CELA

CELA is a non-profit specialty legal aid clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario

We work to protect human health and our environment by seeking justice for those harmed by pollution and by working to change policies to prevent such problems in the first place. We provide free legal services to people and groups across Ontario.

CELA Foundation

CELA Foundation

The CELA Foundation supports CELA’s research and educational work on environmental law and justice issues through extensive resources available to the public and in support of the environmental law and policy community. The Foundation also helps CELA mentor and train the next generation of environmental lawyers.

CELA FOUNDATION

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CELA counsel

CELA counsel represent Ontario residents and community groups who qualify for legal aid

Representation occurs in the courts and before tribunals on matters of environmental law. CELA’s lawyers have achieved some of the most important environmental law victories and precedent-setting cases in Canada.

CASEWORK PROFILES

2022 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

This year, we’re excited to showcase CELA’s accomplishments in a new way. In our 2022 Annual Report, you’ll see a series of stories highlighting the critical litigation, law reform, and legal education work CELA does to protect human health and the environment on behalf of vulnerable and low-income communities.

Our Legal Services

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Public Legal Education

Learn about the law

Advancing Environmental Law

Action on Environmental justice

CELA's Latest Activities

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

Final Submission for CNL’s Proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility

CELA has submitted a final submission to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Regarding the Environmental Assessment for CNL’s Proposed Near

May 29, 2023

Blog: Trichloroethylene Revelations Underscore Problems with Bill S-5 Amendments to CEPA on Toxics

The government of Canada is creating problems for the health of Canadians with current amendments in Bill S-5.

May 26, 2023

Blog: New Report Gives Recommendations on Ending Energy Poverty for Northern Ontarians

In March 2023, the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) and Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) published Pathway Out of Energy Poverty

May 16, 2023

Event: Addressing Air Quality Issues in Aamjiwnaang First Nation

CELA is hosting an in-person presentation and advice clinic addressing air quality issues in Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

May 16, 2023

IESO Pathways to Decarbonization Study

CELA and Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) have submitted comments to the Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO) regarding their Pathways to

May 12, 2023

Media Release: Maximum Heat By-Law Necessary to Protect Vulnerable Communities

CELA and LIEN call on Hamilton Public Health Committee to protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat events by creating a maximum heat by-law Immediate Release May 12, 2023 Hamilton – Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN)

May 12, 2023

Casework: Judicial Review of Bill 197 - COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020

On behalf of several environmental organizations and individuals, CELA sought a judicial review in Divisional Court of the statutory decision by two Ontario Cabinet Ministers that denied our clients and other members of the public their legal right to be notified and consulted on environmentally significant legislative amendments contained in Bill 197 (COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020) before they were enacted by the Ontario Legislature on July 21, 2020. These amendments include changes to the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA), the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) and the Planning Act.

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Canadian Environmental Law Association
1500-55 University Avenue,
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2H7

1-416-960-2284
1-844-755-1420

This site contains general legal information for Ontario, Canada. It is not intended to be used as legal advice for a specific legal problem.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.