COVID-19 Update - August 6, 2020

Nearly 5 months into the pandemic, it is fair to say that everyone has faced real challenges, and the legal system is doing its best to adapt. We at Sparling Paralegal are available to help you through this difficult time, but for the safety of our Staff and Clients, we have implemented the following measures to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

1) All staff and clients will wear a mask all all points during meetings, with the possible exception of identity verification.

2) All reasonable steps will be taken to meet or exchange documents via telephone, video conference or email to avoid unnecessary exposure.

3) Where meetings in person are required, all appropriate "reopening stage" guidelines will be followed, including the possible necessity of meeting outdoors.

4) Clients are asked to self assess for new COVID-19 symptoms prior to their meeting. Staff may complete a Covid-19 assessment checklist with you by telephone or email prior to your visit. If you are feeling unwell, have been exposed to COVID-19, or have travelled outside the country, we will gladly reschedule your appointment, at no cost, to support you in making a responsible decision.

In the Interim, the Ontario Government Emergency Order of 20 March, 2020 remains in effect. This means that the Landlord Tenant Board limitations periods are still suspended, retroactive to 16 March 2020, and as of the time of writing, this order continues until at least 11 September 2020. To read more about the board's policies, click here. They have begun to hear some cases, but "Until further notice, the LTB is not hearing eviction applications and is not issuing eviction orders unless the matter is urgent because there is a serious and ongoing health or safety issue at the residential complex or a serious illegal act that occurred at the residential complex."

The Superior Court of Justice has suspended counter service for Small Claims Court. A detailed list of their Covid-19 announcements can be found here.