Published plans and annual reports 2021-2022: Ministry of the Attorney General

Ministry overview

Ministry’s Vision

The Ministry of the Attorney General works to deliver an accessible, responsive and resilient justice system that inspires public confidence and upholds the rule of law.

To achieve this, the ministry is modernizing the justice system, and delivering more services remotely and online to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families get the help they need when and where they need it.

Ministry Programs and Activities

COVID-19covid 19 compounded longstanding challenges that cause delays for individuals and families across the justice system, and the Ministry of the Attorney General has been working closely with justice partners to successfully address these challenges.

With initiatives to modernize processes and break down barriers that cause delays, the ministry is establishing new and innovative ways of delivering justice services, including the creation of a seamless end-to-end client-focused justice experience through key investments in new technology and an overhaul of court procedures and processes.

The Ministry of the Attorney General is taking bold steps to meet the changing needs of Ontarians.

Some key initiatives planned or in progress in 2020-21 include:

COVID-19covid 19 Response

The Ministry of the Attorney General responded to the challenges ofCOVID-19covid 19 by working with justice partners to uphold the administration of justice.

Recognizing that new and innovative ways of delivering justice services remotely, in-person and online were needed, the ministry worked to drive modernization across the sector.

With investments in new technology, the ministry enabled the justice system to continue operating during the pandemic by moving in-person court matters to remote proceedings immediately after the outbreak and facilitating virtual hearings in 275 courtrooms. The ministry will continue to grow this capacity in the year ahead.

The ministry also moved more services online, making it easier for people to access the justice system no matter where they live. This included a court case lookup service to provide Ontarians with access to court information from the safety of their homes, and

expanding an online document filing tool for more than 500 types of civil and family court documents, with more types of documents to be added.

Ontario’s COVID-19covid 19 recovery requires a strong justice system that is easier, faster and more affordable to access, and provides more remote services. The ministry is acting quickly with changes that allow virtual witnessing of powers of attorney when a lawyer or paralegal is present, and with improved processes to fill judicial vacancies faster with a more efficient and transparent process.

As the Ministry of the Attorney General moves forward, it will continue to drive modernization and accelerate access to justice so that our justice system is stronger, more resilient and prepared to respond to the changing needs of Ontarians through the COVID-19covid 19 recovery and beyond.

Ministry programs and initiatives

Justice Accelerated Strategy

The Justice Accelerated Strategy builds on measures introduced during COVID-19covid 19 to make it safer and easier to access the justice system.

This multi-year strategy will create a more accessible, responsive and resilient justice system by creating a seamless, end-to-end client-focused justice experience with new investments in technology, such as:

• a digital case management system to help reduce delays and backlogs at tribunals that includes online features to assist with document management, dispute resolution, mediation and a self-help tool.

• the development of 'courthouses of the future' as modern, technologically enabled justice hubs with services for in-person appearances and opportunities for self-service as well as upgraded security and accessibility measures.

The strategy will also transform access to justice for Indigenous communities and the most vulnerable by addressing systemic barriers to access justice, as well as leveraging technology to provide better access to services for victims and self-represented litigants.

Innovation will be encouraged by engaging directly with entrepreneurs and technology experts to contribute directly to answering some of our biggest challenges

Helping Ontarians Resolve Legal Matters Faster

Expanding on a number of urgent measures implemented in response to COVID-19covid 19, the Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021 was introduced on February 16, 2021. If passed, the legislation will further help modernize processes and break down delay-

causing barriers in the province's courts, tribunals, estates law, family law and child protection sectors. These changes will:

• help fill judicial vacancies faster so people can have their matters heard by a judge more quickly and with fewer delays. In addition, the application process will be moved online to encourage more applications.

• permanently allow the virtual witnessing of wills and powers of attorney to make it easier for people to get their legal needs in order from the comfort and safety of their home.

The act will also increase access to justice in French by expanding and guaranteeing the ability of Francophones to file documents in French in all Ontario courthouses.

The province is also proposing to consolidate Ontario's land tribunals by merging the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, Environmental Review Tribunal, Board of Negotiation, Conservation Review Board and the Mining and Lands Tribunal into a new single tribunal called the Ontario Land Tribunal. The new Ontario Land Tribunal would make the land dispute resolution process more efficient by creating a single forum to resolve disputes faster by eliminating unnecessary overlap between cases.

