CELA

Canadian Environmental Law Association is a legal aid clinic dedicated to environmental equity, justice, and health.

Founded in 1970, CELA is one of the oldest environmental advocates for environmental protection in the country. With funding from Legal Aid Ontario, CELA provides free legal services relating to environmental justice in Ontario, including representing qualifying low-income and vulnerable or disadvantaged communities in litigation. CELA also works on environmental legal education and reform initiatives.

Legal Representation and Advice

How can we help?

Legal Education and Engagement

Learn about the law

Law Reform and Initiatives

Advocating for environmental justice

CELA's Latest Activities

Discover staff blog posts, publications, reports, alerts, and media releases.

Articling Student 2027-2028

CELA seeks an articling student for 2027-2028.

May 12, 2026

Webinar: Protecting Water – Pathways to Drinking Water Protection in First Nations Communities

Protecting sources of drinking water for First Nations communities.

May 11, 2026

CELA Reacts to Federal Proposal to Gut Environmental Reviews

CELA calls on federal government to withdraw proposal to gut environmental assessment of nuclear power projects.

May 8, 2026

CELA Comments on Draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, Wesleyville New Nuclear

CELA Comments on Draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines for Wesleyville New Nuclear Project

May 8, 2026

Legal Decision Making Framework for proposed New Nuclear at Wesleyville

Presentation to Port Hope community on legal framework for decision making on the proposal for new nuclear power at Wesleyville.

May 1, 2026

April 2026 Newsletter – Intervenor, Volume 53, Number 4

Continued mining impacts in Grassy Narrows First Nation, Bill 98’s hidden climate cost, and ongoing air pollution concerns in Hamilton.

April 29, 2026

CELA Turns 55!

We recently celebrated this milestone with friends and colleagues in a gathering featuring remarks from Rod Strain (Vice President, Clinic Law Services, Legal Aid Ontario) and an inspiring keynote address from Kathleen Padulo (Director of Environment, Chiefs of Ontario). We were delighted to welcome former staff, students, board members and other special guests to the event.

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