The Ontario government has introduced changes to provincial family legislation with Bill-207, Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act, 2020. Of particular concern to the OACPL were the serious restrictions the new appeal routes place, requiring leave to access to a panel of 3 judges at the Ontario Court of Appeal.

The OACPL prepared submissions for the Standing Committee on Justice Policy advocating for fair and accessible judicial oversight of child protection decisions.

We are happy to announce that these submissions were well-received and new amendments to Bill 207 include removing leave requirements for child protection appeals to the OCA. We are very grateful for the stellar advocacy of Tammy Law and David Miller. (See the attached submissions). This is a big win for access to justice for Ontario families!