York Region Law Association Blog

Remote Duty Crown – Lori Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

200 – Leeanne (Triage) LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

203 – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

204 – Jenna Jenna.Dafoe@ontario.ca

302 – Closed

303 – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

205 – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Tuesday November 24

201 In Custody – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Michael V. Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

200 – Michelle/Jacob Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

203 – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

204 – Jenna Jenna.Dafoe@ontario.ca

205 – Feds

302 – Rob DC/Tony Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

303 – Brad/Tony Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

Wednesday November 25

201 In Custody – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Rob DC/Tony Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 – Michelle/Jacob Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

203 – To be filled by 102/200/204 crowns for judgment

204 – Phyllis/Nicole Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

205 – Leeanne (Blitz trial scheduling) LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

302 – Closed

303 – Michelle* Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

Thursday November 26

202P – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Jennifer Jennifer.Halajian@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Pat Patrizia.Colavecchia@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Rob DC/Tony/Philip Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 – Rob DC/Brad/Michael V. Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

203 – CDSA

204 – Phyllis/Nicole Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

302 – Closed

303 – Michelle/Jacob Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

205 - Leeanne (Blitz trial scheduling) LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Friday November 27

201 In Custody – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding Court Proceedings

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Michelle/Jacob/Frank Giordano Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

200 – Rob DC/Brad/Michael V. Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

203 – CDSA/Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

204 – Closed

302 – Closed

303 – Closed

1000 – Lesley (self rep JPTs\’)Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

SCJ Notice to the Profession November 21, 2020 Jury Selection

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 15:55:37 GMT

From FOLA:

In view of the public health situation, effective Monday, November 23, 2020, the Court will not commence any new jury selection in any court location except in those in a Green Zone as defined by the Ontario Government as of the date of this notice https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open.

This will remain in effect until at least January 4, 2021. An update will be issued on December 29, 2020. See attached for the full Notice from Chief Justice Morawetz.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

COVID-19: Practice Direction Authorizing Alternate Form of Appearance where an Enhanced Designation of Counsel has been Filed(Issued August 6, 2020; Updated November 16, 2020)

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

FOLA Weekly Update November 18, 2020

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:27:50 GMT

The weekly update can be viewed here.

CaseLines Video Now Available

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 16:11:38 GMT

The November 18th CaseLines Information Session was recorded and is available here: vimeo.com/480936668

More information about CaseLines is available at the following link: www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/n...lines/

End of Auto Remands in Virtual Case Management Courts - New Directive

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:42:40 GMT

Criminal Case Management Appearances on or after November 30, 2020

The Ontario Court of Justice has released a new directive concerning the current practise of auto remanding matters.

The adjournment of criminal case management matters in the absence of the accused will end on Friday November 27, 2020. Commencing Monday November 30, 2020, accused persons will be required to attend for their scheduled case management court appearances either through counsel on their behalf, or by appearing personally by telephone or video.

For any accused persons who fail to attend a scheduled court appearance,. the Court has two options. The presiding judicial official may issue a bench summons requiring the accused person to attend court on a specified future date. The other option is for the presiding judicial official issue a bench warrant for the accused person's arrest, if the presiding judicial officer has reasonable and probable grounds to believe that it is necessary in the public interest to do so.

Link to Directive

I have also add changes to crown assignments for courtrooms today.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

103 Bails - Amy Barkin not Jina Lee

104 Bails – Kevin Stewart not Neil Singh

Updated OCJ Practice Direction & Enhanced Designation FAQs - November 17, 2020

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 15:00:08 GMT

Enhanced Designations of Counsel -Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Enhanced Designation

Newmarket OCJ Update November 16, 2020

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:45:20 GMT

Court Contact Information

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

Daily Courtroom Assignments

Courtroom Call In Information 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of November 16, 2020

Monday November 16

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Joanne Joanne.McIntyre@ontario.ca

200 – Peter Peter.Westgate@ontario.ca

203 – Tony/Feds Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

204 – Phyllis Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

302 – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

303 – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

205 – Triage - Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Tuesday November 17

202P – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Rob De Chellia Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Jeanaha Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Joanne Joanne.McIntyre@ontario.ca

200 – Caitlin Caitlin.Pakosh@ontario.ca

203 – Tony/Feds Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

204 – Phyllis Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

205 – Peter Peter.Westgate@ontario.ca

302 – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

303 – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

Wednesday November 18

201 In Custody – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Joanne Joanne.McIntyre@ontario.ca

200 – Peter Peter.Westgate@ontario.ca

203 – Tony/Feds Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

204 – Phyllis/Michael V. Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

205 – Jenna Jenna.Dafoe@ontario.ca

302 – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

303 – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Thursday November 19

202P – Pat Patrizia.Colavecchia@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Jennifer Jennifer.Halajian@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lori Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Joanne Joanne.McIntyre@ontario.ca

200 – Peter Peter.Westgate@ontario.ca

203 – Tony/Feds Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

204 – Phyllis Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

302 – Nicole - Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

303 – Closed

Friday November 20

201 In Custody – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Michael V. Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

200 – Michael D./Michael V./Jacob/Lesley/Brad (all pleas – the court has a Zoom set up)

Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding Jury Trials in Hamilton and Newmarket (November 13, 2020)

203 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

204 – Phyllis Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

302 – Nicole - Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

303 – Closed

Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding Jury Trials in Hamilton and Newmarket (November 13, 2020)

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 19:30:48 GMT

New jury selection and new jury trials will not resume on November 16 in Newmarket. See the notice below:

Newmarket OCJ Update November 9, 2020

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:10:08 GMT

Filing Enhanced Designations

An issue has been raised that many Enhanced Designations are not being sent to the correct email inbox. The email address for sending in their Enhanced Designations is: yorkcrim@ontario.ca

As per the Practice directiion below (with the link provided), please be reminded of the filing provision found in Paragraph 17, under heading 4.

COVID-19: Practice Direction Authorizing Alternate Form of Appearance where an Enhanced Designation of Counsel has been Filed (August 6, 2020)

Link: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/covid-19-old/alternate-form-appearance/

Below please find the weekly courtroom assignments and contact information.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Court Contact Information

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

https://yorklaw.ca/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=IazMX7pZCp9V+sgUowBTyQhzDNHDLwiafrmxED/t4lU5QNYCT8c5ceyKIujNcqULYfypJiiSDEWtCmn81ZUOQENhnK15e+4WfOXgr3Ee8lo=

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EdzuGagMivlBvRxHYE5Wp-oBpc6tzAp63HnHmqGgLuHFCA

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EfKen4c-pjJAuZBtXgGIFJEBNsJIoQsTg_D1xZH6TPPGnA

Daily Courtroom Assignments

Courtroom Call In Information 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of November 9, 2020

Monday November 9

202P – Sham

201 In Custody – Jeanaha

100 New Arrests – Rob De Chellis

103 Bails - Gemma

104 Bails – Jacob

201 List VCMC – Erin

102 List VCMC – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Roseanne

Trial Courts:

102 – Brad/Philip/Greg

200 – Leeanne

203 – Michelle

204 – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

302 – Neil/Jenna

303 – Triage - Amy

Tuesday November 10

202P – Jacob

201 In Custody – Samantha

100 New Arrests – Gemma

103 Bails – Tony

104 Bails – Neil

201 List VCMC – Jina

102 List VCMC – Jeanaha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

Trial Courts:

102 – Brad/Philip/Greg

200 – Leeanne

203 – Closed

204 – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

302 – Phyllis

303 – Michelle

Wednesday November 11

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Thursday November 12

202P – Beth

201 In Custody – Amy

100 New Arrests – Jina

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Jacob

201 List VCMC – Erin

102 List VCMC - Jennifer

Bail Vettors –

Patrizia.Colavecchia@ontario.ca

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Pat

Trial Courts:

102 – Joanne/Caitlin

200 – Leaanne

203 – Kevin

204 – Brian/Caitlin

302 – Philip

303 – Brad/RDC/Greg

Friday November 13

202P – Ivana

201 In Custody – Michael Ventola

100 New Arrests – Michael Demczur

103 Bails - Sham

104 Bails – Neil

201 List VCMC – Jacob

102 List VCMC – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trial Courts:

102 – Michelle

200 – Leeanne

203 – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

204 – Brian/Caitlin

302 – Tony (assist court)

Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding Jury Trials and In-Person Operations in Brampton, Newmarket, Toronto and Ottawa (November 5, 2020)

303 – Brad/Rob DC/Greg

Newmarket OCJ Update November 5, 2020

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 12:42:53 GMT

Further to my update on Monday November 2, 2020, I can advise that i was part of a meeting this week with Regional Senior Justice Rosenberg, acting Local Administrative Justice Giourgas, Justice Kenkel, the Crown Attorney and the Trial Coordinator to discuss addressing the backlog of matters currently awaiting the setting of trial dates.

As a result of that meeting, Newmarket is implementing a blitz trial set date court commencing November 18, 2020 to address some of the backlog. The Blitz Court will run between 2pm and 4pm on the applicable dates.

I have reproduced the applicable Notice below.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION

November 5, 2020

This Notice is to advise the profession that the Ontario Court of Justice, Newmarket, is implementing a Set Date Blitz Court beginning Wednesday November 18, 2020. The purpose of the Court is to deal with the backlog in set-date matters resulting from the pandemic. Appearances are by invitation only from the Trial Coordinator’s office.

The Trial Coordinator’s office will be sending out bring forward notices via email to counsel for matters where counsel have filed trial date requests. The office will give priority to requests by date sent. They will also try to group matters for one office together where possible.

Please do not email the Trial Coordinator to request priority or to have your matters grouped to one time. Matters will be dealt with solely on the basis of trial date request forms by date filed. This Court is for out-of-custody matters only. In-custody matters continue to be prioritized and will be set in the normal course. The Court will be held by Zoom so that counsel can appear by either video or audio.

The Court will sit on Wednesday November 18th, Thursday November 19th, Wednesday November 25th and Thursday November 26th from 2 pm to 4 pm each day. Initially we are targeting setting 20 matters each day. Adjustments to volume and further Blitz Court dates will be made/set as required. The matters in Blitz court must be ready to be set. There will be no time for case management.

The Crown will attend the Blitz Court with leave dates. The Crown will get the docket list ahead of time to secure these leave dates. Any issues after the date is set will be dealt with by the JPT judge. Any change to a trial date or request to change a trial date must be done before a judge on the record. If issues such as these must be addressed, please put the pertinent details into the subject line of the email to the Trial Coordinator’s office including that it involves a “Blitz Court” matter. Thank you for your cooperation.

Justice Victor Giourgas

Acting Local Administrative Justice

Jury Trials Update November 5, 2020

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 12:39:09 GMT

FOLA Real Estate Update Nov 5, 2020

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:02:21 GMT

Dear Real Estate Representatives, Presidents and Library Staff,

In an effort to keep real estate lawyers updated with the ever-changing situation, we have further information to be shared with the real estate lawyers in your association.

Teraview Fee Increases

This is a reminder that Teraview fees increase every year on November 1. Registration fees are now $77.62 and a parcel register (first page only) is $33.28. See the full list of current fees in Bulletin 2020-03 here.

Mortgage Discharge Escalation List

The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) updated its list of contacts for mortgage discharges and escalations. The updated list has been posted on the Law Society website here.

Changes To Writ Fee Reporting

A notice regarding changes to the fees for writ details has been posted on the Teraview^® website here.

Plan Approval And Filing

Bulletin 2020-02 details the new process for the approval and filing of plans of survey in the land registration system effective October 13, 2020. A copy is available here.

Delivering Mortgage Discharge Payments by Wire

LawPRO has posted an up-to-date list of financial institutions that are accepting mortgage discharge payments by wire, including payment instructions. See LawPRO’s Avoid A Claim Blog here for further details.

If and when we receive further information of interest to the real estate bar, we will pass it along.

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Merredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner

FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

FOLA'S November 2020 Newsletter

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:23:16 GMT

The Federation of Ontario Law Association's (FOLA) monthly newsletter is now available.

Newmarket OCJ Update November 2, 2020

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 13:51:28 GMT

I will be taking part in a meeting this week with local and regional justices in an effort to address scheduling of trial matters. I will advise of any updates or anticipated changes.

Here are the weekly courtroom assignments and contact information.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica
York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Court Contact Information

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

yorklaw.ca/Email...Ee8lo=

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g...LuHFCA

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g...TPPGnA

Daily Courtroom Assignments

Courtroom Call In Information 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of November 2, 2020

Monday November 2

202P – Beth

Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D.

Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Gemma

Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Samantha

Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Rob DC

Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Nicole

Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Brad

Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Ivana - Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Roseanne

Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Jacob/Tony/Martin/Philip

200 – Michelle

Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

203 – Neil

Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

204 – Kevin

Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

302 – Kellie/CDSA

303 – CDSA

205 Triage – Amy

Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Tuesday November 3

202P – Amy

Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Phyllis

Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Nicole

Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Rob DC

Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Ivana

Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Jina

Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Jeanaha

Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Brad - Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Jacob/Tony/Martin/Philip

200 – Michelle

Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

203 – Neil

Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

204 – Kevin

Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

302 – CDSA

303 – 102 Crown with a trial

205 – Samantha

Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

Wednesday November 4

202P – Beth

Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Phyllis

Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Gemma

Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony

Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Brian

Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Greg

Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Philip

Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Amy

Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

200 – Michelle

Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

203 – Neil

Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

204 – Kevin

Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

302 – closed

303 – closed

205 – CDSA

Jacob – trial continuation

Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Thursday November 5

202P – Greg

Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D.

Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Jina

Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Brian

Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Michael V.

Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Erin

Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Jennifer

Jennifer.Halajian@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Pat

Patrizia.Colavecchia@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Amy/Tony

Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

200 – Michelle

Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

203 – Neil/Rob DC

Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

204 – Phyllis

Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

302 – Martin

Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

303 – Rob DC/Nicole/Samantha/Jacob

Friday November 6

202P – Beth

Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Brian

Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Erin

Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Gemma

Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Martin

Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Ivana

Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Greg

Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Tony/Caitlin

Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

200 – closed

203 – closed

204 – Phyllis

Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

302 – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

303 – Rob DC/Nicole/Samantha/Jacob

Updated CaseLines Notice for Civil and Family

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 14:02:26 GMT

The following notice to the profession re use of CaseLines has been updated as of October 29, 3020: Supplementary Notice to the Profession and Litigants in Civil and Family Matters Including Electronic Filings and Document Sharing (Caselines Pilot) sent by the Office of the Chief Justice, Superior Court of Justice.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about CaseLines are available in the following link: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/notices-and-orders-covid-19/supplementary-notice-september-2-2020/faq-caselines/

Small Claims Court Update October 28, 2020

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 13:39:43 GMT

The following notice re the small claims court has been updated:

CONSOLIDATED NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION AND PUBLIC REGARDING THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT (UPDATED OCTOBER 28, 2020)

Newmarket OCJ Update October 26, 2020 pt. 3 of 3

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:22:24 GMT

Crown Assignments (Cont'd)

Thursday October 29

202P – Pat Patrizia.Colavecchia@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Jennifer Jennifer.Halajian@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – CDSA/Samantha (trial and Kavetsky firearms hearing)

200 – Peter and Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

203 – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

204 – Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

302 – Closed

303 – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

205 – CDSA

Friday October 30

202P – Beth Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Rob DC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – CDSA/Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

200 – Closed

203 – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

204 – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

302 – Closed

303 – Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

205 – Closed

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica
York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Newmarket OCJ Update October 26, 2020 pt. 2

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:20:17 GMT

Crown Assignments Week of October 26, 2020

Monday October 26

202P – Beth Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Michael D. (can switch with Beth into 202P for your plea)

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Rob DC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Jeanaha Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Lucas - Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lori Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Nicole/Philip/Samantha

200 – Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

203 – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

204 – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

302 – Sindicato

303 – Closed

205 Triage – Amy and Sham

Tuesday October 27

202P – Beth Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Phyllis Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Rob DC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Nicole/Philip/Samantha Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

200 – Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

203 – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

204 – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

302 – Jennifer/Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

303 – Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

205 – CDSA

Wednesday October 28

202P – Rob DC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Jeanaha Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Kevin and Amy Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Peter/Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

200 – Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

203 – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

204 – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

302 – Jenna Jenna.Dafoe@ontario.ca

303 – Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

205 – Lori – Watt Fitness hearing Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Sincerely

Norman Panzica

York Director,.Criminal Lawyers Association

Newmarket OCJ Update October 26, 2020 pt.1

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:11:36 GMT

Please see below for the weekly courtroom assignments and call in information.

Court Contact Information

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

102 List(being heard in 106 Court)

Daily Courtroom Assignments

Courtroom Call In Information 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica
York Director,.Criminal Lawyers Association

OCJ Additional Court Locations Oct/Nov (Criminal)

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 14:27:58 GMT

Update – Additional Court Locations Commencing Virtual Criminal Case Management Appearances in October and November 2020 (Published October 22, 2020)

Notice to the Profession re Newmarket October 16, 2020

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 13:39:14 GMT

Please see attached Notice to the Profession dated October 16, 2020 regarding Newmarket.

Newmarket OCJ Update October 19, 2020

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 13:21:16 GMT

Today marks the first day that Newmarket case management courts implement the zoom platform on an "all in at once" basis, rather than letting one person in at a time. This should more efficiently manage the court list and better comply with the long standing principles of " open courts".

Discussions are ongoing on these and other issues.

Here is the court information for this week.

Court Contact Information

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

yorklaw.ca/Email...Ee8lo=

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g...LuHFCA

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g...TPPGnA

Daily Courtroom Assignments

Courtroom Call In Information 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of October 19, 2020

Monday October 19

202P – Beth

Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michelle

Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Phyllis

Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Kevin

Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Brad

Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Nicole

Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Neil

Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Philip

Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

200 – Thompson and Peter

Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

203 – CDSA Zoom

204 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

302 – Tony

Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

303 – Jacob

Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Rob de Chellis

Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

Tuesday October 20

202P – Greg

Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D.

Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Gemma

Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Neil

Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Ivana

Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Jina

Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Jeanaha

Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Covered by one of the 303 Crowns if needed

200 – Thompson and Peter

Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

203 – Leeanne

LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

204 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

302 – Tony

Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

303 – Jacob/Rob de Chellis/Philip

Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Wednesday October 21

202P – Beth

Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Rob De Chellis

Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Amy

Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Phyllis

Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Martin

Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Jacob

Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Philip

Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Covered by one of the 200 Crowns if needed

200 – Samantha/Nicole/Greg

Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

203 – Leeanne

LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

204 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

302 – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

303 – Closed

Thursday October 22

202P – Ivana

Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Jeanaha

Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Neil

Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Jina

Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Kevin

Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Erin

Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Jennifer

Jennifer.Halajian@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Michelle

Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

Amy

Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Pat

Trial Courts:

102 – Jenna

Jenna.Dafoe@ontario.ca

200 – Samantha/Nicole/Greg

Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

203 – Tony

Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

204 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

302 – Closed

303 – Jacob/Greg

Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Friday October 23

202P – Beth

Elizabeth.Barnier@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D.

Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Erin

Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony

Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Gemma

Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Samantha

Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC – Thompson

Bail Vettors –

Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Trial Courts:

102 – Closed

200 – Closed

203 – Leeanne

LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

204 – Closed

302 – Closed

303 – Jacob/Greg

Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica
York Director,.Criminal Lawyers Association

Notice re POA

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:47:02 GMT

The Ontario Court of Justice recently posted a

Notice to Counsel/Paralegals and the Public Re: Provincial Offences Act Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice (October 14, 2020)

Running Civil Trial Lists

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:25:58 GMT

The Running Civil Trial Lists are now available under Court Info/Forms > Civil on this website. The lists will be updated every Friday.

Small Claims Court Update

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 14:04:24 GMT

The Consolidated Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding the Small Claims Court has been amended effective October 9, 2020 and can be viewed here.

Newmarket OCJ Update October 13, 2020

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:54:47 GMT

There are no significant updates as of today. However I can advise of the following:

1. The automatic remand Protocol of 5 week adjournments continues.

2. Enhanced Designations are preferred.

3. Counsel are reminded to "call in" to court using Zoom where possible rather than calling in by telephone number. Please indicate your full name and that you are counsel.

4. There are ongoing discussions and efforts behind the scenes aimed at improving the functioning of virtual case management courts. In particular, crown and defense are suggesting increased crown access to the Zoom platform, permitting an "all in at once" concept, while courts are in session, rather than "letting in" one counsel at a time. This model complies with the open court concept, and in addition, allows for a more smooth and efficient running of case management courts.

Court Contact Information

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

https://yorklaw.ca/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=IazMX7pZCp9V+sgUowBTyQhzDNHDLwiafrmxED/t4lU5QNYCT8c5ceyKIujNcqULYfypJiiSDEWtCmn81ZUOQENhnK15e+4WfOXgr3Ee8lo=

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EdzuGagMivlBvRxHYE5Wp-oBpc6tzAp63HnHmqGgLuHFCA

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EfKen4c-pjJAuZBtXgGIFJEBNsJIoQsTg_D1xZH6TPPGnA

Daily Courtroom Assignments

Courtroom Call In Information 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of October 12, 2020

Tuesday October 13

202P – Beth

201 In Custody – Tony

100 New Arrests – Thompson

103 Bails - Neil

104 Bails – Samantha

201 List VCMC – Jina

102 List VCMC - Jeanaha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

102 – Jacob/Nicole

200 – Jennifer (remotely)

203 – Michelle/Phyllis

204 – Jenna

Triage - Amy

Wednesday October 14

202P – Rob De Chellis

201 In Custody – Neil

100 New Arrests – Philip

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Brad

201 List VCMC – Erin

102 List VCMC - Thompson

Bail Vettors –

Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

102 – Jacob/Nicole

200 – Leeanne

203 – Joanne

204 – Jenna

Thursday October 15

202P – Beth

201 In Custody – Michael D.

100 New Arrests – Samantha

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Greg

201 List VCMC – Jina

102 List VCMC - Jennifer

Bail Vettors –

Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

102 – Ivana/Rob DC

200 – Leeanne

203 – Joanne

204 – Jenna

Friday October 16

202P – Michael D.

201 In Custody – Tony

100 New Arrests – Philip

103 Bails - Neil

104 Bails – Philip

201 List VCMC – Nicole

102 List VCMC – Thompson

Bail Vettors –

Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

102 – Ivana/Rob DC

200 – Leeanne

203 – Closed

204 – Closed

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

LAO Emergency COVID Certificate Changes - Notice

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:23:07 GMT

LAO is making two immediate changes to their COVID responses.

These changes involve a return to traditional LAO policies with respect to change of solicitor applications by in-custody accused, and entering into contribution agreements with clients who have property.

1. There will be no automatic change of solicitor for in-custody accused. LAO will be resuming its standard practice for these change of solicitor requests

2. LAO will once again enter into an agreement with any new applicant for legal aid services to help pay for the cost to their legal fee by resuming our policy of registering a lien for clients who have property.

As in the past, in family law cases involving allegations of domestic violence LAO will defer registering the lien until we have been advised by counsel for the victim that it is safe to do.

Notably, all other COVID certificate eligibility, coverage and billing changes will continue in force for the time being as emergency temporary COVID measures.

This information has now been posted on the LAO web site: https://www.legalaid.on.ca/in-briefs/return-to-usual-change-of-solicitor-and-contribution-agreement-practices/

Please feel free to contact Marcus Pratt PrattM@lao.on.ca directly with any questions or concerns.

FOLA Real Estate Update October 2020

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 17:23:07 GMT

FOLA has summarized the major real estate updates highlighted in their recent emails the YRLA has forwarded to our real estate members recently. The summary can be viewed on FOLA’s Real Estate page here. Please remember to check our newly created Real Estate page on this website for updates from FOLA ‘s Real Estate Committee and other information for real estate practitioners under Court Info/Forms.

FOLA October Newsletter

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:48:33 GMT

The FOLA October Newsletter is now available. Read it here https://bit.ly/3kO4IyC to learn about upcoming events, Covid-19 related news, court reopenings, FOLA's upcoming Plenary, and more.

Newmarket OCJ Update October 5, 2020 pt. 3

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:23:27 GMT

Wednesday October 7

202P – Rob De Chellis

201 In Custody – Michael V.

100 New Arrests – Kevin

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Samantha

201 List VCMC – Erin

102 List VCMC - Philip

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

102 – Joanne

200 – Brian/Amy

203 – Jeanaha

204 – Phyllis

205 - Jacob

Peter.Westgate@ontario.ca

302V – Peter

303 – Nicole/Michelle

Thursday October 8

202P – Beth

201 In Custody – Michael D.

100 New Arrests – Neil

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Michael V.

201 List VCMC – Jina

102 List VCMC - Jennifer

Bail Vettors –

Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

102 – Joanne

200 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

203 – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

204 – Phyllis

303 - Michelle

Patrizia.Colavecchia@ontario.ca

Friday October 9

202P – Pat

201 In Custody – Tony

100 New Arrests – Philip

103 Bails - Greg

104 Bails – Neil

201 List VCMC – Erin

102 List VCMC – Rob De Chellis

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

102 – Closed

200 – Closed

203 – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

204 – Rob Scott

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Newmarket OCJ Update October 5, 2020 pt. 2

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:20:31 GMT

Courtroom Call In Information416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of October 5, 2020

Monday October 5

202P – Samantha

201 In Custody – Jacob/Tony

100 New Arrests – Neil

103 Bails - Greg

104 Bails – Michael D.

201 List VCMC – Nicole

102 List VCMC - CLOSED

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

102 – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

200 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

203 – Jeanaha

204 – Phyllis

*Amy – Monday triage court

Tuesday October 6

202P – Rob De Chellis

201 In Custody – Tony

100 New Arrests – Sham

103 Bails - Michelle

104 Bails – Erin

201 List VCMC – Jina

102 List VCMC - Greg

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

102 – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

200 – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

203 – Jeanaha Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

204 – Phyllis

https://yorklaw.ca/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=IazMX7pZCp9V+sgUowBTyQhzDNHDLwiafrmxED/t4lU5QNYCT8c5ceyKIujNcqULYfypJiiSDEWtCmn81ZUOQENhnK15e+4WfOXgr3Ee8lo=

205 – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

303 – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Newmarket OCJ Update October 5, 2020 pt. 1

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:13:05 GMT

Operations Update

I was part of a lengthy and detailed operations meeting this morning by phone, with all relevant stakeholders, to discuss virtual courthouse operations to date. Many issues were canvassed and discussed in detail, and I anticipate updates with respect to the concerns raised in the near future.

Use of Zoom Preferred

Counsel are asked to "call in" to court over zoom as opposed to calling in by telephone. Zoom allows Counsel’s name to be visible to the host and administrators, so that it is known that counsel is present. In addition, it does not involve the disruptive aspect of announcing each time someone calls in or disconnects. While using zoom, counsel are asked to type in their full name, and indicate that they are counsel.

Waiting Rooms versus All In Court

Another issue concerns the different modes of granting access to the virtual courts. There are two options, namely the use of waiting rooms with counsel let in individually when their case is called, or, letting all in at once when court begins.

The option of allowing all in is generally preferred by crown and defense. Not only are counsel then able to follow and be aware of how the particular court is running, but also supports the principles of open courts.

In addition there is universal support amongst counsel that crowns in court be given some degree of hosting or access, so that crowns can let counsel in and properly utilize the virtual sign in sheets.

Duty Counsel Assistance In Virtual Courts

With respect to Duty Counsel being virtually present in courtrooms, a duty counsel lawyer is assigned to all relevant courtrooms. However the concern with having a Duty Counsel lawyer sitting all day on zoom in their assigned courtroom concerns the inability of that lawyer from doing other matters or providing assistance to others while on the courtroom zoom. Duty counsel may consider providing a duty counsel lawyer on zoom while the court is in session to determine whether this is effective.

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EdzuGagMivlBvRxHYE5Wp-oBpc6tzAp63HnHmqGgLuHFCA

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EfKen4c-pjJAuZBtXgGIFJEBNsJIoQsTg_D1xZH6TPPGnA

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Zoom Meeting with Jeff Lem, Director of Titles

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:52:33 GMT

If you were unable to attend or would like to rewatch the Zoom meeting regarding new procedures once the LROs are no longer accessible by the public, you can do so here:

FOLA Real Estate Meeting with Jeff Lem, Director of Titles - September 24, 2020 video recording

FOLA Weekly Update September 30, 2020

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 16:01:07 GMT

FOLA’s weekly COVID-19 update, as well as all past updates, can be found here.

Newmarket OCJ Update September 28, 2020 pt 2 of 2

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 13:13:36 GMT

Crown Assignments Week of September 28, 2020

Monday September 28

202P – Rob De Chellis

201 In Custody – Michael D.

100 New Arrests – Samantha

103 Bails - Erin

104 Bails – Neil

201 List VCMC – Greg

102 List VCMC - CLOSED

Bail Vettors –

Jeanaha - Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

Rob Scott - Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

102 – CDSA

200 – Jacob (Paxton judgment)

203 – Nicole (Weldon judgment)

204 – Tony

*Sham – Monday triage court

Tuesday September 29

202P – Nicole

201 In Custody – Samantha

100 New Arrests – Sham

103 Bails - Jacob

104 Bails – Rob De Chellis

201 List VCMC – Jina

102 List VCMC - Philip

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

102 – CDSA

200 – Michelle/Tony

203 – Phyllis/Kevin

204 – Tony/Michelle

Wednesday September 30

202P – Ivana

201 In Custody – Neil

100 New Arrests – Brad

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Brian

201 List VCMC – Nicole

102 List VCMC - Greg

Bail Vettors –

Rob Scott - Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

102 – CDSA

200 – Amy - Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

203 – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

204 – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

302V – Amy (if Largey proceeding?)

303V – Kellie - Kellie.Hutchinson@ontario.ca

Thursday October 1

202P – Nicole

201 In Custody – Michael D.

100 New Arrests – Jacob

103 Bails - Samantha

104 Bails – Jeanaha

201 List VCMC – Jina

102 List VCMC - Jennifer

Bail Vettors –

Martin - Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

102 – Michelle

200 – Amy - Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

203 – Kevin - Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

204 – Tony (assist court)

302V - Rob Scott

Friday October 2

202P – Greg (am) / Thompson (pm)

201 In Custody – Michael D.

100 New Arrests – Samantha

103 Bails - Kevin

104 Bails – Neil

201 List VCMC – Erin

102 List VCMC – Rob De Chellis

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

102 – Ivana - Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

200 – Amy - Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

203 – Jacob (assist court)

204 – Tony (assist court)

https://yorklaw.ca/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=IazMX7pZCp9V+sgUowBTyQhzDNHDLwiafrmxED/t4lU5QNYCT8c5ceyKIujNcqULYfypJiiSDEWtCmn81ZUOQENhnK15e+4WfOXgr3Ee8lo=

302V – Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Sincerely

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Newmarket OCJ Update September 28, 2020 pt 1

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 13:02:45 GMT

Please see courtroom and crown attorney contact information for this week.

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EdzuGagMivlBvRxHYE5Wp-oBpc6tzAp63HnHmqGgLuHFCA

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EfKen4c-pjJAuZBtXgGIFJEBNsJIoQsTg_D1xZH6TPPGnA

Courtroom Call In Information 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Sincerely

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Real Estate Update: Procedures for Registration of Paper Documents effective October 13, 2020

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:11:27 GMT

Dear Real Estate Representatives, Presidents and Library Staff,

LAND REGISTRATION INFORMATION

We have received the attached information from the Director of Titles regarding the registration of paper documents effective October 13, 2020:

1. Procedures for Registration of Paper Documents after October 13, 2020; and
2. Paper Document Submission Request

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Merredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner

FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

Toronto Region Virtual Case Management Court Scheduling and Counsel List forms

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:41:22 GMT

Counsel,

Attached please find information sheets for all of the Toronto OCJ Case Management Courts.

To facilitate the orderly calling of counsel matters, the Criminal Lawyers Association and the Crown’s office have developed a virtual counsel sheet. Embedded in each of the information sheets is a link to the virtual counsel sheet.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the foregoing or a specific case, please contact the specific Crown Attorney Office or Court Services Office referred to above.

Toronto West (2201 Finch Ave. West) Virtual Case Management Court

Toronto North (1000 Finch Ave. W.) Virtual Case Management Court

College Park Courthouse Virtual Case Management Court

Scarborough / Metro East Virtual Case Management Court

Old City Hall Virtual Case Management Court

311 Jarvis Courthouse Virtual Case Management Court

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Real Estate Update September 21, 2020

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:06:55 GMT

Dear Real Estate Representatives, Presidents and Library Staff,

In an effort to keep real estate lawyers updated with the ever-changing situation, we have further information to be shared with the real estate lawyers in your association.

Reminder of Meeting with Director Titles on September 24, 2020

If you have not already done so, please register for the Zoom Conference Call taking place on September 24 at 10 a.m with the FOLA Real Estate Reps and the Director of Titles, Jeff Lem. We hope that you can all join that call or have a designate do so.

We expect that there may be large numbers wishing to participate. We will accommodate up to 50 participants starting with the Real Estate Reps themselves or a designated replacement. You must register by no later than 5 p.m. on Sept 22, 2020. Even if you have previously indicated interest in attending, you must register for the meeting to receive the login credentials.

On Sept 23^rd we will finalize the list of attendees and we will not be accepting any further registrations.

Register in advance for this meeting here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please send any questions you may have for the Director of Titles to either ehorner@hp-lawyers.com or merredith@mpottawa.com. We will try to get answers to as many as possible and they will be passed on in the order they are received. We cannot promise to answer them all.

Wire Transfers

The Canadian Bar Association has been communicating with the Canadian Bankers Association with respect to continued issues and delays lawyers are experiencing with the existing wire transfer system. They are looking for specific details of wire transfer timing problems that they can share with the Canadian Bankers Association in an effort to help resolve the reliability of this service. If you have experienced a delay in the sending or receiving of wire transfers and you are willing to share the details, please send an email to Ray Leclair at ray.leclair@lawpro.ca with details including the banks involved, the amount transferred, the timing and any other details that might be relevant.

Payment of Wire Transfer Fees

It is FOLA’s position that each lawyer should be responsible for the fees charged by their own bank with respect to sending or receiving wire transfers. FOLA’s position matches that of the Provincial Working Group on Lawyers and Real Estate. Please see our Update of June 26, 2020 for further commentary on this position.

TLA Event: Land Registry Offices on the Web: a Lot from the DOT

The Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA) is hosting an online CPD with the Director of Titles on October 5, 2020 and has asked us to share the invititation with the FOLA real estate representatives.

Lawyers who are not members of the TLA can sign up on the TLA website to become a “Friend of the TLA” at no cost and receive the TLA Member rate for this program.

Ongoing Consultations

The following consultations relating to real estate issues are currently on-going:

Proposed Regulations Under the New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017, to Support the Overhaul of Ontario’s New Home Warranty and Protection Program – Comments are due by October 19, 2020

Proposed Regulations to Support the Overhaul of Ontario's New Home Warranty and Protection Program – Comments are due by October 19, 2020

TARION Consultation regarding:

· A new requirement that vendors attach a Warranty Information Sheet to purchase agreements to provide clear and helpful warranty and other information at the point of sale.

· The evaluation criteria that should have to be met for a home to qualify for enrolment, and for a home to be enrolled, in the Ontario New Home Warranties and Protection Plan so that a vendor or builder can sell or build a new home.

· The provisions that should be included in standard vendor and builder agreements with Tarion.

· Temporary changes to registration renewal to allow for a seamless transition of this responsibility to the regulatory authority, if one is designated.

- Submissions are due by October 19, 2020

If and when we receive further information of interest to the real estate bar, we will pass it along.

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Merredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner

FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

Please note: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

Newmarket OCJ Update September 21, 2020 pt.2

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 12:50:54 GMT

Crown Assignments Week of September 21, 2020

Monday September 21

202P – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jeanaha Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – CLOSED

102 List VCMC - CLOSED

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Phyllis, Tony, Ivana, Jacob, Philip, Martin

*Sham – Monday triage court

*Amy – Largey Zoom trial all week

Tuesday September 22

202P – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Brian (Kord), Greg, Tony, Ivana, Jacob, Philip, Martin

Wednesday September 23

202P – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Phyllis Phyllis.Castiglione@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Jeanaha Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Rob Scott - Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Greg, Jacob, Tony, Martin

Thursday September 24

202P – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Jennifer Jennifer.Halajian@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Rob Scott - Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Jeff, Ivana, Rob DC, Martin, Kevin

Friday September 25

202P – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

201 In Custody – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

100 New Arrests – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

201 List VCMC – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

102 List VCMC - Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court – Scheduling and Connection Details

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Ivana, Rob DC, Kevin, Phyllis, Jeff

Newmarket OCJ Update September 21, 2020 pt.1

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 12:48:37 GMT

Virtual Case Management

Just a reminder that effective today, the Newmarket Courthouse joins the Province wide Virtual Case Management protocol. I have provided below the applicable links, including the Virtual, real time sign up sheets and Courtroom connection details.

As a reminder for the time being, any matter that is resolving by way of a section 810 peace bond or HTA guilty pleas must still be scheduled with the office of the trial coordinator.

In addition, please note that 102 lists (ie domestic and youth matters) are being addressed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, as prior to the Pandemic.

