As you are all aware, our government is trying very hard to ensure that all citizens of the province adhere to the social distancing/isolation requirements to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This means that everyone, including lawyers, should be working from home, if at all possible. There is a public interest element in continuing to have access to legal services during this difficult time and we believe that you can and should continue to provide these services as long as you can do so in compliance with the government’s recommendations.
Members should consider conducting routine meetings with clients by phone or using video-conferencing options such as Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and other platforms in order to comply with public health recommendations regarding social distancing. Where an in-person meeting is required, please continue to engage in social distancing techniques including, avoiding common greetings (including handshakes) and keeping a distance of two (2) meters from others.
Please remember that some individuals that carry COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms. The spread of the virus can occur unknowingly. Members and their clients may have contact with individuals who may be more vulnerable to the virus (i.e. those that are elderly, with underlying medical conditions, or who have compromised immune systems). It is, therefore, imperative that we make every effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible. Public health officials have stated that social distancing will help to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Both the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal have advised that they will accept unsworn/unaffirmed affidavits or documents at the present time. Both Courts are also only accepting documents/filings via email or fax.
COVID-19 Pandemic FAQs
The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to taking the health and safety of our staff, the public and the profession seriously. Staff remain available to assist you – you can contact them via telephone or email. We will respond at our earliest opportunity.
Please note that information on this page may be updated from time to time and that information provided here is guidance only.
November 19, 2020
Library Appointments – Update
Please note that starting Tuesday, November 24th, the Law Library on-site appointments will now be available for 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes.
Appointments will remain on the hour only, Monday – Friday at 9 am, 10 am, 11, am, 2 pm, and 3 pm in order to allow for proper sanitizing of stations between appointments.
Members accessing this service will be required to complete a COVID-19 questionnaire and must bring and wear a face covering while in the library.
If you have any questions or wish to make an appointment, please contact Jenny Thornhill, Law Librarian at jthornhill@lsnl.ca or (709) 758-0815.
At this time, walk-ins are still not permitted and fob cards remain deactivated.
September 16, 2020
Law Library Phased Re-Opening
Starting Monday, September 21, 2020, Law Society members will be able to access the Law Library by appointment.
At this time, walk-ins will not be permitted.
For details, please see here.
September 14, 2020
Library Services Update
We are currently loaning regular circulating items for 30 days, while reserve items are for 3 days. If you need to renew, the maximum number of renewals is 3.
When returning items, please place the items in the blue book drop in the porch area of the Law Society during regular working hours. If a signature is required, please ring the doorbell.
Scanning services and contactless pickup remain available.
June 16, 2020
Provincial Court
Further to our broadcast of June 12, 2020, the Provincial Court has advised that it will be resuming restricted operations beginning on June 29, 2020. Members are encouraged to carefully review the new operational plan previously circulated and to follow up with specific centres prior to attending Court as there may be variances specific to particular buildings.
Please note that the Court is continuing to encourage virtual appearances upon application via either videoconference (using the number which has been in effect throughout the pandemic) or via teleconference (with reversion to the use of Court Call).
For in person court appearances, members will be required to wear masks and must bring their own with them. Hand sanitizers and disinfection of workspaces between appearances will be provided by the court.
Any questions should be directed as indicated in the operational plan which can also be found via this link: https://court.nl.ca/provincial/Revised-COVID-19_Operational_Plan-Issued_June12-Provincial-Court.pdf
Labour Standards Act
We have been advised by the Director of the Labour Relations Division that on June 12, 2020 the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced temporary extensions of time periods contained in the Labour Standards Act. The time period by which a temporary layoff becomes a termination has been extended from 13 weeks in a 20 week consecutive period to 26 weeks in a 33 week consecutive period and the time period to file a complaint with the Director of Labour Standards has been extended from 6 months to 12 months. Both extensions are retroactive to March 18, 2020 and will end on September 18, 2020.
The media release relating to these extensions can be found at https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2020/aesl/0612n04/
CLE Seminar – The Court’s Response to COVID-19
This seminar can be watched at the following link:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/v9BPMZyrr21ITtbqskyFRal6NIrAX6a80ScZ_vcOy0ZDYb80QD5IjTWL9VBVwyvz
Access password: 5h&8K0?K
June 10, 2020
Update – Law Library
The Law Library is still operating under the same rules as during the height of the pandemic. There is no physical access to the library at any time and this will remain for at least the rest of the summer.
