The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) has released its new Consultation Paper on Improving Protection Orders in Family, Child Protection, and Civil Law. We are seeking feedback on how Ontario can better respond to intimate partner and family violence.
Protection orders in Ontario take many forms. This Consultation Paper focuses on restraining orders and exclusive possession orders in provincial laws, and compares them to civil protection orders across Canada.
The Consultation Paper outlines key issues, options for reform, and questions for anyone who has information or ideas to improve protection orders — including survivors, legal professionals, service providers, community advocates, academics, and the broader public.
We welcome written submissions and insights from anyone with experience or interest in improving protection orders and access to justice. Submissions do not need to address every question. Consultations are open until March 13, 2026.
The LCO will publish a separate consultation paper on improving criminal protection orders in 2026.
More information is available on the Protection Orders project page.