Citizenship and Immigration 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 | July 21, 2025

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of July 14

First Nations Groups File Legal Challenge to Ontario’s Bill 5, Feds’ Bill C-5: A coalition of Ontario First Nations is taking legal action to try and throw out provincial and federal legislation designed to fast-track major projects, saying the two laws threaten their rights and “ways of life.” Nine First Nation groups are bringing urgent litigation to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to try and kill Ontario’s Bill 5 and the federal government’s Bill C-5. The Ford government passed Bill 5 in June, which allows it to create special economic zones where municipal and provincial laws can be suspended. Similarly, the federal Bill C-5 allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big projects deemed to be in the national interest, such as mines, ports and pipelines, by sidestepping existing laws.

Submission | July 21, 2025

Bill 46, Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, 2025

The OBA provides comments and recommendations on Bill 46, Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, 2025, commenting on proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, the Courts of Justice Act, the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, and the Succession Law Reform Act.

Submission | July 11, 2025

Bill 30, Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025

The OBA provides comments and recommendations on Bill 30, the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, regarding changes to the Ontario Immigration Act, and the Employment Standards Act.

Advocacy | July 07, 2025

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of June 30

New Regional Senior Justice Appointed to the OCJ: Justice Anthony Frederick Leitch has been appointed regional senior justice for the Central West Region of the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ), effective September 1. He had been the acting senior judge in the region since 2023.

Article | July 02, 2025

Digital Borders and Racial Codes in AI Migration Control

This article examines the growing use of artificial intelligence in migration systems, focusing on tools like IRCC’s Chinook platform and the UNHCR’s Project Jetson. It raises concerns about how these technologies may reinforce systemic bias, limit procedural fairness, and reduce transparency in decision-making. Drawing on recent Federal Court decisions and critical legal theory, the piece calls for stronger safeguards and a more accountable, rights-based approach to technology in immigration governance.