Provincial courts take action to limit spread of coronavirus

By Medicine Hat News on March 17, 2020.

Provincial courts are limiting the extent of their operations starting today as a response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Only in-custody matters, as well as urgent criminal and family court hearings, will proceed for the time being to limit the potential spread of coronavirus, the Provincial Court of Alberta announced Monday.

Criminal, youth and civil matters that are not urgent will be suspended until May 22.

Members of the public will be prohibited from entering provincial courthouses, unless they are witnesses, parties to the proceedings or media.

The Court of Queen’s Bench announced Sunday it was suspending all non-emergency proceedings.

“Emergency matters are those in which serious consequences to persons or harm to property may arise if the hearing does not proceed, or if there is a risk of loss of jurisdiction or expiration of an existing protection or restraining order,” according to a news update.

All non-emergency matters will be adjourned to April 17 in Medicine Hat, April 27 in Lethbridge, and April 3 in Calgary and Edmonton.