March 28, 2020 

Good afternoon: 

I am writing on behalf of Chief Justice Maisonneuve. 

This communication is to advise that effective March 28, 2020 the Ontario Court of Justice is limiting access to courthouses. People should not attend Ontario Court of Justice courthouses unless they fall in one of the exceptions outlined in the attached notice. 

This decision is part of the collective efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect the health and safety of court users, justice system participants and members of the public.

The attached notices provide more details about remote attendance by counsel and/or litigants (including in-custody accused), how to deal with requests for access to court proceedings and how to file court documents for urgent matters by email. 

Also attached is a document containing contact information for Trial Coordinator’s Offices (link removed). Counsel who receive requests from persons with an interest in a particular proceeding and are asking to attend or participate in the proceeding remotely should contact the appropriate Trial Coordinator’s Office. This list of Trial Coordinator’s Offices email addresses is not for public distribution or posting. Access the list on the Members Only page.

Thank you, Matt McGavock for OCJ Communications Officer