Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice system measures

In this section:

 

Because of the exceptional situation created by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Québec government has introduced emergency measures to protect the health of the population. Some of these measures concern the justice system.

To protect the general public and staff working in the court system while preserving citizens’ rights, the Ministère de la Justice has limited access to buildings where court services are provided. At the same time, it has suspended prescription and procedural periods. Priority is given to the measures needed to limit the spread of coronavirus in the population, while maintaining essential justice services throughout Québec.

The urgent judicial activities are as follows:

  • Application for interim injunction
  • Seizures before judgment
  • Orders for release from seizure, quashing of seizures before judgment or contested eviction orders
  • Delivery of notices of execution (eviction) following a decision by a tribunal
  • Safeguard orders
  • Custody and support applications
  • Application for psychiatric assessment art. 27 C.C.Q.
  • Application to authorize confinement in an institution art. 30 C.C.Q.
  • Consent to care art. 14 C.C.Q.
  • Habeas corpus
  • Any other matter deemed urgent by the judge

  • Issuance of search warrants
  • Appearance of persons who were arrested or detained and adjudication on failure to appear
  • Release hearing
  • Preliminary inquiry and/or trial if the judge determines urgency
  • Trial of pre-trial detainees (if urgent)
  • Continuation of trials in cases of assault against minors when ordered by a judge
  • Continuation of jury trials
  • Habeas corpus
  • Review of orders made under section 515 of the Cr. C. (s. 520 Cr. C.)

  • Issuance of search warrants
  • Appearance of a person arrested in execution of a warrant
  • Any other case deemed urgent by the judge

  • Application to extend immediate protective measures s. 47 Y.P.A.
  • Application for provisional measures or application for mandatory temporary placement s. 76.1 & 79 Y.P.A.
  • Application under section 11.1.1 of the Y.P.A. (intensive supervision)
  • Hearing on the merits when the child is removed from his/her environment under section 38 Y.P.A.
  • Applications for adoption when the judge determines urgency
  • Applications under ss. 35.2 and 35.3 of the Y.P.A.

Frequently asked questions

The following sections answers some of the most frequently-asked questions: 

COVID-19 legal aid clinic

A telephone hotline offering free legal assistance is already in operation. You can get answers to questions about your rights and obligations during the current pandemic.

The hotline is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and is staffed by legal experts throughout Québec who can quickly respond to your legal concerns.

To reach the COVID-19 legal aid clinic:

  • 1 866 699-9729 (toll free)
  • 418 838-6415 (Capitale-Nationale region)
  • 514 789-2755 (Montréal)
  • 819 303-4080 (Gatineau)

Important: If your question concerns the services provided by the Ministère de la Justice, in particular in courthouses, you should contact the Centre de communication avec la clientèle (CCC) at 1 866 536-5140. Before calling the hotline or the CCC, please refer to the “Questions and answers” document in the text box above.

Centre de communication avec la clientèle CCC Hotline

If your question concerns the services provided by the Ministère de la Justice, in particular in courthouses, you should contact the Centre de communication avec la clientèle (CCC) at 1 866 536-5140.

Courts and Tribunals of Québec

Various measures have been taken by the Courts and Tribunals of Québec. Information sections have been added to their respective websites and are kept up to date:

 

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