FEDS MOVE TO MAKE CIVIL PROCEEDINGS MORE FLEXIBLE

OTTAWA The federal government wants to ensure the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t make someone miss a crucial deadline in a bankruptcy case, divorce proceeding or other civil matter. Justice Minister David Lametti, pictured, is consulting opposition critics on a legislative proposal to provide flexibility on meeting such timelines. There are hundreds of deadlines fixed at the federal level alone with respect to civil proceedings before the courts, the government says. Due to the pandemic, there is a risk many people will be unable to meet federal time limits. Under the proposed legislation, orders to extend or suspend deadlines could be made retroactive to mid-march but would be no longer than six months in duration. The legislation would expire Sept. 30.