Saskatchewan is suspending most of its court operations starting next week due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Dec. 14 to Jan. 15, 2021, most trials, preliminary inquiries and in-person hearings will be cancelled. The matters scheduled will be spoken to by telephone.
鈥淭he Provincial Court is committed to maintaining access to its critical services, while ensuring the safety of all those who work in court facilities and the public who attend,鈥� said Chief Judge J.A. Plemel in a statement to media Dec. 10.
This comes after an increase in COVID-19 cases and guidance from the Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO).
The CMHO has advised against unnecessary travel outside of home communities and reduced the maximum gathering limits. It has also increased the recommendation for distancing, where physical barriers are not present in courtrooms, to three metres.听
Where the court has contact information, it will contact parties in advance of the trial date. At that time any party to a proceeding may apply to have a matter proceed. In order for the matter to proceed, the court must be satisfied the trial can safely be held within the CMHO guidelines. The court encourages lawyers and accused persons to appear by phone.
Arrangements can be made via the local court office. Circuit point dockets will proceed but will be conducted by phone from the permanent court location.听 In most instances court parties will not travel to the communities.
This notice doesn鈥檛 apply to the off-site traffic court dockets in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Estevan, which will continue, as distancing measures can be maintained and travel should not be a factor. Carlyle traffic court will also proceed.听
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