Gavin Magrath, Magrath’s International Legal Counsel, Toronto, Canada
Please be advised that our office will be closed and all staff on reduced hours until further notice.
Ontario Courts Partial Shutdown: The Ontario Superior Court and Provincial Courts are shutting down for all non-custodial matters. If you have a court date scheduled between 17 March and 31 May, it will be rescheduled for a date later than 1 June. Parties do not need to request these adjournments, and no attendance is required.
Suspension of Customs Filing Deadlines: The CBSA has issued Customs Notice 20-11, confirming their earlier announcement that the time for payment of all customs and HST filings, including March monthly filings, to 30 June 2020.
Suspension of Limitation Periods: Similarly, the running of Ontario’s standard 2-year limitation period on claims, as well as procedural deadlines for proceedings under the Rules, are being tolled retroactively to 15 March 2020. It is not yet clear what extension on those deadlines will be provided following the conclusion of the emergency measures.
Provincial State of Emergency: Non-essential work closures The provincial government has ordered all non-essential work to shut down by the end of the day on Tuesday March 24th, for an initial period of 14 days. The list of essential services is very extensive and includes most agricultural, manufacturing, and grocery, as well as Supply Chain Businesses that “supply other essential businesses or essential services with the support, supplies, systems or services, including processing, packaging, distribution, delivery and maintenance….” Liquor and Beer stores will also remain open.
Provincial State of Emergency: Gatherings prohibited As a result of poor adoption by the public of recommended health measures, the government has announced enforcement and penalties for breach of emergency health prohibitions under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, including the prohibition on gatherings of 50 or more people. Individuals may be fined up to $1000 and businesses fined up to $500,000 for contravening orders made by health officials under the Act.