Provincial court to reopen circuit courthouses

By Jensen, Randy on September 3, 2020.

Final Resumption Stage

LETHBRIDGE HERALD -EDMONTON

Provincial Court Chief Judge Derek Redman of Lethbridge announced Wednesday that the Provincial Court of Alberta will enter its final resumption stage on Tuesday. Beginning on that day, most of the circuit courthouses will start reopening for in-person and remote hearings.

All participants, including counsel, witnesses and accused persons, are encouraged to consult the Provincial Court of Alberta COVID-19 Information Page or contact the base point associated with their circuit point in advance of their scheduled appearance date to confirm that the circuit point is open and operational as intended.

The Court continues to take advantage of the remote options established in the last few months to improve access to justice and to ensure safety of all participants, the Office of the Chief Judge said in a news release. In particular, criminal dockets will continue to be remote in most locations.

Updated individual protocols for the different regions are being posted under the corresponding area of the COVID-19 Information page.

Strict health and safety measures have been put in place in all locations for: physical distancing and monitoring of same; wearing of masks and other personal protection equipment (PPE); modifying courtrooms and other spaces; and enhanced cleaning.

People asked not to come into a courthouse in person if you have been advised to self-isolate by public health officials, your doctor or the self-assessment tool on the Alberta Health Services website, or you are self-isolating as a result of travel or contact with individuals with COVID-19.

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