News

For several years, the Ontario Bar Association ("OBA") has advocated for modernization of our civil justice system. As I have discussed with you in our earlier meetings, this is a critical priority for our members and for me personally as the OBA President.

The province has announced measures aimed at "making housing more affordable." Lawyers should review the measures, particularly those that will have immediate or almost immediate effect, upon the of enactment of legislation.

On behalf of the Ontario Bar Association (the “OBA”), I am writing in relation to the new Toronto courthouse (“NTC”) and our members’ continuing support for models of criminal justice that effectively address youth-specific considerations and access to justice challenges.

These outstanding members of the profession have made exceptional Contributions to the practice of law in Ontario and to the Ontario Bar Association.

OBA Institute, an award-winning continuing professional development (CPD) event for Canadian lawyers, will take place February 7-11, 2017.

Earlier today, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynn announced new updates to the provincial cabinet. She named Marie-France Lalonde as the new Community Safety and Corrections Minister – a position that became vacant following David Orazietti’s recent departure.

Happy new year! I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated volunteers and staff in 2016. It is our combined effort and enthusiasm that helps ensure our members are heard. I look forward to continuing our important work in 2017.

OBA President David Sterns penned an article for the Toronto Star, outlining some of the efforts that could be taken immediately to help modernize Ontario’s court infrastructure. Bringing technology to Ontario’s courts is one way to help the profession practice more efficiently and help build the public’s confidence in our cherished justice system.

As a reminder to the profession, a number of changes have been made to Rule 48.14 of the Rules of Civil Procedure (Dismissal of Action for Delay) and will become effective January 1, 2017.

Building on a resolution of the Canadian Bar Association’s national council, the OBA’s Women Lawyers Forum and Civil Litigation Section recently proposed amendments to the Consolidated Provincial Practice Direction to accommodate the needs of lawyers appearing in court while pregnant in letters to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal for Ontario.