On April 15, Cassandra Richards, Co-chair of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Legislation (CLA) Committee, appeared before the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Standing Committee on Justice Police regarding Bill 75, Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act on behalf of the CLA. Our submissions focused on a central feature of the bill: the proposed cash bail provision. This would require an accused or surety to […]
News
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On April 15, Cassandra Richards, Co-chair of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Legislation (CLA) Committee, appeared before the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Standing Committee on Justice Police regarding Bill 75, Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act
Posted by John Chagnon in News on April 20, 2026
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On April 16, Cassandra Richards, Co-chair of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Legislation (CLA) Committee, appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs’ study of Bill C-14
On April 16, 2026, Cassandra Richards, Co-chair of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Legislation (CLA) Committee, appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs‘ study of Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act on behalf of the CLA. You can watch the CLA’s submissions here. The CLA made three key recommendations to the Committee: While the CLA […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on April 17, 2026
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Important Changes at the Law Society of Ontario – Effective March 31, 2026
Contingency Plans: Licensees will be required to have a written contingency plan in place in the event they unexpectedly stop practicing, whether temporarily or permanently. The minimum components of a contingency plan are listed in by-law 7-1 and include the appointment of one or more licensees as administrator(s) to take all steps necessary to preserve […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on March 24, 2026
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CLA LinkedIn Launch
The Criminal Lawyers’ Association is happy to let you know it has (finally) established a presence on LinkedIn! We’re using our new page to amplify CLA’s advocacy on key issues affecting criminal law and Canada’s justice system. We’ll also share information about professional development, events, and highlight the work and contributions of our members. The […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on March 23, 2026
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The Criminal Lawyers’ Association’s statement on calls for a judicial apology in the Umar Zameer case
The OPP report on the officers’ conduct in the Umar Zameer trial was a repackaging of the evidence already heard by an impartial jury that unanimously rejected the officers’ accounts and acquitted Mr. Zameer. At the conclusion of the trial, the Toronto Police Chief declared that: “we were hoping for a different outcome”. To achieve […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on March 19, 2026
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Bail Practice Direction as of June 1, 2026
SENT ON BEHALF OF CHIEF JUSTICE SHARON NICKLAS The Ontario Court of Justice strives to be a fair, accessible, and innovative Court that delivers impartial and timely justice, and ensures all participants are treated with dignity and can take part meaningfully. It is a priority for the Court to be able to offer fair, effective, […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on March 17, 2026
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International Women’s Day – Supporting Women in Criminal Defence
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the contributions and importance of women in criminal defence, while also recognizing the work that remains to ensure women can build and sustain long-term careers in the profession. Meaningful support requires more than recognition- it requires practical action. The 2025–2027 CLA Women’s Committee is focused on […]
Posted by John Chagnon in News on March 9, 2026
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2026 CLA Mentorship Program – Now Accepting Applications for Interested Mentors and Mentees
Open to Full/Active CLA members only. Applications for mentees/mentors – deadline is March 31, 2026 For the period of May 1 to November 30, 2026, recent calls (new to 5 years) will be paired with seasoned CLA members. Mentors will be assigned or matched up by the Mentoring Committee. During the mentorship period, mentors and mentees will […]
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CLA Statement concerning allegations surrounding the events involving Sudine Riley
The Criminal Lawyers’ Association, in conjunction with the Women’s Committee and Diversity Committee of the CLA, is deeply concerned by the allegations surrounding the events involving Sudine Riley on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Durham courthouse. As stated in a Press Release from Ms. Riley’s counsel, dated January 26, 2026, Ms. Riley, a Black […]
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Membership Offer – Receive up to 15 months for the price of 12, PLUS new members qualify for a bonus offer
Limited Bonus Member Discounts include: Additional benefits: _________________________________________________ FULL MEMBERS – practising criminal defence lawyers IN Ontario: STUDENT MEMBERS – students-at-law or students in an accredited law school OBSERVER MEMBERS – practising criminal defence lawyers OUTSIDE Ontario: Affiliate Membership – An Affiliate member shall be any person who shall apply for such membership that is a practising lawyer in good standing with their legal regulatory […]
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