This week's roundup for courthouses across Canada
Courts across Canada have been taking measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Below is a roundup of actions that courts are taking across the country.
Provincial Court of British Columbia
NP 21 − Virtual Proceedings and Remote Attendance in the Provincial Court
The court updated the notice on November 30. For all audioconference and videoconference proceedings and attendance, the court will prohibit the sharing or making available virtual or in-person proceedings or recordings. For videoconference proceedings and attendance, the court will require neutral backgrounds when there are security concerns for a party or a witness.
Supreme Court of British Columbia
Notice No. 29 - Criminal Proceedings - COVID Pre-Trial Conferences (CV PTC)
The court rescinded the notice. The court will no longer offer COVID pre-trial conferences (CV PTC) for criminal proceedings.
Notice No. 42 – All Chambers Applications by Microsoft Teams Video
The court updated the notice to set out the court registry contact information for the booking of chambers applications, and delivery of application records.
Private Prosecution Applications
The court updated the notice on November 29 to resume accepting applications for private prosecutions province-wide. The court will establish a new remote application process, but the remote process will not prevent applicants from attending the courthouse, subject to health and safety guidelines.
The court updated the notice on November 29. The court will not be temporarily available to the general public, except to judges, court employees, litigants, accused persons, witnesses and other persons attending under a summons, one or two persons attending in support of each accused person and each victim witness, and accredited media. The court will allow filing and service of documents by appointment.
