Briefing re: Association of Justice Counsel Complaint Over Reopening Procedures

• Agency: Department of Justice Canada
• Request Number: A-2020-00638
• Records Requested: September 2020 Briefing Note: 2020-007759 Access to Information System (For Information)
• Date Released: December 2020
• Notes:
  • Page 2 notes that part of the Association of Justice Counsel's complaint is that the Courts Administration Service's reopening guidelines “does not require the wearing of non-medical masks at all times in courts.”
  • Page 9: “Compliance with reasonable health and safety protocols in federal courthouses and courtrooms in no way infringes on the independence of the courts or the judiciary. The proper administration of justice requires reasonable health and safety measures to be followed. To suggest otherwise would tarnish the administration of justice and judicial independence by implying that courts are free to conduct proceedings, such as in-person hearings, in a manner that is not safe or healthy, thereby putting the health of all participants including judges themselves at risk.”

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