Submissions and Legislative Updates

The CSP is an important and reliable indication to members of the public that verifies a lawyer’s expertise. It promotes access to justice and is important in promoting EDI. The CSP should be expanded to other areas, and remain under the supervision of the LSO.

Greenbelt Surrender: The Chief of Staff to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing at the center of the Greenbelt controversy has resigned in the wake of the scathing Auditor General’s report. This is unlikely to quell opposition calls for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Premier to resign.

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.

The OBA provides guidance and comments to the government on proposals to address price escalations and to improve consumer protections in new home purchase agreements post-sale. The submission speaks to proposals that include potential caps to price increases, adding a cooling-off period, permitting class actions, and mandatory legal review of purchase and sale agreements.

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.

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.