The POA Practitioner’s Update 2026: What’s New and Important
Program Length
1/2 Day
Program Dates
Online (Live)
Learn with peers in real-time online environment.
Online (Replay)
A scheduled replay of a past program, with the ability to submit questions.
The POA Practitioner’s Update 2026: What’s New and Important
Program Chair
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman
Ontario Court of Justice
Are you on top of all the recent developments and key decisions affecting your POA practice?
In one intensive half-day, get up to speed with all the need-to-know updates for POA practitioners.
Led by The Hon. Justice Rick Libman, this annual update brings you the latest information from an expert faculty of prosecutors and defence counsel. They will examine recent caselaw and administrative/procedural developments over the preceding 12 months, yielding practical tips you can immediately apply.
Can’t Make the Date? Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
Legislative updates impacting the Provincial Offences Act
An update on procedural and substantive POA matters
Critical case law updates
Who Should Attend
Paralegals
Lawyers
Faculty
Program Chairs
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman
Ontario Court of Justice
Instructors
Con Gabriel
Court and Tribunal Services Branch, Prosecutions Branch Acting Team Lead, The Regional Municipality of York
Melina Macchia
Schofield Macchia LLP
Kristina MacDonald
Discipline Paralegal, Litigation Services, Law Society of Ontario
Sandeep Bandhu
Principal, Brickhouse Legal Services
“The gold standard of POA programming.
”
Agenda
9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks from the Program Chair
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman, Ontario Court of Justice
9:15 a.m. a.m. Legislative and Critical Case Law Updates
This opening session will bring you up to speed on important recent decisions and legislative updates affecting your POA practice. You’ll hear valuable prosecution, defence and judicial perspectives on important developments over the last twelve months. Topics will include:
Legislative updates impacting the Provincial Offences Act:
Virtual hearings, s. 83.1
Increasing use of administrative monetary penalties
Bill 56 – Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 (amendments to the Highway Traffic Act)
Critical case law update:
Probation and restitution, Ontario (Ministry of Government and Consumer Services) v. Ivan’s Electric Limited, 2025 ONCJ 70
POA trial caused by Internet connectivity issues in the courtroom, Toronto (City) v. Battiston, 2025 ONCJ 197
Frivolous appeals, Toronto (City) v. Becerra, 2025 ONCJ 426
Power to grant relief against a minimum fine, Toronto (City) v. Rostami, 2025 ONCJ 254
Technological issues in the courtroom and a stay of proceedings as a remedy, Toronto (City) v. Noori, 2025 ONCJ 255
The use of AI in making legal submissions, R. v. Chand, 2025 ONCJ 282
Appeal of audio issues, R. v. P.V.T., 2025 ONCA 96
Administrative error, R. v. Omiwole, 2025 ONCA 111
Complete and regular on its face – place of offence; R. v. Dimilta, 2025 ONCJ 57
Unreasonable delay, Toronto (City) v. Agrippa, 2025 ONCJ 46
Con Gabriel, Court and Tribunal Services Branch, Prosecutions Branch Acting Team Lead, The Regional Municipality of York
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman, Ontario Court of Justice
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 Clashing Perspectives
This panel will feature experienced practitioners from both sides squaring off on some key and very timely issues, including:
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman, Ontario Court of Justice
11:30 a.m. Emerging Ethical and Professionalism Issues for the POA Practitioner
Leading experts will examine some of the key professional challenges confronting today’s POA practitioner including the use of AI by legal service providers and adjudicators.
The Hon. Justice Rick Libman, Ontario Court of Justice
Melina Macchia, Schofield Macchia LLP
Kristina MacDonald, Discipline Paralegal, Litigation Service, Law Society of Ontario
Newly licensed regulated professionals within the past 2 years receive 50% off the regular program fee.
Time
Jun 12, 2026 9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m (ET)
Payment Deadlines
Payment is required in full up to 21 days prior to the start of the program, or immediately upon purchase if less than 21 days.
Substitution and Cancellation
Substitution of registrants is permitted at any time prior to the start date of the program. If you are unable to find a substitute, a full refund is available if a cancellation request is received in writing 14 days prior to the start of the program. If a cancellation request is made with less than 14 but more than 3 days’ notice, an administrative fee equal to 20% of the program cost, to a maximum of $250 will apply per person. No refund will be issued for cancellations received within 3 days of the program start date. Payment is required to receive access to the program.
We will make every effort to present the program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the date, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University’s and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
“This is a fantastic update for an ever‑changing landscape. I look forward to the annual updates!
”
CPD and Accreditation
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
Take your learning to the next level with our optional workshop, available in-person on online.
Mar 25, 2026
Online (Live)
Learn with peers in real-time online environment.
May 29, 2026
Online (Replay)
A scheduled replay of a past program, with the ability to submit questions.
1.5 Days
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In Person: Attendance for the program will take place at Osgoode Professional Development (1 Dundas Street West, Suite 2602, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z3) unless otherwise specified. Program Materials will be printed and available for pick up upon arrival.
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