Resources, Articles, & Advocacy
Legislative Update | June 15, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of June 8
FIFA Commences: The biggest FIFA World Cup in history has officially started – jointly hosted across Canada, the United States and Mexico. Friday will mark Canada’s first-ever men’s World Cup match on home soil as the team takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. The World Cup runs until July 19, including six games in Toronto and seven games in Vancouver.
Legislative Update | June 05, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of June 1
Ontario Legislature Rises for 21-week Break: The Ford government ended its spring session two days early and has started an extended 21-week break. Government House Leader Steve Clark shared that politicians won’t return to Queen’s Park until Oct. 27 as returning earlier could “interfere” with local mayoral races around the province.
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.
Advocacy | May 29, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of May 25
Civil Rules Review Update: Attorney General Downey and Former Chief Justice Morawetz released a statement on the changes intended to be advanced in 2026.
Article | May 25, 2026
When the Minimum Fine is Too Much: Section 59(2) Submissions in Provincial Offences Court
This article discusses the use of section 59(2) of Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act as a sentencing tool to reduce mandatory minimum fines in exceptional circumstances where imposing the statutory minimum would be unduly oppressive or contrary to the interests of justice. It explains the legal principles governing section 59(2) submissions, the distinction between inconvenience and genuine hardship, and the evidentiary requirements counsel should prepare to support relief applications. The article also examines the limitations imposed by appellate jurisprudence, including the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in Ontario (Environment, Conservation and Parks) v. Henry of Pelham Inc., emphasizing that mandatory minimum fines serve important deterrence and public welfare objectives. Practical guidance is provided for counsel representing clients facing significant fines under provincial regulatory legislation.
Legislative Update | May 25, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of May 18
Island Airport Cost: The Toronto Port Authority has said that the proposed Billy Bishop airport expansion would cost up to $5 billion dollars to complete. Ontario is proposed to take over Toronto’s role in the tripartite agreement that governs the land and has stated that the Federal government supports the expansion.
Legislative Update | May 15, 2026
Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of May 11
Ontario Courts Virtual Training Sessions: The Ontario Courts Digital Transformation Team is offering ongoing virtual training opportunities for members of the legal community on the Ontario Courts Public Portal (OCPP), beginning May 19, 2026, and running through September 2026.
Media Release | May 11, 2026
Ontario Justice Centres Honoured with OBA President’s Award for Transforming Access to Justice
Ontario Bar Association President, Katy Commisso, is recognizing Ontario’s Justice Centres with the association’s annual OBA President’s Award.
Article | April 25, 2026
Beyond the Weather: A Newcomer Lawyer's Guide to Small Talk
In this personal reflection, Dr. Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang shares what she learned about small talk after arriving in Canada as a new immigrant in her thirties, the first in her family to attend post-secondary education. Drawing on the T.A.L.K. framework by Harvard Business School Professor Allison Wood Brooks, she walks through four practical principles, Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness, and applies them to the everyday conversations that shape a legal career: client intakes, networking receptions, mentor coffees, and difficult phone calls. Written for lawyers who, like her, were never handed the unwritten manual on Canadian small talk, the article offers both a framework and a quiet permission to keep learning.
Resource | April 01, 2026
The Art of Client Communication: Skills for Your Modern Legal Practice
Client relationships, both institutional and individual, are critical to file management and to providing accurate and competent legal advice and representation.
