Legislation and Submissions

The Criminal Lawyers’ Association provides informed, practical commentary on provincial criminal justice reforms and proposed changes to the Criminal Code to help lawmakers understand how they may affect accused persons, the courts, and the justice system across Canada. Drawing on the frontline experiences of criminal defence lawyers across Ontario, the CLA advocates for laws that are fair, effective and constitutional.

2025-2026

• On August 26, 2026, the Legislation Committee submitted “re: Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Civil Remedies Act, 2001 and New Measures for the Collection of Criminal Fines and Penalties”
• 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
• On April 15, 2026, 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
• Comments to the Ministry of the Solicitor General on enhancing information collected in police use of force reports by the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (April 23, 2026)
• Submissions to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy regarding Bill 75 “Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act,” 2025
• Position paper: Bill C-16 (January 2026)
• CLA Submissions on LSO Governance Reforms (February 21, 2025)