Changes to Ontario Court Proceedings – Due to Omicron Variant

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has made changes to its operations until February 7, 2022, in response to the highly transmissible Omicron COVID-19 variant.

Subject to further direction from the Court, the following temporary adjustment will be in effect:

All Civil matters will proceed virtually. Where necessary, particularly in situations of urgency, the Court may direct that these cases proceed as hybrid hearings.

No new jury selection in any court location.

For all matters, where a party has a lawyer they are encouraged to explore the technology supports that their lawyer may be able to provide, such as attending at the lawyer’s office or another location to participate in their hearing virtually. Where a litigant does not have access to the necessary technology to participate in a virtual hearing and does not have a lawyer who is able to provide supports or resources, they should reach out to their local court office immediately so that arrangements can be made to facilitate their participation in the hearing.

The decision to continue matters that are in progress, including jury trials, will be made by the presiding judge taking into account the positions of the parties and making any adjustments as necessary to accommodate those who do not wish to attend in person.

Criminal judge alone trials and other criminal matters may proceed in-person or hybrid at the discretion of the presiding judge taking into account the positions of the parties and making any adjustments as necessary to accommodate those who do not wish to attend in-person. Efforts should be made to hear these matters remotely where possible.

All Family and Child Protection matters will also proceed virtually. Where necessary, particularly in situations of urgency, the Court may direct that these cases proceed as hybrid hearings.

If you have been injured due to negligence of another or terminated without cause, please contact JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL P by calling (800) 715-1082 or messaging us, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.