Members can either request our scan service, i.e. we scan the table of contents, you select what you need, and we scan and return the section(s) in a PDF document. We are also available to download case law and journals from our databases.
Alternatively, you can go through our catalogue and identify texts and call numbers and provide the request to lawlibrary@lsnl.ca. When we confirm that the title(s) are available, we will request that you provide us with a 15 minute pickup window. We will place the loan on the red mailbox in the porch area and you or your designated courier can come in during regular hours and take the items.
We are currently loaning circulating items for 1 month loans, including reserve items. If you need to renew, the 3 renewal limit remains in effect.
When returning items, please place the items in the blue drop box in the porch area of the Law Society. If a signature is required then the person making the return can ring our doorbell and we will provide a name for them to record.
June 9, 2020
Transaction Levy
The Law Society has decided to extend the second quarter Transaction Levy due date and further extend the first quarter Transaction Levy due date to October 30, 2020. This is the scheduled due date for third quarter remittances. As such, members should submit all three quarters by October 30, 2020. We ask that the quarters be reported individually as usual and not be combined on the same summary form.
If you have any questions regarding the Transaction Levy, please contact Lisa Kennedy at lkennedy@lsnl.ca.
May 26, 2020
CLE Seminar – The Role of Title Insurance in COVID-19
Please see here for further details.
May 22, 2020
Amendment to Rule 18
We have amended Rule 18 to provide for alternative methods of verification, in limited circumstances, where a client, who is known to a member, does not have a government issued photo identification that is valid and current. The alternative methods do not apply to matters involving:
a) the receiving, paying or transferring of funds as outlined in Rule 16.04;
b) the witnessing of a will; or
c) the witnessing, notarizing or commissioning of a document under the Registration of Deeds Act, 2009.
The new rule requires compliance with Rule 16.06(6)(a)(ii) or Rule 16.06(6)(a)(iii) and the execution of an Affidavit outlining:
a) the member’s belief that the client does not have government issued photo identification that is valid and current and the reasons for that belief;
b) the particulars of how the client is known to the member;
c) the reasons for the member’s belief that the client is who they claim to be; and
d) the particulars of the matter.
A sample Rule 18.05A Affidavit is available on the Law Society’s COVID-19 webpage for your review:
https://lsnl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Affidavit.pdf
May 6, 2020
Temporary Alternate Witnessing of Documents Act
Further to our email of yesterday’s date, we have been advised that the Temporary Alternate Witnessing of Documents Act has received Royal Assent. As a result, it is now in force along with Law Society Rule 18.
Law Society Rule 18, Form 18 and the Guidance Document relating to the Rule can be found below.
If you have any questions relating to Law Society Rule 18 or the Guidance Document, please contact Angie Whitehead at awhitehead@lsnl.ca
May 5, 2020
Law Society Rule 18 – Witnessing, Commissioning and Notarizing Documents Via Audio-Visual Communication
Please be advised that the House of Assembly has passed the Temporary Alternate Witnessing of Documents Act (the “Act”).
In anticipation of the Act receiving Royal Assent and in accordance with the Law Society Act, 1999, Benchers have approved Law Society Rule 18 – Witnessing, Commissioning and Notarizing Documents Via Audio-Visual Communication and Law Society Form 18. Members are required to comply with Rule 18.