Supporting Victims of Crime

New initiatives build on the ministry’s actions to strengthen Ontarians' access to responsive and resilient victim services no matter where they live, during the COVID-19covid 19 outbreak and beyond. These measures include:

• increasing victim and sexual assault services in underserved communities, including new support services in Leeds-Grenville and Dufferin County to support victims and survivors of sexual assault.

• expanding 24/7 victim crisis assistance to victims and their families in Nipissing district.

• providing survivors of sexual assault across the province with up to four hours of free legal advice.

• modernizing the Office for Victims of Crime, an advisory body to the Attorney General, by diversifying the representation of victims’ voices and perspectives through increased membership.

Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy

Working collaboratively with justice sector partners, the ministry has announced key investments to support survivors of human trafficking, as well as ensure offenders are held accountable for their crimes.

The ministry is implementing more services tailored to the needs of victims and survivors, including Indigenous-specific victim services. These new supports include:

• funding to reduce financial barriers many face while attending court or during the immediate aftermath of a crime.
• hiring additional specialized victim services workers.
• providing free legal support to survivors and their parents or guardians to assist with applying for restraining orders.

Trafficking-specific prosecution services will also be enhanced and the Provincial Human Trafficking Prosecution Team will be expanded to ensure resources are dedicated province-wide to holding offenders accountable.

Moving ahead on iGaming

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is moving forward with the development of a new, legal internet gaming (iGaming) market to combat illegal gaming market activity and provide stronger consumer protection. Ontario is working with the AGCO, industry stakeholders and other key partners to create a competitive online gaming model.

Changes in the operating and capital expenditures are the result of approvals received in the 2021-22 Multi-Year Planning (MYP) process, as well as prior year impacts.

