Appeals in Ontario are traditionally heard by way of both oral and written submissions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary circumstances to which we must all adapt as best we can. Since March 17, 2020, there have been no in-person appeals heard at the Court of Appeal. More than 100 scheduled appeals have had […]
Tag Archives: covid-19
Ontario Considers Eliminating Juries From Civil Trials
Litigation is a time-consuming prospect in any scenario, but trials involving juries are even more so. At a time when litigation has largely been on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the backlog awaiting Ontario’s courts has been building. In response to the backlog, Ontario’s Attorney General has recently indicated that he is considering the […]
Class Proceedings Expected to Surge When Courts Resume in Full
As the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt across Canada, even as some restrictions are starting to lift in each province, legal experts and courts alike are bracing themselves for a surge of class proceedings. A recent article by the CBC points to the fact legal trends in Canada tend to […]
Business Interruption Insurance & COVID-19
Many businesses take out insurance to cover losses that can arise due to fire or theft, including damage to equipment or property. However, it is equally important to consider the potential for extended periods of income loss if a business is forced to close temporarily. For example, if there is a fire, a business will […]
Resolving Legal Disputes During COVID-19
The fallout from the global spread of COVID-19 has had a major impact on every industry and profession throughout the country, including the legal profession. With Ontario courts closing to all but the most urgent criminal and family matters in recent weeks, those facing civil disputes classified as “non-urgent” have been left wondering when they […]
Force Majeure and Frustration in Contracts Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 has clearly had a significant adverse impact on the economy of Ontario, Canada and the global economy. Given the impact of social isolation and physical distancing, and the closure of non-essential businesses, the reality is many individuals and businesses will be unable to fulfil their ongoing contractual commitments. What are the available legal defences? […]