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

For the time being, two courtroom lists, 201 and 102, will have accessible "real time" virtual sign up sheets. Courtroom 102 lists, which are for domestic and youth matters, will continue as previously, to be addressed by a Judge of the OCJ.

The links are posted below.

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List (being heard in 101 Court)

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

Daily Courtroom Assignments

Courtroom Call In Information 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

101 (201 list) #8848721

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Scheduling and Conducting of Virtual Criminal Case Management Appearances (Published August 20, 2020; last updated September 17, 2020)

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:02:14 GMT

The notice was updated on September 17, 2020 and can be found on the OCJ's website here.

Scroll down the notice to find Courthouse-specific Scheduling and Connection Information for Newmarket.

Protocol for the Resumption of Civil Proceedings, Meaning Civil Trials, Summary Judgment Motions, Long Motions, and Applications in the Central East Region

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:42:30 GMT

The Protocol for the Resumption of Civil Proceedings, Meaning Civil Trials, Summary Judgment Motions, Long Motions, and Applications in the Central East Region was published today, September 17, 2020, and can be viewed here.

Newmarket OCJ Update September 16, 2020

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 19:06:50 GMT

Virtual Case Management Update

This morning I took part in a conference call with the Newmarket Courthouse Committee, primarily to address anticipated issues arising from the move towards the Province wide Virtual Case Management protocol. Barrie court has already implemented the protocol. The new Virtual Case Management protocol is set to commence this Monday September 21, 2020.

Case management court operations will be an evolving process to be adjusted and refined after the initial few weeks. For the time being, the court will only deal with remands and perhaps simple withdrawals. Matters involving section 810 peace bonds and HTA pleas, which a Justice of the Peace can hear, will need to be adjourned to a "plea" court (i.e. 202 court) on another date, atleast for the time being.

Virtual Sign In Sheet - Calling the list

With respect to the use of a virtual sign in sheet to address an orderly and efficient mode of calling the list, an online sign up sheet is being used in other jurisdictions. As for Newmarket, and relying on the experience of other Courthouses, we are developing a Newmarket online sign up "sheet" with the assistance of David Moull and Sean Doyle, and hope to have it available shortly.

When the link is available I will send it out and ask Betty to post it on our website.

Zoom Calling v. Phone In (Audio)

Zoom calling is the preferred method for counsel to call into the virtual courtroom. The zoom call lets all know which counsel are waiting on the line. However an audio capability, currently in use, will still be available for the time being.

Virtual Case Management Court Notices

Door notices and hand outs for accused will be made available. With respect to bail matters, accused persons on release, will get zoom notice information, along with their Bail documents. For Police releases, Police will.provide the same notices with the accused's releases documents, and will include zoom info.

Virtual Courtroom Hours

Courtroom schedules will be posted. It is anticipated for the time being, that the case management courts will start a 9am. The schedule will permit addressing counsel matters from 9am to 10am. From 10am to 10:30 am, unrepresented accused will be addressed. After 1030, counsel can be addressed as they call in.

Morning, afternoon and lunch breaks will be strictly followed to ensure appropriate time for staff. Schedules for all courts will also be posted on doors.

Obtaining Crown Disclosure

The Office of the Crown Attorney will continue to email disclosure to counsel or accused directly, provided they have a secure email address. For audio and video disclosure, these can be picked up at the crown's office by appointment. The Newmarket crown attorney office is in the process of implementing the "evidence.com" platform used in other jurisdictions which will replace in person pick up of this disclosure.

New Arrests And Presumptive Remands

New arrests and presumptive remands are currently being addressed in 101 for this week only. It is anticipated to have one courtroom to address only presumptive remands and new arrests given the time experienced in some jurisdictions dealing with the high numbers of new arrests and the time required to address each new arrest. More to follow on this shortly.

Domestic and Youth lists Tuesday wed Thursday

Both Domestic and Youth courts will be addressed before a Judge, and not before a Justice of the Peace, given the historical nature of the operations of those courtrooms.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Weekly Update September 16, 2020

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 16:03:58 GMT

The Federation of Ontario Law Association's weekly update is available here.

Resumption of Hearings at Gore Bay, Orillia and Woodstock (September 15, 2020)

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:36:05 GMT

The resumption of in-person criminal hearings at Gore Bay, Orillia and Woodstock and of in-person family hearings in Gore Bay and Woodstock, which was delayed, will now proceed on September 16, 2020. See Notice to the Profession and the Public re: Criminal Trials and Preliminary Inquiries Resuming in the Ontario Court of Justice at Gore Bay, Orillia and Woodstock on September 16, 2020 and Notice to the Profession and the Public re: In-Person Family Matters Resuming in the Ontario Court of Justice at Woodstock and Gore Bay on September 16, 2020.

Newmarket OCJ Update September 14, 2020

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 12:53:23 GMT

There are no updates to provide as of today. One issue that is currently under consideration is the development of a sign in sheet for efficiently calling matters in case management courts. This, along with other developments, should be coming shortly.

Courtroom Call In Information

416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Contact Information

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of September 15, 2020

Monday September 14

202P – Greg

200 Court (judge) – Erin

201 Court (judge) – Philip

103 Bails - Ivana

104 Bails – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Tony, Nicole, Rob DC, Jacob, Phyllis

**Amy – Monday triage court

**Sham – assist Amy with Monday triage and SCJ Crown rest of week

**Peter and Thompson – murder all week except Thursday

Tuesday September 15

202P – Michael V.

200 Court (judge) – Jina

201 Court (judge) – Michael D.

103 Bails - Neil

104 Bails – Tony

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trial courts – Jeanaha, Nicole, Rob DC, Jacob

Wednesday September 16

202P – Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Erin

201 Court (judge) – Samantha

103 Bails – Neil

104 Bails – Philip

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Tony, Ivana (cover 102)

Thursday September 17

202P – Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Jina

201 Court (judge) – Michael D.

103 Bails – Samantha

104 Bails – Tony

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trial courts – Jacob, Phyllis (cover 102), Martin

Friday September 18

202P - Greg

200 Court (judge) – Erin

201 Court (judge) – Michael D.

103 Bails – Jeanaha

104 Bails – Tony

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Nicole (cover 102)

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Scheduling of Family Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice (September 11, 2020) Resumption of In-Person Hearings in Stratford and Woodstock Delayed; Gore Bay Deferred

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 19:59:31 GMT

This notice can be found on the OCJ's website here.

Notice to the Profession and the Public re: Delay in Resuming Criminal Trials and Preliminary Inquiries in the Ontario Court of Justice at, Gore Bay, Orillia, Stratford and Woodstock (Published September 11, 2020)

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 19:57:51 GMT

This notice can be viewed on the OCJ's website here.

Notice to Counsel/Paralegals and the Public Re: Provincial Offences Act Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice (September 11, 2020)

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 19:55:28 GMT

The notice can be found on the OCJ's website here.

*This Notice supersedes previously announced notices.

Effective Date: 19 May 2020

Revised: 11 September 2020

Order Pusuant to s. 85 of the Provincial Offences Act (September 10, 2020) extending certain timelines

Limitation Period Suspension Ending

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 14:31:19 GMT

Limitation periods in Ontario have been suspended since March 16, 2020 pursuant to Ontario Regulation 73/20 made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, RSO 1990, c E.9.

Limitation periods will resume running on Monday, September 14, 2020 in accordance with Ontario Regulations 457/20 and 458/20 made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, SO 2020, c 17.

Jury Recovery Management Guidance Documents & Update (from FOLA)

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:53:53 GMT

As you may know, next week, jury selection and trials are scheduled in Brampton, Toronto and Hamilton. In Brampton, the Pearson Convention Centre, and in Toronto, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, are being prepared to support jury selection. In Hamilton, selection will occur on-site at the Hamilton courthouse. Trials at all three locations will be held on-site at each courthouse.

To best ensure the health and safety of all participants (individuals summoned to a jury panel, jurors, the judiciary, parties to the proceeding, and court staff and management, the Recovery Secretariat has developed the attached jury recovery guidance materials. Please note that French translated versions will be available next week and, should you require them, please get in touch at MAGRecoverySecretariat@ontario.ca

In the interim, find attached:

COVID-19 Recommended Precautionary Measures: Jury Management Manual

Supplementary COVID-19 Guidance for Off-Site Court Locations

These materials have been reviewed and endorsed by the government’s leading provincial health authorities in the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s office and the Ontario Ministry of Health and their guidance will continue to inform the precautionary measures that are (and that will be) implemented in both on and off-site jury locations.

In line with the health & safety precautionary measures the Recovery Secretariat has in place within our courthouses, our jury locations will also be outfitted with recommended precautionary measures including, but not limited to: hand sanitizer, plexiglass, physical distancing markers, and the provision of PPE, where required.

In addition, all entrants to jury events will be required to wear mandatory face coverings and will be required to complete an entrance screening check.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

FOLA Weekly Update September 9, 2020

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 16:29:43 GMT

FOLA's Weekly Update is available here.

Newmarket OCJ Update pt.1 September 8, 2020

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 02:52:29 GMT

Positive Covid 19 Test

Attached is a memo indicating that a courthouse staffer recently tested positive for the virus. Indications are that exposure came by way of community spread and unrelated to the Courthouse.

There are currently no additional COVID-19 concerns with courthouse operations and attendance based on this one positive test.

Remote Case Management Court

Remote Case Management Court is currently scheduled to begin in the Newmarket Courthouse on Monday September 22, 2020 by way of Zoom. Other courts have already commenced the remote process of addressing matters, including Oshawa.

Current experience reveals that the remote court has been operating slowly compared to the prior in person model. For speed of operation it would be of assistance for counsel with multiple matters to notify the crown of their matters by sending a list or through a form of virtual sign up sheet.

Counsel To Attend By Zoom Video

Counsel are encouraged to defend by way of video and by use of the Zoom link, as they will be identified quicker. When using audio, all that is displayed is the last few digits of the phone number. With Zoom the participants name is displayed, assisting all in the virtual courtroom.

Counsel are also encouraged to use the enhanced designation which is found online. A sample is attached here.

The Zoom link will remain constant and will be posted on the OCJ website. Notices will be posted on the OCJ website and door and accused notices will be distributed.

Order Of Counsel/Virtual Sign Up

A significant issue to address is a manner of establishing a process to determine the order that counsel matters are called. Normally, and in the past subject to the view of the Assistant Crown Attorney calling the list, the tradition has been either to proceed based on a “first come first served” basis, or alternatively, to call matters in order based on counsel's year of call.

The Criminal Lawyers Association is developing and suggesting the use of an on-line virtual sign up sheet, accessible on-line. The format is being reviewed by the tech people at MAG to confirm there are no obvious tech or security concerns.

No Tiered Court List

Recent experience has shown that the use of a tiered system was inefficient. Hence, unlike prior to the Pandemic, there will not be a tiered list in case management court. The crown will call the list as usual but counsel will take priority over unrepresented accused.

The Court Clerk will be hosting the court and will be allowing parties into the virtual courtroom. The crown attorney office Crown will not co-host.

Provision will be made for the use of break out rooms that are within the Zoom courtroom. Notices will be provided to the accused at the courthouse (if they attend) with information on how to contact Legal Aid. The courtroom is a remote courtroom and the accused must attend through the Zoom options – video or audio.

Additional meetings are anticipated prior to the launch of the Remote Case Management Court on September 22, 2020.

See next Blog entry for Courtroom call-in Information for this week.

Sincerely, Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Newmarket OCJ Update pt.2 September 8, 2020

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 02:25:43 GMT

Courtroom Call In Information

416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Trial Readiness Court at #5700492

Contact Information

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of September 8, 2020

Tuesday September 8

202P – Rob De Chellis

200 Court (judge) – Jina

201 Court (judge) – Michael D.

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Neil

302 New Arrests - Martin

Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Leeanne, Nicole, Jacob

*Peter and Thompson homicide prelim all week

*Jenna HT trial all week

Wednesday September 9

202P – Rob De Chellis

200 Court (judge) – Erin

201 Court (judge) – Brian

103 Bails – Tony

104 Bails – Samantha

302 New Arrests - Philip

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

Trial courts – Jacob, Nicole, Michael V.

Thursday September 10

202P – Brian

200 Court (judge) – Jina

201 Court (judge) – Michael D.

103 Bails – Kevin

104 Bails – Tony

302 New Arrests - Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Michelle, Nicole, Caitlin, Greg, Michael V., Jacob

Friday September 11

202P - Brian

200 Court (judge) – Erin

201 Court (judge) – Tony

103 Bails – Martin

Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Amy

302 New Arrests - Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

First Appearance Court Waiver

Trial courts – Michelle, Nicole, Caitlin, Greg, Michael V.

Sincerely, Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

OCJ Criminal and OCJ Family Notices - September 2, 2020

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 14:06:50 GMT

The OCJ has issued a Notice announcing virtual criminal case management courts will be starting in the following additional locations beginning on September 8, 2020:

· Central East: Barrie, Peterborough, Lindsay

· Central West: Brantford, Milton, St. Catharines, Welland

· East: Brockville, Cornwall, Perth

· Northeast: North Bay, Parry Sound, Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury

· Toronto: 1000 Finch, 2201 Finch

· West: Chatham, Sarnia, London

Please see the full Notice here: Update – Additional Court Locations Commencing Virtual Criminal Case Management Appearances on September 8, 2020

Also, the OCJ has issued a revised Scheduling Notice that includes updates regarding the expansion of Family matters. As of September 14, additional listed court locations are expected to resume in-person family matters as permitted by the Scheduling Directive. As of September 28, 2020, OCJ will begin to resume hearing Applications, Motions to Change, and Family Responsibility Office matters.

Please see attached revised Family Scheduling Notice for details.

In addition to other updates covered in the revised Family Scheduling Notice, beginning September 28, 2020 and until further notice, all First Appearance Court/First Court Dates, as per rule 40(4) of the Family Law Rules before a clerk will be waived. Parties and counsel will be asked to file a new waiver form. Please see the attached revised Notice for additional important details, and find the supporting new Form, attached.

COVID-19: Scheduling of Family Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice (September 2, 2020)

Katie W. Robinette, Executive Director, FOLA.ca

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE

FOLA Weekly Update September 2, 2020

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 18:10:28 GMT

Please find attached, the FOLA weekly update. You can also find it online here.

Please note that a moment ago, the SCJ issued a Supplementary Notice to the Profession and Litigants in Civil and Family Matters Including Electronic Filings and Document Sharing (Caselines Pilot) (September 2, 2020). We heard in our meeting it was coming so it is also mentioned (and linked) in our Update. But in case you want to jump right to it, here it is: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/notices-and-orders-covid-19/supplementary-notice-september-2-2020/

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Supplementary Notice to the Profession and Litigants in Civil and Family Matters Including Electronic Filings and Document Sharing (Caselines Pilot) (September 2, 2020)

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 17:51:39 GMT

Information about the CaseLines Pilot was just released and is available from the Superior Court of Justice website here.

Notice to Profession: Changes to the Family Law Rules in force August 1 and September 1, 2020

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 20:12:15 GMT

See the Notice to Profession and links to new forms under Court Info/Forms > Notices/Forms Family on this website.

Guidelines re: Remote Hearings in the Ontario Court of Justice

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 19:27:12 GMT

Guidelines re: Remote Hearings in the Ontario Court of Justice - includes Zoom & JVN WebRTC user guides

Newmarket OJC Update August 31, 2020

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 14:12:59 GMT

The York Region Law Association would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Special Constable Ryan Stevenson #6089 who passed away on August 28th. He will be missed at the courthouse.

There are no operational updates as of today. Below are the courtroom and crown information for this week.

Courtroom Call In Information

416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of August 31, 2020

Monday August 31

202P – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Neil (new arrests and 201 list) Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Ivana - Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Jeff, Jeanaha, Leeanne

**Amy – Monday triage court

Tuesday September 1

202P – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Neil (Jama bail hearing) Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Jeff, Ivana (Lamanna judgment and cover court), Michael V. (new arrests)

Wednesday September 2

202P – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michael V. Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Tony (Sivaguranathan bail) Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Jeff, Ivana (new arrests)

Thursday September 3

202P – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

106 New Arrests - Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Brad - Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Jeff, Nicole, Rob DC, Michael V. (David Allen firearms hearing)

Friday September 4

202P - Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Tony (Pryce hearing) Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Trial courts – Sham (new arrests), Rob DC, Nicole

Newmarket OCJ Update August 24, 2020

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 14:19:55 GMT

Virtual Criminal Case Management/Automatic Adjournment

As of today Monday August 24, 2020, the Provincial Government is implementing the new video set-date process. Virtual criminal case management courts start today in Cayuga, Goderich, Guelph, Orangeville, L’Orignal, Pembroke, Saint Thomas, Simcoe, Stratford, Windsor, Woodstock. As of next Monday August 31, 2020 this process will commence in Oshawa, Thunder Bay,
Timmins and Toronto East (Scarborough) Courthouses.

It is anticipated that this Virtual Case Management will be extended to other locations in September 2020. However at this time it is not known which Courthouses will be added and when. For the time being, in Courthouses that have not implemented this system, automatic adjournments will continue until the local set-date virtual court commences.

Courtroom Call In Information

416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Crown Assignments Week of August 24, 2020

Monday August 24

202P – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – ErinErin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony (look at Graham and Booth hearings)

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trials – Phyllis, Ivana, Nicole

**Amy – Monday triage court Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Tuesday August 25

202P – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Michael V. Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

204 New Arrests - Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Michelle -Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trials – Ivana, Nicole, Jeff

Wednesday August 26

202P – NicoleNicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Neil (Project and Ramdeensingh bails)

Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca 104 Bails – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

204 New Arrests – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

Trial Court (assist/seized) – Michael V. Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trials – Jeff

Thursday August 27

202P – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Tony (Bennett hearing) Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Martin - Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trials – Brad, Jeff

Backup CDSA trial court – Michael V.

Friday August 28

202P - Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Tony (Calicdan hearing) Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Michael V. Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

203 New Arrests - Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors –

Michelle -Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lori Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trials – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

Backup CDSA trial court – Rob De Chellis

Updated Reopening the Courtrooms Guidebook

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:15:19 GMT

The guidebook was updated on August 13, 2020 and can be found here.

FOLA Real Estate Update August 21, 2020

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:14:01 GMT

Read the latest updates here.

CaseLines Tutorial for Outside Counsel

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 15:51:10 GMT

18-Minute CaseLines Tutorial from the Superior Court of Justice.

