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Child and Youth Law

From programming and advocacy to peer recognition and relevant resources, OBA Section membership connects you with education, engagement and leadership opportunities to propel you to the forefront of your area of practice.

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Resources, Articles, & Advocacy

Legislative Update | January 23, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 19

EV Boycott: Premier Ford is calling on Canadians to boycott Chinese-made EVs following a deal between Canada and China to allow up to 49,000 vehicles to enter Canada tariff-free.

Legislative Update | January 20, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 12

Premier Ford and China EVs: Following Prime Minister Carney’s meeting with Chinese President Xi, Premier Ford has raised alarm bells about the impact cheap Chinese EVs would have on Ontario's auto sector. The Premier has called the deal, which would allow up to 49,000 Chinese EVs to enter Canada tariff-free, as a lopsided deal.

Legislative Update | January 12, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of January 5

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.

Advocacy | December 02, 2025

Proposals to Make Restraining Orders More Accessible and to Streamline Enforcement of Restraining Orders Made Outside Ontario 

The OBA provides comments and recommendations to the Ministry of the Attorney General regarding proposals to allow individuals to apply for restraining orders on behalf of at-risk persons, and for potential new legislation to streamline the enforcement of restraining orders made in other provinces and territories.

Article | November 19, 2025

When is a Young Person "At Trial" Under the YCJA?

In a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Justice, R. v. X.C., 2025 ONCJ 366, Justice Jones provides important clarification as to how this provision of the YCJA should be interpreted. Specifically, Justice Jones contends with the definition of “at trial.” At the heart of Justice Jones’ analysis is the conclusion that a young person is “at trial” from the moment they have indicated they want to contest their charges.