The following is a brief summary of what there is to know in the Civil Justice Department, Gatineau District, during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• The extinctive prescription and lapse of time periods in civil matters, as well as the civil deadlines are suspended until the expiry of the period of the declaration of a state of health emergency, starting on March 13, 2020 (until April 7 for the moment but a further extension is to be expected).
• All trials are cancelled: Court of Quebec, including small claims (until May 31), Superior Court (until April 30) as well as at the Régie du logement and other administrative tribunals).
• For small claims, you will receive a new notice of hearing. The other trials will be the subject of a priority provisional appeal to reschedule them.
• Only cases deemed urgent by judges are heard (e.g. injunctions, safeguard orders, child custody cases…).
• Service by bailiffs: only emergencies or by electronic means which you cannot refuse.
• You can be sworn remotely if necessary.

Justice services are on the list of essential services. Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions, urgent or not. We work remotely but are fully functional and offer all our usual services but without physical contact. We wish you all the best!