Sask. courts taking steps to address COVID-19

Saskatchewan’s court system is reacting to the concerns about COVID-19.

The Court of Appeal currently doesn’t have any plans to cancel or reschedule proceedings. But all lawyers and self-represented individuals who are scheduled to appear are being told they can make submissions by phone rather than in person.

As well, the court is arranging for an audio-video link to deal with matters.

The Court of Queen’s Bench is staying open, but has cancelled visits by classes or other groups.

Jury trials that are scheduled to begin between Monday and May 30 are postponed. Jury trials that started before Monday and currently are underway are to continue, but at the discretion of the judge.

Anyone who was called for jury duty for a matter scheduled before May 30 now is being told not to attend court.

As well, people with scheduled matters including trials, pre-trial conferences and hearings are being encouraged to adjourn the matters to a future date.

Effective immediately, people taking part in civil and family chamber applications (other than child protection chambers) are required to participate by phone. Child protection matters set for this week have been postponed.

Visits by classes or other groups to Saskatchewan’s provincial courts also have been cancelled, but trials and preliminary hearings that currently are scheduled will go forward on the dates set.

Any lawyer or self-represented person who wants to have their matter in provincial court pushed back because of COVID-19 concerns can apply for an adjournment.