Effective as of end of day on Friday, March 20, 2020, LAO has stopped all in-person staff and per diem services in the courthouses across the province until further notice.  They will be using their normal system of staff and per diems for all services done remotely.  Certificates will still be available in the normal course.  Also, LAO recently announced that  it will be temporarily re-instating the bail block to the private bar with certificates in order to respond to demand as a result of COVID-19. Details to follow. Panel lawyers should know that they can do bails (on certificates) and be paid per the former rules.

LAO also announced that, in order to ensure that those in remand are getting fair treatment and timely access to justice, LAO will no longer assess merit prior to granting bail review authorizations.

Further, LAO is exploring billing and administrative changes to support the private bar and their legally aided clients during this crisis period.

FOLA will endeavour to keep you updated and you are also encouraged to visit their website frequently for more information. 

And finally, attached is a regional contact list for LAO staff. This list may be published and/or distributed to permit members of the private bar to reach LAO staff to facilitate bail matters on Monday. This list should not be considered the final word on the topic. It will be updated on a periodic basis. Updated lists will be distributed as they become available.