As you know, the Ontario Government has declared a provincial state of emergency as a result of COVID-19. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization have recommended that we do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by working from home and by exercising appropriate social distancing in circumstances where one has no choice but to have personal contact with others.

Accordingly, effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020, our physical office will be closed. Our firm, however, remains open as we will be working remotely from home. In the event that there are specific appointments that remain scheduled, whether or not they will take place will be confirmed with clients on a case by case basis by email or telephone or both. As much as possible, we will continue to deal with examinations for discovery and mediations through videoconferencing and routine appointments by telephone. We request that you send all communications to us by email and not by fax, courier or mail because no-one will be at the office to receive these communications.

We are closely monitoring what is happening with the Ontario courts. All civil matters scheduled to be heard on or after Tuesday, March 17, 2020 are adjourned including telephone and video conference appearances scheduled prior to March 17, 2020 unless the presiding judicial officer directs otherwise a rescheduling plan will be announced in the near future. Access to the Courts will be extremely limited. A copy of the complete Notice from the Courts can be found at the following link: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/covid-19-suspension-fam/

If you are a current client and have questions about your matter, please email us. If you are looking for a lawyer, we are happy to discuss your potential case. We are committed to serving you during this period of uncertainty.

Opposing counsel, many of our clients, as well as yours, are dealing with uncertainty, financial insecurity, health difficulties, family crisis and a host of other problems that may impact their ability to provide timely instructions. Accordingly, we ask for your patience and we will extend ours.

We are all in this together. Everyone’s physical and emotional health and well-being is paramount. Take care. Stay safe. Good health to you and your loved ones.