Introduction
Ontario's civil justice system is moving to a
court‑managed, faster, and more predictable framework. At its
core are firm, early hearing dates and a new three‑track
model—Application, Summary, and Trial—that matches
process to the needs and value of the case. Below is a
high‑level overview of the proposals in “The Procedural
Framework for All Matters,” with plain explanations of what
they mean for your files and practice.
The Need to Set Early Dispositive Hearing Date
Setting an early, firm date for a dispositive hearing is the
anchor of the new model. Fixed dates focus minds, encourage
realistic settlement, and reduce procedural skirmishing.
Adjournments will be rare and granted only in exceptional
circumstances by the Regional Senior Justice (or
designate).
