R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194: RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

Courts of Justice Act

R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 194

RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

Historical version for the period August 2, 2024 to August 31, 2024.

Last amendment: 322/24.

Legislative History: 219/91, 396/91, 73/92, 175/92, 535/92, 770/92, 212/93, 465/93, 466/93, 766/93, 351/94, 484/94, 739/94, 740/94, 69/95, 70/95, 377/95, 533/95, 534/95, 60/96, 61/96, 175/96, 332/96, 333/96, 536/96, 554/96, 555/96, 118/97, 348/97, 427/97, 442/97, 171/98, 214/98, 217/98, 292/98, 452/98, 453/98, 570/98, 627/98, 288/99, 290/99, 292/99, 484/99, 488/99, 583/99, 24/00, 25/00, 504/00, 652/00, 653/00, 654/00, 113/01, 243/01, 244/01, 284/01, 427/01, 447/01, 457/01, 206/02, 308/02, 336/02, 19/03, 54/03, 263/03, 419/03, 14/04, 131/04, 132/04, 219/04, 42/05, 168/05, 198/05, 260/05, 77/06, 8/07, 573/07, 575/07, 55/08, 438/08, 394/09, 453/09, 186/10, 436/10, 55/12, 399/12, 231/13, 43/14, 170/14, CTR 16 MR 10 - 1, CTR 16 MR 10 - 2, 259/14, 193/15, 147/16, 281/16, 487/16, 82/17, 203/17, CTR 25 JL 17 - 1, 2, 584/17, CTR 06 JL 18 - 1, 536/18, 537/18, 344/19, 455/19, 456/19, CTR 12 FE 20 - 4, 316/20, 441/20, 496/20, 689/20, 690/20, 711/20, 107/21, 111/21, 248/21, 343/21, 383/21, 526/21, 709/21, 18/22, 224/22, 435/22, 520/22, 188/23, 383/23, 388/23, 12/24, 175/24, 176/24, 300/24, 301/24, 322/24.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

CONTENTS

 

GENERAL MATTERs

RULE 1  CITATION, APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION

Citation

Title

1.01 (1) These rules may be cited as the Rules of Civil Procedure.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 6 (1).

Subdivision

(2) In these rules,

(a) all the provisions identified by the same number to the left of the decimal point comprise a Rule (for example, Rule 1, which consists of rules 1.01 to 1.09);

(b) a provision identified by a number with a decimal point is a rule (for example, rule 1.01); and

(c) a rule may be subdivided into,

(i) subrules (for example, subrule 1.01 (2)),

(ii) clauses (for example, clause 1.01 (2) (c) or 2.02 (a)),

(iii) subclauses (for example, subclause 1.01 (2) (c) (iii) or 7.01 (c) (i)),

(iv) paragraphs (for example, paragraph 1 of subrule 52.07 (1)), and

(v) definitions (for example, the definition of “action” in rule 1.03).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 1.01 (2); O. Reg. 284/01, s. 1; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 6 (2).

Alternative Method of Referring to Rules

(3) In a proceeding in a court, it is sufficient to refer to a rule or subdivision of a rule as “rule” followed by the number of the rule, subrule, clause, subclause or paragraph (for example, rule 1.01, rule 1.01 (2), rule 1.01 (2) (c), rule 1.01 (2) (c) (iii) or rule 52.07 (1) 1).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 1.01 (3).

Application of Rules

Court of Appeal and Superior Court of Justice

1.02 (1) These rules apply to all civil proceedings in the Court of Appeal and in the Superior Court of Justice, subject to the following exceptions:

1. They do not apply to proceedings in the Small Claims Court, which are governed by Ontario Regulation 258/98 (Rules of the Small Claims Court).

2. They do not apply to proceedings governed by Ontario Regulation 114/99 (Family Law Rules), except as provided in those rules.

3. They do not apply if a statute provides for a different procedure.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 1.02 (1); O. Reg. 484/94, s. 1; O. Reg. 288/99, s. 1 (1, 2); O. Reg. 292/99, s. 1 (1, 2); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 1 (1, 2); O. Reg. 394/09, s. 1.

Combined Proceeding in Family Court of Superior Court of Justice

(1.1) Where a proceeding combines a matter to which the Family Law Rules apply with a matter to which these rules would ordinarily apply, the parties may agree, or the court on motion may order, that the Family Law Rules apply to the combined proceeding or part of it.  O. Reg. 131/04, s. 1 (3).

(2)-(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 504/00, s. 1.

