As of January 1, 2021, the Ontario Rules of Civil
Procedure (the "Rules")
will be amended by Ontario
Regulation (O. Reg) 689/20 to encourage litigants
to adapt to the increased use of virtual proceedings and electronic
processes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The updated Rules will also eliminate outdated and
obsolete practices that are expected to make the civil litigation
process more efficient and cost-effective.
The key changes to the Rules are summarized below.
Method(s) of Attendance at Hearings
Rules 1.08 and 1.08.1 will be revoked and updated with a new
Rule 1.08, which will grant a party seeking a hearing the option to
have it heard by person, by telephone conference or by video
conference. If an opposing party does not agree with the proposed
manner of attendance, they must deliver a notice of objection and
the manner of appearance will be determined at a case conference.
In making a determination regarding the proposed method of hearing,
the
