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ARTICLE · 05 JUNE 2020

Ready, Set, Zoom! Trials In The Time Of COVID-19

On May 21, 2020, in Rovi Guides, Inc. v Videotron Ltd., the Federal Court of Canada took an important step forward in its digital evolution, setting the parameters for a remote trial...

CanadaCoronavirus (COVID-19)

On May 21, 2020, in Rovi Guides, Inc. v Videotron Ltd., the Federal Court of Canada took an important step forward in its digital evolution, setting the parameters for a remote trial to be conducted by videoconference, following a trial management conference.

The decision gives an indication as to how the Federal Court envisages trials may be conducted in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Parties in the throes of litigation will want to take note of what this decision could mean for their own proceedings and what steps the Court is prepared to take to ensure cases are still heard despite the pandemic.

In its decision, the Court recognized that there is a balancing act between ensuring the health and safety of court participants and the need to maintain judicial operations. Given the local public health restrictions, a remote hearing using the popular Zoom platform was chosen. The Court made a number of points regarding the use of Zoom, such as:

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