https://lsnl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Law-Society-Rule-18-1.pdf
Please follow the link below to review Law Society Form 18:
https://lsnl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Law-Society-Form-18-2.pdf
Benchers have also approved the provision of a Guidance Document that is intended to assist members in understanding their obligations under Law Society Rule 18. Members are strongly encouraged to review this Guidance Document prior to witnessing, commissioning or notarizing a document in accordance with the Act and Law Society Rule 18. Please follow the link below to review the Guidance Document:
We will provide an update when we are notified that the Act has received Royal Assent. Meanwhile, you can check the status of the Act on the House of Assembly’s website:
https://www.assembly.nl.ca/HouseBusiness/Bills/ga49session1/
If you have any questions relating to Law Society Rule 18 or the Guidance Document, please contact Angie Whitehead at awhitehead@lsnl.ca
April 27, 2020
CLE Seminar – Family Law Update (2020)
This seminar can be watched at the following link:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/2vVFNLrJzl1LaZHv827QBqkTAqf9eaa80SFM_6dbxRkgqeiUa1Sc0o5NCX2IfJrK
Access Password: 4A$%9$@#
April 7, 2020
Impact of COVID-19 on Current and Future Students-at-Law
This information is meant to address the impact of COVID-19 on current and future articling arrangements regulated by the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
For details, please see here.
April 6, 2020
Transaction Levy
The Law Society has decided to extend the first quarter Transaction Levy due date to July 30, 2020. This is the scheduled due date for second quarter remittances. As such, members should submit both quarters by July 30, 2020. We ask that the quarters be reported individually as usual and not be combined on the same summary form.
If you have any questions regarding the Transaction Levy, please contact Lisa Kennedy at lkennedy@lsnl.ca
April 3, 2020
Requirements under the Wills Act
Without a legislative amendment, the requirements for drafting a valid will under the Wills Act continue to apply. At this time, the Law Society is not aware of any movement on the government’s part to amend the Wills Act on an interim basis to deal with issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or the existing Pubic Health State of Emergency.
For details, please see here.
CLE Seminar – Business Continuity for Law Offices in the Face of Coronavirus
This seminar can be watched at the following link:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/_8h6A4rK7UxIRoHjyUXWRpQYPI65eaa8hCIX86VezkZ-NaMLfjC1wZvT23OEr_rw
March 27, 2020
Update Notice
As previously advised, we have been consulting with the Minister of Justice and Public Safety and his staff as well as Service NL on issues which impact on the public’s access to legal services.
To read the full update, please see here.
Client Information Disclosure Advisory
Please find attached an advisory intended to provide guidance to legal professionals testing or presumptively positive for the COVID-19 virus. The advisory suggests the appropriate action to take where lawyers are requested to disclose the name and contact information for clients who may have been exposed to the virus.
If you have any questions arising from the advisory, please direct them to the Director of Professional Responsibility, Lori Chafe at lchafe@lsnl.ca
COVID 19 Advice re Disclosure NL
March 25, 2020
Consultations with Government
We understand that these are trying times and that there are a myriad of issues arising for which you can find no easy answers. We want to reassure you that we are here and that we are consulting daily with the Minister of Justice and Public Safety and his staff on issues that impact on the public’s access to legal services. The Minister and his staff have been readily available and they are working hard to try to provide answers on the issues raised, including limitation periods and the witnessing/swearing of documents. However, these are unusual circumstances and it is possible that they may not be able to provide clarity on all issues.
In order to streamline the process and allow the Minister and his staff to focus on trying to find those answers, we are asking you to please direct your questions and concerns with respect to the public’s access to legal services to the Executive Director of the Law Society at bgrimes@lsnl.ca who will ensure that they are communicated appropriately.
In the meantime, we urge you again to ensure that you continue to provide legal services to the public in a manner that is compliant with the required social distancing and other protocols in effect during this public health emergency.
March 19, 2020
Library Service Notice
Library staff will continue to be in the building to provide reference assistance and books during regular business hours. Members, please note that your access cards have been deactivated and you cannot progress beyond the porch area.
The Law Library offers a scanning service for all members, regardless of location. During this state of emergency, we strongly encourage you to consider using our scanning service rather than requesting hard copy books.
For more information, please see here.
March 18, 2020
Operation of the Law Society during the COVID-19 Pandemic
After monitoring the rapid developments regarding COVID-19 and considering the advice of public health experts and government officials, the Law Society will be transitioning staff to work from home. Members can continue to contact Law Society staff via email: https://lsnl.ca/about-us/staff-directory/
For more information, please see here.
