This week at Queen's Park (and elsewhere)
Premier Ford to Turn Over Personal Phone Records: The Ford government’s request for a judicial review of two IPC rulings on access to the Premier’s private phone logs was dismissed. In their decision, the judges wrote, “The conclusion that the Premier used his personal cellphone to conduct Cabinet Office matters is a finding of fact that attracts a high degree of deference.” The Premier’s office will be seeking leave to appeal the decision.
Supreme Court Renovation to Take Ten Years: The Supreme Court of Canada will move to a new location that is predicted to be its base for at least a decade. Once moved, renovations will commence on the original building. The renovation of the court complex and West Memorial Building have a budget of over $1 billion.
Ontario Place Challenge: The Supreme Court of Canada will hear an appeal challenging the constitutionality of legislation that empowered the redevelopment of Ontario Place to include a private spa. The basis of the challenge is that the legislation insulates state action from court scrutiny, as well as alleged breaches of trust stemming from exemptions to environmental, heritage, and municipal laws.
First-of-its-kind Underwater Power Line: The Ford government approved plans to build Ontario’s first high-voltage underwater transmission line, running from the Darlington Nuclear Station in Bowmanville to Toronto. The project is targeted to address future electricity demand in Toronto, which is projected to double by 2050. The underwater transmission line will add 900 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 900,000 homes.
OBA Advocacy & News
Amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure: Two new regulations have been made to amend the Rules of Civil Procedure. O. Reg. 2/26 introduces restrictions on parties' choice of court location and increases judicial authority to transfer proceedings to a new location. O. Reg. 3/26 introduces specialized forms for use in various types of motions during appeals in the Court of Appeal and Divisional Court, to support clarity for users.
Licence Appeal Tribunal Quarterly Update: For Case Conferences, the LAT is canvassing parties for dates in April and May 2026. For oral hearings, with a Case Conference held January 8, 2026, the LAT is canvassing dates in May 2026, June 2026, and July 2026.
Capital Markets Tribunal Advisory Committee: The Capital Markets Tribunal is seeking applications for membership to the Securities Proceedings Advisory Committee (SPAC). The SPAC consists of staff on the Ontario Securities Commission and members from the private sector.
Civil Rules Review: The final report from the CRR Working Group was released and provided to the Attorney General. Many OBA recommendations were incorporated, and we will be reconvening our Taskforce to discuss remaining critical issues.
OBR Service Providers: The OBA continues to meet with MPBSD officials on the Ontario Business Registry, advocating on behalf of members for enhancements to the system. The OBR has increased the number of service provider organizations available for use on the OBR. You can find more information, including information on Company Keys, Service Providers, and the link for the OBR Newsletter, here.
OBA Pro Bono Portal: The OBA has launched a first-of-its-kind portal to match lawyers looking for opportunities to give back with organizations who need their help. The portal will be a one-stop shop for lawyers to quickly find opportunities that fit their practice area expertise, availability and passions. Lawyers will spend less time finding opportunities, and more time helping. Currently, Pro Bono Ontario opportunities are posted on the portal, and more organizations will be added in the coming weeks. If you are interested in volunteering, you can find the portal here.
OBA AI Academy: Check out the OBA’s AI Academy, a member-exclusive initiative designed to empower lawyers and law firms with the knowledge and hands-on experience to leverage AI effectively and responsibly. Learn more and get started with AI Academy.
Courts Digital Transformation: The Courts Digital Transformation Phase 1 rollout commenced on October 14, 2025, in the Toronto region for Superior Court of Justice Family proceedings, Civil Proceedings, Small Claims Court proceedings, Divisional Court proceedings and Enforcement, and Ontario Court of Justice family proceedings.
The OBA meets with MAG regularly to discuss feedback, issues, recommended enhancements, and additional supports and guides to e-filing systems. Please email CDT@oba.org with any feedback you have.
You can find more information and sign up for the CDT mailing list and network of external users, here.
Resources for the OCPP including a user guide, quick guides and videos can be accessed here.
Current & Upcoming Consultations
If you are interested in contributing to any of the consultations below, or providing feedback for standing meetings, please let your section executive know (2025-26 executives are posted at oba.org).
- E-Filing and Case Center Working Group Meeting with the Ministry of the Attorney General (Standing Meeting).
- Ontario Business Registry Working Group Meeting with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (Standing Meeting)
- Comments and feedback on any Standing Meetings can be sent to policy@oba.org
New Bills and Bills with Recent Activity
The house sits again on March 23, 2026.
Government Regulatory Consultations
New this week
Proposed Regulation to Prohibit Medically Unnecessary Procedures Performed on Dogs and Cats under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019
Deadline for Comments: January 29, 2026
Advancing Critical Transnmission Expansion in the Toronto Area (source: Environmental Registry)
Deadline for Comments: January 29, 2026
Ongoing Government Consultations
Proposed Amendment to Regulation 761: Milk and Milk Products under the Milk Act related to same day third-party delivery services
Deadline for Comments: January 19, 2025
Revisions of the Forest Management Guide for Boreal Landscapes (2014) and Forest Management Guide for Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Landscapes (2010) (source: Environmental Registry)
Deadline for Comments: January 19, 2026
Revisions to the Forest Management Guide for Conserving Biodiversity at the Stand and Site Scales (the Stand and Site Guide) (source: Environmental Registry)
Deadline for Comments: January 19, 2026
Proposed Approach to Implementing Mutual Recognition under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act, 2025
Deadline for Comments: January 21, 2025
Protecting Workers from the Underground Economy in the Construction Industry Consultation
Deadline for Comments: January 26, 2025
Proposal for regulations under the Education Act, related to school boards and local police services
Deadline for Comments: January 26, 2025
https://www.regulatoryregistry.gov.on.ca/proposal/52913Streamlining environmental permissions for mineral exploration (source: Environmental Registry)
Deadline for Comments: January 27, 2026
Exempting low-risk activities from requiring environmental permissions (source: Environmental Registry) Deadline for Comments: January 27, 2026 Cyber Security Regulation under the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024.
Deadline for Comments: February 2, 2026
Digital Technology Affecting Individuals Under 18 Regulation under the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024.
Deadline for Comments: February 2, 2026
Public Appointment Opportunities
There are currently no provincial appointment opportunities this week. For more information, review the advertised positions page here.
Judicial Appointment Opportunities
The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee (JAAC) has switched to a pool-based process and is inviting applications for judicial appointments across all base court locations in Ontario on a continuous basis. There are currently a number of active priority vacancies in the Central East, East, and West Regions. For more information, click here.