News update

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health the Ontario government is extending the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for a further 28 days. 

In addition to the Temporary Billing Changes above for the bar as a whole, LAO will also provide live duty counsel legal advice for in-custody clients with upcoming court appearances and without legal representation for criminal matters starting April 14, 2020.

Legal Aid Ontario has taken further emergency temporary changes to billing and certificate coverage in order to address the continuing challenges of the COVID pandemic

Commencing Thursday October 8, 2020, all 14 division bail matters supporting Old City Hall (courtrooms 111 and 114) will proceed by JVN webRTC video for all justice participants. This follows the September 9 soft launch of the video bail pilot at 14 division.

An amendment has been made to emergency order, O. Reg. 73/20 made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act lifting the suspension of limitation periods and procedural time periods under the Construction Act.

Please note that the Lieutenant Governor in Council has made an order under s. 7.0.2(4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, providing that for the duration of the emergency: 

If your client has a COVID-19 related workers compensation claim, the WSIB has provided filing instructions:

FSRA is considered an essential workplace and continues to carry out its regulatory duties and is working remotely wherever practicable. Until further notice, the FSRA is deferring the issuance of F2020-21 fee assessments payable under FSRA’s Fee Rule 2019-01 and Deposit Insurance Reserve Fund premiums payable under the Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act, 1994.

During this time, the IPC will provide limited services to the public, public sector organizations and the health and child and family services sectors. The IPC remains available to public organizations for consultation and discussion on access and privacy matters during this time.

As part of LAO’s continuing response to COVID-19, lawyers will be able to apply for legal aid coverage on behalf of in‑custody clients requesting temporary absence permits.