October 7, 2020
Webinar – COVID-19: The Second Wave and Your Mental Health
Date: October 27, 2020
Location: online
Seminar overview: Organizations have endured challenges throughout the past several months and will continue to be affected as the number of new cases continues to rise. With the arrival of Fall, many organizations have started, and in many cases, enacted, planning to minimize the complications and difficulties we face with the onset of a second wave of COVID-19. Moving forward, employers may face additional obstacles as employees may require continuing or new forms of support as the pandemic continues. Some individuals may experience continued or amplified difficulty with mental health, anxiety, depression and fear. These added levels of stress and uncertainty can begin to take a toll on one’s mental health and, in some cases, lead to burnout.
Homewood Health will be hosting a webinar focused on the unique challenges we collectively face with the onset of a second wave of COVID-19. In this one hour webinar, you will increase your understanding of the effects of prolonged periods of stress, recognize signs and symptoms of chronic stress and burnout (including personal and workplace risk factors) and acquire self-care and resiliency strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of chronic stress both personally and professionally.
Space is limited, register now!
Register Here: Tuesday October 27th 7:00-8:00 p.m. EST facilitated by Sandy Kriegish
Register Here: Tuesday October 27th 7:00-8:00 p.m. PST facilitated by Sandy Kriegish
September 18, 2020
Back to School
Back-to-school previously signaled a time of renewal and change, exciting most students and families as they prepared for the new school year. In 2020, that excitement has been coupled with anxiety and in some instances fear for parents, kids, teachers and others who work in and around schools.
Homewood Health – Back to School Support for Kids
April 23, 2020
COVID-19: Managing the Impact
April 13, 2020
COVID-19: Financial Tips for Your Financial Health
Financial Tips for Your Financial Health
March 23, 2020
Loss Prevention Tip #38
Beware of Cybersecurity Risks During COVID-19 and Working from Home
March 19, 2020
COVID-19 – What Social Distancing Means for the Profession
For information, please see here.
March 13, 2020
Loss Prevention Tip #36
Coronavirus and your Law Practice
Loss Prevention Tip #37
Practical Steps for Your Law Practice During this Coronavirus Pandemic
March 5, 2020
A Message from Homewood, Your Professional Assistance Provider
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Supreme Court’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
November 10, 2020
Updated Guidelines for Re-Opening
The guidelines have been updated to reflect new guidance on COVID-19 symptoms provided by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (see parts 11.1.1 and 11.2.1).
Supreme Court of NL Guidelines to Re-opening (Updated)
October 30, 2020
Updated Guidelines for Re-Opening
The major points to note in this amended document include:
(1) The General Division in St. John’s will begin hearing short-cause civil applications (longer than 5 minutes), short-cause criminal applications, long-cause civil applications, and long-cause criminal applications in person at the Duckworth Street Courthouse. Short-cause civil applications that are expected to be less than 5 minutes will be heard by teleconference using CourtCall. Further details about this change may be found at part 6.1 of the guidelines.
(2) The guidelines now provide information for litigants, counsel, and witnesses about what to do if you have an upcoming court matter but you have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, you have come into close contact with someone that has a confirmed case of COVID-19, or you are required to self-isolate for travel or other reasons. It also provides guidance on what to do if you begin to experience symptoms while at the court house. The document contains similar guidance for members of the public and the media who wish to attend the courthouse to observe proceedings. Further details about these changes may be found at part 11 of the guidelines.
Supreme Court of NL Guidelines to Re-opening (Updated)
October 2, 2020
Reminder – Court Attire
As the Supreme Court begins to hear more matters in-person, members of the Bar are reminded that, when attending court, they must adhere to the Notice to the Profession governing court attire. That Notice may be found on the Court’s webpage:
https://court.nl.ca/supreme/general/pracnotes/2016_03_10_Court_Attire.pdf
This Notice applies to both the General Division and Family Division.
September 23, 2020
Practice Note – Filing Documents by Email
This document sets out the limited circumstances in which the Registry of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador will accept documents filed by email and the appropriate process for filing documents in this manner.