Definitions

1.03 (1) In these rules, unless the context requires otherwise,

“action” means a proceeding that is not an application and includes a proceeding commenced by,

(a) statement of claim,

(b) notice of action,

(c) counterclaim,

(d) crossclaim, or

(e) third or subsequent party claim; (“action”)

“appellant” means a person who brings an appeal; (“appelant”)

“appellate court” means the Court of Appeal or the Divisional Court, as the circumstances require; (“tribunal d’appel”)

“applicant” means a person who makes an application; (“requérant”)

“application” means a proceeding commenced by notice of application; (“requête”)

“certificate of appointment of estate trustee” means letters probate, letters of administration or letters of administration with the will annexed, and includes a small estate certificate or amended small estate certificate (74C, 74.1C or 74.1F); (“certificat de nomination à titre de fiduciaire de la succession”)

“county” includes a district, a regional or district municipality, and the City of Toronto; (“comté”)

“court” means the court in which a proceeding is pending and, in the case of a proceeding in the Superior Court of Justice, includes an associate judge; (“tribunal”)

“defendant” means a person against whom an action is commenced; (“défendeur”)

“deliver” means serve and file with proof of service, and “delivery” has a corresponding meaning; (“remettre”, “remise”)

“disability”, where used in respect of a person, means that the person is,

(a) a minor,

(b) mentally incapable within the meaning of section 6 or 45 of the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 in respect of an issue in the proceeding, whether the person has a guardian or not, or

(c) an absentee within the meaning of the Absentees Act; (“incapable”, “incapacité”)

“discovery” means discovery of documents, examination for discovery, inspection of property and medical examination of a party as provided under Rules 30 to 33; (“enquête préalable”)

“document” includes data and information in electronic form; (“document”)

“electronic” includes created, recorded, transmitted or stored in digital form or in other intangible form by electronic, magnetic or optical means or by any other means that has capabilities for creation, recording, transmission or storage similar to those means, and “electronically” has a corresponding meaning; (“électronique”, “par voie électronique”)

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 1.03 (1) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following definition: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 1)

“factum” includes a book of authorities, if one is required by rule 4.06.1; (“mémoire”)

“hearing” means the hearing of an application, motion, reference, appeal or assessment of costs, or a trial; (“audience”)

“holiday” means,

(a) any Saturday or Sunday,

(b) New Year’s Day,

(b.1) Family Day,

(c) Good Friday,

(d) Easter Monday,

(e) Victoria Day,

(f) Canada Day,

(g) Civic Holiday,

(h) Labour Day,

(i) Thanksgiving Day,

(j) Remembrance Day,

(k) Christmas Day,

(l) Boxing Day, and

(m) any special holiday proclaimed by the Governor General or the Lieutenant Governor,

and where New Year’s Day, Canada Day or Remembrance Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is a holiday, and where Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday and Tuesday are holidays, and where Christmas Day falls on a Friday, the following Monday is a holiday; (“jour férié”)

“judge” means a judge of the court but does not include an associate judge; (“juge”)

“judgment” means a decision that finally disposes of an application or action on its merits and includes a judgment entered in consequence of the default of a party; (“jugement”)

“lawyer” means a person authorized under the Law Society Act to practise law in Ontario; (“avocat”)

“lawyer’s office” means the office of the lawyer of record as set out in the last document filed by him or her; (“bureau de l’avocat”)

“limited scope retainer” means the provision of legal services by a lawyer for part, but not all, of a client’s legal matter by agreement between the lawyer and the client; (“mandat à portée limitée”)

“motion” means a motion in a proceeding or an intended proceeding; (“motion”)

“moving party” means a person who makes a motion; (“auteur de la motion”)

“order” includes a judgment; (“ordonnance”)

“originating process” means a document that commences a proceeding under these rules, and includes,

(a) a statement of claim,

(b) a notice of action, 

(c) a notice of application,

(d) an application for a certificate of appointment of estate trustee, a small estate certificate or an amended small estate certificate,

(e) a counterclaim against a person who is not already a party to the main action, and

(f) a third or subsequent party claim,

but does not include a counterclaim that is only against persons who are parties to the main action, a crossclaim or a notice of motion; (“acte introductif d’instance”)

“partial indemnity costs” mean costs awarded in accordance with Part I of Tariff A, and “on a partial indemnity basis” has a corresponding meaning; (“dépens d’indemnisation partielle”)

“person” includes a party to a proceeding; (“personne”)

“plaintiff” means a person who commences an action; (“demandeur”)

“proceeding” means an action or application; (“instance”)

“referee” means the person to whom a reference in a proceeding is directed; (“arbitre”)

