The unprecedented COVID-19 response continues to impact Ontario courts and tribunals, whose operations were suspended on March 16, 2020. Incredible efforts have been made by local administrative judges and court staff to continue access to justice during this difficult time. Their efforts cannot be understated.
Today, March 25, 2020, Justices Trousdale, Tranmer and Mew, responsible for administration of the Kingston and Napanee civil, criminal and family courts, provided joint direction to the profession and parties on the conduct of judicial matters. The notice effects the City of Kingston and Frontenac and Lennox & Addington. All lawyers and self-represented litigants must familiarize themselves with the notice, which is linked to this post here: Notice to the Profession – Kingston and Napanee. Their Honours provide guidance on urgent matters that will be heard by the Court presently and with respect to the return of adjourned matters in June 2020.
The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal has similarly issued notice that all hearing events scheduled between March 16, 2020 and June 30, 2020 will be adjourned to a future date with suspension of timelines. A copy of the LPAT’s March 24, 2010 notice can be found following this link.
A similar notice was issued by Justice Pedlar in respect of matters proceeding in the Superior Court of Justice in the Counties of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville: Notice to the Profession – Brockville. All documents can be downloaded below.