Update regarding OCJ Criminal Case Management Appearances (and Guide for Self-represented Accused Persons)

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 02:02:20 GMT

The Ontario Court of Justice announced today the first stage of province-wide implementation of virtual criminal case management courts. Virtual criminal case management courts will be starting on Monday 24, 2020 in Cayuga, Goderich, Guelph, Orangeville, L’Orignal, Pembroke, Saint Thomas, Simcoe, Stratford, Windsor, Woodstock. They will be starting on Monday August 31, 2020 in Oshawa, Thunder Bay, Timmins and Toronto East (1911 Eglinton).

Additional information is available in the following Notice: Update regarding Criminal Case Management Appearances – Province-Wide Implementation of Virtual Case Management Courts (Published August 19, 2020).

Further details, including information about how counsel and accused persons can connect to the court by videoconference or audioconference, will be posted tomorrow.

Additionally, the Ontario Court of Justice has posted a new document that provides general information to self-represented accused persons who have criminal cases in the OCJ during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not a complete review of the criminal process and does not cover every circumstance that might arise in a given case. The new guide is available here: Information for Self-Represented Accused Persons with Criminal Cases in the Ontario Court of Justice.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89304211356.

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

CaseLines Training Session on Thursday, August 20

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 16:02:34 GMT

Lawyers and legal assistants are invited to attend a CaseLines training session via Zoom on Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Attend by clicking on the following link:

As a reminder, CaseLines is Ontario's new, online cloud-based document sharing platform to support in-person and virtual court proceedings.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

FOLA Weekly Update August 19, 2020

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 16:00:39 GMT

The latest edition of the Federation of Ontario Law Association's Weekly Update is available here.

New SCJ Filing Direction for Commercial & Estates List Matters

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:24:58 GMT

The SCJ has issued a filing direction for Commercial List and Estates List matters, effective today. You can find it here: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/notices-and-orders-covid-19/commercial-list-and-estates-list-filing-direction/.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

1. Form - COVIID-19: WAIVER AND REQUEST FOR ADJOURNMENT / REMAND IN ACCUSED PERSON’S ABSENCE (ACCUSED PERSONS IN CUSTODY)

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Newmarket OCJ Update August 17, 2020

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:37:03 GMT

The Ontario Court Of Justice Continues Re-opening - New Forms/Protocols

The Court last week posted important additional information, including new protocols as it endeavours to improve and increase the pace of the conduct of criminal matters in the Ontario Court of Justice. I have attached copies of forms and protocols below.

Out of Custody Matters

As of today, Monday August 17, the Court will begin scheduling out-of-custody trial dates for matters that had been adjourned due to COVID-19 in all court locations across the Province. The scheduling will follow a similar protocol as was previously set out for in-custody matters, including delivery of the new and requisite trial /preliminary hearing form.

This protocol however does not apply to all matters, and the courts are still in a gradual re-opening process. A revised trial/prelim scheduling form is attached and is expected to be used.

In Custody Matters

With respect to in custody matters, a new Practice Direction has been implemented with respect to administrative or set dates/remands. This protocol permits those matters to be addressed in the absence of the accused and counsel, for simple, routine adjournments. A written form must be filed electronically, providing information and confirming that the accused has waived their right to appear by video. Counsel may choose to conduct the appearance by video/audio, but is not obliged to do so.

This form provides in part:

" ...it may be completed by Defence Counsel (including duty counsel and agents authorized under ss. 800(2) and 802.1 of the Criminal Code) on behalf of an accused person who is in custody, where the accused person has instructed counsel that they wish to waive their right to appear personally before the Court and have their matter adjourned in their absence. This form is for case management appearances only; unless a judicial official directs otherwise, it should not be used for a trial, preliminary inquiry or bail hearing."

The use of these waivers will clearly reduce Court time formerly required to.remand these matters, as it removes the time spent in court waiting for accused persons to be brought from the cells to the video screen or audio room. In addition counsel will not be required to appear and address the court unless they wish to.

I have attached below:

2. Practice Direction - COVID-19: Waiver of Personal Attendance and Request for Adjournment / Remand by Accused Persons in Custody, under rules 4.5 and 5 of the Criminal Rules of the Ontario Court of Justice

3. Notice: Update regarding the Scheduling of Criminal Trials and Preliminary Inquiries

4. Form - ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE
TRIAL/PRELIMINARY INQUIRY SCHEDULING FORM

ACCESS TO ZOOM HEARINGS

In addition to the new protocols effective today, Zoom capacity will be more broadly available for hearings for inmates in correctional institutions across the Province. In addition to the Mobile Units in Central East Corrections and the Toronto South Detention Centre,, technology that allows JVN to connect to Zoom will be available:

1. Enabling any proceeding that is scheduled through JVN video in a correctional institution to also be connected to Zoom.

2. Courtrooms with JVN video capacity can utilize this zoom room connector

3. Will make it possible in some courts to arrange fully or partially remote proceedings by Zoom, without the JVN video technology in the actual
courtroom provided there is JVN capacity in the applicable correctional
facility.

These improvements will require court staff and courtrooms to have appropriate equipment and technology, all of which issues are being addressed by Justice Services Technology and Court Services.

Courtroom Call In Information

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Crown Assignments Week of August 17, 2020

Monday August 17

202P – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Jeff Jeffrey.Costain1@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Kevin (look at Larionov hearing) Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa - Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trials – Leeanne (in person) and Philip (cover remote) in 102, Nicole in 205 Virtual, Brad in 204

**Martin and Caitlin – Galea PH all week

**Tony – SCJ all week

**Amy – Monday triage court

Tuesday August 18

202P – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Neil (Project bail) Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

Ivana (look at Sahal hearing) Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

Trials – Brad, Nicole

Wednesday August 19

202P – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa - Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lori Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trials – Michelle (bail) Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

Thursday August 20

202P – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Ivana (continuation) Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa - Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas Lucas.O'Neill@ontario.ca

Trials – Michelle (bail), Nicole

Friday August 21

202P - Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Ivana (look at Ducheno hearing) Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa - Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lori Lori.Thompson@ontario.ca

Trials – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

Sincerely.

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Updated Criminal OCJ and SCJ Practice Directions August 12, 2020

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:02:16 GMT

OCJ

On Monday August 17, 2020, the Court will begin scheduling out-of-custody cases adjourned due to COVID-19 in all court locations. In addition, the Court has revised the Trial / Preliminary Inquiry Scheduling Form that is used to schedule hearings. For more information, see Update regarding the Scheduling of Criminal Trials and Preliminary Inquiries

The Court has issued a Practice Direction setting out a procedure for accused persons who are in custody to waive their right to appear personally before the Court and request to have their matter adjourned in their absence, by instructing defence counsel to complete and file a Waiver and Request for Adjournment / Remand in Accused Person’s Absence” form on their behalf. See: Waiver of Personal Attendance and Request for Adjournment / Remand by Accused Persons in Custody

SCJ

The SCJ has replaced Provincial Practice Direction Regarding Criminal Proceedings with the Provincial Practice Direction / Amendment to the Criminal Proceedings Rules Regarding Criminal Proceedings. It is available on the SCJ website at https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/practice/practice-directions/criminal/.

FOLA Weekly Update August 12, 2020

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 16:07:24 GMT

The Federation of Law Association's weekly update is now available. Please click here to view.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Small Claims Court Expansion - August 10, 2020

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:36:51 GMT

The Small Claims Court is further expanding its remote hearings in order to continue to provide access to justice.

As of today, August 10, 2020, the Court will begin scheduling select remote settlement conferences that are requested by one party to an action and meet the criteria set out below.

This expansion will be staggered over time, applying first to settlement conferences that were scheduled to take place between March 16 and March 31, 2020 and cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The criteria for scheduling are:

The requesting party provides a valid and current email address for the non-requesting party or parties;
Each party can send and receive emails using the email addresses provided;
Each defendant has filed a defence or has been noted in default in the action prior to March 16, 2020;
All parties agree to rely solely on the pleadings as filed and served;
A settlement conference had previously been scheduled and then suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
The settlement conference was previously scheduled to take place within the date range to be specified in the Notice Regarding the Suspension of Small Claims Court Operations (this date range will initially be March 16-31, 2020).

The Court intends to expand to other previously scheduled settlement conferences in the near future, once capacity allows.

Further details will appear on the Superior Court of Justice website later today.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:53d3b70e-b8c5-42fd-b064-e16ef96df23e

Newmarket OCJ Update August 10, 2020

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:46:09 GMT

Newmarket Trial/Preliminary Hearing Scheduling

While the Ontario Court of Justice has provided guidance on the scheduling of trials and preliminary hearings, I have been asked to disseminate the procedure applicable to Newmarket matters.

1. Counsel are not to call or attend the Newmarket TC office to schedule a hearing.

2. Counsel must complete a CPT and then a JPT confirming a time estimate.

3. On completion of the CPT and JPT, counsel are required for Newmarket matters to complete and submit this Trial/Preliminary Hearing Scheduling Form:

to the generic TC email address:

Newmarket.OCJ.Criminal.TrialCoordinator@ontario.ca

Please review the phase-1 trial scheduling procedure outlined in the attached link from the OCJ website, as well as the above trial scheduling form:

https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/covid-19/notice-criminal-july2-2020/

To schedule a trial or preliminary hearing

Counsel are asked to collaborate with the Crown and arrive at a time estimate, often after a JPT, and fill out the scheduling form above. The form must be submitted to the generic TC email address above. Once the dates are approved, they will be confirmed on the following court date in whatever court the defendant was remanded to (in Newmarket, it is often 200 or 201).

Courtroom Call In Information

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Crown Assignments/Contact Information Week of August 10, 2020

Duty Counsel - ozkins@lao.on.ca

Monday August 10

202P – Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Ivana

201 Court (judge) – Brad

103 Bails -

Samantha -

Neil - Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jina

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Trials – Philip, Greg, Tony (remote backup for CDSA matter in 203)

**Sham – virtual PH all week

**Amy – Monday triage court

Tuesday August 11

202P – Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Jina

201 Court (judge) – Samantha

103 Bails - Neil

104 Bails – Tony

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trials – Philip, Greg, Jacob (Guppy and Tipton probation review in 102), Erin (remote new arrest court if Falkenstein resolves)

Wednesday August 12

202P – Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Jeanaha

201 Court (judge) – Jeff

103 Bails –

Ivana - Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Tony (Blenman contested)

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

Trials – Erin, Jacob (remote new arrests), Kellie

Thursday August 13

202P – Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Amy

201 Court (judge) – Philip

103 Bails – Neil (Ponniah) / Ivana

104 Bails – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lucas

Trials – Michelle (bail), Tony, Greg (plea), Jacob (remote new arrests)

Friday August 14

202P - Gemma - Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Jeff

201 Court (judge) – Brad

103 Bails – Jeanaha (McMillan contested)

104 Bails – Kevin

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

Trials – Greg (remote new arrests), Michelle (bail), Tony

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Law Society external appointments: Call for applications

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:04:13 GMT

As you know, as part of its mandate, the Law Society recommends and makes appointments to a variety of boards, councils and committees.

The Law Society recognizes the importance of diversity in their appointments process and will take into account membership in equality-seeking communities and knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion issues.

Currently, the LSO is seeking applications for the following:

The deadline for applications for the Legal Aid Board of Directors is August 15. They will be considering applications for other appointments beginning this fall.

Find more information and submit an application at:www.lso.ca/appointmentapplication

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/66103478817?pwd=dEpzdG5Mb2tZdDA3TmNnVitWa0t1UT09

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Estate Act Consultations - MAG

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 14:34:37 GMT

Letter from Attorney General Doug Downey re Estate Act Consultations. Submissions due August 23, 2020.

Ontario Court of Justice - New Notices

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 14:18:42 GMT

Please be advised that the Ontario Court of Justice issued new criminal Notices and a Practice Direction last night. Please find the new notices at: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/covid-19/

Expansion of Services - Justice Services Online Platform & the new e-Filing Platform Notice and webinar invitation

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 13:17:40 GMT

On August 5, 2020, the Justice Services Online platform (ontario.ca/familyclaims and ontario.ca/page/file-civil-claim-online) has expanded to enable the online submission of close to 400 more types of civil and family court documents.

I have attached copies of a letter to the legal community, along with a poster.

Also, as you know, MAG has procured Thomson Reuters CaseLines for the SCJ and a two-week test phase will begin on August 10, 2020 for selected civil motions and pre-trial conferences in Toronto. The pilot will then expand incrementally to other practice areas and court locations. It is anticipated that CaseLines will be implemented province-wide in all SCJ court locations and practice areas by December 31, 2020.

Zoom CaseLines information session:

Monday, August 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Please click the following link to join this session and enter the passcode below:

Passcode (Required): 579037

This presentation will be recorded and available on the SCJ website for those who are unable to attend.

More information about the above webinar and e-Filing in Civil and Family Matters, please see the Supplementary Notice to the Profession and Litigants in Civil and Family Matters – Including Electronic Filings and Document Sharing (Caselines Pilot) (August 5, 2020). The Notice is available here.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

FOLA Weekly Update August 5, 2020

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 21:18:08 GMT

Pease find attached, a copy of FOLA’s weekly Update.

Also, On August 1st, 2020, a new regulation was made under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act to set out the framework for commissioners who wish to exercise their powers without being in the physical presence of the deponent or declarant. That regulation is available here.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Supplementary Notice to the Profession and Litigants in Civil and Family Matters – Including Electronic Filings and Document Sharing (Caselines Pilot) (August 5, 2020)

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Supplementary Notice to the Professon for Civil & Family Matters

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 21:09:13 GMT

NEW Civil Submissions Online

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 21:06:17 GMT

NOTICE TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION

On August 5, 2020 the Ministry of the Attorney General filed a regulation to amend the Rules of Civil Procedure, O. Reg 441/20.

The amendments introduce a new court rule, rule 4.05.2, to authorize the use of the Civil Submissions Online system. This new online system, released this morning, allows the electronic submission of over 250 types of documents for filing and issuance in Superior Court of Justice civil actions and applications.

A summary of the amendments is available on the Ontario Regulatory Registry.

Further inquiry can be directed to the following addresses, with O. Reg 441/20. in the subject line: attorneygeneral@ontario.ca

Court Services Division

Ministry of the Attorney General

Newmarket OCJ Update August 3, 2020

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 21:49:00 GMT

Weekly Assignment Court

Please be aware that given today's holiday, the Assignment court for criminal matters will be in courtroom 201 tomorrow, Tuesday August 4, 2020.

All matters set for trial or preliminary hearing on any day of the week if August 10, 2020 must be addressed by counsel tomorrow.

Courtroom Call In Information

416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Crown Assignments Week of August 3, 2020

Tuesday August 4

202P – Jina

200 Court (judge) – Michael D.

201 Court (judge) – Jacob

103 Bails - Samantha

104 Bails – Michelle

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Tony, Neil, Nicole, Philip

Wednesday August 5

202P – Brad

200 Court (judge) – Gemma

201 Court (judge) – Erin

103 Bails - Jacob

104 Bails – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Greg

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Tony, Neil, Nicole, Philip

Thursday August 6

202P – Jina

200 Court (judge) – Michelle

201 Court (judge) – Ivana

103 Bails – Tony

104 Bails – Greg

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Nicole, Phyllis, Jenna

Friday August 7

202P - Neil

200 Court (judge) – Michael D.

201 Court (judge) – Philip

103 Bails – Tony

104 Bails – Jeanaha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Nicole, Phyllis, Jenna

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Weekly Update July 29, 2020

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 19:07:21 GMT

Please find attached, a copy of FOLA’s weekly Sector Call Report. It is also available online here. Please circulate with your members.

And a couple of important reminders:

Please note that the Court of Appeal currently has a Call for Submissions on the Report of the Discount rate Sub-committee of the Civil Rules Committee. The deadline is July 31th and submissions should be no more than 5 pages. FOLA’s submission, which you can read here, has been sent in and if you are interested in preparing one of your own, it should be sent to Falguni Debnath, Senior Legal Officer c/o Victoria Anderson at Victoria.Anderson@ontario.ca.

Also, in an effort to update the Libel and Slander Act, MAG is currently seeking comments on the Law Commission of Ontario’s report entitled “Defamation Law in the Internet Age”. FOLA has presented MAG with our submission (which you can read here) but if you are planning on submitting your own, you should direct it to Amanda Iarusso, Director of Policy and Legal Affairs, AMG, at amanda.iarusso@ontario.ca by August 1st 2020.

Both reports are mentioned and hyperlinked in the attached Report.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

https://www.legalaid.on.ca/in-briefs/request-your-mandatory-judicial-pretrial-coverage-online/

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

OCJ Updated Remand Protocol July 28, 2020

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:08:43 GMT

Just wish to pass on to members the following remand Protocol released by the Ontario Court Of Justice yesterday. Noteworthy is the continuation of the automatic adjournment, which was set to end on Friday. This Protocol is extended until atleast August 21, 2020.

Here is the Notice:

Notice to the Profession and the Public: Update regarding Criminal Case Management Appearances (Published July 28, 2020)

This Notice provides an update regarding criminal case management appearances in the Ontario Court of Justice by accused persons who are out of custody. Further information about criminal proceedings in the Ontario Court of Justice, including the definition of “case management appearances”, is available in the COVID-19: Notice to Counsel and the Public re: Criminal Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice.

Although the Ontario Court of Justice has resumed hearing trials and preliminary inquiries at a limited number of courthouses, the number of people who may be present in the courthouse and in the courtroom remains restricted in order to comply with health and safety precautions and maintain safe physical distancing. For this reason, in-person attendances for criminal court case management appearances can not currently be accommodated.

The Court has been actively working to adopt technology that will allow accused persons and/or counsel to attend criminal case management appearances using remote technology. On Monday August 10, 2020, a virtual criminal case management court pilot will be launched in Ottawa and Kitchener, in which criminal case management appearances will be conducted by videoconference or audioconference. The Court expects to begin implementing virtual criminal case management courts at other court locations later in August.

Case management appearances by accused persons who are in custody will continue to be conducted using remote technology as they have been since March 2020.

Please continue to check the Ontario Court of Justice website for updates.

1) Ottawa and Kitchener – Virtual Criminal Case Management Courts Pilot Launching Monday August 10, 2020

Commencing Monday August 10, 2020, criminal case management court appearances for out of custody accused will resume at Ottawa and Kitchener using remote technology.

Beginning Monday August 10, 2020, counsel and accused persons who are out of custody will be able to attend for criminal case management appearances in Kitchener and Ottawa by audioconference (telephone) or videoconference using Zoom.

Criminal case management appearances will be conducted by remote appearance (audioconference or videoconference) only. If you have a case management criminal court appearance in the Ontario Court of Justice in Kitchener or Ottawa, do not attend court in person.

Details regarding the pilot in Kitchener and Ottawa, including information about how counsel and accused persons may connect to the court by videoconference or audioconference, will be published the week of August 4, 2020.

