Update on Changes to Commercial List operations in Light of COVID-19 May 07, 2020 Share Facebook Twitter Linked In Google+ E-Mail General remarks On March 16, 2020, the Commercial List implemented a protocol, Changes to Commercial List operations in light of COVID-19 All matters scheduled through May 31, 2020 have been adjourned, subject to any requests from counsel to have a matter be heard urgently. The same protocol has applied for new matters seeking to be heard Between March 17, 2020, and April 28, 2020, the Commercial List heard 353 matters: 181 audio hearings, 41 video hearings, 131 hearings in writing The Court advises that almost all requests for commercial matters to be heard have been granted Media requests have been accommodated, and the Court is looking to expand the use of functions allowing participants to attend and observe, in recognition of the open court principle The Court is aware of security concerns with Zoom, and these are being considered and technical advice has been sought Once the courts resume normal operations, the expectation is that all electronic materials will be filed with the court, and all orders will be entered in the ordinary course The Bench is alive to the interest in having handwritten decisions rendered during the pandemic publicly available, and is considering how to make these most readily available. Counsel are encouraged to type up any handwritten endorsements Please log in to read the full article.