News Release

McGuinty Government Opens Expanded Civil Court Operations In Toronto

New Courtrooms To Provide More Efficient, Effective Court Services

September 11, 2006

News

TORONTO — The McGuinty government is increasing access to justice by relocating a number of civil courtrooms to a larger, more modern facility in downtown Toronto, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

"By opening this new facility we are enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the civil court system," said Bryant. "It will result in improved services and better access to justice, especially for those in the Greater Toronto Area."

The new courts are located at 330 University Avenue and trials are scheduled to begin today. There are nine courtrooms to accommodate civil, commercial and estates trials, as well as office space for administration and mediation. The court also features improved public and counsel table seating, as well as translation booths. The space was previously leased by the federal government for court operations.

Most of the civil court space formerly located at 361 University Avenue is now being renovated to house Ontario's first major crime court.

"We are pleased that the government is taking steps to modernize Toronto civil court facilities," said Michael Barrack, President of The Advocates' Society. "It will make it that much easier for people to access the justice system and get the services they require."

"We congratulate the government on this initiative, which provides modern court facilities reflecting the diversity of the needs and issues facing civil courts in Ontario's largest urban centre," said James Morton, President of the Ontario Bar Association. "It will deliver positive, tangible results for everyone who uses it."

"Excellent planning and service delivery considerations are reflected in the expanded operations of this facility," said Bruce Hutchison, President of the Toronto Lawyers Association. "The courtrooms to accommodate long civil trials will especially support the needs of both professionals and clients."

"Upgrading Toronto's civil court facilities is a tangible and meaningful demonstration of the government's commitment to improve the civil court system and increase access to justice," said Greg Monforton, President of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.

Modernizing these new civil courts and operations is just one way the McGuinty government is improving access to justice. Other initiatives include:

• Implementing a new regulatory scheme to protect people who hire lawyers on a contingency fee basis. Contingency fee agreements lower the cost barrier for people.
• Introducing legislation that would, if passed, amend the Limitations Act to give potential litigants and businesses the opportunity to reach their own arrangements on limitation periods. A limitation period is a time period that sets out how long a person has to start legal proceedings.
• Providing low-income Ontarians with greater access to justice through court fee waivers. People who meet the eligibility criteria automatically qualify for fee waivers, while those who do not qualify may ask a judge, in writing, for a waiver.

Contacts

Greg Crone
Minister's Office
(416) 326-1785

Brendan Crawley
Communications Branch
(416) 326-2210

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