Updated Notice No. 3 regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic (June 12 2020)

The Competition Tribunal continues to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and to take measures to protect the health and safety of employees, parties and the public. Given the current government and public health information, and the developments that have taken place since the Tribunal issued its Updated Notice No. 2 regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic on May 15, 2020 (“May Notice”), the Tribunal now puts the following revised measures in place, effective immediately.

Suspension Period

The Suspension Period (as the term was defined in the May Notice) expires at the end of the day on June 12, 2020. This means that the running of timelines set out in the Competition Tribunal Rules (“Rules”) is no longer suspended and parties are expected to comply with those timelines. The Tribunal continues to encourage counsel and the parties to work together when seeking extensions of timelines scheduled in Tribunal Orders and Directions.

Competition Tribunal Offices

The Tribunal is open for business but the Tribunal premises remain closed to the public. Tribunal Members and employees are equipped to work remotely and continue to provide services to the parties and the public.

Filing of Case Documents

The Tribunal’s electronic filing system is fully operational and parties should continue to file their documents by electronic transmission in accordance with Rule 12. The Tribunal does not allow paper filing until further notice.

Timelines and Tribunal Hearings

There will be no in-person hearings until further notice. The Tribunal is looking at different ways to resume in-person hearings while safeguarding the health and safety of employees, parties and the public.

For the time being, all Tribunal matters will be heard remotely by way of either telephone or videoconference. In addition to urgent matters, the Tribunal will now be ready to hear all other matters. Parties can continue to file new applications with the Tribunal.

Updates on Tribunal Website and Flexibility

The Tribunal recognizes that the situation is constantly evolving and information on any changes to the Tribunal’s operations will be posted on the Tribunal website. The Tribunal is committed to being flexible in assisting the parties and the public in dealing with this situation. Please do not hesitate to contact the Tribunal Registry should you have any further questions.

Justice Denis Gascon
Chairperson