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An Update on How the Suspension of Court Operations is Affecting Civil Litigation

April 01, 2020

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Written By Michael Theroux, Laura Gill and Justin Duguay

This is an update to a previous blog from March 23, 2020.

Courts across Canada are limiting hearings due to the rapidly evolving novel COVID-19 outbreak. Courts in each jurisdiction are responding differently and implementing measures that are affecting existing and contemplated civil litigation matters. We summarize below the current implications of these unprecedented circumstances on civil litigation proceedings in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. We are continuing to monitor the latest announcements from the Courts set out below and we are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information. 

Court of Appeal of Alberta

(Latest announcement on March 26, 2020)

Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta

(Latest announcement on March 30, 2020)

Court of Appeal for British Columbia

(Latest announcement on March 30, 2020)

Supreme Court of British Columbia

(Latest announcement on March 30, 2020)

Ontario Court of Appeal

(Latest announcement on March 30, 2020)

Ontario Superior Court of Justice

(Latest announcement on March 27, 2020)

Takeaways

Courts across Canada continue to adapt to the rapidly evolving novel COVID-19 outbreak. The court suspensions across the country impact litigants' ability to meet filing deadlines for civil litigation matters and take procedural steps before the courts. It will be particularly important for litigants to consider the procedures for addressing any limitation periods arising during the period of suspension, including applications to extend the time for filing a claim if necessary. 

Bennett Jones is committed to protecting the rights of its clients during these unprecedented times. If you have any questions regarding the information in this article, please contact a member of the Bennett Jones Commercial Litigation team. In addition, please visit our COVID-19 Resource Centre for other COVID-19-related materials.

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