Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | September 05, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 1
Province Promotes Labour Mobility Changes: On Labour Day, the Ontario government touted the breaking down of interprovincial barriers for professions such as architects, engineers, geoscientists, land surveyors, electricians and more.
Legislative Update | September 02, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of August 25
Government Rejects Most Amendments to Municipal Accountability Bill: The governing PCs voted down major proposed amendments to Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, despite support for those changes from municipal leaders and other stakeholders during a summer-long consultation process across Ontario. One of the most significant proposals, brought forward by NDP MPP Jeff Burch, would have allowed a judge to make the final decision on whether to remove a municipal councillor from office following serious misconduct. The government defended its decision, with PC MPP Matthew Rae stating that allowing a judge to vacate an elected official’s seat would be unprecedented in Canadian history.
Legislative Update | August 27, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of August 18
Pipeline Corridor Faces Pushback Over Lack of Indigenous Consultation: A group representing seven First Nations in northern Ontario says the province's push for a cross-country pipeline is moving ahead without their voices and is in conflict with federally funded conservation work already underway. If approved, the East-West Canadian Energy Corridor would carry oil and gas from Alberta to refineries in southern Ontario. The premier has said the corridor would bring thousands of jobs and attract global investment.
Article | August 20, 2025
What is the Difference between a Litigation Guardian and Section 3 Counsel?
In litigation involving parties who are incapable, or where their capacity is in issue, it is important to ensure that the rights of such vulnerable parties are protected, and their wishes and dignity upheld. Litigation guardians and section 3 counsel under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 both serve similar purposes in this regard, but with different roles. In this article, Rebecca Kennedy discusses the differences in what each role requires or allows, and when the appointment of section 3 counsel or a litigation may be appropriate.
Advocacy | August 11, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of August 5
OBA Honours ABA President: American Bar Association President William Bay accepted the 2025 Ontario Bar Association President’s Award on Thursday at the Bridging Borders event – a joint session of the ABA, OBA, Canadian Bar Association and CBA In-House Lawyers.
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.
Article | May 28, 2025
What to Expect at the 2025 OBA Elder Law Day: Championing Justice for Older Adults
Sign up for the 2025 OBA Elder Law Day on June 19 - an essential event for all legal professionals committed to advancing justice for seniors. Featuring expert panels, meaningful networking, a powerful keynote by Melissa Miller, and an OBA Award celebration honouring Jane E. Meadus, this is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and lead with your fellow seniors’ advocates!
Advocacy | May 16, 2025
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of May 12
Province Tables Tariff-Era Budget: The Ford government plans to run a substantial deficit of almost $15 billion and spend more than $230 billion this year. On Thursday, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy presented the government’s 2025 budget, a document dominated by the tariff response and how it will impact the economy.
