Submissions and Legislative Updates

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.

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.

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.

The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund says they’ve reached a proposed $10 billion settlement with the governments of Ontario and Canada over unpaid annuities for using their land. To learn more about this historic settlement, read more here.  

The Hon. Russell Brown decided to take early retirement from the Supreme Court of Canada following a misconduct claim made against him in January. You can read about it here. Only two weeks left until Toronto chooses a new Mayor on Monday June 26. Remember to get out and vote for one of the 102 candidates. If you are interested, the latest poll numbers are here, although they seem to be changing daily as we get closer to E-Day.

Mark your calendars for Pride Month! Please join the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association and its Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community (SOGIC) for our annual Pride Month program, Queer Perspectives on Professional Challenges and Mental Health, on June 13, 2023. The program will feature a panel of distinguished 2SLGBTQI+ practitioners. You can register of the event here.