“registrar” means the Registrar of the Divisional Court or Court of Appeal, or a local registrar of the Superior Court of Justice, as the circumstances require; (“greffier”)

“respondent” means a person against whom an application is made or an appeal is brought, as the circumstances require; (“intimé”)

“responding party” means a person against whom a motion is made; (“partie intimée”)

“statute” includes a statute passed by the Parliament of Canada; (“loi”)

“substantial indemnity costs” mean costs awarded in an amount that is 1.5 times what would otherwise be awarded in accordance with Part I of Tariff A, and “on a substantial indemnity basis” has a corresponding meaning; (“dépens d’indemnisation substantielle”)

“timetable” means a schedule for the completion of one or more steps required to advance the proceeding (including delivery of affidavits of documents, examinations under oath, where available, or motions), established by order of the court or by written agreement of the parties that is not contrary to an order; (“calendrier”)

“will” includes any testamentary instrument of which probate or administration may be granted. (“testament”)

R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 1.03; O. Reg. 535/92, s. 2; O. Reg. 484/94, s. 2; O. Reg. 69/95, s. 1; O. Reg. 442/97, s. 1; O. Reg. 570/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 292/99, s. 1 (2); O. Reg. 427/01, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 284/01, s. 2; O. Reg. 14/04, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 2; O. Reg. 42/05, s. 1; O. Reg. 260/05, s. 1; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 7; O. Reg. 438/08, ss. 1, 66; O. Reg. 231/13, s. 1; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 1, 15; O. Reg. 709/21, s. 1.

(2) Revoked:  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 1 (2).

Interpretation

General Principle

1.04 (1) These rules shall be liberally construed to secure the just, most expeditious and least expensive determination of every civil proceeding on its merits.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 1.04 (1).

Proportionality

(1.1) In applying these rules, the court shall make orders and give directions that are proportionate to the importance and complexity of the issues, and to the amount involved, in the proceeding.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 2.

Matters Not Provided For

(2) Where matters are not provided for in these rules, the practice shall be determined by analogy to them.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 1.04 (2).

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 231/13, s. 2.

“Party and Party” Costs

(4) If a statute, regulation or other document refers to party and party costs, these rules apply as if the reference were to partial indemnity costs.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 3.

“Solicitor and Client” Costs

(5) If a statute, regulation or other document refers to solicitor and client costs, these rules apply as if the reference were to substantial indemnity costs.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 3.

Orders on Terms

1.05 When making an order under these rules the court may impose such terms and give such directions as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 1.05.

Forms

Use of Forms

1.06 (1) The forms prescribed by these rules shall be used where applicable and with such variations as the circumstances require.  O. Reg. 77/06, s. 1.

Table of Forms

(2) In these rules, when a form is referred to by number, the reference is to the form with that number that is described in the Table of Forms at the end of these rules and is available on the Internet through www.ontariocourtforms.on.ca.  O. Reg. 77/06, s. 1.

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 188/23, s. 1 (2).

Practice Directions

Definition

1.07 (1) In this rule,

“practice direction” means a direction, notice, guide or similar publication for the purpose of governing, subject to these rules, the practice for proceedings.  O. Reg. 132/04, s. 1.

Court of Appeal

(2) A practice direction for proceedings in the Court of Appeal shall be signed by the Chief Justice of Ontario.  O. Reg. 132/04, s. 1.

Superior Court of Justice

(3) A practice direction for proceedings in the Superior Court of Justice throughout Ontario shall be signed by the Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice.  O. Reg. 132/04, s. 1.

(4) A practice direction for proceedings in the Superior Court of Justice in a region shall be signed by the regional senior judge and countersigned by the Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice.  O. Reg. 132/04, s. 1.

Filing and Publication

(5) A practice direction shall be filed with the secretary of the Civil Rules Committee and published on the Ontario Courts website. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 1.

Effective Date

(6) A practice direction does not come into effect before it is filed and published in accordance with subrule (5). O. Reg. 537/18, s. 1.

Method of Attendance at Hearings, etc.

Attendance Before the Court

1.08 (1) A party seeking a hearing or other step in a proceeding that permits or requires the attendance of parties before the court shall, in the forms or other documents required under these rules to be filed in advance of the hearing or step, specify by which of the following methods the party proposes that the parties attend at the hearing or step:

1. In person.

2. By telephone conference.

3. By video conference. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 526/21, s. 1 (1).

Exception, Court of Appeal

(2) This rule does not apply with respect to proceedings in the Court of Appeal, which may be heard as directed by the court. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1.

Exception, Case Conferences

(3) This rule does not apply with respect to case conferences, which shall be held by telephone conference unless the court specifies a different method of attendance. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1.

