Ford government’s ‘special economic zone’ law facing constitutional challenge
Ecojustice lawyer Lindsay Beck says Ontario’s legislation that gives the province power to set up special economic zones where laws can be suspended ‘subverts the separate roles and functions that the Constitution sets out for the legislative and executive branches of government.’
Wednesday, April 08, 2026 @ 2:55 PM
Ontario’s controversial legislation allowing it to fast-track infrastructure projects is facing a constitutional challenge. A coalition of public interest and environmental groups is saying the Special Economic Zones Act (SEZA), which allows the province to establish areas where infrastructure and resource developments are exempt from provincial or municipal laws that might otherwise apply, violates s. 92 of the Constitution Act, 1867, which grants the legislature exclusive power to make laws. ... [read more]
Tanzania upheld as appropriate forum in human rights abuse case against Canadian mining company
Thursday, April 09, 2026 @ 2:26 PM
In a case of numerous alleged human rights abuses and deaths at a Tanzanian mine owned by a Canadian company, the Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld that Tanzania was the more appropriate forum than Ontario. Plaintiffs’ counsel and intervener Amnesty International stated that the decision did not advance access to justice. The case may go to the Supreme Court of Canada. ... [read more]
Ontario expanding WSIB coverage to 29K more frontline workers
Wednesday, April 08, 2026 @ 4:50 PM
The Ontario government is extending mandatory Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage through new legislation that would protect 29,000 additional workers at all privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes. ... [read more]
Prior bureau investigations irrelevant to Competition Tribunal remedies: court
Wednesday, April 08, 2026 @ 4:46 PM
The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that prior internal investigations by the Competition Bureau into allegedly deceptive marketing practices are not relevant to remedies before the Competition Tribunal. ... [read more]
Unions push for industrial strategy ahead of CUSMA review, warn of U.S. tariffs
Wednesday, April 08, 2026 @ 12:56 PM
Two of Canada’s largest unions are urging Ottawa to adopt a modern industrial strategy, warning that new U.S. tariffs could deepen economic strain as the country heads into a review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). ... [read more]
