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Latest News

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06 January

Membership Fees

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories Latest News

We are in receipt of email correspondences dealing with the automatic renewals for membership.  When the site was created and demonstrated, at the October 2019 Members meeting, all members were notified to access their account and rejoin because the OPA …

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Consolidated Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding the Small Claims Court
19 December

Consolidated Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding the Small Claims Court

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

Consolidated Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding the Small Claims Court March 16, 2020 Notice of amendments: Effective November 30, 2020: The Court is expanding the range of matters it will hear remotely. In addition to the requests it …

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16 December

November 4, 2020 – Town Hall

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News

On November 4, 2020, the Ontario Paralegal Association held a town hall event. This event’s purpose was to provide critical updates to both the Membership of the Ontario Paralegal Association and our fellow non-Ontario Paralegal Association colleagues. The event was …

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28 November

Website Upgrades

  • Posted by System Administrator
  • Categories Latest News

The Ontario Paralegal Association has been investing resources design to upgrade our website to better address the needs of our members.  During the process of the upgrades, there may be unexpected issues.  As these issues develop, we will immediately address …

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05 November

Quicklaw And Your Membersip!

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News

President George Brown announced that the OPA is looking to finish a deal with Quicklaw. Access to Quicklaw starts at $30 a month and goes lower the more people take advantage of it. Want to share your opinion? Click here.

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23 September

Statement on Various Social Media Postings

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News
  • Comments 0 comment

There has been a lot of discussion during the last few days about immigration law, potential lawsuits, and Tony Caruso. The Ontario Paralegal Association appointed Tony Caruso to the Board, to fill a vacant elected position. This was done because …

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23 September

OPA President Calls On Paralegals To Decide Now

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News
  • Comments 0 comment

“Do we intend to be, and behave as, professionals? Take a stand for your professional future today.” An outreach message from the President to: Ontario Paralegal Association Members, students, recent graduates, administrators and educators of paralegal training and all those on …

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22 September

The Small Claims Court is further expanding its remote hearings in order to continue to provide access to justice.

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories Latest News

The Small Claims Court is further expanding its remote hearings in order to continue to provide access to justice. As of today, August 10, 2020, the Court will begin scheduling select remote settlement conferences that are requested by one party …

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10 September

Response to the Notary Misinformation

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News

It has come to the attention of the Ontario Paralegal Association that several different organizations,and fellow paralegals, have been knowingly spreading misinformation in taking credit for paralegals to have the option to become notaries. To clear up this misinformation, the …

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19 August

Letter to Tribunals Ontario – Landlord and Tenant Board

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News

This is an open letter that was sent by President George Brown to Executive Chairperson Sean Weir of Tribunals Ontario in regards to the ongoing issues with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Treasurer Teresa Donnelly of the Law Society of …

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10 August

Notice Regarding the Suspension of Small Claims Court Operations (August 10, 2020)

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

Further information about this expansion is now in the Notice Regarding the Suspension of Small Claims Court Operations, on the Superior Court of Justice website at: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/notices-and-orders-covid-19/suspension-small-claims-ops/

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10 August

CONGRATULATIONS ONTARIO PARALEGALS – APPLY TO BECOME A NOTARY

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

As of August 1, 2020, Ontario Paralegals can apply to become Notaries.  the following is the link to start the process. http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/FormDetail?OpenForm&ACT=RDR&TAB=PROFILE&SRCH=1&ENV=WWE&TIT=notary+public&NO=002-35-026E If the link does not work, cut and paste in a browser.  Remember, paralegals cannot set up shop …

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Paralegals As Notaries – The Submission that Made the Point
04 August

Paralegals As Notaries – The Submission that Made the Point

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

My fellow Paralegals, it a great day for this profession because as of August 1, 2020, we added Notary under our belt.  I was infuriated and sadden by the fact that one of us has decided to take credit for …

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04 August

Notaries Act and the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act. Bill 190. The COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories Latest News

Letter from the AG’s Office regarding Paralegals as Notaries:   I am writing to you again regarding reforms to the Notaries Act and the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act. Bill 190. The COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act …

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23 July

Notary Public Update

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

After months of research and talks with the Ministry of The Attorney General Bill 190, COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act, 2020 went before the Legislative Assembly of Ontario receiving Royal Assent on May 12, 2020. Among other …

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13 June

Racism

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories Latest News

Though we in Ontario, and throughout Canada, often measure ourselves against America when we consider racism, this is not a helpful measure. Racism exists across Canada, and of course within the legal community as well. If we deny this, or …

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03 June

Small Claims Court Reopening

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News

The Ontario Paralegal Association has been informed that Chief Justice Morawetz will be providing an update on the reopening of the Small Claims Court. Once the Ontario Paralegal Association has more information, it will be shared with our Members.

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03 June

Suspension of Limitation Period Feedback

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News
  • Comments 11 comments

The Ontario Paralegal Association and various other stakeholders meet with the Ministry of the Attorney General to provide feedback on the suspension of limitation periods, reopening of the justice system, and COVID 19. Three options were discussed: Option #1 The …

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09 April

Canada Emergency Business Account

  • Posted by George Brown
  • Categories COVID 19, Financials, Latest News

On March 27, the federal government announced additional measures to support businesses and not-for-profits. In particular, the Canada Emergency Business Account is an interest-free loan of $40,000 for qualifying businesses. Up to $10,000 of that amount will be eligible for …

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02 April

Tribunals in Ontario

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News

On March 20, 2020, the Government of Ontario issued an Emergency Order (O.Reg. 73/20) under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The order suspends limitation periods and procedural time periods relevant to tribunal proceedings. The suspension is retroactive to March 16, …

