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.

November 2025 Newsletter – Intervenor, Volume 52, Number 4

CELA calls for reintroduction of First Nations Clean Water Act, changes to water policy in Ontario, and ongoing concerns with

November 27, 2025

CELA with other NGOs support Canada’s proposals to use regulations prohibiting PFAS in firefighting foam

CELA and partner organizations support strong restrictions on PFAS in firefighting foam and call for rapid adoption of safer alternatives.

November 27, 2025

CELA Comments on regulatory changes for accelerating and improving protections for Ontario’s drinking water sources (ERO #025-1104)

CELA submitted comments re: Regulatory changes for accelerating and improving protections for Ontario’s drinking water sources (ERO Number 025-1104).

November 26, 2025

CELA Comments re: Proposed Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2025 – ERO #025-1098

CELA submitted comments re: Proposed Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2025 – ERO #025-1098.

November 21, 2025

Health and Environmental Groups oppose Proposal to Eliminate Cyclical Pesticide Re-evaluations announced in the Federal Budget 2025

Health and Environmental Groups oppose Proposal to Eliminate Cyclical Pesticide Re-evaluations announced in the Federal Budget 2025

November 13, 2025

CELA Comments on the Proposed Regulations and Guidance under the Species Conservation Act, 2025 – ERO 025-0909 & ERO 025-0908

CELA submitted comments on regulatory and guidance proposals under Ontario’s Species Conservation Act, 2025.

November 10, 2025

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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