Our community was built by hard-working people.
To keep pace with the rapid growth of
#Barrie
,
#Springwater
, &
#OroMedonte
, I’m proud that our government is getting it done and working to ensure we are prepared for the future.
Our government wants to put customers first. Beer and wine in corner stores is one way we are doing that. Choice and convenience also supports small businesses.
#onpoli
#fairness
In these uncertain times, we have made an emergency order to ensure people who want to get their affairs in order can do so with greater ease by allowing wills and Powers of Attorney to be witnessed virtually.
Ontario’s justice system was outdated long before COVID-19. Now, the limitless legal knowledge and expertise in our province is changing that. Together we can help justice in Ontario catch up with how our lives have evolved before, during and after the outbreak.
It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of the Honourable Roland 'Roy' McMurtry.
An Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament, Attorney General and Solicitor General, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Chief Justice of Ontario, lawyer, husband,
Beginning May 1, the Ontario government is providing up to four hours of free legal advice to victims of sexual assault. The province-wide expansion of this program, which has been available as a pilot in Ottawa, Thunder Bay and Toronto 1/2
Ontario is growing at an unprecedented speed, putting pressure on our infrastructure.
On October 13, the Supreme Court of Canada held that the vast majority of the federal government’s Impact Assessment Act was unconstitutional.
We will immediately affirm the Act’s
Ontario is launching a FULL review of the rules of civil procedure.
Alongside Chief Justice Morawetz, we are working in consultation with justice partners to deliver necessary modernization.
All part of Ontario's plan to bring outdated justice services into the 21st
I’m honoured to be recognized through QP Briefing as the MPP MVP for 2020. Thank you to my team and to all those I’ve been able to work with this past year. (unfortunately behind paywall)
#onpoli
Not all banking requires a visit to a bank, and not all legal and business transactions should require a visit to a law firm or government office. We are taking permanent action to advance Ontario’s outdated legal system.
We are working to establish new ways of remotely accessing Ontario’s justice system. The Ministry of the Attorney General has established a new online court case search service to open public access to data that can currently only be obtained in-person at courthouses.
I would like to congratulate
@Andrea_Khanjin
on her well-deserved appointment as Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
She’s passionate about her community and province — I know first-hand that she will do excellent work in her new role.
As part of our government’s commitment to make the justice system more accessible, responsive and resilient, we have worked with our justice partners to deliver landmark changes to make civil procedures work better for Ontarians.
According to this poll, if I choose a lawyer (-7) to become a judge (+26). I, the politician, (-41) am responsible for making someone +33 more trustworthy. It isn’t that I doubt it, it’s just a curious thing.
Beginning Oct. 28, Ontarians dealing with small claims matter will be able to submit and respond to documents by email, as well as using small claims court online service. This is part of our work to build a more accessible, responsive and resilient justice system for Ontarians.
The Ministry of the Attorney General is launching a new online digital document sharing platform to support in-person and virtual court proceedings. 1/2
Our government is increasing the maximum claim limit for Small Claims Court to help people and businesses spend less time in courtrooms and less money on costly lawyer fees.
I have worked closely with justice partners to establish new and innovative ways of delivering justice and we continue working together to build a justice system for the 21st century.
Despite the LCBO closure, there are plenty of options for people across Ontario to buy beer, wine and other drinks, including local Ontario-made products.
Check out our NEW interactive retail map, which shows thousands of options across the province.
ℹ️
Make this summer an Ontario-made summer!
Our new interactive map shows thousands of convenient options where you can still buy beer, wine, spirits and other drinks across the province. Check out a local brewery or winery for some fantastic Ontario-made products near you and
Today at Queen’s Park, we proudly raised the flag in celebration of Israel Independence Day.
Honouring 75 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Israel, and the thriving Ontario-Israel partnership. 🇮🇱🇨🇦
Today I took my seat in the Legislature for the first time! Congratulations to MPP Ted Arnott who was appointed Speaker of the House this morning!
#onpoli
Excited to continue serving the people of
#Barrie
#Springwater
#OroMedonte
, and focus on how our government can continue serving in the best interest of all people in Ontario.
#OnPoli
#Covid19
has pushed challenges to the forefront with
#wills
and
#estates
planning for Ontarians. Having consulted with several estate lawyers and justice partners about allowing virtual witnessing of wills and powers of attorney, I am moving quickly to identify solutions.
