New health regulations are being observed in Provincial Court across Alberta that will mean minor trials, the criminal docket and traffic matters will be handled remotely.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
Alberta courts are putting more services online as new health restrictions lower occupancy at courthouses across the province.
Provincial Court will also not deal with traffic matters in person, will adjourn all pending low-complexity, out-of-custody trials until the new year, and run criminal dockets at regional court centres, such as Medicine Hat, as well as family and youth matters remotely online.
Provincial Court Chief Justice Derek Redman said in a statement that the system has adapted since spring to operate under pandemic conditions, and new restrictions brought in this month will be met.
“As the virus has surged all across Alberta over the past three weeks, it has become clear that we need to do more to address these risks,” he said. “Albertans have a right to a judicial system that provides expedient and fair rulings, but this can’t come at the cost of health and safety.”
Minor criminal and civil trials scheduled this week until Jan. 8, 2021, may be adjourned until after that time.
RCMP detachments
The Alberta RCMP announced Monday that it is remising more strict protocol for those attending a detachment, but reiterated they will not turn anyone away.
Anyone requiring urgent or emergency service should call 911.
Detachment lobbies will have limited occupancy, masks are required, and people may be asked to wait outside or in their vehicle until there is sufficient space.
As well, fingerprint and vulnerable sector checks are limited to essential need only an will be conducted by appointment only.
