How We Make Change Happen
Discover the principles, funders, and strategies that guide our work
About the LCO
The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) provides balanced and authoritative advice on important law reform issues. Our reports are principled, practical and forward-looking. The LCO promotes access to justice, the public interest, the rule of law, and a fair and modern justice system.
LCO projects focus on systemic legal issues affecting individuals, communities and institutions across the province. Many LCO projects review existing laws to ensure they are modern, efficient and just. Other projects anticipate and respond to important emerging issues, including evolving technologies and challenges to the rule of law.
The LCO produces independent and high-quality research on complex and often controversial legal issues. Our work is impartial, transparent, evidence-based and interdisciplinary. Public engagement and education are central to our work.
The LCO’s credibility and influence depend on collaborations with individuals, communities, and organizations across Ontario. We work with legal professionals and organizations, NGOs, academics, governments, and members of the public to improve Ontario’s laws.
Our Funders
We are funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario, the Law Society of Ontario, and Osgoode Hall Law School. The LCO also receives significant in kind support from Osgoode Hall Law School and York University.
Governing Documents
These are our current governing documents and policies:
- Strategic Plan 2022-2025
Our mandate and priorities.
A new Strategic Plan is forthcoming and will be uploaded as soon as it is available. - Foundational Agreement
This document establishes the LCO and is signed by our funders and supporters. - Governance Policy
Our policies on the best practices of corporate governance for the LCO’s Board of Governors. - Copyright and Attribution Policy
This policy applies to all research, papers, publications and other documents created for the LCO by all persons paid and unpaid. - Accessibility Policy
This policy reflects the LCO’s commitment to ensuring accommodation and accessibility for members of the public who participate in LCO activities. - Use of Information, Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
This policy details how we use the information provided to us by the public and how we protect sensitive personal information.
This policy is being updated. The updated version will be uploaded as soon as it is available. - Language and Translation Policy
This policy is reflective of the bilingual character of Ontario’s justice system and in recognition of the pluralist character of Ontario. This policy is subject to the LCO’s financial and personnel resources.
This policy is being updated and will be uploaded as soon as it is available.
The following archived documents are also available: