March 20, 2020

Good morning:

I am writing on behalf of Chief Justice Maisonneuve.

This communication is to advise of changes that the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) is immediately implementing to its ongoing critical operations as a result of COVID-19.

All family trials, criminal trials and preliminary inquiries between Friday March 20, 2020 and Friday May 29, 2020 are suspended, subject to a judge seized with a continuing matter ordering otherwise.  This applies to both in-custody and out-of-custody accused.

Although criminal and family courts remain open for urgent matters, consistent with public health advice, all steps are being taken to reduce in person appearances and to implement social distancing for matters that must proceed. Unless an urgent criminal or family court appearance is required in the Ontario Court of Justice between Friday March 20, 2020 and Friday May 29, 2020 the court is urging individuals not to attend court.

The Ministry of the Attorney General is working with the Court and other key justice stakeholders to implement significant audio and video technology capacity to further minimize in person contact for urgent matters that are proceeding.

The attached public notice provides more important on the matters that will continue to proceed in the OCJ. This notice has been posted to the court’s website (https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/). We invite you to share it with members of your organization and with other organizations as broadly as you wish.

James Schneider for OCJ Communications Officer

Please note the updated COVID-19 Updated notice from the Ontario Court of Justice.  https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/covid-19/