Criminal case management appearances in Ottawa and Kitchener before the pilot begins on August 10, 2020 will continue to be automatically adjourned, in the absence of the accused, as described in section 4.3a of the COVID-19: Notice to Counsel and the Public re: Criminal Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice.

2) Criminal Case Management Court Appearances in Other Court Locations

The Court expects to begin conducting criminal case management appearances by audioconference or videoconference at additional court locations later in August.

In the meantime, the automatic adjournment of criminal court appearances for accused persons who are not in custody, described in section 4.3a of the COVID-19: Notice to Counsel and the Public re: Criminal Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice, will be extended to August 21, 2020, at court locations across Ontario except Ottawa and Kitchener.

If you have a case management criminal court appearance in the Ontario Court of Justice, on or before August 21, 2020, in a location other than Ottawa or Kitchener, do not attend court. The court will adjourn your matter without you being present, using a court order called a “bench warrant with discretion”, which will require you to attend court on the new date.

To find out what date your matter is being adjourned to, see the list of adjournment dates.

3) Accused persons who are in custody

Criminal case management appearances for accused persons who are in custody will continue to be conducted by remote appearances (audioconference or videoconference), in accordance with the procedures in place since March 2020.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Billing on line now available for COVID JPTs and Myers Reviews - Legal Aid Ontario

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 03:19:52 GMT

As part of LAO’s emergency response to the COVID pandemic, lawyers will now be able to bill (as of July 26, 2020) Legal Aid Online for:

1. COVID JPT

• Matters must be set down for either a preliminary inquiry or trial, and the JPT must occur between March 16 and October 31, 2020.

• Coverage is limited to one special COVID JPT per proceeding, however, counsel may still request second JPT coverage for matters set down for a preliminary inquiry or trial in the Ontario Court of Justice. This is in addition to JPT and Superior Court of Justice pre-trial coverage available on all criminal certificates.

• For the first JPT request, if eligible, coverage will be automatically added to the certificate within 24 hours of the request. Subsequent requests for JPT coverage will be routed to respective District worklists.

2. Myers (s.525) reviews

• Matters are not subject to merit testing.

• For the first request, coverage will be automatically added to the certificate within 24 hours of the request. Subsequent requests will be routed to respective District worklists.

Further information may be obtained at:

In briefs for lawyers

COVID-19: Ongoing supports for lawyers

https://www.legalaid.on.ca/lawyers-legal-professionals/covid-19-ongoing-list-of-supports-for-lawyers/

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Newmarket OCJ Update July 27, 2020

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:32:16 GMT

Newmarket Trial Readiness Court each Monday for trials set for the following week:

I have been advised that many counsel have been missing the regular Monday 201 assignment court in Newmarket, often for understandable reasons. The 201 Court confirmations occur each Monday and are to confirm that matters set for trial and preliminary hearings for a day or days during the following week, are ready to proceeed.

For your reference, I include this excerpt from the OCJ website:

Newmarket	Court date: Monday of the week before Schedule: Tiered list based on date commencement of trial / preliminary inquiry
9 am	Monday
10:30 am	Tuesday
11:45 am	Wednesday
2:00 pm	Thursday
3:30 pm	Friday
Audioconference: 1-866-633-0848, Conference ID# 5700492

COVID-19 Trial Readiness Court

Unless otherwise directed by the Regional Senior Judge and until further notice, all cases currently scheduled for a trial or preliminary inquiry will be spoken to approximately one week before the scheduled hearing date before a judge presiding in a special COVID-19 Trial Readiness Court. The purposes of the Trial Readiness Courts are:

(i) to confirm that trials or preliminary inquiries are ready to proceed on their hearing date; and

(ii) to assign cases into courtrooms that are open and operating.

Unless otherwise directed by the Regional Senior Justice, cases will appear in Trial Readiness Court the Monday before the week of the scheduled trial or preliminary inquiry. Where the Monday is a holiday, Trial Readiness Court will be held on Tuesday. For example, matters scheduled for trial or a preliminary inquiry during the week of July 6 – 10 will be addressed in the Trial Readiness Court scheduled for Monday, June 29. Matters scheduled for trial or preliminary inquiry the week of July 13 – 17 will be addressed in the trial readiness court scheduled for Monday, July 6.

For details about the Trial Readiness Court in each court location, including scheduling information, see Ontario Court of Justice Trial Readiness Court.

All appearances in Trial Readiness Court will be by audioconference or videoconference, unless otherwise directed by a judge.

Accused persons who are represented by counsel do not need to be present for the Trial Readiness Court.

All counsel who speak to matters in Trial Readiness Court must be fully informed about the case and have authority to make binding decisions regarding the conduct of the case.

Accused persons who are not represented by counsel are to attend Trial Readiness Court by audioconference, or videoconference where applicable, to speak to their matter.

There is no need for counsel or accused persons to file a “bring forward” request or application to have their case addressed.

The Court expects the Crown and defence counsel will have communicated before Trial Readiness Court to identify and discuss any issues that may affect the scheduling or conduct of the hearing including, but not limited to:

· whether, and on what basis, a party may be bringing an application to adjourn the case at the trial readiness court appearance;

· any witnesses or parties who may be unable to attend court due to health concerns, public health orders or COVID-19 symptoms or other issues;

· whether any portion of the hearing (including any witness testimony) will be conducted using remote technology.

The judge presiding in Trial Readiness Court may hear and determine any application(s) regarding the scheduling or conduct of the hearing that the judge is satisfied should be determined in advance of the trial or preliminary inquiry date. The judge presiding in Trial Readiness Court will not hear applications that are reserved to the trial judge or in respect of a continuing trial or preliminary inquiry with which a different judge is seized.

Where the parties indicate a matter is going to resolve, the matter will be scheduled into a resolution court on or before the scheduled trial or preliminary inquiry date, where feasible.

Crown Assignments Week of July 27, 2020

Monday July 27

202P – Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Michael D.

201 Court (judge) – Jina

103 Bails – Neil

104 Bails – Tony

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

Triage Court - Amy

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Jacob, Rob DC, Brian

Tuesday July 28

202P – Ivana

200 Court (judge) – Nicole

201 Court (judge) – Philip

103 Bails - Tony (look at Jourj and Peralta bails scheduled for this day)

104 Bails – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Erin

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Jacob, Rob DC, Brian

Wednesday July 29

202P – Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Gemma

201 Court (judge) – Tony

103 Bails - Sham

104 Bails – Thompson

Bail Vettors –

Jeanaha - Jeanaha.Kim@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Kevin, Ivana

Thursday July 30

202P – Tony

200 Court (judge) – Michael D.

201 Court (judge) – Erin

103 Bails – Rob Scott

104 Bails – Jina

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lori

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Kevin, Ivana, Jacob, Philip, Rob DC

Friday July 31

202P - Nicole

200 Court (judge) – Tony

201 Court (judge) – Sham

103 Bails – Neil

104 Bails – Brad

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Notice to the Profession re Protocol for Civil Matters in the Superior Court of Justice, Central East Region - Effective July 27, 2020

Trials – Martin, Caitlin, Michael V., Jacob, Philip, Rob DC

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Notice to the Profession re: Protocol for Civil Matters in the SCJ, Central East

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:01:09 GMT

Update to Addressing Bail matters July 23, 2020

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 14:39:37 GMT

This morning I was part of a conference call with assorted Courthouse stakeholders. The purpose of the call was to discuss issues with respect the prompt hearing of bail matters when they are ready to proceed.

One of the most significant challenges faced by Newmarket stems from the limited resources available from to Central East Corrections to call into court and address those in custody remotely. The limited number of pods available to contact courtrooms as well as the fact that Central East accommodates Oshawa and the Tri County courts (Peterborough, Lindsey and Cobourg) in addition to Newmarket, presents further scheduling challenges.

In addition, further delays are a result in part, of the following:

1. A significant increase in past few weeks of new arrests increasing the numbers of persons appearing from Central East with no increase in remote appearance capacity.

2. Matters adjourned to next day, at the request of counsel or accused, rather than the 2 days or more as per the protocol, with no substantive purpose to be addressed, resulting in the waste of a time slot that could have been used by another in custody for a significant purpose.

3. Counsel canceling at the "11th hour" (ie late night before or morning of) contested bail hearings resulting in a waste of that video/audio slot that could have been used by others in custody who are ready to proceed. There have been 4 such last minute cancellations in past few days alone creating significant delays and problems.

4. Under the current reopening protocol, persons in custody are dealt with exclusively remotely and cannot be physically brought to the Courthouse unless they are attending a preliminary hearing or a trial.

The RSJ is looking into addressing these issues and is reviewing input from stakeholders. On a positive note, we anticipate increased remote capacity from Central East in late August. In addition, consideration is being given to the use of zoom bail hearings, where matters are set for half day or more, where parties agree.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Weekly Update July 22, 2020

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:43:31 GMT

Please find attached, this week’s COVID-19 Update. There is no updated Issue Response Report and MAG is still working away on some of our questions.

I will note that, included in the report, are two Court Postings from this week:

The OCJ published a guide for family Self Represented Litigants during COVID-19. You can find that here. And the SCJ issued a Notice from Chief Justice Morawetz regarding justice participants unable to attend SCJ proceedings in person. You can read that here.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE

Notice to the Profession re: Justice Participants Unable to attend In-Court Hearings in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (July 21, 2020)

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 20:45:21 GMT

On July 6, 2020, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice resumed in-court hearings in certain court locations following health and safety recommendations from public health officials which were implemented by the Ministry of the Attorney General. Each week, further courtrooms are re-opening across the province after the recommended health and safety measures are implemented, allowing more matters to be heard in courthouses.

The Ontario government has more information about the reopening of courtrooms, the health and safety measures put in place, the requirement to self-screen before entry, and the expectations of all court users, which is accessible here.

I also recognize that some counsel, parties and justice participants may be uncomfortable attending a courthouse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some may have underlying health conditions, or live with someone who does, or have childcare issues arising from the pandemic. Many may not wish to disclose personal health information. Accordingly, I have encouraged all judicial officers, when exercising their authority, to be flexible and to respect the various reasons why an individual may not be comfortable attending a courthouse in person. The feasibility of a virtual hearing is to be explored, when requested. Similarly, I encourage counsel and parties to be accommodating when requests for virtual hearings are made by opposing counsel or parties.

Requests to have matters heard virtually or in writing – rather than in-person – should be made to the judge or local trial coordinator at the time the hearing is requested and before it is scheduled. Last minute requests to reschedule matters places unnecessary, additional burdens on trial coordinators, and may prejudice or inconvenience opposing counsel, parties and witnesses.

I thank you for your cooperation.

Geoffrey B. Morawetz,
Chief Justice

Newmarket OCJ Update July 20, 2020

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:45:44 GMT

As the Newmarket Courthouse continues to operate under Phase 1 protocol, matters are proceeding relatively smoothly. There have not been any reported positive COVID-19 cases amongst the staff, unlike the current situation in Brampton where some staff have tested positive.

There have been some complaints with respect to the scheduling and timing of addressing bail matters in Newmarket. These complaints not only relate to when counsel can speak to their matters by audio, but also how quickly bail matters can be scheduled for hearings. These issues have been brought to the attention of stakeholders and it is hoped that bail matters can be addressed in a substantive manner as quickly as possible. Crown Assignments Week of July 20, 2020

Monday July 20

202P – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham - Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

Triage Court - Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Trials – Leeanne, Tony, Jeff

Tuesday July 21

202P – Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa - Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

Trials – Leeanne, Philip, Tony, Jeff

Wednesday July 22

202P – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa - Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Jina Jina.Lee@ontario.ca

Trials – Leeanne, Philip

Thursday July 23

202P – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa - Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trials – Leeanne, Rob De Chellis, Erin, Tony, Jacob

Friday July 24

202P - Nicole Nicole.Murphy@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Michael D. Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa - Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne Rosanne.Choi@ontario.ca

Trials – Leeanne, Rob De Chellis, Erin, Tony, Jacob

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Real Estate Update re: Virtual Commissioning Consultation, Planning Act and Tarion

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:32:21 GMT

Dear Real Estate Representatives, Presidents and Library Staff,

In an effort to keep real estate lawyers updated with the ever-changing situation, we have further information to be shared with the real estate lawyers in your association.

Consultation re: Virtual Commissioning Regulations

Have your say! The Ministry of the Attorney General is accepting comments on its proposal to establish a regulatory framework that enables virtual acts of commissioning. The proposal was posted on July 14, 2020 and comments are due by July 22, 2020. Further details are available here.

The consultation window is very short, so we encourage anyone who is interested in providing comments to do so before the deadline.

Planning Act Amendments

We regularly receive inquiries about the status of the Planning Act amendments brought forward by Doug Downey in a private members’ bill last year. The bill effectively died following second reading when Mr. Downey was appointed to cabinet as Attorney General. As we have previously reported, the draft amendments are now with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and we have been encouraging the government to reintroduce them in a new bill.

Earlier this week we participated in a Justice Sector Call with the Attorney General and had an opportunity to ask him about the status of these amendments. He is still very keen to see these amendments enacted, and suggested that letters of encouragement from lawyers to their local MPPs may be helpful. Contact information for all MPPs is available here.

Tarion Consultation

Tarion is seeking input on 10 consumer protection initiatives, including the implementation of eight of the Auditor General’s recommendations. Further details are available here.

Tarion has offered to set up an online meeting with the FOLA Real Estate representatives if there is interest. Alternatively, written submissions can be made through the Ontario Regulatory Registry here or by emailingsubmissions@tarion.com before August 24, 2020.

Please let us know if your association is interested in participating in an online consultation with Tarion regarding and if there is sufficient interest, we will make arrangements.

Tarion Advisory

Tarion issued a bulletin on July 6, 2020 regarding the reinstatement of timelines and resumption of in-person inspections. The bulletin is available here.

If and when we receive further information of interest to the real estate bar, we will pass it along.

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Merredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner

FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

Please note: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

FOLA Weekly Update July 15, 2020

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:00:31 GMT

Please find attached this week’s COVID update from FOLA.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Newmarket OCJ Update July 13, 2020

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:09:46 GMT

As I advised in my Update last Monday July 6, the Newmarket Courthouse commenced a Phase 1 limited re-opening last Monday July 6, 2020.

For the first week, Operations reportedly ran relatively smoothly with no major complaints made known from the various participants and stakeholders. In addition, as I advised last week, all assigned "trial" assistant crown attorneys attended the Courthouse in person last week to deal with their matters. There is no update at this time on the Crown Attorneys Association injunction proceeding, concerning mandating their personal attendance at courthouses Province wide.

Roundtable With Attorney General

Doug Downey

Members are reminded of tomorrow's virtual roundtable between from 1pm – 2 pm. Spaces are limited and members are asked to R.S.V.P. their attendance to the virtual roundtable by emailing Nikita Glenday, Policy Advisor and Manager of Stakeholder Relations, at nikita.glenday@ontario.ca. She will provide you with details of the meeting once you R.S.V.P.

This in an excellent opportunity to gain information and address any questions or concerns. Members are encouraged to register.

Building Entrance And Screening

Security is placed at the main doors to screen persons entering the Courthouse. All persons entering are required to provide the requisite completed screening form questionnaire, and wear masks.

The two Commionaires remain at the front entrance from 8am to 10am, after which time, one of the two roves the building interior to assist in compliance with health and safety issues, including wearing masks in all public areas, and adhering to social distancing.

Courthouse staff are able to access the building between 7am and 10am through a separate door. After 10am they must use the same entrance as the public, as there is reportedly insufficient staff to maintain screening and control access at both entrances throughout the day.

Masks Must Be Worn

The wearing of masks is required by all persons entering the building and must be worn in all publice areas of the building. Exceptions generally apply while in courtrooms to counsel while making submissions, and subject to the discretion of the particular jurist. Some of the traditional rules of decorum are being relaxed, including addressing jurist while seated, as the podiums are not equipped with plexiglass, and bringing water into the courtroom

No Separate Entrance For Counsel

While Courthouse staff are able to enter the building through a separate emtrance between 7am and 10am, counsel are required to enter by the same entrance used by the general public. Jurists will be made aware that same may result in counsel being "late" for appearances and to anticipate same. Once counsel have been screened, they will receive a building pass for the day. However counsel will be screened daily and therefore are required to obtain a new pass each day they attend the Courthouse.

While Newmarket does not offer counsel a separate entrance, atleast one other Courthouse does. In particular, the Courthouse at 1000 Finch has set up a separate entrance for counsel accessible from 8:30am to 9:45am through a door in the mall entrance leading to the courthouse. TPS court officers and a security guard performing active screening are in place at the door to facilitate counsel’s entrance. For those entering that require a face covering, one is provided.

I have inquired whether a separate counsel entrance can be made available at the Newmarket Courthouse and am awaiting a response.

Courtroom Plexiglass

Plexiglass, signage, and sanitizing stations and supplies have been installed throughout the building. Some concerns had been raised previously with respect to the height and location of plexiglass within one or more of the courtrooms installed for health and safety. As a result some replacements/adjustments have been made, in particular in courtroom 102.

Courtroom Cleaning - Trial Matters

Where courtrooms are operating with in-person proceedings, there is an assigned porter/cleaner to clean and sanitize touchpoints within the courtroom. A porter is called into the courtroom by the clerk after a witness completes their testimony, to clean and disinfect affected areas.

Counsel tables are also disinfected during breaks and are equipped with hand sanitizers, disinfectant spray and paper towels. Courtroom plexiglass is cleaned by porters during breaks and on completion of the testimony of aa witness.

Trail Courts In Phase 1

As i advised in previous updates, Newmarket is currently operating in Phase 1 reopening with three trial courtrooms. In those courtrooms, court reporters operate remotely from outside the trial courtroom, and away from the courtroom participants. Clerks are present in the courtroom to manage paperwork.

In the administrative and bail courts, Operations continue to be conducted entirely remotely, although Justices have the option to attend in person at their discretion. There is no further update as to the commencement of Phase 2 reopening.

