Here is my Newmarket Update for April 2, 2020. 

Bail Hearings 

There is a desire to improve the efficiency of bail hearings and reduce court time required for those hearings. To assist with efficiency and speed, the assigned bail vettor is Jeff Costain: Jeffrey.Costain@ontario.ca  for the remainder of this week and for next week. 

Counsel are also asked to be efficient as possible and strive to stay within the allotted time slot.  Resources as precious as are time slots. All participants need to be as efficient and prepared as possible and accurate when making time estimates.  Counsel should determine circumstances where sureties require interpreters and include additional time in the time slot.  The goal is to complete hearings within the allotted  time slot, including time for jurist to consider and rule on contested matters.  

Bail Positions

With respect to bail positions the Crown has been making all concessions possible, but must follow their directive namely,  that public safety remains paramount.  Crown will keep an eye on contested matters so that they can be addressed as efficiently as possible.  Efforts are ongoing by all to determine as early as possible which matters require more time and adjust the scheduling accordingly.

Access To Law Library 

There is no issue taken at this time with access to law libraries provided appropriate social distancing is applied by users.

In Custody Time Slots - New Arrests 

York Regional Police have been attempting to use the 11am to 1 pm time slot to address new arrests as this is the time when Central East is available.   Difficulties are occurring based on the time often required by Duty counsel to make appropriate inquires,  such as bail program and sureties, prior to properly address new arrests.  New arrests have on occasion been addressed later in day when possible and necessary, in order that those inquires can be made and the matter can be properly addressed.  Attempts are being made in concert with police  to open more afternoon slots for new matters than are new and require additional time to make necessary inquiries prior to being addressed appropriately. 

Resolution Crowns

There is a daily resolution crown available by email. Today is LeeAnne McCallum  LeeAnne.mccallum@ontario.ca

Fingerprints 

Anyone with an existing fingerprint date at the courthouse is still not required to attend.  With respect to new matters fingerprints are being taken at 2 District and not at the courthouse.

Sincerely  

Norman Panzica 

York Director,  Criminal Lawyers Association