to protect legitimate legal rights while avoiding the chill on public participation and drain on public resources that ill-motivated law suits can exact.

The Ontario Bar Association (“OBA”) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Draft Third Party Processes Policy (the “Policy” or the “Draft Policy”) produced by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (“CPSO”).

Pursuant to an order of the Honourable Associate Chief Justice of Ontario, dated May 4, 2011, the OBA was appointed Amicus Curiae for the purpose of rendering assistance to the court on the meaning and scope of rule 20 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

The Ontario Bar Association (“OBA”) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Final Report (the “Report”) of the Catastrophic Impairment Expert Panel (the “Panel”) to the Superintendent, dated April 8, 2011.