Provincial Offence Act Court proceedings could soon be back in session in-person.
The pandemic put the court on hold in March 2020.
It had been using the Fort Frances council chambers.
Provincial Offences Administrator Lisa Sheppard says the Ministry of the Attorney General okayed the use of Zoom sessions back in March.
“We also live in a very, vast jurisdiction, and the internet is pretty sketchy in some spots. If that person is unable to attend remotely, I would accommodate them in the courtroom,” says Sheppard.
Final approval must first come from town council.
The town’s administration and finance executive committee is recommending that okay.
Sheppard says the use of virtual sessions has been beneficial in the meantime.
“Court is going on through amazing technology. The court has pivoted very, very quickly. That will stay in place because it has proven to be a wonderful modernization of the courts.”