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02 April

How to prepare an application for the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News

For the full article: https://www.cp24.com/news/how-to-prepare-an-application-for-the-new-canada-emergency-response-benefit-1.4876215   CERB offers a monthly $2,000 payment for a period of up to 16 weeks for those who wouldn’t otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance. Though the regulations around who’s eligible for EI are opaque, …

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02 April

Court Closure Procedure

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News

To protect the health and safety of all court users and to help contain the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Superior Court of Justice (SCJ) is suspending all regular operations, effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and until …

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02 April

Scaled back admin functions at POA courts as of March 19, 2020

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News

Please see the below link for a spreadsheet of all the POA Courts in Ontario and more information on what is going on with those Courts.   https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qhtLJbYyfUj7Z6NXNb9wUbTTvYa7JYU2ERxTshOjmYE/edit?usp=sharing

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02 April

Notice To Public Regarding Provincial Offences Act Matters

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News

All Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday, March 16, 2020 through to and including Friday, April 3, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. If you have a matter scheduled during this time, you do not …

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02 April

FAQ – Continuity of Administrative Functions during POA Court Closures

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News

  Did the order for extension under section 85 of the Provincial Offences Act (POA) include the filing of Part I offences? The POA Extension Order pursuant to s. 85 did not extend the time for the filing of Part …

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02 April

Reminder – Restrictions At The Courts

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News

French translation can be found after the English part. As you are aware, the Government of Ontario has enacted a declaration of a provincial emergency in relation to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Ministry of the Attorney General’s Court …

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13 March

COVID 19 and the AGM

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories COVID 19, Latest News, Member News
  • Comments 7 comments

The Ontario Paralegal Association is aware of how COVID 19 is impacting our daily lives. With the past 72 hours with many organizations from the NBA & NHL to concerts to community centres being closed in order to protect the …

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27 February

Moving Towards Justice

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

The Ontario Paralegal Association is pleased to announce some positive changes, Attorney General Doug Downey is proposing to the justice of the peace vacancies process. Currently the application process requires candidates to submit approximately 200 paper pages by mail and …

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27 February

The Ontario Paralegal Association Response to 2 Convocation motions

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

On February 27, 2020, the Law Society of Ontario had Convocation. Convocation is called to discuss business at the Law Society of Ontario, this business can range from setting a budget for the Law Society of Ontario to making amendments …

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22 February

Issues with the Dates and Times for Events

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

You may have notice that the dates and times for all upcoming events are showing odd dates and times. We recently made changes to the back end that caused some unforeseen changes. Rest assured that if you click on any …

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20 February

By-law Changes

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

Way back in 2018 near the end of the year. The Board made a By-law change to allow anyone who has a valid P1 licence to become a Voting Member regardless if they practicing law or not. This was done …

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29 January

New LSO Tribunal Website

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

The Law Society of Ontario is very pleased to announce the launch of the Law Society Tribunal’s new website<http://www.lawsocietytribunal.ca/>. Our website has always been a great source of information about the Tribunal, containing notices, orders, reasons, rules, regulations, and guides …

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22 January

Meeting the Attorney General of Ontario

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News

The Ontario Paralegal Association will be meeting the Attorney General to discuss several topics. One of the main topics to be discussed, is the ongoing issues with the Landlord and Tenant Board. We would like to hear from our Members …

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11 January

Adjourning the Annual General Meeting

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

The Board of Directors has decided to adjourn the Annual General Meeting that was to be held on January 18, 2020, due to incomplete financials. This issue is beyond the Board of Directors control. The delay is the result of …

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09 December

Ontario making long anticipated changes to the Notaries Act and the Commissioning of Affidavits Act

  • Posted by Mitchell Kent (Board Director)
  • Categories Latest News, Member News

Paralegals will become notaries in 2020 by being a paralegal.

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31 October

Small Claims Court Limit Increase

  • Posted by System Administrator
  • Categories Latest News

Beginning January 1, 2020, the maximum claim filed in Small Claims Court will increase from
$25,000 to $35,000.

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15 October

OPA Intervenes To Improve Access To Justice

  • Posted by System Administrator
  • Categories Latest News

Access to Justice Generally, access to justice refers to a range of institutional actions to ensure that people who lack resources or capabilities, can have access to the justice system. One way an institution can promote access to justice is …

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15 October

Paralegal 5 Year Review

  • Posted by System Administrator
  • Categories Latest News

Executive Summary, excepted from The Report to the Attorney General of Ontario, Pursuant to Section 63.1 of the Law Society Act (June 2012) (Paralegal 5 Year Review) Background At the request of the Ontario government, and following assessment and study dating …

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14 August

A Brief History of Ontario Paralegals

  • Posted by System Administrator
  • Categories Latest News

Learning from the Past Some 800 years ago, in 1215, a group of English Barons, seeking a clearer and fairer administration of Justice, met with King John at Runnymede and convinced him to sign the Magna Carta (the Great Charter). …

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08 July

Prep Network Discount for Student Members

  • Posted by System Administrator
  • Categories Latest News
  • Comments 0 comment

The Ontario Paralegal Association is pleased to announce our new partnership with PREP Network. When you renew your OPA membership at the low rate of $25.00, you receive a $25.00 discount on PREP Network’s LSO exam prep course. The next …

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31 December

Today’s Paralegal: December 2018 Edition

  • Posted by System Administrator
  • Categories Latest News

Read the December 2018 issue of Today’s Paralegal below:   [pdf-embedder url=”http://opaonline.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1543774495_2018-12-01-Todays-Paralegal.pdf” title=”1543774495_2018-12-01 – Today’s Paralegal”]

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