Practice Note – Filing Documents Electronically
September 11, 2020
Updated Guidelines for Re-Opening
Supreme Court of NL Guidelines to Re-opening (Updated)
August 20, 2020
Updated Guidelines for Re-Opening
Supreme Court of NL Guidelines for Re-Opening (Updated)
August 4, 2020
Re: General Order Extending Timelines
General Order Extending Timelines
July 31, 2020
Updated Guidelines for Re-Opening
Supreme Court of NL Guidelines for Re-opening (Updated)
July 8, 2020
Information Regarding Anticipated Attendees at the St. John’s General Division
Notice to the Profession and General Public – Information Regarding Anticipated Attendees
Questionnaire – In-Person Appearances
June 23, 2020
Guidelines for Re-Opening
The Court 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 members, judges and other stakeholders. To this end, the Court lays out the following plan for re-opening.
Supreme Court of NL Guidelines to Re-opening
June 3, 2020
Court Resuming Normal Processes for Filing Documents
Notice to the Profession and General Public
Rescheduling Missed Appearances in the St. John’s Family Division
Notice to the Profession and General Public
May 29, 2020
Public and Media Attendance at Remote Appearances
Notice to the Profession and General Public
May 25, 2020
Settlement Conferences: Appearance by Video-Conference and Filing Briefs
Practice Note – Settlement Conference Briefs
May 14, 2020
Expansion of Permitted Filings and Remote Appearances
Notice to the Profession and General Public
May 8, 2020
Update – Court Operations
Notice to the Profession and General Public
May 4, 2020
Notices of Applications
Notice to the Profession and General Public
Electronic Filings and Contact Info for St. John’s Family Division
Notice to the Profession and General Public
Update – Expansion of Court Operations
Notice to the Profession and General Public
April 28, 2020
Update – Court Operations
Notice to the Profession and General Public
Re: Family Matters
Notice to the Profession and General Public
April 27, 2020
The Supreme Court is actively developing a plan to return to normal service levels as soon as it is safe to do so and will begin a gradual expansion of services starting on May 4th. A Notice providing additional details will be posted to the Court’s website early next week.
April 17, 2020
CBA-NL Consultations with the Supreme Court
The Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA-NL) recently wrote a letter to Chief Justice Whalen offering suggestions on how the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador may effectively utilize judicial resources and available technology in order to keep the due administration of justice operating as effectively as is reasonable in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Letter – Court Operations and the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
April 3, 2020
Extensions of Time for Non-Urgent Matters
Notice to the Profession and General Public
April 2, 2020
Update – Family Law Matters and COVID-19
We have received several inquiries seeking clarification on the types of family law matters that will be deemed urgent by the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Court has directed us to the following COVID-19 Custody and Access Information Sheet that has been developed by Family Justice Services to assist parents:
Information for families with a custody and access order or agreement
The Court has advised that it will continue to provide up to date information on its operations on its website at: https://court.nl.ca/
March 30, 2020
Support Enforcement
In response to inquiries relating to Support Enforcement Matters, the Court has directed us to the following link:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/jps/childsupport/support-enforcement/
Support Enforcement has provided information for both payors (including those that may be experiencing a hardship as a result of an order) and recipients of support that may be helpful.
The Court has also noted that it will continue to deal with urgent and emergency requests in accordance with the notice to the profession issued on March 18, 2020, noted below.
March 27, 2020
Limitation Periods
We were asked to seek clarification on the meaning of “imminent” as stated in s. 5 of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Notice to the Profession and General Public, which states:
5. The Court registry will accept electronic filings (via email or fax) where a statutory deadline, or limitation period under the Limitations Act, S.N.L. 1995, c. L-16.1, is imminent.
In response, the Court has advised that it will accept electronic filings via email or fax where a limitation period is expiring while the court is operating with reduced resources and there is no direct access to the Court registry. The Court is asking members to exercise their discretion in good faith when making filings with the Court.
March 24, 2020
Update – Court Appearances
Notice to the Profession and General Public
March 20, 2020
Update – COVID-19 Preventative Measures
Notice to the Profession and General Public
March 18, 2020
Update – COVID-19 Preventative Measures
Notice to the Profession and General Public
Family Division
At this time, Family Division can only hear applications about kidnapping/abduction of a child or immediate risk to the safety of a child. If the above applies to you, please call (709) 729-2573 or email familyinquiries@supreme.court.nl.ca
March 13, 2020
Suspension of Jury Trials
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Court of Appeal’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
September 16, 2020
Update – Court of Appeals Hearings
This Notice replaces all previous COVID-19 Notices posted on the Court of Appeal website.
