Courts throughout Alberta have suspended, adjourned or moved some proceedings online in an effort to reduce in-person attendance at its facilities in light of a high rate of coronavirus spread. The notice on the door for Medicine Hat provincial court shows the reflection of the Court of Queens Bench building on Wednesday morning.--NEWS PHOTO
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Court dates are moving back online, or being moved back to November, as Alberta Courts moves to implement increased health measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Those arriving at Medicine Hat’s two courthouses on Wednesday morning were met by sheriffs advising them of options to access court services online or by telephone.
Last week, head officials of Alberta’s three court branches – Provincial, Court of Queen’s Bench and Court of Appeals – announced it would adjourn all traffic and low-complexity matters scheduled between Oct. 12 and Nov. 5 to later dates.
That order also covers non-domestic cases and those in which there was no person in custody.
Docket court is proceeding via remote access with no personal attendance allowed as of this week, but traffic court everywhere in Alberta except Medicine Hat has effectively been suspended until at least Nov. 5.
Those matters are already dealt with in a “virtual traffic court” program.
Those with matters before the court should contact their legal representative, or contact the local “case management office.”
