April 1, 2020
18 Recommendations for the Business of Law Amidst COVID-19
The Law Society has heard from many lawyers in Alberta about the economic pressures they are facing, both as individuals and as businesses, in the face of this unprecedented pandemic.

Over the last two weeks, the Law Society Practice Advisors have made several recommendations to lawyers and students who have seen their law firms experience a significant reduction in revenue.
New Order in Council Regarding Electronic Documents in Provincial Court
In response to the COVID-19 health emergency and proactive preventative measures to protect justice system participants and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General has made new Orders in Council regarding electronic documents and their use in Provincial Court of Alberta proceedings.

These changes effect the following:

  • The definition of and application of electronic documents;
  • Documents that are required to be made in writing or require a signature;
  • Electronic documents as original documents;
  • Signatures in electronic documents;
  • Oaths and solemn affirmations;
  • Electronic document retention; and,
  • Exceptions to the use of electronic documents.