Submissions

The open court principle (and established exceptions) should be applied equally, regardless of the mode of proceedings. The public should not have to provide identifying information to receive a Zoom link. Use tech solutions to mitigate risk rather than restricting public access.

Comments focus on removing the requirement that administrators provide notice of registration in some cases, removing the prohibition against the use of surplus in the first valuation report, and the need for clarification on restoring previously accrued benefits for former members.

OBA supports: amending the Rules and the CJA s 140 to allow vexatious litigant orders to be obtained by motion (in addition to application) and on a judges own initiative; creating additional pathways for expedited access to the courts to pre-empt VL litigation; and creating a list of hallmarks of VLs to provide additional clarity and consistency. Special consideration needs to be given to the VL in Family Law matters.

The OBA recommends a principles-based approach must be flexible enough to account for different Plan characteristics. Similarly, it is the OBA’s view that a Guidance document should clearly distinguish requirements from "good or best practices”.

The OBA recognizes the paramount importance of protecting worker’s health and safety, but advocates for simplifying the proposed methodology for measuring and assessing heat exposure limits in the workplace.

The CSP is an important and reliable indication to members of the public that verifies a lawyer’s expertise. It promotes access to justice and is important in promoting EDI. The CSP should be expanded to other areas, and remain under the supervision of the LSO.

OBA’s comments on the proposed revisions to Rule 26 in the Ontario Land Tribunal’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.

The OBA provides guidance and comments to the government on proposals to address price escalations and to improve consumer protections in new home purchase agreements post-sale. The submission speaks to proposals that include potential caps to price increases, adding a cooling-off period, permitting class actions, and mandatory legal review of purchase and sale agreements.

The OBA provides guidance and comments to the government on the proposed approach to be taken for requiring public-sector entities to give preference to Ontario businesses in the procurement of goods and services under specified threshold amounts.

While the OBA supports of the objective of enhancing and encouraging compliance with PHIPA, the penalties proposed in the Regulation are excessive to the point of being punitive. The high amounts result in unintended negative consequences for patients impeding timely patient care. Procedural fairness protections are needed for those facing penalties.