Crown Assignments Week of July 13, 2020

Monday July 13

202P – Brad

200 Court (judge) – Rob Scott

201 Court (judge) – Samantha

103 Bails – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jeff

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

Triage Court - Amy

Trials – Leeanne, Michelle, Jacob, Greg, Philip, Tony

Tuesday July 14

202P – Rob de Chellis

200 Court (judge) – Gemma

201 Court (judge) – Trial Crown (whose matter goes down, etc on Monday)

103 Bails - Neil

104 Bails – Trial Crown

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trials – Leeanne, Michelle, Jacob, Greg, Philip, Tony, Phyllis (if 276 app proceeding)

Wednesday July 15

202P – Erin - Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Thompson

201 Court (judge) – Ivana

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Jina

Trials – Leeanne, Caitlin

Thursday July 16

202P – Rob De Chellis

200 Court (judge) – Jina

201 Court (judge) – Tony

103 Bails - Neil

104 Bails – Jacob

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trials – Leeanne, Michelle

Friday July 17

202P - Brad

200 Court (judge) – Greg

201 Court (judge) – Philip

103 Bails – Tony

104 Bails – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Erin

Trials – Leeanne

Courtroom Call In Information:

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Sincerely, Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Continued suspension of Small Claims Court operations due to COVID-19

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 01:31:02 GMT

Order of Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco on July 10, 2020 re Continued suspension of Small Claims Court operations due to COVID-19.

FOLA's Weekly Update & Latest Issue Report - July 8, 2020

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 17:39:24 GMT

Please find attached a copy of this week’s update and the most recent Issues Report. You can also find a copy of the weekly update here.

Katie W. Robinette, Executive Director, FOLA.ca

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

CHIEF JUSTICE COURT ORDER – SUSPENDING RESIDENTIAL EVICTIONS AMENDMENT NOTICE

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 17:37:43 GMT

Paragraph 2 of this order was amended by a July 6, 2020 order of Chief Justice Morawetz. View the order here.

FOLA Real Estate Update - LRO Closures

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 15:38:05 GMT

LRO Closures

The Director of Titles has announced the closure of all 54 Land Registry Offices to the public effective October 13, 2020. This means that Friday, October 9, 2020 will be last day the Land Registry Office counter service will be available. Further details can be found in his letter to FOLA here.

If and when we receive further information of interest to the real estate bar, we will pass it along.

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Merredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner

FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

Newmarket OCJ Update July 6, 2020

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 16:06:55 GMT

Courthouse Finally Opens Today

As of today the Newmarket Courthouse is reopening to limited in person operations. In person trials and preliminary hearings are set to start today. All other criminal matters, including bail hearings and guilty pleas, will continue to be conducted remotely. In custody accused will only be brought to court in person to attend their trials or preliminary hearings.

As I indicated in last week's update, improvements have been made particularly in the way of signage, sanitization, screening and social distancing measures. Alot will be known shortly as these Phase 1 operations commence.

Crown Attorney's Association Injunction Application

Issues have been raised with respect to the health and safety of persons entering Courthouses across the Province by various stakeholders. In particular the Crown Attorney's Association is seeking an injunction to prevent their members from being required to personally attend courthouses given concerns over health and safety. This Application is currently awaiting a hearing. The CLA has advised its members to make their own personal decisions whether to enter courthouses or seek remote appearances.

As for today I have been advised that all assigned trial assistant crown attorneys attended Newmarket in person to deal with their trial matters.

Ministry Of The Attorney General PPE Policy

On Friday, MAG released a formal PPE policy, requiring all Ministry employees to wear appropriate PPE (surgical masks, as opposed to simply “face coverings”) where other appropriate measures are lacking or appropriate physical distancing is not possible. On Sunday MAG advised that surgical masks, face shields and other PPE will not be made available to defence counsel on site, although face coverings will be available to those who do not bring their own.

Crown Assignments Week of July 6, 2020

Monday July 6

202P – RDC

200 Court (judge) – Jeff

201 Court (judge) – Erin

103 Bails – Tony

104 Bails – Ivana

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Brian

Trials – Leeanne, Michelle, Thompson

Tuesday July 7

202P – Brad

200 Court (judge) – Jacob

201 Court (judge) – Tony

103 Bails - Neil

104 Bails – Greg

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Jeff

Trials – Leeanne, Michelle, Thompson

Wednesday July 8

202P – Samantha

200 Court (judge) – Ivana

201 Court (judge) – Philip

103 Bails - Tony

104 Bails – Jacob

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Jina

Trials – Michelle, Leeanne

Thursday July 9

202P – Greg

200 Court (judge) – Jacob

201 Court (judge) – Erin

103 Bails - Neil

104 Bails – Brad

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Trials – Leeanne, Rob DC, Philip, Tony

Friday July 10

202P - Jina

200 Court (judge) – Gemma

201 Court (judge) – Greg

103 Bails – Samantha

104 Bails – Thompson

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Rosanne

Notice to the Legal Profession and the Public regarding the use of online claims services

Trials – Leeanne, Rob DC, Philip, Tony

Courtroom Call In Information:

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Notice to the Legal Profession and the Public regarding the use of online claims services - July 6, 2020

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 14:23:58 GMT

OCJ Notices to the Profession - Criminal - July 2, 2020

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 19:08:40 GMT

Notice to the Profession and the Public re Criminal Case Management Appearances and Setting Trial and Preliminary Inquiry Dates (Published July 2, 2020)

Trial / Preliminary Inquiry Scheduling Form

Criminal Case Adjournment Dates – Out-of-Custody Accused (Updated July 2, 2020) Note: The criminal case adjournment dates are subject to change. Please check this website regularly for any updates.

COVID-19: Scheduling of Family Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice (July 2, 2020)

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 19:02:31 GMT

Addition to the June 17, 2020 notice:

COVID-19: Scheduling of Family Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice Addition (July 2, 2020)

Notice to Counsel/Paralegals and the Public Re: Provincial Offences Act Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice (July 2, 2020)

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 10:33:59 GMT

COVID-19: Notice to Counsel/Paralegals and the Public Re: Provincial Offences Act Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice (July 2, 2020)

Reopening the Courts - From the OCL

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 17:50:19 GMT

On Tuesday the Attorney General announced that Ontario courts will carefully begin resuming in-person proceedings on Monday, July 6. To ensure all Ontarians understand the health and safety measures in place, the ministry created a dedicated web page: COVID-19: Reopening courtrooms.

The page explains that visitors will be screened before entry and must wear a face covering inside the courthouse. It also outlines the physical distancing and other measures that will be implemented.

In order to reduce in-person visits to courthouses, court users are encouraged to file documents through the Civil Claims, Small Claims or Family Claims online services or by email, as directed by the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice.

We encourage you to share the link. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to a safe return to in-person appearances in Ontario’s courtrooms.

Regards,

Office of the Children’s Lawyer – Communication Team

Notice to Profession – Divisional Court (June 29, 2020)

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:31:46 GMT

For Court Hearings During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Divisional Court will not resume in-person hearings on July 6, 2020 and will continue to hear matters remotely in accordance with this Notice to the Profession until further notice. Read the full Notice to the Profession here.

Newmarket OCJ Update June 29, 2020

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 13:49:01 GMT

Courthouse and Courtroom Adjustments For Commencing Operations

Monday July 6, 2020 will see the Newmarket Courthouse commence a limited reopening to proceedings and operations as it enters Phase 1. There will be 5 courtrooms in the Courthouse modified and euipped with mitigation efforts, including significant portions of plexiglass and sanitizer stations. Those courtrooms are 102, 203, 204, 401 402.

Floor signage and hand sanitizers have been placed throughout the Courthouse and in courtrooms. The public elevator will have floor makings for those waiting, and suggested capacity of 2 persons at a time if not masked, and 3 if masked. The Courthouse will provide 1 day porter/cleaner per open courtroom to facilitate courtroom door and surface cleaning.

Courthouse Entrance Screening

While this issue, like so much else, is still being considered, the initial process will involve entrance screening of all persons, both public and participants, prior to entering the Courthouse, with a minimum of screening type questions being asked.

There is no clear direction as to the requirement to wear masks. While masks will be offered to all, for those persons required to attend court, the general belief at this point is that masks cannot be required, and only offered, as those persons are not voluntary entrants. For those who will not mask for whatever reason, they may be placed in a separate waiting area somewhere while the matter is brought to the attention of the relevant jurist to be addressed and dealt.

No Separate Entrance For Counsel/Staff

At this time, counsel and staff will need to enter by the same entrance as the general public. Jurists will be made aware that same may result in counsel being "late" for appearances and to expect same. It is expected that counsel once screened, would receive a day pass.

Courtroom Plexiglass

There have been concerns raised with respect to height and location of plexiglass within the courtrooms installed for health and safety. In particular, gaps between sections of plexiglass, the height of and absence of same in areas of the courtrooms may be issues to be addressed going forward.

Further Tour

I anticipate attending another tour of the Courthouse and courtrooms wirh a small group sometime this week and prior to the "re-open" on Monday July 6, 2020.

HVAC And Air Quality

With respect to air quality and HVAC isssues, Infrastructure Ontario and CBRE are conducting province wide reports for all.courthouses across the Province prior to July 6, 2020. Newmarket is anticipated to its assessment done today or tomorrow.

Courtroom "Water"

There will not be the traditional water jugs and cups available for participants given touch point issues. Instead, courtrooms will be equipped when courts in session, with water bottles. Counsel will be permitted to bring an "appropriate " or "dignified " bottle of water into courtrooms and jurists will be asked to relax the normal rules of decorum.

Phase 1 Re-opening - Trial/Prelim Confirmation and In Custody Appearances

As on Monday's Phase 1 reopening, there will be 3 operating trial courts. In custody persons will only be coming in person for trials and preliminary hearings. For all other appearances in custody persons will continue to appear remotely.

A confirmation/admin court will sit on Mondays and will start today. That court will address all trial matters scheduled for the following week. Phase 2 will add an additional 3 trial courts.

Crown Assignments Week of June 29, 2020

Monday June 29

202P – Brad

200 Court (judge) – Philip

201 Court (judge) – Tony

103 Bails – Samantha

104 Bails – Ivana

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

Tuesday June 30

202P – Jacob

200 Court (judge) – Michael D

201 Court (judge) – Tony

103 Bails - Gemma

104 Bails – Greg

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Erin

Wednesday July 1

HOLIDAY

Thursday July 2

202P – Rob De Chellis

200 Court (judge) – Thompson

201 Court (judge) – Tony

103 Bails - Philip

104 Bails – Jacob

Bail Vettors –

Martin - Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley

Friday July 3

202P - Greg

200 Court (judge) – Michael D

201 Court (judge) – Neil

103 Bails – Tony

104 Bails – Samantha

Bail Vettors –

Remote Duty Crown – Erin

Notice to the Profession Family (Central East) - Effective June 26, 2020

Courtroom Call In Information:

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Family Legal Services Provider Licence - Consultation Paper

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 13:35:27 GMT

Dear Family Law Members:

Please find attached the Family Legal Services Provider Licence Consultation Paper.

The The Access to Justice Committee seeks input by November 30, 2020.

REGIONAL NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION PROTOCOL FOR CRIMINAL MATTERS IN THE SCJ, CENTRAL EAST REGION (Effective June 26, 2020)

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 00:07:17 GMT

REGIONAL NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION PROTOCOL FOR CRIMINAL MATTERS IN THE SCJ, CENTRAL EAST REGION (Effective June 26, 2020)

PDF Version

NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION AND FAMILY LAW LITIGANTS PROTOCOL FOR FAMILY AND CHILD PROTECTION MATTERS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE, CENTRAL EAST REGION (Effective June 26, 2020)

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 16:24:50 GMT

Family Assignment Court Confirmation Form

Family Assignment Court Endorsement Form

These documents are also be posted under Court Into/Forms > Family on this website.

FOLA Real Estate Update June 25, 2020

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 16:48:32 GMT

Dear Real Estate Representatives, Presidents and Library Staff,

In an effort to keep real estate lawyers updated with the ever-changing situation, we have further information to be shared with the real estate lawyers in your association.

PAYMENT OF MORTGAGE DISCHARGES BY WIRE

Great news!! Further to our update of June 12, 2020 confirming that RBC has

implemented a new protocol to allow lawyers to pay mortgage discharges by wire, wehave been advised that other lenders will also accept a wire transfer for the payment of mortgage discharge amounts:

We understand that Scotiabank is also accepting payment of mortgage discharge funds by wire, but we have not received wire details/instructions.

We also encourage you speak with your own financial institution or those you regularly work with to determine if they will be making similar arrangements to avoid the need for someone to attend at the bank personally to provide discharge payments

PAYMENT OF WIRE TRANSFER FEES

There has been considerable debate regarding the payment of bank fees to send or receive wire transfers. It is FOLA’s position that each lawyer should be responsible for the fees charged by their own bank with respect to sending or receiving wire transfers. FOLA’s position matches that of the Provincial Working Group on Lawyers and Real Estate.

If no consensus is reached by the bar, lawyers may have to negotiate with each other on every transaction, since the incoming wire fees vary from lawyer to lawyer and bank to bank. How would the purchaser’s lawyer know how much the vendor’s lawyer’s bank will charge for an incoming wire, if anything? Some lawyers have all incoming and outgoing wire fees included in their monthly account fees; others are required to pay a set amount to their bank for each wire transaction - and that set amount is not consistent among banks. We have heard of amounts ranging from $15 - $75 per wire.

This is no different from a purchaser’s lawyer couriering funds to the vendor’s lawyer where the purchaser’s lawyer pays for the delivery of the funds to the vendor’s lawyer. The full balance due is delivered to the vendor’s lawyer’s bank by wire, and the purchaser’s lawyer pays whatever charges may be applicable by their bank for the delivery to the vendor’s lawyer’s bank. If the vendor’s lawyer has an arrangement with their bank whereby fees are charged to them to receive a wire, that is the responsibility of the vendor’s lawyer. Such fees are, in our opinion, properly chargeable to a client as a disbursement.

REAL ESTATE LIAISON GROUP

Eldon Horner and Merredith MacLennan attended a meeting of the Law Society’s Real Estate Liaison Group earlier this week. The Real Estate Liaison Group is comprised of benchers and staff from the Law Society of Ontario, senior executives from LawPRO, and members of FOLA and the OBA to discuss and review issues of concern or relevance to the real estate bar.

The Group had planned to meet in February but rescheduled to March due to weather issues. The rescheduled March meeting was cancelled due to Covid. The recent meeting was held by video conference and provided an opportunity for the members to provide updates with respect to the state of real estate practice in light of the current conditions caused by Covid-19.

A further meeting is planned for later this summer when substantive issues can be discussed.

SUSPENSION OF LIMITATION PERIODS UNTIL SEPTEMBER

The Province of Ontario has extended the suspension of limitation periods and time periods in proceedings until September 11, 2020.

The extension does not affect matters under the Construction Act and court staff may accept for filing requisitions to note parties in default in construction lien actions. Parties affected by the time limits set out in the Construction Act, or its predecessor Construction Lien Act, should continue to operate within the timeframes specified in those statutes.

NEW ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNALS

The Ontario government announced this month it is combining the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, Environmental Review Tribunal, Board of Negotiation, Conservation Review Board and Mining and Lands Tribunal via the Ontario Land Tribunals.

The Ontario government announced on June 17, 2020 the new combined tribunals are intended to “make it faster to resolve land use planning disputes”. Changes will take effect July 1, 2020. Further details are available here.

If and when we receive further information of interest to the real estate bar, we will pass it along.

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Merredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner

FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

Please note: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

Notice to the Profession, Litigants, Accused, Media and Members of the Public (June 25, 2020)

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:21:41 GMT

Notice to the Profession, Litigants, Accused, Media and Members of the Public (June 25, 2020)

FOLA Weekly Update June 24, 2020

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 18:15:05 GMT

This update includes information on reopening the courts, including materials from the virtual town hall meeting on June 19, 2020, remote hearings best practices, and FOLA's submission to OCJ Chief Justice Lise Maisonneuve regarding the expansion of services on Family and Criminal matters. View the weekly report here or on FOLA's website here.

Update on Court Reopening - Newmarket Courthouse Walk Thru June 16/20

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 13:31:21 GMT

Update on Court Reopening - Newmarket Courthouse Walk Thru June 16/20

I attended the Newmarket session/walk thru on June 16, 2020 as part of a small group including our LAJ Ghosh and SCJ Fuerst.

There have been not any significant physical changes as of yet. They intend to install significant amounts of plexiglass particularly in the courtrooms, signage and floor makings throughout the building, and addressing elevator and washroom use. These items are on order but have yet to arrive and be installed*

There was significant discussions of a manner of reopening, with issues to be addressed and finalized shortly. In addition we all had access to the presentation on Friday which may impact or temper the suggestions. In any event below are some of the suggestions and discussions from the walk through (again, though no concrete positions taken as of yet):

1. Permitting use of prisoners box for out of custody accused, or multiple accused to sit in as there is already pre-existing plexiglass. As there is no jury is present and this being simply a covid-19 issue, there would no concern for impact on the trier of fact by presence in the box.

2. Discussion still ongoing as to whether and who would wear masks, and whether same will be mandatory.

3. For jury trials, trying to configure jury boxes or jury seating to comply with adequate social distancing.

4. Jurists, court staff and or some of them may be offsite.

5. No direction yet whether jurists will have the option if wearing a mask or whether such will be mandatory.

6. Removal of lecterns from courtrooms so counsel can likely address court while seated and typing.

7. Vulnerable witnesses - conference room adjacent to courtroom 204 may be able to accommodate face to face examination of witnesses given room dimensions but will depend on judicial and other directions.

* (Installation of the plexiglass barriers took place on the 18th and the law library staff desks were included as part of this project) - Betty

Crown Assignments Week of June 22, 2020

Monday June 22

202P – Rob De Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Michael Demczur Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jeff Jeffrey.Costain1@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Tuesday June 23

202P – Neil Singh Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Wednesday June 24

202P - Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Thursday June 25

202P – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michael Demczur Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Friday June 26

202P - Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Gemma Gemma.Sang@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

COVID-19: SCHEDULING OF FAMILY MATTERS IN THE ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Courtroom Call In Information:

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Notice re Expansion of OCJ Family Matters as of July 6, 2020

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 18:46:21 GMT

*This Notice supersedes previously announced notices. Effective Date: June 17, 2020

Also please note Newmarket has UFC.

Notice to the Profession re OCJ Criminal

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 18:43:29 GMT

Notice to the Profession and the Public re: Resumption of Criminal Trials and Preliminary Hearings in the Ontario Court of Justice as of July 6, 2020 (Published June 17, 2020)

MAG Courthouse Recovery Briefing Info from FOLA

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:04:40 GMT

Please be advised that the Ministry of the Attorney General is hosting a Courthouse Recovery information session with Dr. Michelle Murti, from Public Health Ontario, and Ron Kelusky, Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer, on Friday June 19, 2020 at 10 a.m.

You and members of your associations are welcome to join this session using the following link: Friday, June 19th from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

FOLA understands and appreciates that you have an interest in the health and safety measures being implemented at courthouses. In fact, many of you have reached out to us to see if you or a representative of your local law association can attend some of your local planned inspections. Unfortunately, FOLA has been told that, due to capacity issues, they are unable to include additional representatives at this time.

