The amendments to the Rules will provide a more structured procedure for bringing new evidence motions. They will also address challenges parties face when the entirety of an appeal relies on the introduction of further evidence or when allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel are raised as a ground of appeal, which frequently involve motions to introduce further evidence.
In such cases, the appellant will often want to provide the Court with information concerning instructions to and conduct of counsel. This information will typically come before the Court by way of a motion for leave to file fresh evidence. Any response to such evidence will usually come from counsel in first instance or cross-examination of affidavit evidence by the responding party. The Court may also need to consider opposing affidavits from the respondent which the appellant may wish to cross-examine on. “
All Court of Appeal Notices and Practice Directions can be found on the Manitoba Courts website.
“Amendments to Rule 37.2 of the Court of Appeal Rules came into force on October 31, 2022. The use of audio or videoconference technology will become a regular procedure for chambers hearings, while remaining an extraordinary procedure for appeals before a panel.
Requests to Appear Remotely: Parties will no longer be required to bring a motion to appear by audio or videoconference. In all instances, a party should make a written request to the registrar, who maintains discretion to waive or adjust the prescribed timelines. Parties must provide notice of a request to appear remotely to every other party directly affected by the appeal, motion or application.
For Chambers: A request is to be filed with the party’s initiating or responding materials and no later than two (2) business days prior to the hearing. Permission will be granted to the party to appear by their preferred mode, unless the registrar determines that remote participation is not appropriate in the circumstances.
For Appeals: A request is to be filed no later than ten (10) business days prior to the hearing of the appeal and should set out the circumstances giving rise to the request for a remote hearing. Parties may wish to address some or all instances stated in the practice direction. The court or a judge may then permit a party to participate by audioconference or videoconference if they determine there are special circumstances that make remote participation appropriate.
Videoconference Procedure: In preparation for their appearance, parties should refer to the Videoconference Hearing Procedure for Lawyers and Self-Represented Parties. It is recommended that parties conduct a videoconference test call to ensure a stable connection and functioning microphone and video.”
The full notice regarding this update can be found here.
“The Prime Minister of Canada has announced that September 19, 2022 will be a federal holiday and a day of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Province of Manitoba is recognizing September 19, 2022 as a day of mourning and has announced that all non-essential government services and offices will be closed for the day.
Mindful that the Courts provide an essential service, given access to justice challenges due to COVID-19, and in fairness to Court participants, the Courts have determined they cannot adjourn cases already booked and so will proceed as scheduled on September 19, 2022.
However, in order to recognize the day of mourning, all trials and appeals will commence one hour later than scheduled.”
“Effective immediately, in new proceedings where the Crown is a party, the Crown should be described as “His Majesty the King” and not “Her Majesty the Queen”.” See the notice more more details.
A new notice from all court levels has been issued stating that “mask use will no longer be required in court facilities effective Monday, May 16, 2022. Masks may continue to be worn, unless requested otherwise by a presiding judge in the context of a hearing.
Unlimited access to the courts by members of the public will resume on Monday, June 27th, at which time there will no longer be any COVID-19 related restrictions in place.”
Due to the forecasted blizzard conditions, preparations are being made for potential court closures throughout Manitoba for all three levels of court on April 13 and 14.
Should the Courts be closed on these dates, the Great Library will also be closed. We will be working remotely and can still be reached at library@lawsociety.mb.ca.
Notice – All Hearings of the Court of Appeal will be conducted remotely starting January 4, 2022 until further notice (December 20, 2021). This notice replaces the previously issued notice dated August 10, 2021.
As a result of the modelling for the COVID-19 Omicron variant, starting on Tuesday, January 4, 2022:
All appeals will be heard remotely by videoconference; and
All motions or applications will be heard remotely by teleconference.”
For in-custody criminal appeal, motion or application hearings, special procedures are required in order to ensure that the accused can participate in the hearing.
See the full notice for information on how to access a videoconference appeal hearing, and how to access a teleconference motion or application hearing.
The Manitoba Law Library would like to acknowledge with gratitude that we are situated on Treaty One Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree and Dakota peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
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