Organizational chart

• Hon. Doug Downey - Attorney General
  • David Corbett - Deputy Attorney General
    • William Bromm (A) - Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General
    • Alissa Powell (A) - Legal Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General
    • Genevieve Chiu (A) - Legal Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General
    • Ryan Freeston - Legal Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General
    • Katie Wood (A) - Executive Assistant & Chief Legal Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General
    • Judy Phillips - Director, Communications
    • Catherine Emile - Justice Cluster Chief Information Officer & Assistant Deputy Minister Justice Technology Services
      • Derek Thompson - Head, Solutions Branch
    • Beverly Leonard (A) - Assistant Deputy Attorney General Court Services Division
      • Babi Banerjee - Director, Corporate Support Branch
      • Directors: Court Operations
        Rosanna Giancristiano (A) (Tor)
        Sarina Kashak (CE)
        Barbara Griffin (A) (E)
        Debbie Dunn (CW)
        Kelly Dale (A) (W)
        Cathy Kulos (NE)
        Jo Dee Kamm (NW)
      • Vaia Pappas - Director, Operational Support
      • Alison Warner (A) - Senior Legal Officer, Court of Appeal
      • Lori Newton (A) - Executive Legal Officer, Ontario Court of Justice
      • Norine Nathanson (A) - Executive Legal Officer, Superior Court of Justice
      • Jaimie Lee (A) - Director, Program Management Branch
    • Susan Kyle - Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Criminal Law Division
      • Nancy Krigas - Director, Assistant Deputy Attorney General's Office
      • Directors: Crown Operations
        Rosanna Giancristiano (Tor)
        Paul Tait (CE)
        Julie Scott (E)
        Todd Norman (CW)
        Lowell Hunking (W)
        Susan Stothart (N)
      • Tammy Browes-Bugden - Director, Strategic Operations & Management Centre
      • Randy Schwartz - Director, Crown Law Office Criminal
      • Fred Braley - Director, Guns & Gangs
      • Janine Hodgins (A) - Director, Crown Office of Strategic Initiatives
      • Susan Orlando (A) - Director, Major Case Management
      • Dayna Arron (A) - Executive Director, Justice Centres
    • Michel Hélie - Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Civil Law Division
      • Sean Kearney - Director, Crown Law Office, Civil
      • Sarah Wright - Director, Constitutional Law
      • Nayla Ibrahim - Director, Strategic & Business Management Branch
      • Jane Price - Director, Education Development Branch
      • Portfolio Director (Economics, Infrastructure and Government)
        Kikee Malik (A)
        Directors: Legal Services
        Fateh Salim (/MGCS/MOI)
        Len Hatzis (TBS)
        Michael Waterston (A) (MOF)
        Amyn Hadibhai (A) (MLTSD)
        Mary Gersht (MTO)
      • Portfolio Director (Community, Health and Social Services)
        Dianne Carter (A)
        Directors: Legal Services
        Brian Loewen (SOLGEN)
        Cheryl Carson (A) (MHSTCI/MSAA/MFA)
        Jeff Simser (Agencies Legal Services Branch)
        Peter Spencer (MOH/MLTC)
        Elaine Atkinson(A) (MCCSS)
        Hari Vishwanathan (A) (FRO)
        Shannon Chace (EDU)
      • Portfolio Director (Indigenous, Lands and Resources) -
        Catherine Stewart (A)
        Directors: Legal Services
        Tom McKinlay (A) (MECP)
        Jeffrey Schelling (A) (MMAH)
        Candice Telfer (A) (IAO)
        Donald Bennett (A) (MNDM)
        Donna Glassman (A) (ENDM-Energy/MEDJCT)
        Samir Khalil (A) (OMAFRA)
        Diane Zimnica (A) (MNRF)
    • Mark Spakowski - Chief Legislative Counsel
    • Olha Dobush (A) - Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Victims & Vulnerable Persons Division
      • Vivienne Lipman - Director, Divisional Corporate Support Branch
      • Vivienne Lipman (A) - Director, Ontario Victim Services
      • Marian Jacko - Children's Lawyer
      • Ken Goodman - Public Guardian & Trustee
    • Paula Reid - Assistant Deputy Attorney General & Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services Management Division
      • Ashif Damji (A) - Director, Business & Fiscal Planning
      • Deen Ajasa - Director, HR Strategic Business Unit
      • Andrew Nizielski - Director, Facilities Management Branch
      • Frank Skubic - Director, Justice Sector Security and Emergency Management Branch
      • Peter O’Keefe - Director, Project Implementation
      • Dominic Fernandes - Director, Analytics & Evidence Branch
      • Lisa Sarracini (A) - Director, Program Review & Transformation Task Force
      • Sabine Derbier - Coordinator, French Language Services
      • Enza Ragone - Coordinator, Freedom of Information
      • Erika Cotter - Director, Audit Services (TBS)
    • Kimberly Murray - Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Indigenous Justice Division
      • Jennifer Abbott - (A) Director, Indigenous Services
      • Kirsten Manley-Casimir (A) - Legal Director
    • Jane Mallen (A) - Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Policy Division
      • Juliet Robin (A) - Executive Director, Justice Policy Development
      • Mariela Orellana (A) - Director, Agency & Tribunal Relations
      • Ana Kapralos - (A) Program Modernization & Appointments Branch
      • Joe Whitehead (A) - Executive Director, Ontario Land Tribunals
      • Harry Gousopoulos - Executive Director, Tribunals Ontario
        Director Of Operations
        Mira Gamsa
        Lorissa Sciarra (A)
        Director, Strategic Business Services Tribunals Ontario
        Polina Bellissimo (A)
      • Michael Mamo - Chief Operating Officer, Office of the Independent Police Review Director
      • Joseph Martino - Director, Special Investigations Unit
      • Raj Dhir (A) - Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel, Ontario Human Rights Commission
    • Alison Drummond (A) Assistant Deputy Minister Long-Term Care Commission Secretariat
      • Dawn Palin (A) Director Operations
      • Vacant Director Policy
      • Peter Rehak (A) Director Communications
    • Samantha Poisson (A) Assistant Deputy Attorney GeneralRecovery Division
      • Vacant Legal Director Operations Recovery
      • Colette Blair Director Operational Support

Download printer-friendly organization chart (JPG 632KB).

