Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench issues new directive on with notice applications

By Ian Burns

Law360 Canada (May 26, 2020, 12:13 PM EDT) -- Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench announced that it has updated its procedures on with notice applications in civil justice chambers.

According to the court, effective immediately, in cases where each party is represented by counsel, with notice applications that would otherwise be heard in justice chambers (including special chambers) may be submitted to the court by desk application with written argument.

The court says the following (non-exhaustive) matters may be heard by this desk application process:
  • master appeals
  • appeals from the provincial court family and civil divisions
  • estate matters, such as interim distributions, advice and directions
  • minors’ property settlements or settlements involving persons under a trusteeship order
  • forfeitures (i.e. proceeds of crime)

The following (non-exhaustive) matters may not be heard by this desk application process:
  • restraining orders
  • landlord and tenant stays/appeals
  • contempt applications

More information can be found here.