About the Court

The Court of Appeal for Ontario is the highest level of court in Ontario and hears appeals from the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice. The Chief Justice of Ontario, the Associate Chief Justice of Ontario, and approximately 30 other judges sit on the Court of Appeal. All Read more

The Honourable Roy McMurtry – 1932- 2024

The Court of Appeal acknowledges the death of the Honourable Roy McMurtry, former Chief Justice of Ontario and President of the Court of Appeal.

Former Chief Justice McMurtry served as Chief Justice of Ontario for 11 years, until his retirement in 2007. He was appointed to the bench in 1991, where he served as Associate Chief Justice and then Chief Justice of the Superior Court before being appointed to the Court of Appeal as the Chief Justice of Ontario.

Former Chief Justice McMurtry was a giant whose vision and brilliance helped shape the province and country we live in today.

A trial lawyer for more than 15 years, he was elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1975 and immediately appointed Attorney General of Ontario, a position he held for a remarkable 10 years.  During that time, he played a central and influential role in negotiating the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and patriating Canada’s constitution.  He also oversaw many reforms in the justice system, including bilingualism in the courts.

Following his political career, he served as Canada’s High Commissioner to Great Britain before being appointed as a judge.

Former Chief Justice McMurtry was recognized with the Order of Ontario and named an Officer of the Order of Canada.

He will be missed.

The flag at Osgoode Hall has been placed at half-staff.

(March 19, 2024)


Reference re online gaming and international play (COA-24-CV-0185)

The Government of Ontario has made a reference to the Court of the Appeal for Ontario, asking a question about permitting international play in an online provincial lottery scheme.

(March 11, 2024)


Can you provide feedback on our new online system?

Do you have an hour or less, at your convenience, for a virtual feedback session? The Court of Appeal for Ontario is testing a new online filing system, and we are looking for self-represented parties to provide feedback.  Email Jennifer.Carr@Ontario.ca.

(February 27, 2024)


Housekeeping Amendments to the Civil Practice Direction

The Court of Appeal for Ontario released today housekeeping amendments to its Practice Direction Concerning Civil Appeals at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Among other changes, the amendments reflect recent amendments to rr. 61.11 and 61.12 of the Rules of Civil Procedure governing factum length in civil appeals. Absent leave of the court, a factum in a civil appeal must be both: (i) 9,200 words or less; and (ii) 40 pages or less (see para. 11.7(3)). The factum length in civil motions remains unchanged. Factums in civil motions should be 10 pages or less in the majority of motions and cannot be more than 30 pages without a court order (see para. 7.1.7(4) and s. 7.2.4).

The amendments further:

  • Clarify that certain correspondence addressed to a judge or judges concerning the merits of a court decision will not be provided to the judge or judges (see para. 4.2(1));
  • Set out the process for requesting urgent panel motions (see s. 7.2.3);
  • Indicate that a list judge’s decision on a request for more time for oral argument is final and not subject to further review or appeal (see para. 12.2(5)); and
  • Remove information about binding materials given the General Practice Direction Regarding All Proceedings in the Court of Appeal requires parties to file materials electronically. Electronic materials do not have to be bound with coloured front and back pages.

(February 26, 2024)


News – Archive

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