Notice to the Profession and General Public – Court of Appeal Hearings
June 18, 2020
Update – Expansion of Court Operations
Notice to Profession and General Public
June 3, 2020
Update – Public and Media Attendance at Remote Hearings
Notice to Profession and General Public
April 28, 2020
Update – COVID-19 Preventative Measures
Notice to the Profession and General Public
March 19, 2020
Update – COVID-19 Preventive Measures
Notice to the Profession and General Public
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Provincial Court’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
November 24, 2020
Traffic Court and Contraventions Act Cases
St. John’s Provincial Court – Traffic Court and Contraventions Act Cases
October 15, 2020
Traffic Court and Contraventions Act Cases
St. John’s Provincial Court – Traffic Court and Contraventions Act Cases
September 23, 2020
Traffic Court and Contraventions Act Cases
St. John’s Provincial Court – Traffic Court and Contraventions Act Cases
September 4, 2020
Traffic Court and Contraventions Act Cases
St. John’s Provincial Court – Traffic Court and Contraventions Act Cases
July 2, 2020
Plea Day Location Change
The Provincial Court wishes to advise those required to attend St. John’s Provincial Court that morning sessions of Plea Day, which are normally held in Courtroom #5, will be held on the third floor of the Beothuck Building, located at 20 Crosbie Place, St. John’s, commencing today until further notice. For further information, please go to https://court.nl.ca/provincial/ or call St. John’s Provincial Court at (709) 729-1539.
June 29, 2020
Return to Business Operational Plan
This Operational Plan aims to assist Provincial Court stakeholders when operations resume to ensure all public health guidelines are safely incorporated into work and public spaces, for the protection of all.
This Operational Plan provides general information applicable to all Provincial Court centres, along with site-specific information by Court centre.
Provincial Court – Return to Business Operational Plan for Stakeholders
What You Need to Know Before Coming to Court
What You Need to Know Before Coming to Provincial Court
June 26, 2020
Extension of Time Order
Emergency Requirement to Extend Time Periods Prescribed Under the Rules
June 12, 2020
Court Operations Resuming
Notice to the Profession and General Public
May 13, 2020
Update – Expansion of Operations – Virtual Court
Notice to the Profession and General Public
April 29, 2020
Update – Court Operations
Notice to the Profession and General Public
March 30, 2020
Court Scheduling
Revised COVID-19 Operational Plan
March 25, 2020
Update – WASH Court
For details, please see here.
March 24, 2020
Clarenville Provincial Court
For details, please see here.
March 23, 2020
Access to Provincial Courts
For more information please see http://court.nl.ca
Update – CourtCall
For details, please see here.
Revised – COVID-19 Operational Plan – Provincial Court
COVID-19 Conference Call Stakeholder Listing
March 20, 2020
WASH Court
For details, please see here.
March 19, 2020
WASH Court – Transport of In Custody Accused
For details, please see here.
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Provincial Government’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
October 7, 2020
Update – Registry of Deeds
We have been advised by the Registry that, under the current Alert Level 2, access to the research area is by appointment only and is restricted to urgent requests such as conducting title searches for pending real property closings.
In accordance with federal and provincial health guidelines for physical distancing, there is a limit of 9 searchers in the research area at one time with a further limit of 5 inside the deeds vault. To ensure equitable access, appointments are in blocks of up to 3-hours with an option to extend, where available. With few exceptions, searchers have been able to obtain their preferred appointment time.
Title searchers and lawyers are encouraged to use CADO to search deeds registrations back to 1982 which will allow the focus to be on searching paper records (pre 1982) during their appointment time and are asked to arrive and depart at their scheduled time or to notify the Registry if they can’t make it. The preferred method for making appointments, answering the COVID-19 screening questions or notifying the Registry of changes is via e-mail to snlregistryofdeeds@gov.nl.ca
The Registry has been able to process new registrations with little to no backlog. The processing status is periodically published on the Registry’s website at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/dgsnl/registries/deeds-2/
June 25, 2020
Bail Supervision Program
Please be advised that the Bail Supervision Pilot Program for St. John’s and surrounding areas remains on hold as a result of the COVID-19 situation. As soon as a new commencement date is determined you will be notified immediately.
