The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), established in 1970, is one of Canada's oldest advocates for environmental protection. As a non-profit legal aid clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario, CELA specializes in providing free legal services related to environmental justice in Ontario. The organization focuses on representing low-income and vulnerable communities in litigation, ensuring that those most affected by environmental issues have access to justice. Additionally, CELA engages in environmental legal education and reform initiatives, aiming to strengthen environmental laws and policies across the province.
Over the years, CELA has been instrumental in the development and passage of several critical environmental laws in Ontario, including the Environmental Assessment Act, Environmental Protection Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Toxics Reduction Act, and the Environmental Bill of Rights. The organization has also been involved in precedent-setting court cases, such as defending the Hudson, Quebec, municipal bylaw banning cosmetic pesticides and opposing the proposed Adams Mine mega-dump. These efforts underscore CELA's commitment to holding governments and polluters accountable for environmental harm and safeguarding citizens' environmental rights.
CELA's client service approach is centered on advocating for greater public participation and access to decision-making, particularly for those who face barriers to environmental justice. The organization works closely with communities to address issues such as water sustainability, pollution and health, green energy, and sustainable planning. By providing legal representation, public legal education, and engaging in law reform campaigns, CELA strives to protect human health and the environment, ensuring that all communities, regardless of economic status, have a voice in environmental decision-making.
