Great news! The New Brunswick justice system is undergoing a significant transformation with a $32 million, six-year plan to modernize the courts. The initiative aims to digitize the system by introducing electronic filing, improving in-court technology, and increasing public access for self-representation. This is huge! Electronic filing is allowed in other provinces in Canada and in state in the US, but New Brunswick courts have mostly required documents to be filed in paper format and in person. This can add significant costs to for clients for delivery and filing of documents.
In a recent CBC News article (link here), Justice Minister Rob McKee emphasized that these changes are necessary to make the system more efficient and user friendly and to reduce delays. The system has long relied on paper files, and both judges and legal professionals have called for the overhaul to address these outdated practices.
One of the key components of the plan is video conferencing, which will provide more flexibility, such as enabling lawyers and prisoners to participate remotely in court proceedings. This is helpful, especially for short, procedural appearances, that do not require a significant amount of lawyer time, saving client costs related to travel to court. Additionally, the project seeks to reduce the court backlog by adding six new Crown prosecutor positions, addressing the growing volume of digital evidence, including from body-worn cameras, and implementing more streamlined case management systems.
The overhaul also responds to the delays highlighted by the Supreme Court of Canada’s Jordan decision, which set trial deadlines that New Brunswick’s courts have struggled to meet. With an increasing number of self-represented litigants and more people opting for electronic filing for uncontested cases like divorces, the changes are expected to reduce travel costs and make the justice system more accessible.
Marc Richard, the executive director of the Law Society of New Brunswick, has advocated for these technological advancements for years, particularly noting the system’s inadequacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. This transformation is expected to make the courts more efficient, improve access for lawyers and clients, and help reduce the backlog of cases.
We wanted to pass along this information to our clients and community at large. These are significant and much needed changes. We can’t wait to see some of these changes in practice one day!