OLRB, Workplace Safety tribunal hearings suspended

TORONTO — Lawyer Ryan Plener of McCarthy Tetrault LLP has written a blog posted on Lexology summarizing closures of Ontario tribunals due to coronavirus concerns as of March 16. 

Among the agencies that have cancelled hearings are the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Tribunal. 

Plener reported that all in-person hearings at the OLRB are cancelled until March 27, 2020. Parties with matters before the board may apply in writing to reschedule their adjourned hearings. The board will continue to receive applications, responses and any other submissions.  

All OLRB representation votes are to be held electronically effective March 13 to 27. As well, all in-person mediation meetings scheduled are cancelled and will be held instead by teleconference or email, Plener noted. 

Effective March 16, all in-person hearings at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Tribunal are cancelled until further notice. Plener reported that hearing options such as written and telephone hearings will be considered.  

The WSIB closed its offices on March 11. 

As for Ontario courts, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has suspended all operations until June 2; Provincial Offences Act courtrooms will also be closed until April 3; and Small Claims Courts are closed until further notice.