Ministry of the Attorney General Legislation

Administration of justice

• Administration of Justice Act
• Apology Act, 2009
• Arbitration Act, 1991
• Assessment Review Board Act
• Bail Act
• Blind Persons' Rights Act
• Class Proceedings Act, 1992
• Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act
• Compensation for Victims of Crime Act
• Courts of Justice Act
• Crown Witnesses Act
• Dog Owners' Liability Act
• Education Act (sections pertaining to Special Education Tribunal- English & French)
• Environmental Review Tribunal Act, 2000
• Evidence Act
• Execution Act
• Fines and Forfeitures Act
• Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (sections pertaining to the Fire Safety Commission)
• Habeas Corpus Act
• Hearings in Tribunal Proceedings (Temporary Measures) Act, 2020
• Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Inquiries Act
• Human Rights Code
• Judicial Review Procedure Act
• Juries Act
• Justices of the Peace Act
• Legal Aid Services Act, 1998
• Legal Aid Services Act, 2020
• Legislation Act, 2006
• Licence Appeal Tribunal Act, 1999
• Limitations Act, 2002 
• Ministry of Correctional Services Act, 1990 (sections pertaining to the Ontario Parole Board)
• Ministry of Natural Resources Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.31 (section 6, pertaining to the Mining and Lands Tribunal)
• Negligence Act
• Notaries Act
• Ontario Heritage Act, Part III
• Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, R.S.O. 1990 (sections pertaining to the Animal Care Review Board)
• Ontario Works Act, 1997 (section pertaining to Social Benefits Tribunal)
• Parental Responsibility Act, 2000
• Police Services Act (sections pertaining to Office of the Independent Police Review Director and the Ontario Civilian Police Commission)
• Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act, 2017
• Provincial Offences Act
• Public Inquiries Act, 2009
• Real Property Limitations Act
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (sections pertaining to the Landlord and Tenant Board)
• Safe Streets Act, 1999
• Special Investigations Unit Act, 2019
• Statutory Powers Procedure Act
• Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, 2009
• #BBD0E0 »

Family law

• Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (sections pertaining to Child and Family Services Review Board, Custody Review Board)
• Children's Law Reform Act
• Family Law Act
• Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017

Inter-jurisdictional

• Enforcement of Judgments Conventions Act, 1999
• Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act, 2002
• International Choice of Court Agreements Convention Act, 2017
• International Electronic Communications Convention Act, 2017
• International Interests in Mobile Equipment Act (Aircraft Equipment), 2002
• International Recognition of Trusts Act, 2017
• Interprovincial Summonses Act
• Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments (UK) Act
• Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Act
• Settlement of International Investment Disputes Act, 1999
• Transboundary Pollution Reciprocal Access Act

Property statutes

• Accumulations Act
• Aliens' Real Property Act
• Conveyancing and Law of Property Act
• Disorderly Houses Act
• Escheats Act
• Expropriations Act
• Fraudulent Conveyances Act
• Local Planning Appeal Support Centre Act, 2017
• Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Act, 2017
• Mortgages Act
• Occupiers' Liability Act
• Partition Act
• Property and Civil Rights Act
• Religious Organizations' Lands Act
• Short Forms of Leases Act
• Trespass to Property Act

Business regulation

• Absconding Debtors Act
• Alcohol, Cannabis and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, 1996 (sections related to Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario)
• Business Records Protection Act
• Charities Accounting Act
• Commercial Mediation Act, 2010
• Construction Act,
• Costs of Distress Act
• Creditors' Relief Act, 2010
• Electronic Commerce Act, 2000
• Frustrated Contracts Act
• Gaming Control Act, 1992
• Horse Racing Licence Act, 2015
• International Commercial Arbitration Act, 2017
• International Sales Conventions Act, R.S.O. 1990
• Liquor Licence Act
• Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (Ministerial responsibility for this Act has not yet been assigned by OIC)
• Mercantile Law Amendment Act
• Sale of Goods Act
• Statute of Frauds
• Unconscionable Transactions Relief Act
• Vendors and Purchasers Act
• Wages Act
• Warehouse Receipts Act

Professional regulation

• Architects Act
• Barristers Act
• Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario Act, 2017
• Law Society Act
• Professional Engineers Act
• Public Accounting Act, 2004
• Solicitors Act

Crown duties/immunity

• Crown Agency Act
• Crown Attorneys Act
• Crown Liability and Proceedings Act, 2019 (in force July 1, 2019)
• Ministry of the Attorney General Act
• Ombudsman Act
• Public Authorities Protection Act
• Public Officers Act

Estates

• Absentees Act
• Crown Administration of Estates Act
• Declarations of Death Act, 2002
• Estates Act
• Estates Administration Act
• Perpetuities Act
• Powers of Attorney Act
• Public Guardian and Trustee Act
• Settled Estates Act
• Substitute Decisions Act, 1992
• Succession Law Reform Act
• Trustee Act
• Variation of Trusts Act

