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.

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

Application for Review of Cumulative Effects Assessment in Air Approvals under the Environmental Bill of Rights

CELA files Application for Review of Cumulative Effects Policy, calls on government to improve air quality in Ontario.

March 2, 2026

February 2026 Newsletter – Intervenor, Volume 53, Number 2

New community profiles highlighting the impacts of cumulative air pollution, case updates, webinars, and new digital intake form.

February 27, 2026

Comments on Initial Project Description, Deep Geological Reserve

CELA Comments on Initial Project Description, Deep Geological Reserve

February 25, 2026

Blog: Special Economic Zones Act

Ontario’s Special Economic Zones weaken environmental oversight and accountability.

February 20, 2026

CELA Submission re: Integral role of source water protection for First Nations drinking water legislation

CELA submission in relation to the anticipated reintroduction of legislation for the protection of First Nations drinking water.

February 20, 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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