CELA

Canadian Environmental Law Association is a legal aid clinic dedicated to environmental equity, justice, and health.

Founded in 1970, CELA is one of the oldest environmental advocates for environmental protection in the country. With funding from Legal Aid Ontario, CELA provides free legal services relating to environmental justice in Ontario, including representing qualifying low-income and vulnerable or disadvantaged communities in litigation. CELA also works on environmental legal education and reform initiatives.

Legal Representation and Advice

How can we help?

Legal Education and Engagement

Learn about the law

Law Reform and Initiatives

Advocating for environmental justice

CELA's Latest Activities

Discover staff blog posts, publications, reports, alerts, and media releases.

Fact Sheet: Environmental Registry of Ontario

Fact sheet introducing the government’s platform for public notice on environmental decisions.

August 20, 2026

Guidance on Permits to Take Water in Ontario

Guide explaining Ontario’s Permit to Take Water system for the public.

August 20, 2026

CELA with health and environmental organizations respond to Canada’s Draft National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026-2031

CELA with health and environmental organizations respond to Canada’s Draft National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice 2026-2031

August 19, 2026

Blog: Federal Court of Appeal Ruling Dismisses the Appeal of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Federal Court of Appeal Ruling Dismisses the Appeal of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd. in Species at Risk Case

August 12, 2026

Submission on Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy

CELA Submission on the Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy

August 10, 2026

Submission on the City of Mississauga’s Proposed Expansion of Cooling Requirements and Cooling Amenity Spaces in Apartment Buildings

CELA Submission on the City of Mississauga’s Proposed Expansion of Cooling Requirements and Cooling Amenity Spaces in Apartment Buildings

August 6, 2026

CELA Turns 55!

We recently celebrated this milestone with friends and colleagues in a gathering featuring remarks from Rod Strain (Vice President, Clinic Law Services, Legal Aid Ontario) and an inspiring keynote address from Kathleen Padulo (Director of Environment, Chiefs of Ontario). We were delighted to welcome former staff, students, board members and other special guests to the event.

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