Submissions and Legislative Updates

Reports have been swirling online that DoFo, who asserted in 2019 that he's "the only premier in history that refuses to use the premier's plane that costs taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars," hitched a ride with the Ontario Provincial Police to FordFest Windsor, a PC Party celebration that took place on Friday.

Auditor-General's Swan Song: In a highly anticipated report, Auditor-General Bonnie Lysyk, whose 10-year term ends next month, did not hold back in finding that the government’s process for opening the Greenbelt for development was influenced by a group of well-connected developers, who are projected to make billions.

Last week, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a major cabinet shuffle which included the elevation of lawyer, Arif Virani, MP for Parkdale-High Park, to Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. You can learn more about the new Attorney General here.

The OBA provides guidance and comments to the government on the proposed approach to be taken for requiring public-sector entities to give preference to Ontario businesses in the procurement of goods and services under specified threshold amounts.

While the OBA supports of the objective of enhancing and encouraging compliance with PHIPA, the penalties proposed in the Regulation are excessive to the point of being punitive. The high amounts result in unintended negative consequences for patients impeding timely patient care. Procedural fairness protections are needed for those facing penalties.

Note that the OBA offices will be closed July 24-28. Digital Justice Platform: Ontario is moving away from the stone age paper proceedings and is investing $166 million to deliver more legal services online. Check out the Attorney General’s announcement here.

The Council of the Federation, aka Canada’s Premiers, met this week to talk about issues like affordability, health care, economic growth, and Canada’s competitiveness. They even have their own website! Premier Ford championed measures to expedite “shovels in the ground” for big infrastructure projects in Ontario, specifically naming Highway 413 and the Ring of Fire.

Caroline Mulroney was called to the Ontario bar, and three days later was appointed ‘King’s Counsel’ in Ontario. The title is bestowed on lawyers who have demonstrated commitment to the pursuit of legal excellence. Read more here. And in case you were wondering, yes, all Q.C.’s are now K.C’s.

The OBA supports an amendment to the Rules of Civil Procedure, which provides for a Rule to address the disclosure of partial settlements.

Olivia Chow will be sworn in as Toronto’s next mayor on July 12. After expressing concerns about a “lefty” becoming Mayor, Premier Doug Ford stated that he hopes to find common ground and work with Mayor-elect Chow. Read the CBC article on the results and Chow’s election promises here.