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.

Comments on Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Response to the Summary of Issues, Deep Geological Repository

We the Nuclear Free North Comments on Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Response to the Summary of Issues

April 9, 2026

Blog: New Westminster, British Columbia Passes By-Law to Protect Tenants from Extreme Heat

New Westminster, BC, is the first Canadian municipality to pass a by-law protecting tenants by establishing a maximum indoor temperature

April 9, 2026

Infographic: Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water

Guide for caregivers to address lead in school drinking water.

April 1, 2026

March 2026 Newsletter – Intervenor, Volume 53, Number 3

Source water protection critical to First Nations drinking water, proposed nuclear waste repository in NW Ontario, and a call for

March 31, 2026

Blog: Apply for the City of Toronto’s Free Air Conditioner Program

Toronto expands its free air conditioner Program, providing units to eligible individuals.

March 26, 2026

Blog: An Anti-Plastic Fantastic Decision from the Federal Court of Appeal

Federal Court of Appeal Reverses Federal Court; upholds listing of plastic manufactured items as toxic under CEPA.

March 18, 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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