News update

Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the Law Society of Ontario will interpret the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act as not requiring the lawyer to be in the physical presence of the client. It is still important that lawyers commissioning an affidavit remotely manage the risks appropriately. This includes taking appropriate measures to guard against fraud; identity theft; undue influence; duress; capacity; the ability of the client to retain a copy of the commissioned affidavit and ensuring that the client does not feel that they did not have an adequate opportunity to ask questions or request clarifying information about the documents they have executed.

As a result of this declaration and its associated orders, a number of establishments are legally required to close immediately. Further, all organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship. These orders were approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for extension, unless this order is terminated earlier.

The AGCO will be maintaining its services in support of the businesses and citizens that rely on their activities. They will be adapting services as needed, guided by advice from public health officials.

As part of a coordinated effort by federal agencies, OSFI has taken a number of actions that build resilience of federally regulated financial institutions and improve the stability of the Canadian financial system and economy in response to challenges posed by COVID-19 and current market conditions.

Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, except as provided below, the Court of Appeal will suspend all scheduled appeals for a period of 3 weeks (until April 3, 2020). During this period, urgent appeals will be heard based on either the written materials or remotely. Parties on non-urgent appeals that were scheduled between March 17 and April 3, 2020 can request that their appeal be heard in writing. Further information will be provided once the situation during this period has been assessed.

The Ontario Court of Justice has established procedures to reduce the number of people who attend court for criminal, family and Provincial Offences Act matters.

For any accused person who has a criminal matter scheduled for any type of appearance in any court in Ontario in the Superior Court of Justice between March 17, 2020 and June 2, 2020, that matter is adjourned, unless the court orders otherwise.

A notice to the profession regarding the suspension of Superior Court Civil and Family Operations has been issued.

A notice to the profession regarding the suspension of Superior Court of Justice Regular Operations has been issued.

Tribunals Ontario is postponing in-person hearings and will consider alternate hearing options to minimize disruption across the organization. The Land Planning Appeal Tribunal is rescheduling all appearance hearings scheduled between Monday, March 16 and Friday, April 3rd to a later date.