Billington Barristers response to COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta Courts have greatly restricted access and have cancelled or rescheduled many hearings. The Court remains open for “emergency” and “urgent” matters, many of which are frequently handled by Billington Barristers. These include orders that are related to the COVID pandemic, injunctions (including Anton Piller and Mareva type orders), preservation orders and certain proceedings in Receiverships and commercial matters under the Companies Creditors’ Arrangement Act.

Billington Barristers will remain open unless there is a government requirement to close. We expect that the Court, particularly the Court of Queen’s Bench, to remain open for emergency and urgent matters and we are ready to serve our clients’ needs.

At Billington Barristers, we have extensive experience in dealing with the matters the Court has designated as “emergency” and “urgent”.

Billington Barristers are ready to respond in this rapidly developing crisis situation.

As part of our response to the virus, our team will be practicing remotely from home as much as is practicable. Our staff will rotate between attendance at the office and remote work from home. We advise that the best way to communicate with our lawyers and staff will be by e-mail. In-person meetings are generally being rescheduled or set as teleconferences in order to aid in “social distancing” and to minimize exposure of our clients to other persons.

Many matters previously scheduled for court hearing are subject to a blanket adjournment order. Unless matters are emergencies or urgent, they will not be dealt with by the Court until March 27 at the earliest. The Court has advised that it may revise that date.

It is important to note that limitation periods are not affected by this announcement, and most deadlines in the course of litigation are not affected. Court remains open for the filing of documents, including originating proceedings.

The Court of Queen’s Bench announcement can be found at this link: Alberta Courts COVID-19 Suspension of Sittings

The Court of Appeal has also announced changes to some of its procedures, generally requiring video or teleconference attendance in lieu of the usual personal appearances required of counsel and litigants. The Court of Appeal’s announcement is found at: https://www.albertacourts.ca/ca/publications/announcements/notice—covid-19

If you have questions about how this affects your matter, we are ready to respond.