Articles 2023

The Ontario Government has passed a regulation temporarily exempting proposals from Part II of the Environmental Bill of Rights. The Province will not be seeking public input or consider the Statements of Environmental Values when making decisions that are environmentally significant. The exemption is in place until 30 days after the termination of the Emergency Declaration, made on March 17, 2020, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

This is a tort that is sure to have further application in the family law realm. Andrea clearly outlines how it has been used so far, and why it is relevant to family law lawyers who may be advising their clients on what on-line behaviours are acceptable or punishable in terms of damages awarded.

This is an informative article about the strengths, and short-comings of the Ontario Courts' ability to function remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. Modern technological updates are required, and the light shed on this need may be one of the few positive results of a post-COVID-19 Court system in Ontario.

Gary's article offers insightful comments on the struggles evinced by the court system during this unprecedented time. He notes that the current court system is "paper intensive and people intensive" which isn't working any longer. In particular, he passes the torch to the younger members of the bar to ensure that complacency is over-ruled in favour of proactive actions by those best placed to know what needs to be done: the lawyers.

When it comes to judicial diversity, we are often met with an argument about merit - that while it would be better to have more diverse judges, what is most important is that the best, most capable people are appointed. Anna Wong discusses why diversity and merit are concepts that are not at odds.

This month's edition of Wellness Tips features WLF Executive Member, Nandi Deterville's list of ways you can practice self-care.

There was only one substantive civil decision released by the Court of Appeal this week - 1842752 Ontario Inc. v Fortress Wismer 3-2001 Ltd.

Ontario’s 2020 economic and fiscal update was delivered on March 25, 2020 and includes new measures that respond to economic concerns as a result of COVID-19.

Read a brief profile of Cathryn Sawicki, Secretary of the OBA Citizenship and Immigration Section Executive.