That being said, once completed, local assessments will be made widely available and FOLA will be providing you with a final copy of their report.

If you have any questions, please contact: Samantha Poisson at Samantha.Poisson@ontario.ca

Newmarket OCJ Update June 15, 2020

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:27:12 GMT

Update On Court Reopening

As I indicated previously, no trials or preliminary hearings will be conducted until July 6, 2020 at the earliest. We are anticipating an updated pronouncement shortly to clarify the anticipated courthouse status with respect to addressing trials and preliminary hearings post July 6, 2020.

Tomorrow I, along with other stakeholder representatives, will be attending the Newmarket Courthouse for an in person update and view of physical changes and adjustments with respect to courthouse operations going forward. As I advised last week, similar steps were taken at the Brampton Courthouse last week.

Crown Assignments Week of June 15, 2020

Monday June 15

202P – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Tuesday June 16

202P – Rob de Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Melissa Melissa.Henry@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Wednesday June 17

202P - Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Jeff Jeffrey.Costain1@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Thursday June 18

202P – Rob de Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michael Demczur Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – LesleyLesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Friday June 19

202P - Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Melissa Melissa.Henry@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

Government of Canada news release

Remote Duty Crown – Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Courtroom Call In Information:

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Sincerely, Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Real Estate Update June 12, 2020

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:24:28 GMT

In an effort to keep real estate lawyers updated with the ever-changing situation, we have further information to be shared with the real estate lawyers in your association.

RBC Accepting Mortgage Discharges by Wire

Hurray! We understand that RBC has rolled out a new procedure for personal mortgage payout request effective June 15, 2020. We hope this means that our messaging to the banks has been working and that more banks will follow. Here are the RBC details:

Effective June 15 - to support COVID-19 physical distancing protocols, our Personal Mortgage and Homeline Plan Payout team is introducing a digital alternative to a cheque or draft.

Lawyers can now contact the Payout Statement Phone Team (1-800-974-1163) to send a wire payment instead of mailing/dropping-off a cheque or draft

Lawyer Process:

The Payout Statement Phone team will provide lawyers with a password protected e-mail using Secure Webmail with:

Incoming wire instructions for Transit 08943 (excluding Quebec)
Payout and discharge instructions

The lawyer will need to reply via secured e-mail with the following documents:

Wire Confirmation
Payout Statement
Payout and discharge instructions (same letter that would normally accompany your cheque)
Form C (British Columbia only)

Virtual Commissioning

We had a very positive meeting with the Ministry of Attorney General and Ministry of Consumer and Government Services staff on June 10, 2020 regarding virtual commissioning and virtual notarization. A copy of our written submissions are available on the FOLA website here.

If and when we receive further information of interest to the real estate bar, we will pass it along.

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Merredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner

FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

Divorce Act Amendments Coming Into Force Delayed

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:36:29 GMT

Proposed amendments - civil jury trials - Request for input from AG Doug Downey TIME SENSITIVE

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:54:38 GMT

From the Federation of Ontario Law Associations:

Below is an email from FOLA’s Board Chair, William Woodward. Please share this with your members.

Late Friday evening, FOLA received an very time sensitive request from Attorney General Doug Downey requesting our input and perspective on a potential amendment to the Courts of Justice Act regarding the availability of civil juries. (See letter attached.)

You may recall that the AG recently made changes to remove the availability of jury trials in simplified procedure cases started under Rule 76 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. However, Ontario is one of the last Canadian jurisdictions to allow civil jury trials for most other civil matters, as of right.

Due mostly to the coronavirus pandemic, the demands on the system will continue to evolve quickly as we begin to see the province reopening in stages. To address these changes, the AG and the government will continue to act on the guidance of public health experts, and have expressed a commitment to continue to work together to develop new ways of conducting matters.

Currently, section 108 of the Courts of Justice Act permits a jury of six persons to assess damages and/or decide issues of fact in civil actions, except where prohibited by statute. Certain other statutes provide a judge with authority to direct that an action be brought, or an issue be tried, with a jury in a trial under the act, or set out the responsibilities of the jury where a jury trial is held under the act. (See attached Appendix A to this letter for further details.)

Specifically, the AG is considering an amendment to the Courts of Justice Act to eliminate some or all civil jury trials and would like your thoughts on the following related questions:

1. Should civil juries be eliminated altogether? or

2. If civil jury trials were to be eliminated, are there certain action types that should be exempt? Please specify any action types that in your view should continue to have jury trials available, and the reasons for your view.

The AG has requested our submission by Monday, June 15^th. As such, if you wish to contribute your comments for our consideration, please send us your comments NO LATER THAN THURSDAY AT 5:00pm. Please direct your comments to Katie Robinette at katie.robinette@fola.ca.

If your Association would like to submit your own comments, please prepare a written submission and direct it to Ms. Amanda Iarusso, Director of Policy and Legal Affairs, by email at amanda.iarusso@ontario.ca no later than Monday, June 15, 2020.

Newmarket OCJ Update June 8, 2020

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:50:59 GMT

Update On Court Reopening

As no trials or preliminary hearings will be conducted until July 6, 2020 at the earliest, there is still no clear position on when and how courts will "re-open". Discussions, plans, preparations and tests are underway with numerous options and possibilities being considered to get back to regular court operations. These ideas include remotely conducting aspects of trials where parties consent, installation of plexiglass where appropriate, addressing washroom and elevator usage and interior air quality, use of trailers or larger offsite facilities. There are numerous and significant issues under consideration. A test run/walk through of an open courthouse format is scheduled to be conducted in Brampton this week.

The Criminal Lawyers Association was fortunate to have the benefit of presentations last week from the Attorney General Doug Downey, and SCJ Chief Justice Morawetz and OCJ Chief Justice Maisonneuve in a virtual town hall setting. We all anxiously await updates and the resumption of full court operations, including the conduct of trials and will update the membership accordingly.

Crown Assignments Week of June 8, 2020

Monday June 8

202P – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Rob Scott Robert.Scott@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Tuesday June 9

202P – Rob de Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Melissa Melissa.Henry@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Gemma - gemma.sang@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Wednesday June 10

202P - Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Gemma - gemma.sang@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Thursday June 11

202P – Rob de Chellis Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michael Demczur Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Friday June 12

202P - Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Melissa Melissa.Henry@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Gemma - gemma.sang@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Courtroom Call In Information:

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Sincerely, Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Real Estate Update June 3, 2020

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 17:01:57 GMT

Click here for the latest updates.

Updated Notice Regarding the Suspension of Small Claims Court Operations

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:01:38 GMT

The Updated Notice Regarding the Suspension of Small Claims Court Operations (June 2, 2020) is available on this website under Court Info/Forms > Notices/Forms Civil.

Practice Notification (Family Law) Central East Region

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 15:47:45 GMT

See new practice notification re new applications and motions to change from Justice Michelle Fuerst under Court Info/Forms > Notices/Forms Family

OCJ Update for week of June 1, 2020

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 14:44:54 GMT

NOTE FROM CROWN ATTORNEY OFFICE

Bail variations

Counsel are asked to send bail variation requests to the Duty Crown or the assigned Crown – not the bail vettor.

Contested Bail Hearings

Counsel conducting contested bail matters are asked, if possible, would also be helpful if counsel running to send their surety info and materials to the assigned Crown or the bail vettor well in advance, rather than a few minutes before the hearing starts or during the hearing.

Courtroom Call In Information:

Tel. 416-212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Crown Assignments/Contact Info- Week of June 1, 2020

Monday June 1

202P – Rob DC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Jeff Jeffrey.Costain1@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown- Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Tuesday June 2

202P – Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Wednesday June 3

202P - Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Elissa Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Gemma gemma.sang@ontario.ca

Thursday June 4

202P - RDC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Melissa Melissa.Henry@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Friday June 5

202P - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Michael Demczur Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Michael Ventola Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/covid-19/criminal-list-adjournment/

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Sincerely

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Weekly Update May 27, 2020

Wed, 27 May 2020 18:12:02 GMT

Please find attached, a copy of this week’s Sector Call Report. You can also find it (and past Reports) on our website here. Please do share with your members.

Katie W. Robinette, Executive Director, FOLA.ca

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Newmarket OCJ Update May 25, 2020

Mon, 25 May 2020 15:01:58 GMT

New OCJ Remand Protocol Effective May 25, 2020

The Ontario Court of Justice has released a new remand Protocol effective today. Essentially, matters will continue to be adjourned 10 weeks from the current date.

The protocol applies to current court dates between May 25, 2020 and July 3, 2020. I have attached a link to the directive:

Taking Of DNA Samples

York Regional Police, Operations and Administration has established a mechanism for the taking of court ordered DNA samples during the time of the closure of the Newmarket Courthouse. A temporary location has been set up at 50 Eagle Street permitting the taking of court ordered DNA samples without bringing the public into the main building area. The room for taking samples is located south of the front doors near the Family Law Information Centre. The location has its own entrance and is completely closed off from the remainder of the building.

It is recommended that sentences with DNA orders be made for the following day at 50 Eagle Street at 10:00 a.m. Police will have ident processors available. The goal is to reduce the backlog anticipated when courts return to normal operations.

Crown Assignments Week of May 25, 2020

Here are the assistant crown attorney assignments for this week. Please be aware that the resolution/duty crown also addresses domestic matters.

Monday May 25

202P - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Michelle Michelle.Rumble@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Michael Demczur Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jeff Jeffrey.Costain1@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – LeeAnne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Elissa Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Gemma gemma.sang@ontario.ca

Tuesday May 26

202P – RDC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – LeeAnne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Elissa Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Gemma gemma.sang@ontario.ca

Wednesday May 27

202P - Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Samantha Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – LeeAnne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.caThursday May 28

202P - RDC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Melissa Melissa.Henry@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Brian Brian.McCallion@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – LeeAnne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Friday May 29

202P - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Vanessa VANESSA.SZIRMAK@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Michael Ventola Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Newmarket OCJ Update May 19, 2020

Tue, 19 May 2020 15:50:18 GMT

Operations Update

The Newmarket courthouse (and those across the Province) continue to work remotely with no scheduled physical reopening date in site. Matters continue to be conducted remotely, including bails, judicial pretrials and now resolutions less than 30 minutes in duration, primarily by participants calling in at scheduled times by telephone.

There are ongoing discussions with all stakeholders with respect to expanding operations but at this time entirely on a remote basis. And currently there are no trial dates are being set for any matters. Consideration is being given on potentially conducting aspects of trials remotely, but there is no concrete plan as yet. More is anticipated shortly.

Crown Assignments Week of May 19, 2020

Below is the list of daily crown attorney courtroom assignments and contact information. Please be advised that the duty crown will address both domestic and non domestic matters

Tuesday May 19

202P - Thompson Thompson.Hamilton@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Jeff Jeffrey.Costain1@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Greg Greg.J.Elder@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Kevin Kevin.Stewart@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Wednesday May 20

202P - Brad Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Neil Anil.Singh2@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Jacob Jacob.Wilson@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Ivana Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors - Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Thursday May 21

202P - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Rob DC Robert.DeChellis@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Michael Demczur Michael.Demczur@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Erin Erin.Rizok2@ontario.ca

104 Bails –Michael Ventola Michael.Ventola@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Leeanne LeeAnne.McCallum@ontario.ca

Remote Duty Crown – Lesley Lesley.Pasquino@ontario.ca

Friday May 22

202P - Tony Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Vanessa VANESSA.SZIRMAK@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Melissa Melissa.Henry@ontario.ca

103 Bails - Philip Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Martin Martin.Dionne@ontario.ca

Bail Vettors – Sham Shambavi.Kumaresan@ontario.ca

NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION PROTOCOL FOR CIVIL MATTERS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE, CENTRAL EAST REGION - Effective May 19, 2020

Remote Duty Crown – Amy Amy.Barkin@ontario.ca

Courtroom Call In Info

Here is the Courtroom Call In Information 416-

Tel. 212-8012 866-633-0848

100 Intake/Other matters #4942812

103 Bail #4674204

104 Bail #6532049

200 Remand/Plea #5467574

201 Remand/Plea #9851321

Sincerely

Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Newmarket OCJ Update May 13, 2020

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:41:40 GMT

Newmarket OCJ To Hear Non Urgent Matters

Local Administrative Justice Ghosh has released a new protocol to address the scheduling and hearing of non urgent, out of custody matters, beginning on May 19. 2020. This new protocol is designed to implement the recent direction from Chief Justice Maisonneuve's of May 9, 2020 addressing the hearing of non urgent matters.

As per Justice Ghosh, eligible matters will be those cases with counsel that can be resolved through withdrawals, diversions, peace bonds, stay of proceedings, pleas or sentencings that are expected to consume approximately 30 minutes of court time or less.

Hearings can be scheduled by contacting the Newmarket Crown Attorney's Office. In particular, please contact Sean Doyle (Sean.Doyle@ontario.ca) or David Moull (David.Moull@ontario.ca). The Crown will then arrange with the Assistant Trial Coordinators (Newmarket.OCJ.Criminal.TrialCoordinator@ontario.ca) to have the matter brought forward to an agreeable date. If difficulties arise with respect to scheduling, they will be brought to the attention of the Local Administrative Justice.

Hearings will proceed with only remote attendance by counsel and affected
parties. Given the limitations of audio conferencing and the much higher demands it places on court staff, it will only be possible to schedule a small number of matters each day. As a result, these plea slots will be very valuable and it will be imperative that matters proceed as scheduled.

To ensure the effective operation of the court, any materials to be brought to the presiding justice's attention are to be emailed to the Assistant Trial Co-Ordinators at least two days prior to the hearing with the subject line clearly indicating the client, the time slot assigned and the courtroom.

Matters with prior JPT Positions

A plea can be scheduled with a jurist who has previously judicially pretried a matter. Jurists have agreed to generally support positions taken by other jurists during the public health crisis. If the hearing jurist disagrees with the position of the pretrial jurist, then the plea can be struck and the matter will then be remanded to the pretrial jurist.

Sincerely, Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Notices to the Profession May 13, 2020

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:36:01 GMT

NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION PROTOCOL FOR CRIMINAL MATTERS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE, CENTRAL EAST REGION - Effective May 19, 2020

NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION AND FAMILY LAW LITIGANTS PROTOCOL FOR FAMILY AND CHILD PROTECTION MATTERS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE, CENTRAL EAST REGION - Effective May 19, 2020

FOLA Weekly Update May 13, 2020

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:33:50 GMT

Please find attached, a copy of this week’s COVID-19 Update. It can also be found here.

Katie W. Robinette, Executive Director, FOLA.ca

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Best Practices for Remote Hearings - e-Hearings Task Force Report and Checklists

Wed, 13 May 2020 14:00:04 GMT

Kristin Muszynski, on behalf of FOLA, has been working on the e-Task force with the Advocates’ Society, the Ontario Bar Association, and the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association to review technologies that can help ensure Ontario’s justice system continue to function during and following the coronavirus pandemic. One of the issues they looked at were e-Hearings.

Today, they released some helpful documents on best practices to help provide guidance to anyone who is considering preparing for and participating in a remote hearing. Those documents are available on our website here and are also attached.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

OCJ to Expand Hearing of Criminal Matters Effective May 11, 2020

Sat, 09 May 2020 22:57:13 GMT

This is my Newmarket OCJ update for May 9, 2020.

OCJ To Expand Hearing Of Criminal Matters

The Ontario Court of Justice announced on May 4, 2020 that it will not be returning to full operations on May 29, 2020 and in addition, that no trials or preliminary inquiries would be conducted until at least July 6, 2020 at the earliest.

The Ontario Court of Justice has now announced a "limited expansion" effective this Monday May 11, 2020 of the hearing of out of custody criminal matters. The goal is to accommodate resolutions of for out of custody matters where the Regional Senior Judge is satisfied that the necessary courthouse resources are in place.

The OCJ is also making judicial pre-trials mandatory for all criminal proceedings, including YCJA matters, i) that were scheduled for trial or preliminary hearing between March 16, 2020 and July 3, 2020 that was, or will be, adjourned due to the pandemic; and ii) that are scheduled for a trial or preliminary inquiry between July 6, 2020 and October 30, 2020.

It is anticipated that the Court will be posting the updated COVID-19 Notice to Counsel and the Public shortly consolidating previous directives and providing important updates to the Court’s criminal operations.

Accompanying the updated Notice are two related protocols, one concerning the conduct of bail hearings, and the other for consent variations to bails and undertakings.

I have forwarded the Notice that I have received to Betty and Janet in order that it can be posted to the YRLA website. It can be found on the website under Court Info/Forms > Criminal. I will send any further updates as they become available.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

OCJ Update on Scheduling Family Matters

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:32:24 GMT

The attached notice, issued by Chief Justice Maisonneuve, updates the Directive on the Scheduling of Family Matters in the Ontario Court of Justice that was issued on March 28, 2020, and is in addition to the general notice issued by the Ontario Court of Justice on May 4, 2020.

Please share with your Family Law members.

Katie W. Robinette

Executive Director

Adjourning Child Protection Matters

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

SCJ: Order of the Chief Justice Adjourning Child Protection Matters

Wed, 06 May 2020 15:50:29 GMT

SCJ: Order of the Chief Justice Further Adjourning Criminal Matters

Wed, 06 May 2020 15:48:05 GMT

Further Adjourning Criminal Matters

Continued Suspension of SCJ In-Court Matters to July 6, 2020

Wed, 06 May 2020 15:40:30 GMT

Notice to the Profession, Litigants, Accused Persons and the Media Regarding the Continued Suspension of in-court matters to July 6, 2020

Small Claims Counter Suspension & Urgent Hearings May 4, 2020

Mon, 04 May 2020 16:20:07 GMT

From the Ministry of the Attorney General, Court Services Division:

Notice to the Public and Legal Profession Ontario Small Claims Court Counter Service Suspension

OCJ Message from Chief Justice Maisonneuve

Mon, 04 May 2020 16:14:35 GMT

The Ontario Court of Justice will not be returning to full operations on May 29, 2020. No trials or preliminary inquiries will be conducted until July 6, 2020 at the earliest, unless a judge seized with a continuing matter orders otherwise. This applies to criminal, family and Provincial Offences Act matters. The Court will soon provide a detailed notice to the profession and to the public about all proceedings in the Ontario of Justice. The Court is also working closely with its justice partners, including the Ministry of the Attorney General, to adopt technology that will increase participants’ ability to access the Court’s services using remote means, such as by the electronic filing of court material, remote scheduling processes, and remote hearings. OCJ updates can be found here: OCJ COVIC-19

Free CPD Programs

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:43:46 GMT

Over 10 hours of free CPD programs on legal practice and the courts during COVID-19 have been added to the Members Only page. If you forgot your password or have never had one, simply provide your usual email and follow the instructions to reset or create a password.