Other

• Age of Majority and Accountability Act
• Cannabis Control Act, 2017
• Cannabis Licence Act, 2018
• Civil Remedies Act, 2001
• Donation of Food Act, 1994
• Executive Council Act
• Good Samaritan Act, 2001
• Human Trafficking Awareness Day Act, 2017
• Libel and Slander Act
• Lieutenant Governor Act
• Members’ Integrity Act, 1994
• Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians Act, 2000
• Prohibiting Profiting from Recounting Crimes Act, 2002
• Religious Freedom Act
• Revised Statutes Confirmation and Corrections Act, 1993
• Time Act

Democracy statutes

• Election Act
• Election Finances Act
• Electoral System Referendum Act, 2007
• Legislative Assembly Act
• Representation Act, 2015

Appendix: 2020-21 Annual Report

2020-21 Achievements

Throughout 2020-21, a time of unprecedented challenge and change, the Ministry of the Attorney General has produced breakthroughs that prove the justice system can be faster, more accessible, responsive and resilient.

Building on the groundbreaking initiatives that the government undertook in the early days of COVID-19covid 19 to uphold the administration of justice and protect Ontarians, the ministry has invested in new technology, modernized processes, and continued to overcome longstanding challenges that caused delays for individuals and families across a justice system that had been falling behind.

These achievements include the passage of the Smarter and Stronger Justice Act, 2020 and the introduction of the Accelerating Access to Justice Act, 2021, designed to speed up access to justice and drive the largest-ever transformation of the province’s justice sector.

COVID-19covid 19 Response

The Ministry of the Attorney General has worked with the courts and other partners to maintain the administration of justice and provide seamless, responsive justice services to all Ontarians, particularly those in vulnerable communities. 

Achievements include:

• moving in-person court matters to remote proceedings immediately after the outbreak was identified.
• providing courts with the necessary technology to hold remote hearings in 275 courtrooms, enabling the justice system to continue to operate throughout the pandemic.
• developing new and innovative ways of delivering justice services online, such as an online jury pre-screening and check-in tool and a court case lookup service.
• protecting jobs in Ontario’s vibrant service industry by providing more opportunities for the alcohol sector.
• supporting victims of crime with additional funding for more than 50 community agencies to ensure Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario organizations, Indigenous organizations and rural-based organizations can effectively respond as circumstances evolve.
• ensuring legal liability protection relating to COVID-19covid 19 exposure to healthcare workers and those who work on the front lines serving the public.

Highlights from 2020-2021 include:

Justice Accelerated Strategy

The COVID-19covid 19 outbreak compounded the need for new and innovative ways of delivering justice services remotely, in-person and online. Initiatives have been introduced to make it easier, faster and more affordable to access the justice system through COVID-19covid 19 and beyond by investing in technology and providing more services online, including:

• developing online filing systems for civil, family and small claims court documents so that more than 500 different types of documents can now be filed online.
• introducing a court case lookup service that can be used to conduct provincewide searches of most Superior Court of Justice civil and criminal court case information, making it faster and easier for people to access court case information remotely.
• enabling the disputing of traffic and other tickets by audio or video where available.
• an online pre-screening and check-in for potential jurors, allowing people to spend less time in a courthouse before jury selection.

Supporting Jobs at Restaurants, Bars, Breweries and Wineries

Recognizing the importance of bars and restaurants to community life in Ontario, the ministry expanded on actions taken early in the pandemic to support workers in Ontario’s vibrant hospitality sector by making permanent the sale of alcohol with food takeout and delivery orders.

Additional supports for the hospitality sector allowed:

• delivery of alcoholic beverages in food boxes and meal kits.
• restaurants and bars to offer mixed cocktails and growlers as part of a takeout or delivery order.
• eligible alcohol manufacturers to deliver their own products and charge a delivery fee.
• alcohol service on docked boats by operators with a liquor sales licence.
• reduced minimum pricing of spirits consumed on-site or as part of a food takeout/delivery order.
• extend the length of time for temporary patio extensions to be set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
• for a requirement that ensures third parties delivering from licensed restaurants and bars have a delivery licence.
• manufacturers to sell spirits and 100 per cent Ontario wine at farmers’

Justice Centres

As part of the Ministry’s commitment to innovate how justice is delivered to our most vulnerable and marginalized populations, the province has begun implementing a new community court model to increase access to justice and target the factors underlying criminal behavior. The Justice Centre model draws from innovative justice practices around the world, while addressing the unique needs of distinct communities across the province.

