Ontario Paralegal Network
c/o George Brown Professional Corporation 2196 Dundas Street West M6R 1X3 Toronto, ON, Canada

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 remain silent to its reality, we allow racism to perpetuate. Racial inequalities, in education, employment and access to justice continue to be realities for many, through bias and systemic barriers. This is not acceptable, and it is our re...sponsibility individually and collectively to ensure this changes now. Though many of us have not experienced what it feels like to be treated differently because of the colour of our skin, who we are, or what we believe, our role is to reflect, listen and advocate for equality. Diversity and inclusion make us stronger, and they make our society equitable and just. At OPA we reject racism. It has no place in any community., including ours, and we commit to being part of a positive change for justice, equality, diversity and inclusion, with our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. We will step up and we will speak up as agents of positive change.

STAY INFORMED The Attorney General has caused the Lieutenant Governor in Council to amend O. Reg. 73/20 made under s. 7.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPC), suspending limitation and procedural time periods as follows: "First, one of the amendments is intended to enhance certainty as to the duration of the order by ‘decoupling’ the order from the state of emergency. Considering the uncertainty as to the nature and duration of the emergency, it is no... longer appropriate for the duration of the order to be so closely tied to the duration of the emergency declaration. Going forward, the duration of the order will be based on all relevant factors and not just the state of emergency" "Second, in light of the concerns raised during my consultations, the suspension of limitation and procedural time periods will now continue up to and including September 11, 2020 (the maximum renewal period allowed for under the EMCPA)." The amended regulations will also appear on e- Laws within the next few days: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90e09.

I understand that an announcement on the reopening of the small claims court will be made soon. The OPA will provide more information on the date of the announcement as we get more information

SUSPENSION OF LIMITATION The Attorney General is accepting submissions regarding the Suspension of the Limitation periods in Ontario. One concern is whether the Suspension should be tied to the Emergency Order and be lifted at the same time. A second suggestion is to uncouple the Suspension of limitation from the Emergency Order and extend the lifting of the limitation suspension to 45 days. A third suggestion is to extend the Suspension of the Limitation period to 90 days af...ter the lifting of the Emergency Order. The OPA is in favor of a fixed date being option 3 as this gives the members of the profession enough time to notify their clients and to start preparing themselves on the matters that are sensitive in terms of limitation. Can we get some feedback from the profession so that we can update our submission with some of your brilliant ideas on how to tackle this most important issue? See more

THE REALITY OF PARALEGALS AS NOTARY DRAWS NEAR JUS-G-MAG-Webmaster Attachments 3:36 PM (2 hours ago)...Continue reading

These adjustments to the CEBA may help a few more Paralegal businesses. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to include many owner-operated small businesses. The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay em...ployees through dividends rather than payroll. To qualify under the expanded eligibility criteria, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 would need: a business operating account at a participating financial institution a Canada Revenue Agency business number, and to have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return. eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million. Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance. See more