The Law Society received notice today from the Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Solicitor General advising the Ministerial Order 27/2020 will not be extended. The limitation periods and time periods affected by the order will resume running on June 1, 2020.

 

On March 30, 2020, the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General issued a Ministerial Order to suspend limitation periods and any period of time within which any step must be taken in any proceeding or intended proceeding subject to the discretion of the Court, tribunal, or decision-maker. The MO was made retroactive to March 17, 2020 and continues until June 1, 2020.

Before COVID-19, witnesses could be examined in-person or remotely using video technology. While the use of video was not common, it was not unusual either.

While the pandemic has shut down all but emergency court applications because of social distancing, questioning can still proceed by video conference. This will be the case even after the pandemic ends.

Read more for key tips on how to make your remote questioning a success.

As Alberta moves through its relaunch strategy, many lawyers will relish the prospect of moving forward and for many, it may be an overwhelming time. But lawyers should not let their guard down.

Even following the relaunch, Albertans may be working remotely more than they traditionally have. Ongoing social and physical distancing measures may continue to affect lawyers and their clients, and many Albertans will continue to face financial pressures. Fraudsters may prey on new confusion and fears that arise from the reopening of Alberta, as well as the ongoing threat of further spread of the virus and continued economic turmoil.

Lawyers should be especially diligent in following all loss prevention recommendations. Read some suggested recommendations to mitigate against possible future negligence claims in this article.