Ontario's civil justice reform is set to reshape motions
practice. This overview explains the proposals made by the Ontario
Civil Rules Review Working Group and what a “managed motions
market” will look like in practice. The aim is simple: fewer
procedural battles, faster substantive outcomes, and lower, more
predictable costs.
Introduction
Ontario's “motions culture” has become a
bottleneck. Thousands of motion events each year consume court
time, delay hearing dates, and push costs beyond what's
proportionate to the issues at stake. The reform proposal replaces
an open, party‑driven motions marketplace with a
court‑managed model. Most interlocutory disputes will be
screened through short Directions Conferences, with formal motions
used only when necessary. The message is clear: prioritize
substance over process, keep materials short, set early hearing
dates, and stick to them.
