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.

Media Release: New report ranks Ontario schools with highest lead levels in drinking water

Ontario is putting children at risk by allowing higher levels of lead in school drinking water than most of the

March 16, 2026

Report: ‘F’ for Effort: Ontario is falling behind on getting lead out of school drinking water

New report says Ontario is putting children at risk by allowing higher levels of lead in school drinking water than

March 16, 2026

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Should Not Grant ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s Application to Renew its ECA Without Air Pollution Improvements

CELA Submission on ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s Application to Renew its ECA Without Air Pollution Improvements

March 12, 2026

Comments on Summary of Issues, Deep Geological Reserve

CELA Comments on Summary of Issues, Deep Geological Reserve

March 12, 2026

Media Release: Ontario Must Fix Broken Air Pollution System to Protect Public Health

CELA calls on the provincial government to strengthen its cumulative air pollution policy so all communities are equally protected.

March 2, 2026

Report: A Call for Change – Why Ontario’s Air Pollution System Fails to Protect Public Health

CELA issues report, Application for Review calling on province to fix air pollution system to protect public health.

March 2, 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.

Support our work, make a DONATION today!