Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | October 30, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 26
Sault Courthouse Upgrades: The Ontario government is investing $4.3 million in security upgrades at the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse, including enhancements to holding cells, the duress system, and surveillance infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Ontario Court of Justice | October 27, 2026
OCJ Practice Direction – Page Limits & Attachments
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.
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.
Submission | October 01, 2026
Family Law Arbitrator Training
The OBA provides feedback to the Ministry of the Attorney General (“MAG”) on the required training for family law arbitrators. Our comments intend to help the Ministry better understand how to update training requirements regarding screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) and power imbalances in the context of family arbitrations.
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.
Submission | September 04, 2026
Family Law Arbitrator Training
The OBA provides feedback to the Ministry of the Attorney General (“MAG”) on the required training for family law arbitrators. Our comments intend to help the Ministry better understand how to update training requirements regarding screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) and power imbalances in the context of family arbitrations.
