What happened: Canada’s top court has postponed hearings in three cases and tentatively rescheduled those hearings to June.
Why it matters: The decision – made to protect the health and safety of those working in Canada’s judicial system – postpones a challenge to the federal government’s carbon tax.
The Supreme Court of Canada has postponed hearings in three cases before Canada’s top court.
The decision – made to protect the health and safety of those working in Canada’s judicial system during the COVID-19 outbreak – postpones a challenge to the federal government’s carbon tax.
The case, brought by the Province of Saskatchewan, challenges the federal government’s authority to impose a national minimum price on carbon emissions.
Until further notice, the Supreme Court of Canada will continue to issue judgments on applications for leave and on appeal.
The announcement follows decisions by court systems across the country to postpone or suspend operations.
Late last week, the Federal Court adjourned all hearings and trials scheduled for March 16 to March 27. It noted that it will continue to hear urgent motions and requests, as well as hearings, special sittings and case conferences scheduled to take place by phone.
B.C. courts have reduced operations, though courthouses remain open to the public. Beginning Wednesday, the Provincial Court of British Columbia will only hear urgent family, child protection and small claims cases, as determined by a judge. All non-urgent family matters scheduled for between March 18 and May 5 have been adjourned; same for non-urgent small claims matters scheduled for between March 18 and May 15.
Traffic, ticket or bylaw matters scheduled between March 18 and May 4 will be adjourned. Criminal trials, sentencing hearings and urgent matters will proceed as scheduled.
