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.

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

Action Alert: Changes to MNR Class Environmental Assessment

Submit your comments about proposed changes to how MNR projects are reviewed and approved.

August 4, 2026

Comments on Strengthening One Canadian Economy Through Trade and Transportation, Discussion Paper

CELA Submission on Strengthening One Canadian Economy Through Trade and Transportation, Discussion Paper

July 24, 2026

Blog: Toronto City Council Must Deliver on Promise of a Draft Maximum Heat By-Law

CELA supports recent efforts by Toronto City Council to move forward with protections for tenants against dangerous extreme heat.

July 16, 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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