"It's 2020" - Ontario Courts Embracing(?) Alternative Process And Remote Technology During The COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, courts in Ontario have been working to find solutions to the suspension of regular court operations.

Numerous directives have been issued by courts and tribunals across Ontario, providing guidance on how litigants are to proceed.  While the approaches vary, and despite the Government of Ontario's suspension of limitation periods, it is clear that courts and tribunals are looking to move litigation forward. 

This article reviews the current orders and directives on limitation periods and timelines that litigants and counsel need to be aware of.  This article also reviews recent decisions by Ontario courts that consider written hearings and remote technology as alternative formats to move litigation matters forward during the emergency period.