Independence, Engagement, Impact
The Law Commission of Ontario makes laws, policies and programs more accessible for all Ontarians. Our reports make recommendations:
- to make the legal system more relevant, accessible or effective;
- to simplify or clarify the law; and
- about using technology to improve access to justice.
Our mandate and priorities for 2022-25 are in our Strategic Plan.
Who We Are
The Law Commission of Ontario is Ontario’s leading law reform agency. Since its inception in 2008, the LCO has completed 16 major projects and consulted with thousands of Ontarians on important law reform issues. We’ve completed projects on a broad range of legal issues, including defamation law, class actions, the law of capacity, joint and several liability, the Provincial Offences Act, division of pensions, RDSPs, family law, and laws governing older adults and disabled Ontarians.
The LCO is a unique, innovative and productive partnership that was originally created by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, the Law Foundation of Ontario, the Law Society of Ontario, Osgoode Hall Law School and the Law Deans of Ontario.
We are funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario, the Law Society of Ontario, and Osgoode Hall Law School. The LCO also receives significant in kind support from Osgoode Hall Law School and York University.
Governance, Strategy and Leadership
The LCO was established by an Agreement between our funders and supporters. Our mandate and priorities for 2022-25 are in our Strategic Plan. We are funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario, the Law Society of Ontario, Osgoode Hall Law School, and York University. The LCO also receives significant in kind support from Osgoode Hall Law School and York University.
The LCO’s resources are multiplied through its proven ability to develop partnerships, engage communities, and leverage pro bono contributions from across Ontario. The LCO leverages significant pro bono resources through its volunteer project advisory groups. During our second mandate (2011-2016), the Commission relied on 11 Advisory Groups with almost 180 members. One Advisory Group met more than 30 times over the course of several years. The LCO collaborates with literally dozens of organizations across the province every year. For example, the LCO partnered with almost 20 organizations during its Last Stages of Life project. Finally, the LCO leverages its resources through external funding and in-kind contributions from other organizations, such as SSHRC.
The LCO has a small, dedicated staff who are experts in legal and public policy research, law reform, access to justice, consultation and stakeholder engagement, and contemporary public policy development. Our work is guided by a Board of Governors that includes a broad cross-section of leaders within Ontario’s justice community. Past and current board members include Deputy Attorney Generals, law deans, judges from the Ontario Court of Appeal, and leading lawyers and academics from across Ontario. The LCO board is uniquely positioned to influence the development of law reform in Ontario.
Public Engagement and Public Legal Education
The LCO is a national and international leader in public engagement on law reform issues. Since its inception, the LCO has engaged with thousands of Ontarians on law reform projects, including governments, legal professions, justice organizations, community organizations, academics, and the general public. The LCO consults with stakeholders provincially, nationally, and internationally.