Submissions and Legislative Updates

The Legislature did not sit this week.  The government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government publicly musing over reopening schools in certain regions as of May 31 and facing criticism for lack of a coherent plan. 

The OBA provided a submission to Legal Aid Ontario regarding the draft rules prepared by LAO pursuant to the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020.

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government announcing an extended stay-at-home order for the province and cancelling the use of the Astra Zeneca vaccine as the first vaccine shot for individuals. 

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government announcing the creation of mobile vaccine units for small and medium sized businesses in provincial hot spots.  With daily COVID-19 cases ranging between 2800 to 3400, the government continued to announce funding for COVID-19 priorities including funding for seniors struggling with COVID-19 related cognitive impairments. 

The OBA provided a submission to the Office of the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice outlining concerns about the delay arising from the special bail hearing procedure, and providing recommendations to reduce same.

The Legislature did not sit this week.  The government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of government announcements this past week including the Premier’s decision to once again enact a provincial emergency and stay-at-home order.  The government announced funding this week for a manufacturing plant that produces disinfectants to help against the spread of COVID-19 and the Toronto school boards switched to remote learning. 

This week in the Legislature, the government’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate with the government announcing a provincewide ‘emergency brake’ today, restricting in person activities.  The government announced funding this week for four hours of free legal advice for survivors of sexual assault commencing May 1, and $200M to support small business in Ontario’s tourism and hospitality industry impacted by the pandemic. 

This week in the Legislature, the government released the 2021-2022 budget.  The province’s plans to address COVID-19 continued to be the focus of debate and government announcements, including announcements that restaurant staff would be added to the essential workers list for the purposes of earlier access to vaccines and funding for transportation to help seniors and people with disabilities reach vaccine centres. 

The OBA provided a submission to the Ontario Court of Justice outlining the challenges experienced with criminal virtual case management courts, and providing recommendations to improve the process.

The Legislature did not sit this week, as a result no new legislative matters proceeded. The government made a number of announcements to address ongoing concerns and impacts of COVID-19 including the launch of the online booking system for vaccine appointments for those over 80, investments in recruiting and training staff for long-term care homes and investments in new long-term care projects.