Suspension of some provincial court proceedings extended

Saskatchewan’s provincial court system is extending its COVID-related suspension of some proceedings for another month.

On Friday, Chief Judge J.A. Plemel issued a statement saying most trials, preliminary inquiries and in-person hearings will be suspended until Feb. 16.

In December, the court had suspended those proceedings until Jan. 15.

The statement released Friday said the extension was the result of “the increased incidence” of COVID-19 in the province and was based on guidance from Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer.

With COVID case numbers on the rise, the province has set a limit on the size of gatherings that can be held and has increased physical-distancing requirements to three metres when possible. As well, Plemel noted unnecessary travel outside of home communities is being discouraged.

All of those factors could affect court proceedings.

“Where the Court has contact information, it will contact parties in advance of the trial date,” the statement said. “At that time, any party to a proceeding may apply to have a matter proceed and a judge will decide whether or not it will.

“In order for the matter to proceed, the Court must be satisfied the trial can safely be held within the CMHO guidelines.”

Lawyers and people accused of crimes are encouraged to appear by phone.

Circuit point dockets will continue as scheduled, but will be done by phone from permanent court locations. Court personnel won’t travel from the permanent sites to the communities where the circuit point dockets are heard.