The word "unprecedented" has taken on a new meaning in
the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken by the
Provincial government, the bar and the bench to navigate this
global pandemic.
This public health emergency has caused the Ontario government
to take significant steps that impact civil proceedings in Ontario
and our Courts and Court administrators are responding in most
difficult circumstances. This bulletin provides a synopsis with
some of the major changes that have been implemented and some of
the ways that the Courts and administration have admirably
responded.
On March 15, 2020, Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz of the
Ontario Superior Court of Justice made available a "Notice to
the Profession, the Public and the Media Regarding Civil and Family
Proceedings" by which the Chief Justice advised of the
suspension of regular operations effective March 17, 2020 until
further notice. All criminal, family and civil matters scheduled to
be heard