Over 130 young adults in contact with the criminal justice system have received specialized supports and services through Ontario’s first pilot site in London.

New Toronto Courthouse Construction

Infrastructure Ontario continued construction of a new courthouse that will bring together most of the Ontario Court of Justice criminal courts operating across the city of Toronto.

The 17-storey high-rise courthouse is scheduled to be substantially complete in 2022 and will house 63 courtrooms.

Access to Justice in French – North Bay Action Plan

Building on the success of similar partnerships with the Superior and Ontario Courts of Justice in Sudbury and Ottawa, the North Bay French Language Action Plan was implemented to develop new practices to improve access to justice in French in North Bay and across the province.

The plan takes a collaborative approach to creating and testing new opportunities for improvement. The plan also enhances the active offer of French-language court services, ensuring the offer is visible, accessible and publicized.

Supporting Victims of Crime

The Ministry of the Attorney General is committed to protecting and supporting victims of crime while providing the supports they need during COVID-19covid 19.

Responding to an alarming increase in domestic violence during the pandemic, the ministry has provided several investments to support victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes, including:

• funding to help ensure more than 50 community agencies, including Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario organizations, Indigenous organizations and those based in rural areas can stay operational and accessible to victims during the public health crisis.
• support for front-line staff responding to challenges caused by the COVID-19covid 19 crisis.
• enhanced access to immediate supports for victims, including extended hotels stays, and transportation and meal vouchers available through the Victim Quick Response Program Plus.
• support for the province’s Roadmap to Wellness strategy to help victim service organizations hire more staff and for community organizations to safely provide supervised access services during the pandemic.

Combatting Human Trafficking

As part of the Combatting Human Trafficking Act, the ministry is supporting human trafficking victims and their families by:

• allowing judges’ discretion to lengthen restraining orders beyond the current limit of three years to support and protect victims for a longer period.

• clarifying precisely who can apply for a restraining order on behalf of a child, to be responsive to the needs of Indigenous families and communities by recognizing customary care arrangements.

• clarifying that restraining orders can include provisions intended to protect others, in addition to the victim, to encourage more workers assisting victims and families of survivors to apply.

These amendments helped ensure the safety of those who are trafficked, encourage more victims to come forward, and extend access and protections as appropriate within the survivor's circle of care.

These amendments come into effect upon Royal Assent and build on other supports including:

• funding to reduce financial barriers many face while attending court or during the immediate aftermath of crime for essential expenses.
• hiring additional specialized victim services workers.

Combatting the Illegal Cannabis Market

Pursuing the government’s objectives of protecting children, keeping communities safe and combatting the criminal market in response to the federal government’s legalization of cannabis, the ministry undertook consultations in March 2020 in order to provide consumers more choice and convenience on cannabis while enhancing private sector capacity to compete against the criminal market.

The online consultation asked the public, businesses, health and other stakeholders to comment on potential new cannabis opportunities, including consumption venues and special occasion permits.

The ministry also invited key groups to roundtable sessions, including industry representatives, public health and safety organizations, education stakeholders and Indigenous representatives, to ensure their expertise and advice help to inform next steps.

Additionally, the ministry took action to combat the illegal cannabis market and ensured cannabis stores could safely stay open during the pandemic while adhering to ongoing emergency orders by allowing the curbside pickup and delivery of cannabis.

Liability Protection for Workers, Volunteers and Organizations

As part of the Supporting Ontario's Recovery Act, 2020, the ministry ensured legal liability protection relating to COVID-19covid 19 exposure to healthcare workers, institutions and those who work on the front lines serving the public. This protection also extends to businesses and their employees, charities, non-profit organizations, minor sports associations and their volunteers.

These changes ensure court resources are used where they are needed most: to hold accountable bad actors who ignore public health guidance and laws or act with gross negligence.

Establishing Safe and Competitive Online Gaming

To combat the unregulated, grey-market websites that offer online gaming without consumer protection, the Ministry of the Attorney General is working with the AGCO to create a competitive market for online legal gaming in Ontario, which will provide consumers with more choice in iGaming products while ensuring a safe online environment that minimizes the risks for players. 

The ministry made important progress on this initiative with the appointment of a Commercial Project Lead and the launch of industry consultations.