Jury Selection Suspended in Newmarket; Virtual Hearings Encouraged

After the Region of Peel, Toronto, and Ottawa entered a modified Stage Two due to increasing COVID-19 cases, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice announced changes to court proceedings in those areas. Given that the Region of York has also moved into a modified Stage Two, the Superior Court has implemented similar changes in Newmarket.

According to a Notice to the Profession, effective October 16, 2020, jury selection in Newmarket has been suspended for 28 days. For jury trials that are already in progress, the decision on whether to continue the trial is up to the trial judge.

Non-jury trials and other proceedings in Newmarket can proceed as scheduled in-person if they are limited to 10 people or less in the courtroom. However, efforts should be made to hear matters remotely, wherever possible.

Chief Justice Morawetz reiterated that judicial officers, counsel, and parties should be flexible in accommodating requests for virtual hearings.