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ARTICLE · 13 JUNE 2025

Ontario's Civil Rules Revolution? Breaking Down The Key Proposed Reforms

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
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In April 2025, the Ontario Civil Rules Review Working Group (CRR Working Group) released its Phase 2 Consultation Report [PDF], proposing comprehensive changes to the Rules of Civil Procedure (Rules).

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Craig Lockwood
Craig Lockwood
Charles Dobson
Charles Dobson
Rebecca Orsini (Summer Student)
Rebecca Orsini (Summer Student)
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In April 2025, the Ontario Civil Rules Review Working Group (CRR Working Group) released its Phase 2 Consultation Report [PDF], proposing comprehensive changes to the Rules of Civil Procedure (Rules).1

The Civil Rules Review was launched in January 2024 by Attorney General Downey and Chief Justice Morawetz. Its mandate is to review the Rules and identify areas of reform that would make civil court proceedings more efficient, affordable and accessible.

In the Phase 2 Report, the CRR Working Group proposes a major overhaul to civil procedure. Key recommendations include:

  • redesigning the documentary discovery process to replace the "relevance-based" disclosure model with a "reliance-based" model, and shifting document production earlier

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