REGINA - Normal operations at all of Saskatchewan’s Court of Queen’s Bench will resume effective Sept. 7.
This move comes after all provincial public health restrictions such as physical distancing and wearing masks were lifted by the Public Health Officer.
“The court continues to be mindful of its obligation to hear and process matters that come before court, while simultaneously respecting the need to adhere to recommendations and protocols designed to keep everyone safe,” said Chief Justice Martel D. Popescul in a statement Monday.
“The court continues to monitor the circumstances and recognizes that as the situation evolves further changes may be required.”
On March 15, 2020, the court had implemented a number of protocols to respond the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. All of those directives have now been repealed.
Jury trials were stopped in November 2020 due to issues with social distancing, which affected 19 jury trials in the province.
In July 2021 the court announced it would start holding jury trials off-site in September 2021. Until further notice jury trials will continue to be held at a location other than a courthouse to ensure there is sufficient space to maintain social distancing for those participating in the trial process.
Non-jury trials continued to be held throughout the pandemic but many were delayed.
Court appearances will revert presumptively to in-person hearings except for child protection matters.
Counsel and litigants are encouraged to continue to make use of technology where appropriate.
“Lessons learned over the past 18 months can continue to benefit the court, counsel and the parties,” said Chief Justice Popescul.
Online video conferencing through WebEx is available for use in the court and conference rooms. This use, however, must be approved in advance by the presiding judge and is subject to availability of resources to set up and manage the videoconference.
CCTV video conferencing will continue to be available between courthouses and most correctional centres.
