Re: Expansion of Court Services

Issued: June 17, 2020

In response to the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court of Appeal of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to ensuring access to justice is maintained by continuing to expand its services in a manner that protects the health and safety of the public, staff, litigants, judges and other stakeholders.

Effective July 2, 2020 the Court of Appeal will hear applications during the summer term on an “in person” basis unless the number of participants exceeds the six-foot physical distancing threshold as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer. In those circumstances, the Court will default to a videoconference or audioconference hearing.

Also effective July 2, 2020 the Court of Appeal Registry will be open during the following hours; 9:00am – 12:30pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

The Sheriff’s Office will conduct screening and ensure physical distancing in the Courtroom and attendance at the Registry.

The Court of Appeal’s internal pandemic plan takes into account and is responsive to public health recommended measures pertaining to the maintenance of physical distancing, hand-washing/sanitizing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and increased cleaning of public spaces.

The assessment of our courtroom space does not permit us to reopen to members of the public at this time.

The media will be accommodated to attend court hearings by audio conference upon request and by contacting the court at coaregistry@appeal.court.nl.ca.

The Court is currently planning to resume “in person” hearings for appeals in September, 2020, should circumstances permit.

The Court of Appeal will continue to update stakeholders regarding updates to the plan and any changes to proposed timelines. Communications will be made to its media contact list (please contact the Court if you wish to be added to this list), Twitter, the Court’s website at www.court.nl.ca/appeal/ and through the Law Society.

Notice to the Profession and General Public – Expansion of Court Services