FOLA Wills & Estates Update April 23, 2020

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:17:37 GMT

Sent on behalf of the Federation of Ontario Law Associations (FOLA)

Attached is an Order in Council dated April 22 permitting that wills and POA’s be signed virtually and in counterpart. It is intended that the order will remain in place until the end of the declared state of emergency. You can learn more and access the link to the legislation here.

Katie W. Robinette, Executive Director, FOLA.ca

Need answers to COVID-19 issues regarding the practice of law? CLICK HERE.

Newmarket OCJ update for April 23, 2020

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:02:23 GMT

Here is my Newmarket OCJ update for April 23, 2020

In Custody Remand And Scheduling Protocol

The OCJ in Newmarket has endeavoured to attend to bail hearings in a timely fashion. The primary challenge during the public health crisis has been with the limited video and audio capacity at the Central East Detention Centre and associated scheduling issues.

I am being made aware that a significant issues is and continues to arise from counsel setting multi-hour hearings only to later ask for an adjournment for one reason or another. Each time slot wasted takes a potential timely release away from another detainee

Counsel are again asked to be vigilant in ensuring a scheduled bail hearing is truly ready to go, including that interpreters have been ordered, that sureties are available, that discussions on a consent release have been fully exhausted and resolution,where appropriate, is canvassed.

There is universal appreciation and thanks for the clear efforts by most counsel to adapt to and support the unique situation currently faced in the criminal justice system. For clarity I have re attached the scheduling protocol released by the Regional Senior Justice.

Electronic Bail Variations Now Available

A protocol for obtaining bail variations electronically has now been approved and available for Newmarket OCJ matters. I have attached the variation form applicable to adult matters, adult with PARs, and youth matters, as well as the surety affidavit form. These forms can also be found on the yorklaw.ca website under Court Info/Forms Criminal.

The procedure to obtain a bail variation electronically is as follows:

1. Defence counsel complete the following forms electronically and submit to the assigned Crown. If there is no assigned Crown it will be sent to Sean Doyle at Sean.Doyle@ontario.ca and David Moull at David.Moull@ontario.ca.

Electronically signed Affidavit of Surety for the Purpose of a Consent Bail Variation
Electronically signed Consent Bail Variation Form
Copy of the current Release Order

2. Crown will review the variation and sign electronically.

3. Crown will send the following documents to the Newmarket Criminal Administration Office via yorkcrim@ontario.ca.

Electronically signed Affidavit of Surety for the Purpose of a Consent Bail Variation
Electronically signed Consent Bail Variation Form
Copy of the current Release Order

4. Newmarket Criminal Administration Office will log each variation and send the attachments to the OCJ Judicial Assistants via OCJNewmarketJudicialReview@ontario.ca.

5. A Judicial Assistant will send the documents to the assigned judge for consideration.

6. If denied, the Judicial Official will advise the Judicial Assistant who will notify Crown and Defence Counsel. The Judicial Assistant will then notify the Newmarket Criminal Administration Office via yorkcrim@ontario.ca.

7. If approved, the Judicial Assistant will insert the Judicial Official’s electronic signature and provide electronic copy to Crown and Defence counsel as well as the Newmarket Criminal Administration Office via yorkcrim@ontario.ca.

8. Newmarket Criminal Administration Office will print the documents and attach to the information and save a copy in the P: drive P:COURT SERVICESE-OrdersCENTRAL EAST SCANNED RELEASE ORDERS and send to the bail distribution list.

For the purpose of consent bail variations during the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic signatures will be used. Electronic signatures is defined as the identified stakeholder typing in their name into the document.

Law Society Of Ontario

Per the Law Society of Ontario: Virtual Commissioning

As a result of COVID-19, until further notice:

(i) The Law Society will interpret the requirement in section 9 of the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act that “every oath and declaration shall be taken by the deponent in the presence of the commissioner or notary public” as not requiring the lawyer or paralegal to be in the physical presence of the client.o Rather, alternative means of commissioning such as commissioning via video conference will be permitted.

(ii) If lawyers and paralegals choose to use virtual commissioning, they should attempt to manage some of the risks associated with this practice as outlined below.

(iii) Managing the Risk of Virtual Commissioning:
If a lawyer or paralegal chooses to use virtual commissioning, the lawyer or paralegal should be alert to the risks of doing so, which may include the following issues:

Fraud
Identity theft
Undue influence
Duress
Capacity
Client left without copies of the documents executed remotely
Client feels that they did not have an adequate opportunity to ask questions or request clarifying information about the documents they are executing.

To manage some of the risks:

Consider whether there are red flags of fraud in the matter. To review these red flags, see the Federation of Law Societies’ Risk Advisories for the Legal Profession resource.*
Assess whether there is a risk that the client may be subject to undue influence or duress. If there is such a risk, consider if you are able to assist the client at this time without meeting in person.
Determine how to provide the client with copies of the document executed remotely.
Confirm your client’s understanding about the documents they are executing and provide adequate opportunity for them to ask questions during the video conference.
Be alert to the fact that persons may attempt to use the current circumstances and resulting confusion as an opportunity to commit fraud or other illegal acts. Where lawyers and paralegals choose to use virtual commissioning, they must be particularly alert to these red flags in order to ensure that they are not assisting, or being reckless in respect of any illegal activity.

Sincerely, Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Free CPD

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 01:47:01 GMT

Justice Adapting - The Ontario Courts

Apr 23, 2020 11:00 AM

Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Newmarket OCJ Update for April 22, 2020

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:10:23 GMT

Here is my Newmarket OCJ Update for April 22, 2020

Teleconference JPT's available for ALL Criminal Matters

Local Administrative Justice Ghosh has advised that Counsel may set teleconference judicial pre-trials in Newmarket for any criminal matter, including:

Any “non-urgent” out-of-custody matter,
“Second look” judicial pre-trials for matters previously set for trial or preliminary hearing, or for matters that have been previously pre-tried before the public health crisis – this may proceed before a new judge, and
Case conferences for bail hearings (which may include resolution discussions).

Ideally a recent Crown pre-trial will have been conducted before a judicial pre-trial is pursued. To arrange a judicial pre-trial, counsel can email the trial coordinator at coordinator at:

Newmarket.OCJ.Criminal.TrialCoordinator@ontario.ca

Counsel are advised to contact the assigned crown, or if no one assigned, then the resolution crown or David Moull prior to scheduling the available judicial pretrials.

Surety Approvals E -submission/Unsworn

I sent out previously suggested protocol being adopted by several Newmarket jurists with respect to the receipt of unsworn surety materials which has the approval of the provincial crowns. I can now confirm that the federal crowns as well, concur with this process.

In addition, some matters are currently being addressed without the delivery of any surety forms, sworn or unsworn, often for matters conducted by duty counsel. In those circumstances, proposed sureties simply provide their info by viva voce testimony on the record. In either scenario the signatures of any surety is not being required in surety forms.

I reproduce the suggested protocol below for ease of reference:

Defence counsel completes with the proposed surety over the phone the following unsworn/unsigned documents: surety information / identification form; and the surety “affidavit” (not to be sworn)
These and other relevant bail proposal documents (deeds, banking records, etc.) are electronically transmitted to the Bail Vetting Crown and then to the court prior to the hearing;
During the hearing itself (consent or contested), the proposed surety adopts the contents of the unsigned/unsworn documents under oath or affirmation (as an alternative to sworn/signed documentation).
The hearing is determined.

In short the question of whether a sworn surety affidavit is required to conduct a show cause hearing comes down to the position of the particular jurist. This protocol dispensing with surety signatures is a suggestion for jurists supported by both the provincial and federal crowns, as well as the Local Administrative Justice. However it does not bind anyone.

I will update if a universal position on the surety signature requirement is adopted.

Sincerely, Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Notice to the Profession, Public, Accused Persons and the Media Regarding the Suspension of Criminal and Civil Jury Trials April 20, 2020

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 20:34:29 GMT

Below please find a link to a Notice from the Chief Justice of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that states in part that the Superior Court of Justice will not recommence criminal or civil jury selection or jury trials until September 2020 at the earliest.

https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/notice-suspension-criminal-and-civil-jury-trials/

FOLA Update on LAO, Bail and Early Release

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 17:35:11 GMT

Attached is an email that was sent out by Legal Aid Ontario outlining information which may assist lawyers seeking release of clients either through the bail process or by the early release of a sentenced inmate.

The documents referred to in the email are attached and can also be found on the FOLA website on our Legal Aid page and on our Criminal Law page.

I would appreciate if you would forward this information on to your members who practice criminal law.

Thank you for your assistance,

Terry Brandon

FOLA Legal Aid Chair

Newmarket OCJ update for April 20, 2020

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:37:34 GMT

Here is my Newmarket OCJ update for April 20, 2020.

In Custody Access to Counsel

In order to assist with and facilitate communication with their counsel, accused at Central East Corrections are receiving PIN cards. The cards have 20 dollars of available talk time and can be used by inmates from the POD phones at the facility. An additional 20 dollars of talk time will be provided to those at Central East Corrections on May 1st.

Surety Approvals E-submission/Unsworn

There is an ongoing effort to both limit contact with persons and paperwork, and as well, to ensure timely receipt and distribution of bail materials. While there is no certainty the judicial officer will agree, the Newmarket Head Provincial Crown has agreed to the following procedure concerning the delivery of proposed surety materials

Defence counsel completes with the proposed surety over the phone the following unsworn/unsigned documents: surety information / identification form; and the surety “affidavit” (not to be sworn)
These and other relevant bail proposal documents (deeds, banking records, etc.) are electronically transmitted to the Bail Vetting Crown and then to the court prior to the hearing;
During the hearing itself (consent or contested), the proposed surety adopts the contents of the unsigned/unsworn documents under oath or affirmation (as an alternative to sworn/signed documentation).
The hearing is determined.

Bail Vettors There will continue to be two assistant crown attorneys assigned as bail vettors. For this week, they are:

LeeAnne McCallum:

LeeAnne.mccallum@ontario.ca

Elissa Kuipers:

Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Resolution Crown

This week's resolution crown is Sham Kumaresan. She can be reached at:

NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION – CENTRAL EAST REGION – CIVIL - Amended April 14, 2020

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

Notice to the Profession - Central East - Civil

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 20:37:28 GMT

Notice to the Profession - Central East - Family

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 20:33:56 GMT

NOTICE TO THE PROFESSION – CENTRAL EAST REGION – FAMILY - Amended April 17, 2020

FOLA Real Estate Update April 20, 2020

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 14:10:57 GMT

Dear Real Estate Representatives, Presidents and Library Staff,

Following our update last week, we have received further information to be shared with the real estate lawyers in your association. We have been diligently working with other stakeholders to seek clarification and effect positive changes for the benefit of real estate lawyers and their clients. We are very happy to be able to confirm some more progress in this regard. A link to this update is available on the FOLA website here.

On behalf of FOLA we wish to express our gratitude to the Treasurer and senior staff at the LSO who have been actively engaged on many issues important to the public and to the bar during these challenging times. It is greatly appreciated.

Banking Updates

More great news! We have been advised that MCAP and RMG have rescinded their restriction on lawyers acting on refinance transactions.

A notice sent out last week confirms that effective immediately, MCAP and RMG refinances may be closed through FCT, FNF or individual solicitors.

Electronic Funds Transfers

Most lenders still require certified cheques or bank drafts for mortgage discharge purposes, and with banks closing branches and reducing hours, discharging mortgages is becoming more and more challenging. We continue to work with other stakeholders in an effort to find alternate solutions.

We have been advised that some lenders are offering to debit the lawyer’s trust account directly by EFT to withdraw mortgage discharge funds. It is our understanding that this is not permitted under Law Society By-Law 9. The only external party authorized to debit a lawyer’s trust account is Teranet, and only from a special trust account set up under section 16 of By-Law 9. A lawyer can electronically transfer funds to a lender, provided that the lawyer complies with the By-Law 9 requirements for such transfers. By-Law 9 is available on the Law Society website here.

We have also been asked whether third party EFT platforms for transferring closing funds have been approved by the Law Society, and as far as we know, the Law Society has not approved any. The latest statement from the Law Society on such platforms is here.

Planning Act notice provisions suspended

In response to questions about whether or not the Emergency Order freezing limitation periods applies to the notice provisions under the Planning Act, the government enacted Ontario Regulation 149/20 last week to clarify. O.Reg 149/20 suspends certain notice periods under the Planning Act until the COVID-19 emergency is terminated or disallowed. The Regulation is available here.

LRO Updates

Further letters from the Director of Titles have been received.

A letter from the Director of Titles relating to registered mail for Land Titles Applications is available here.

A letter from the Director of Titles relating to Cautions is available here.

LDD Remote Signing Platform

As we previously advised, Lawyer Done Deal has launched a Remote Signing Platform which is available to all lawyers free of charge. It allows lawyers to post documents to clients, host virtual closing meetings and view client signing activity. More details about the platform can be found here. A short video regarding the new platform is now available on the OBA website here.

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Meredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner

FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

CLA Newmarket OCJ update for April 17, 2020

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:36:48 GMT

Here is my Newmarket OCJ update for April 17, 2020.

Addressing New Arrest

Police districts have had success in adding additional rooms and phone lines to accommodate multiple audio calls at a time. As a result police were able to call into more than one courtroom at a time and matters were addressed in a more efficient and timely manner.

Managing Lengthy Contested Bail Matters

The Newmarket courthouse handles a significant volume of matters and is a very busy jurisdiction, with a growing number of serious and complex criminal matters. To address and manage lengthy contested matters, the Local Administrative Justice is making available, where requested, Jurists to case manage these significant matters. Issues can then be addressed and canvased, including attempting to streamline contested hearings and discuss resolution where possible.

In Custody Remand Protocol

With respect to in custody matters the remand protocol will now permit a remand to the next day where there is a bail plan in place, it is a likely release or is a time served guilty plea. Absent that position, the remand can be shortened to two court days if requested Bail remand protocol to adjourn 2 days to set up bail hearing. The goal always being to avoid accused languishing in custody and to address release or resolution as quickly as possible.

Sincerely

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

CLA Newmarket OCJ Update April 16, 2020

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 14:29:47 GMT

Here is my Newmarket OCJ update for April 16, 2020.

In Custody Matters

While in custody matters are being dealt with in a largely efficient and smooth manner, issues have arisen on exceptionally heavy or unusual days. Issues have arisen particularly with respect to dealing with new arrests particularly where matters are complex or are "project" matters. Delays and inefficiencies arise as occasionally files are not being delivered to the vetting crowns early and in a timely fashion, as vetting crowns need to provide positions on release as early as possible.

In addition, some police districts have been unable to facilitate addressing more than one person at a time in court, and therefore, more than one courtroom at a time, given the lack of audio facilities. The result is a delay and inefficiency of addressing new arrests in court.

Court time for new arrests remains as valuable and limited as that given to Central East Corrections matters. Police districts will therefore attempt to add additional audio capability to more timely and efficiently address new arrests in court and in particular, facilitate calling into more that one courtroom at a time. The goal is and has been to deal with as many people in custody as quickly as possible

Bail Vettors

To deal with the additional and fluctuating volume of new arrests and more complex or serious matters, their will be two bail vettors going forward. Files will be divided between both vettors. They are:

LeeAnne McCallum:

LeeAnne.mccallum@ontario.ca

Elissa Kuipers:

Elissa.Kulpers@ontario.ca

Surety Declarations

The use of surety Declarations can be dispensed with where the crown consents or the jurist has made inquiries of the surety. While the requirement of a declaration remains flexible, there is consideration of removing this requirement entirely and on a universal basis. A position on this issue is anticipated shortly.

Missed Fingerprint Dates

Fingerprint dates which had been set to be taken at the Newmarket courthouse on or prior to a first appearance are not being taken by police at this time. York Regional Police have advised that there will be no warrants for failing to attend any fingerprint date that was scheduled to be taken at the courthouse. The manner of taking fingerprints for those matters will be addressed later.

Fingerprints For New Matters

The taking of fingerprints for new matters are now scheduled to be taken at a police station and so indicated on the promise to appear.

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica, York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association

FOLA Real Estate Update April 15, 2020

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 19:40:08 GMT

Banking Updates

Great news! We have been advised that at least two the major banks will now accept documents signed remotely.

Scotiabank has issued a statement to lawyers available here in English and here in French con firming that signing mortgage documents and identity verification can be done by video conference in certain circumstances. Lawyers who work with Scotiabank should have received the statement through either a posting on Telus Assyst or by email from FCT. Please review the statement to confirm the requirements for meeting with clients by video-conference on a transaction involving a Scotiabank mortgage.

Royal Bank of Canada has also issued a notice via Telus Assyst that video conference meetings to verify identity and sign documents are permitted in certain circumstances. A copy of the notice is available here. Please review the statement to confirm the requirements for meeting with clients by video-conference on a transaction involving a RBC mortgage.

We are very pleased to see these announcements and are hopeful that other lenders will follow suit.

LRO Updates

The Director of Titles has provided further guidance relating to some specific questions he has received.

See his letter of April 9, 2020 here relating to original signatures being required on plans and paper documents.

See his letter of April 13, 2020 here relating to expropriations.

See his letter of April 14, 2020 here relating to requests to expedite certification of parcelization transfers or PIN splits.

If and when we receive further information of interest to the real estate bar, we will pass it along.

Stay up to date with FOLA’s real estate information at https://fola.ca/real-estate-law.

Merredith MacLennan and Eldon Horner, FOLA Real Estate Co-Chairs

Please note: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

CLA Newmarket OCJ Update April 14, 2020

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:42:12 GMT

Here is my Newmarket OCJ update for April 14, 2020

Courthouse Reopened

The Newmarket courthouse has reopened today following a thorough cleaning. It is anticipated to be fully operational today as courtrooms will be provided with all requisite documents. The courthouse will return to the updated call in conference codes that were in place just prior to the closure, which are reproduced below.

COVID-19 Reporting

The process and protocol for reporting any potential COVID-19 cases remains in place to ensure safety of those accessing the courthouse. Formal reports will continue to be prepared and delivered to permit appropriate tracking and follow up.

Electronic Bail Variations

An electronic bail variation process, which has been formulated, is nearing formal approval and should be available shortly.

Bail Vettor

This week's bail vettor is LeeAnne McCallum. She can be reached at:

Resolution Crown

This week's resolution crown is Sham Kumaresan. She can be reached at: