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.

Submission: Federal Major Projects Discussion Paper

CELA’s is concerned Bill 98 contains proposals that will fundamentally undermine Ontario’s ability to address the impacts of climate change.

June 2, 2026

Impact Report 2025

CELA’s 2025 impact report shares highlights of fighting for environmental justice for Ontario’s most vulnerable communities.

June 1, 2026

May 2026 Newsletter – Intervenor, Volume 54, Number 1

Case updates for Grassy Narrows First Nation, rollbacks to federal assessment and permitting laws, and expanded AC program in Toronto.

May 28, 2026

Comments on Bruce Power’s application to amend the licensing basis for Bruce A and B nuclear generating stations to increase reactor power limits

CELA’s Comments on Bruce Power’s application to amend the licensing basis for Bruce A and B nuclear generating stations to

May 28, 2026

Presentation: Ontario Environmental Assessment Update

Presentation on changes to Ontario environmental assessment.

May 27, 2026

Submission: Proposed Changes to the Environmental Assessment Act

CELA’s submission to the Ontario government, opposing changes to the Environmental Assessment Act proposed in Schedule 2 of Bill 105.

May 15, 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.

Support our work, make a DONATION today!