As mentioned last week, amendments to the Federal Courts Rules are being made, and were published in the Canada Gazette today for:
The Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal published a book celebrating the 50 years of the Courts. Following a book launch today, the Courts are hosting sessions later this year reflecting on key areas of jurisdiction: immigration, national security, and intellectual property.
Several appointments were made today, including:
Appointments were also made today to the Tax Court and the courts in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador. Continue reading Appointments
Amendments to the Federal Courts Rules have been registered based on proposed amendments published back in 2016. These amendments include (1) increases to the monetary limit for prothonotaries and for simplified actions; (2) provide for excerpts in books of authorities; (3) a timeline for filing of books of authorities in appeals; (4) condensed appeal books; (5) establishing a “Notice of Intention to Respond” and standardize the timeline for filing a defence for defendants who are served in either Canada or the United States; and (6) clarifying the material to be contained in an applicant’s record.
The Federal Court of Appeal has issued another Practice Notice updating its COVID-19 related suspension periods including for files that were suspended in April (see earlier post) now that the “public health situation has now improved sufficiently”.
The Federal Court of Appeal, in a new Practice Notice “Electronic Service of Documents for the duration of the Suspension Period”, makes electronic service by email permissible in all cases and requires email addresses be added to all documents filed with the Federal Court of Appeal, with limited exceptions, while the, now indefinite, Suspension Period is in effect.
The Federal Court of Appeal has posted an updated COVID-19 Practice Notice relating to “deteriorating situation in some jurisdictions” placing some files back in suspension and asking that materials be filed electronically.
Proposed amendments to the Federal Courts Rules were published in the Canada Gazette for consultation for 60 days. The amendments are in three parts: enforcement of orders, limited scope representation, and proportionality/abuse of process and FCA motions. Among the changes, Rule 3 would be amended to “These Rules shall be interpreted and applied (a) so as to secure the just, most expeditious and least expensive determination of every proceeding on its merits outcome of every proceeding; and (b) with consideration being given to the principle of proportionality, including consideration of the proceeding’s complexity, the importance of the issues involved and the amount in dispute.” Continue reading Federal Courts
The FCA issued a COVID related Practice Notice this week regarding in person, remote and hybrid hearings taking place this fall. It also comments on phase out of the Suspension Period at the FCA and the Time Limits and Other Periods Act (COVID-19). The FCA has been posting cases released from the Suspension Period each week.
The Federal Court of Appeal has announced phase-out of its COVID-19 Suspension Period by identify “Selected Files” on a list to be posted each Monday starting June 22 which are released from the Suspension Period. Continue reading Federal Court of Appeal