On March 17, 2020, the Ontario Superior Court began restricting
the matters that would be heard amidst COVID-19 concerns. For civil
and commercial matters in Toronto, the Court will only be hearing
matters related to outstanding warrants or urgent and time
sensitive motions that pose a risk of immediate and significant
financial repercussions if they are not dealt with. This leaves an
important question unanswered: what is considered urgent?
What is Urgent?
Since the Superior Court implemented its restrictions, it has
released decisions clarifying what is considered urgent during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
In Oppong v Desoro Holdings Inc. 2020 ONSC 1689, a
commercial tenant brought an application for relief from forfeiture
of its lease by the respondent landlord. Justice Meyers scheduled
the application for the following day, considering the matter
urgent since the applicant had no property. The application was
ultimately further adjourned, but due to concerns with
