Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | October 26, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 19
OCJ Practice Direction: Effective January 1, 2027, all page limits and permissible attachments at the Ontario Court of Justice family and child protection matters are to follow the new guidelines in the Practice Direction, subject to judicial discretion on a case-by-case basis.
News | October 23, 2026
Nominate a deserving colleague for an OBA Award
Each year, the Ontario Bar Association honours individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and accomplishments have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our profession, our association and the broader justice community. These awards shine a light on the people who go above and beyond to strengthen the legal profession, advance access to justice, support their colleagues and build a better justice system.
Advocacy | October 12, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 12
Toronto Written Consent Release Pilot Project: Effective October 19th, the Ontario Court of Justice is beginning a pilot project in Toronto that allows for out of Court written consent release orders to be issued by Judicial Officers for individuals in bail Court, who are seeking a straightforward bail release on consent of the Crown’s office.
Legislative Update | October 02, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 28
Ontario Judicial Appointments: The Honourable Sean Fraser, announced eight judicial appointments to the Court of Appeal of Ontario and Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. The appointments were done under the judicial application process established in 2016, emphasizing transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population.
Legislative Update | September 25, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 21
Starlink Costs: Ontario’s new Treasury Board President, Kinga Surma, declined to disclose how much the Ford government spent cancelling its $100 million agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service. When asked, Surma said, “the decision remained with the taxpayer, that was a big component of our election and the people voted to cancel the contract,” explaining that the government will “continue to move forward with [their] broadband strategy.”
Legislative Update | September 18, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 14
New Judicial Vacancies: There are currently several active priority vacancies in the Ontario Court of Justice, including Cornwall, Eliot Lake, Pembroke, Thunder Bay and Timmins. Candidates who wish to be considered for a judicial appointment are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
Legislative Update | August 10, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of August 3
Provincial By-Elections: Premier Ford has called byelections in three Ontario ridings: Scarborough Southwest, York–Simcoe and Hamilton East–Stoney Creek. The voting day will be on Sept. 3.
News | July 07, 2026
AI is Reshaping Legal Practice. Are You Ready?
Why Ontario lawyers are marking August 18 on their calendars.
Article | June 03, 2026
Why Where You Post Legal Career Opportunities Matters More Than Ever
In hiring lawyers, context, credibility, and connection can shape better outcomes for employers and candidates alike.
Article | May 26, 2026
IRCC Policy Changes and Their Practical Impact on International Student Representation
Recent IRCC policy changes are significantly reshaping international student representation and increasing the importance of compliance-focused legal advice. Positive developments include IRCC’s December 2025 clarification that students who become part-time in what was intended to be their final semester due to a failed course may still preserve PGWP eligibility, as well as the removal of the separate co-op work permit requirement for eligible students. At the same time, new restrictions on spousal open work permits, particularly the requirement that master’s programs generally be at least 16 months in length, are creating new barriers for international students and their families. These changes mean practitioners must conduct more detailed pre-retainer due diligence, carefully assess program eligibility and downstream immigration consequences, and approach study permit matters with a stronger focus on long-term strategy, compliance, and risk management.
