COVID-19 And The Courts: What You Need To Know - May 2020

Across the globe, courts are rapidly adapting their practices and procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a number of jurisdictions, hearings have been adjourned; procedures and timelines for filings have been amended; and limitation periods have been suspended. We have summarized below the need-to-know information about civil proceedings in a number of courts and tribunals in Ontario and Québec, as well as the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. We will continue to monitor and update our clients and community members on applicable practices as events unfold.

Filings and Procedural Deadlines

Ontario Superior Court of Justice

• Hearings. Civil matters scheduled to be heard on or after March 17, 2020, are adjourned until July 6, 2020, at the earliest. Jury selection and jury trials are suspended until September 2020 at the earliest. In the meantime, the Court will remotely hear urgent and time-sensitive matters when immediate