CCLA Consultation Paper on 2021 Provincial Budget

Dear CCLA Members,


The Ontario government has launched their 2021 Budget consultations and is seeking input from residents. Visit Ontario.ca/budgetconsultation to learn how to submit your ideas by email, mail or by filling out a survey. The CCLA is taking a leadership role to advocate for key funding priority areas within the justice sector. The deadline for submissions to the Ontario Government is February 12, 2021.

To this end, the CCLA will be preparing a consultation paper (“White Paper”) setting out the top 3-5 funding priorities for each area of the justice system. The objective of the White Paper is to:

1. Clearly identify 3-5 key funding priorities for each sector of the justice system (family, criminal, civil, real-estate law, wills and estate, technology required to access the courts, etc.)
2. Explain why each funding priority has been identified and chosen (“Priority”)
3. Explain what, specifically, funding is required for each priority if it is currently underfunded or what funding must be maintained if it currently receives funding
4. Specifically justify how this funding directly impacts voters and constituents
5. Clearly identify what will happen if funding is not provided, cut or no longer maintained at current levels, as applicable

As practitioners within each of your subject matter areas, we are calling on you to discuss and provide the CCLA Board with your views on the above. Specifically, we ask that you discuss amongst your peers and fill out the attached form in as much detail as you possible can, including source references as applicable. If we have not identified a justice sector subject area on the form, please feel free to add a new area. We would ask that you prioritize each issue.

We require your consultation form by February 3, 2021. Please send your form to rhaga@ccla-abcc.ca. Your consultation form will be reviewed in the preparation of the White Paper to be submitted on behalf of the CCLA. Your opinion and subject matter expertise are important to us. We want to ensure that this Government is fully apprised of key funding requirements within our justice system.

We thank you for your assistance and apologize for the otherwise short timeline given that the CCLA’s submissions to the Ontario Government are due by February 12, 2021.


Katie Black
Chair, External Relations Committee

Rick Haga
Executive Director