June 12, 2020
Labour Standards Act
Please see here for details.
May 28, 2020
Public Prosecutions Division
The Public Prosecutions Division, Department of Justice and Public Safety advises that Crown Attorneys are actively reviewing prosecution matters and communicating with defence counsel to identify matters that can reasonably be expected to proceed in a virtual “courtroom”.
The Public Prosecutions Division also invites all counsel and accused persons to contact Public Prosecutions with respect to any matters they believe could proceed in accordance with the COVID-19 Operational Plans of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Court of Appeal of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Inquiries may be directed to the Regional Crown Office associated to the Court having jurisdiction over the matter.
April 24, 2020
Update – Temporary Variation of Statutory Deadlines Act
For your information, please find attached a copy of the Gazette published today.
April 22, 2020
Update -Labour Relations Board
The Board continues to provide its services on a remote basis as outlined in a Notice that was circulated by the Law Society of NL on behalf of the Board on March 19, 2020 (see https://lsnl.ca/nl-labour-relations-board-notice-covid-19-operations/).
April 15, 2020
Update – Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
CSSD Notice on Variation of Deadlnes and Time Periods
April 6, 2020
Commissioning Documents
For more information, please see here.
April 3, 2020
Requirements under the Wills Act
Without a legislative amendment, the requirements for drafting a valid will under the Wills Act continue to apply. At this time, the Law Society is not aware of any movement on the government’s part to amend the Wills Act on an interim basis to deal with issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or the existing Pubic Health State of Emergency.
For details, please see here.
Temporary Variation of Statutory Deadlines Act – Submissions Due Monday, April 6, 2020
As noted in our email of April 1, 2020, the House of Assembly has passed the Temporary Variation of Statutory Deadlines Act (the “Act”) which can be found online at: https://www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/t04-02.htm
For more details, see here.
April 1, 2020
Update – Temporary Variation of Statutory Deadlines Act and the Wills Act
The House of Assembly has passed the Temporary Variation of Statutory Deadlines Act (the “Act”) which can be found online at: https://www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/t04-02.htm
For details, please see here.
March 26, 2020
WorkplaceNL – Adjustments to Requesting Legal Clearance
WorkplaceNL is committed to continued responses to legal clearance requests.
For more information, please see the attached notice.
Adjustments to Requesting Legal Clearance from Workplace NL
March 23, 2020
Update – Human Rights Commission
Please refer to www.thinkhumanrights.ca for the Human Rights complaint process.
Update – Commercial Registrations Division
For details, please see here.
March 20, 2020
Department of Justice and Public Safety
Until further notice is provided, if you wish to serve documents related to child protection or adult protection matters, please contact Jacqueline Pelletier at jpelletier@gov.nl.ca to make arrangements.
If you wish to serve documents related to other civil matters on Her Majesty in right of Newfoundland and Labrador not related to Unified Family Court please contact either Philip Osborne at philiposborne@gov.nl.ca or Justin Mellor at jmellor@gov.nl.ca to make arrangements.
Labour Relations Board Update
Effective March 17, 2020, the Labour Relations Board is operating on a remote basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, please see the attached notice.
Notice – Labour Relations Board
March 19, 2020
Update – Commercial Registrations Division
For more information, please see here.
RNC Community Update
Effective immediately, all Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) locations are closed for non-emergencies until further notice.
For more information, please see the RNC website.
March 17, 2020
Update – Provincial Government Services
For information on specific government services, please see their website.
Update – Bail Supervision Program
As a result of the COVID-19 situation it has been decided that the Bail Supervision Pilot Program will not be starting today as previously indicated. The program will be on hold until further notice. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Federal Government’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
Canada’s Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
March 19, 2020
Supreme Court of Canada – Filing of all documents by email
To assist parties in filing their documents within their respective timelines as set out in the Supreme Court Act and the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada, documents may be filed by email, whether originating or otherwise. The original paper copies shall be filed subsequently within a reasonable time.