March 22, 2024 For the latest information from the Courts and MAG, including the latest courthouse COVID-19 updates, visit the OBA Courts Reopening page
Practice Direction Authorizing Alternate Form of Appearance where an Enhanced Designation of Counsel has been Filed (Issued August 6, 2020; Updated April 11, 2022) Update April 11, 2022: Out of Court Adjournment procedure for Enhanced Designations expanding to Hamilton April 4, 2022 and to Simcoe County (Barrie, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Huntsville, Midland and Orillia) April 11, 2022
Message from Chief Justice Maisonneuve re COVID-19 Effective April 4, there will be increased access to in-person proceedings. While the Court can now accommodate more in-person proceedings, it is also committed to continuing the use of video and phone options for some hearings.
OCJ Announces Interim Family Mode of Appearances As of April 4, 2022, the Ontario Court of Justice will change its mode of appearances (in-person/virtual/hybrid) for various family law matters, including CYFSA and adoption matters. This chart outlines the changes on an interim basis only.
OCJ: Criminal Proceedings – Enhanced Designation Pilot Expanded to Kitchener and Windsor The pilot project authorizing out-of-court adjournments for Enhanced Designations of Counsel will launch in Kitchener and Windsor on January 31, 2022. In the pilot, accused persons whose counsel have filed an Enhanced Designation of Counsel may have their matters adjourned to the next court date without the matter being addressed in court.
OCJ - Most timelines under the Provincial Offences Act that expired on or after January 1, 2022, extended to February 14, 2022. On January 10, 2022, the Chief Justice of Ontario Court of Justice made an order pursuant to s. 85 of the Provincial Offences Act extending most timelines under the Act that expire on or after January 1, 2022 to February 14, 2022.
OCJ: Scheduling of Family Matters The OCJ has provided an updated Notice for the scheduling of family matters. The Notice, among other things, notes that due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases the Court will be limiting in-person attendance at courthouses.
OCJ: Message re COVID-19 Court from Chief Justice Maisonneuve Chief Justice Maisonneuve provided an updated message on COVID-19 on December 15. The message, which among other things, reminds everyone attending courthouses to comply with the public health and safety protections in place, can be found here
OCJ – Private Prosecution Applications Resume Effective November 29, 2021, the Ontario Court of Justice has resumed accepting applications for private prosecutions province-wide. If you wish to apply to lay a charge against another person, you can either attend a courthouse in person or contact the courthouse.
OCJ: Enhanced Designation Pilot Expanded to College Park, October 4 The pilot project authorizing out-of-court adjournments for Enhanced Designations of Counsel will launch in College Park (Toronto) on October 4, 2021. In the pilot, accused persons whose counsel have filed an Enhanced Designation of Counsel may have their matters adjourned to the next court date without the matter being addressed in court.
OCJ: Guidance for matters originally scheduled on September 30th (court closure) The Ontario Court of Justice will be closed on Thursday September 30, 2021 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.