#onpoli
Opening of the Ontario Courts.
Proud to stand with Associate Chief Justice of Court of Appeal Fairburn, Julie Catzman &
@nehachughlaw
— the Catzman Award recipient for Professionalism & Civility — to open the courts in-person for the first time since 2019.
Accelerating Justice.
Today is
#BellLetsTalk
Day. Today, and every day, we recognize the impact that positive mental health has on our lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please reach out for support and know that you are not alone.
@Sflecce
@Bell_LetsTalk
Feeling grateful. 🥳🎉
#TeamDowney
surprised me for my birthday today with a delicious tiramisu cake — my favourite!
Thank you for this very pleasant surprise.
The Ministry of the Attorney General is launching a new, online cloud-based document sharing platform to support in-person and virtual court proceedings. This game changing initiative will be rolled out across Ontario following a brief pilot program starting next month.
Lawyers, social services and professionals are essential to supporting Ontario’s justice system and can continue to operate uninterrupted as our government takes new steps to keep Ontarians safe. See paragraphs 60, 61 and 65 at for more information.
We are rolling out a new online court case search service to open public access to information that can currently only be obtained in-person at courthouses. Thank you to the Ontario Bar Association and other justice partners for supporting this step forward.
Delivering one of the most significant justice sector projects Canada has ever seen.
@thomsonreuters
has been awarded $166M to transform how Ontarians access justice.
This project will completely change how legal matters are resolved at the Superior & Ontario Courts of Justice.
Justice modernization isn’t just a concept anymore, I’ve made it a priority to modernize the paper-based system to something more closely reflecting the current time of technology and digitization. I was glad to speak about this during a recent webinar hosted by the
@CanLawMag
We have proposed to introduce a new regulation under the Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Act that would allow acts of commissioning to be conducted virtually. Click here to comment:
As the justice system institutes changes to prioritize urgent matters and keep people safe, our government is taking steps to support Ontarians’ access to justice by suspending Ontario limitation periods and procedural time periods retroactive to March 16, 2020.
DYK - ON appointed 31 judges during the time I've had the privilege of serving as AG. 13 were in private practice & 18 were serving as Crown Attorneys at the time of their appointment. 19 women and 12 men.
#SelectTheBestCandidate
#onpoli
Our government is strengthening access to justice by working with paralegals to increase access to notary services. Effective today, paralegals will be appointed as notaries, in a similar way to lawyers, when they are licensed by the
@LawSocietyLSO
.
I was honoured to table the Smarter and Stronger Justice Act this afternoon. We’re proposing common-sense changes that will make it easier, faster and more affordable for people to access the justice system. Learn more:
I’m very pleased to welcome Donna Skelly as my new Parliamentary Assistant. It is no secret that
@SkellyHamilton
has done great work to promote jobs and economic growth in her previous role, and she is a remarkable representative for
#FlamboroughGlanbrook
. Let's get to work!
I’m hearing from restaurants/bars wanting to expand patios for social distancing. I understand this opportunity to help hospitality workers. As Minister responsible for the AGCO, I’m on it. Stay tuned for good news in time for this year’s patio season! ☀️
I express my profound sadness at the passing of Crown attorney Fred Bartley, and I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Jana, his family and friends.
I am honoured that my inaugural remarks are the lead-off speech for the new government this afternoon. Proud to be wearing my grandfather's cufflinks and my son's tie for this momentous occasion!
#onpoli
#BSOM
Technology changed our lives over the years, and we can’t let our justice system continue falling behind. Together, we will move more services online and use technology to make justice more accessible and responsive.
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of veteran Crown attorney Sandy Tse. His distinguished career spanned more than 35 years in which he made extraordinary contributions to criminal law and was a nationally recognized expert in seizure and electronic surveillance.
Happy holidays to everyone working with us all year long to move justice forward in Ontario. Thank you for your tremendous drive and determination to make the justice system work better for Ontarians.
My colleagues
@PBethlenfalvy
@StanChoMPP
and I recently wrote to Senate leaders in support of timely passage of Bill C-218, which would legalize single event sport betting across the country. 1/2
The Ministry of the Attorney General is making it easier and less expensive to obtain a probate certificate for wills. Estate court users will soon be able to electronically file probate court documents and receive probate certificates electronically.
This year, celebrating Canada Day is easier, closer to home. Our government is offering FREE admission to the first 500 people on July 1st, at 10 attractions across Ontario! See a full list of locations at:
#CanadaDay2019
The Smarter and Stronger Justice Act was officially signed into law today. I’m grateful for the valuable input from our justice sector partners who helped shape this bill. Our changes will help bring our system into the 21st century.
#SmarterStrongerJusticeAct
Our government introduced changes, that if passed will strengthen Ontario’s justice system to help support the growth of safer communities. It’s legislation that stands up for people, for law-abiding citizens, and victims of crime.
#ONlaw
We are committed to ensuring Ontarians remain safe and secure during this challenging time and are looking at all tools to help individuals and families stay in their homes.
Read more:
Our judiciary is the backbone of a fair and equal society.
Joined by Justice partners & leaders, I was proud to address the new Justice's recently appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Congratulations to Justice Akazaki, Justice Dineen and Justice Merritt.
Celebrating 60 years of Ontario's Human Rights Code.
I'm proud that Ontario was the first jurisdiction in Canada to address systemic discrimination.
We'll continue this legacy, in partnership with leaders & students from
@YorkUniversity
's Osgoode Hall Law School &
@SABAToronto
.
Our government is investing over $29 million to appoint 25 new additional judges to the Ontario Court of Justice.
This funding will also hire 190 more Crown prosecutors, victim support, and court staff.
Addressing the backlog of criminal cases and improving access to justice.
LIVE: Doug Downey, Attorney General holds a media availability following the tabling of legislation which will include reforms to simplify a complex and outdated justice system.
I can’t express my gratitude for your leadership for all of our achievements. You have earned respect from everyone through hard work and intelligence. You will be missed. Thank you.
#onpoli
#RockStar
Our government is taking action.
We’re addressing the root causes of crime, breaking the cycle of offending and improving public safety & well-being.
Together, we’re kicking off
#RJWeek2022
and ensuring safer communities across Ontario.
Excited to announce that restaurants will now be able to allow 50% of regular capacity, up to 50 people under the Red designation & 100 people under Orange. Thank you to the restaurant owners and constituents who advocated for this change. Learn more:
I was joined by Mayor
@patrickbrownont
and Brampton West MPP
@sandhuamarjot1
for a tour of the Brampton Courthouse to see firsthand what measures are being taken to keep everyone safe when courts expand services. Thank you to the staff who’ve worked around the clock to prepare.
Made-in-Ontario solutions are working.
That’s why I’m in London, 🇬🇧 to share insights from
#Ontario
and speak to experts from around the world.
Looking forward to discussing responsible online gaming, justice modernization and more!
Great to sit down with newly-appointed Minister of Justice & Attorney General of
#Canada
,
@viraniarif
.
Our government stands ready to work with you on meaningful bail reform to keep
#Ontario
communities safe and uphold the rule of law.
Congratulations on your appointment!
We’re one step closer to connecting more communities through broadband and cell service across Ontario. The Improving Connectivity for Ontario program (ICON) is now accepting applications.
Apply now:
This is about removing distractions & supporting academic excellence.
@Sflecce
unveiled the most comprehensive plan in 🇨🇦 to change the culture in schools through enhanced supports, training & enforcement.
Ontario's common sense policy on cell phones: out of sight, out of mind.
My thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends of the 6 young people we have lost in our community. As a parent I can only imagine a fraction of the pain you are going through. My prayers are for you as you cope with this tragedy.
One thing I know about Criminal Defence lawyers is they are not afraid to speak their truth. We need more of that when the system agrees and especially when the system doesn’t. I expect this was not a letter penned lightly
#WeAreInThisTogether
It is one system..
Very sad to hear of the passing of Marion Boyd. She was the first female Attorney General of Ontario and the first non-lawyer to be Attorney General. I will always value our conversations and her advice. RIP.
This week, we said farewell to our fantastic interns. 👏
A huge thank you to Ajia, Marshall & Joseph for your hard work over the course of this summer internship program.
Best of luck in your future endeavours and in your work to complete post-secondary studies.
My thoughts are with those affected by the severe storms and tornado in Barrie this afternoon. If you require any kind of support in the coming days, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office at 705-726-5538 or by emailing Doug.Downey
@pc
.ola.org.
Our government is committed to supporting victims of crime and standing up against domestic violence. This one-time emergency payment of $2.7 million will help victims of crime get the help they need in order to stay safe and healthy during this crisis.