Sarah Mills: The magic of the May Long Weekend
Sarah Mills is looking forward to the May Long Weekend, and says the holiday holds the promise of the summer ahead, even...
Saskatchewan’s provincial court system is suspending a number of proceedings due to COVID-19.
On Thursday, Chief Judge J.A. Plemel issued a statement saying most trials, preliminary inquiries and in-person hearings were being suspended starting Monday. The postponements will continue until Jan. 15.
The statement said the decision was made due to the increasing numbers of COVID cases in the province and was based on the advice of Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer.
With COVID case numbers on the rise, the province has reduced the maximum size of gatherings and increased physical distancing to three metres when possible. As well, Plemel noted that 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. 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.
Off-site traffic court dockets in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Estevan will continue, since social distancing is possible and travel shouldn’t be a factor. Carlyle traffic court also will continue.