Objection

(4) A party who wishes to oppose the proposed method of attendance shall deliver a notice of objection in Form 1A before the earlier of,

(a) 10 days after the document specifying the proposed method of attendance was served on the party; and

(b) seven days before the hearing or step. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1.

Objection to be Dealt with at Case Conference

(5) If a notice of objection is delivered, the court shall order a case conference under rule 50.13 to deal with the objection. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 526/21, s. 1 (2).

Method to be Determined by Order

(6) At the case conference referred to in subrule (5), the court shall make an order directing the method of attendance at the hearing or step and, in doing so, the court shall consider, as applicable,

(a) the availability of telephone conference or video conference facilities;

(b) the general principle that evidence and argument should be presented orally in open court;

(c) the importance of the evidence to the determination of the issues in the case;

(d) the effect of a telephone conference or video conference on the court’s ability to make findings, including determinations about the credibility of witnesses;

(e) the importance in the circumstances of the case of observing the demeanour of a witness;

(f) whether a party, witness or lawyer for a party is unable to attend by a method because of infirmity, illness or any other reason;

(g) the balance of convenience between any party wishing the telephone conference or video conference and any party or parties opposing; and

(h) any other relevant matter. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 526/21, s. 1 (3, 4).

No Objection

(7) If no notice of objection is filed, the parties are deemed to have agreed to attendance by the proposed method and, unless the court directs otherwise, the hearing or step shall proceed by that method. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1.

Attendance at Mediations, Oral Examinations

(8) In the case of a mediation under Rule 24.1, 75.1 or 75.2 or of any step to which Rule 34 applies, the mediation or step shall be held by a method of attendance referred to in subrule (1) determined in accordance with the following rules:

1. If the parties and any other person who is required to attend the mediation or step agree on the method of attendance, the mediation or step shall be held by that method.

2. If the parties and any other person who is required to attend the mediation or step fail to agree on the method of attendance,

i. in the case of a mediation to be held under Rule 24.1 or a step to which Rule 34 applies, one of the parties shall request a case conference under rule 50.13 for an order directing the method of attendance, or

ii. in the case of a mediation to be held under Rule 75.1 or 75.2, the court shall, on the motion for directions under rule 75.1.05 or 75.2.03, as the case may be, make an order directing the method of attendance.

3. In making an order directing the method of attendance, the court shall consider any applicable factors listed in subrule (6). O. Reg. 526/21, s. 1 (5).

Transition, References under the Solicitors Act

(9) Rule 1.08.1, as it read immediately before it was revoked, continues to apply with respect to a reference under the Solicitors Act of a lawyer’s bill for assessment, if a party to the reference made a request under that rule before the day section 1 of Ontario Regulation 689/20 came into force. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1.

1.08.1 Revoked: O. Reg. 689/20, s. 1.

Communications out of Court

1.09 When a proceeding is pending before the court, no party to the proceeding and no party’s lawyer shall communicate about the proceeding with a judge or associate judge out of court, directly or indirectly, unless,

(a) all the parties consent, in advance, to the out-of-court communication; or

(b) the court directs otherwise.  O. Reg. 132/04, s. 2; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 66; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

RULE 2  NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE RULES

Effect of Non-Compliance

2.01 (1) A failure to comply with these rules is an irregularity and does not render a proceeding or a step, document or order in a proceeding a nullity, and the court,

(a) may grant all necessary amendments or other relief, on such terms as are just, to secure the just determination of the real matters in dispute; or

(b) only where and as necessary in the interest of justice, may set aside the proceeding or a step, document or order in the proceeding in whole or in part.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 2.01 (1).

(2) The court shall not set aside an originating process on the ground that the proceeding should have been commenced by an originating process other than the one employed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 2.01 (2).

Attacking Irregularity

2.02 A motion to attack a proceeding or a step, document or order in a proceeding for irregularity shall not be made, except with leave of the court,

(a) after the expiry of a reasonable time after the moving party knows or ought reasonably to have known of the irregularity; or

(b) if the moving party has taken any further step in the proceeding after obtaining knowledge of the irregularity.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 2.02.

Court May Dispense with Compliance

2.03 The court may, only where and as necessary in the interest of justice, dispense with compliance with any rule at any time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 2.03.

RULE 2.1 GENERAL POWERS TO STAY OR DISMISS IF VEXATIOUS, ETC.

Stay, Dismissal of Frivolous, Vexatious, Abusive Proceeding

Order to Stay, Dismiss Proceeding

2.1.01 (1) The court may, on its own initiative, stay or dismiss a proceeding if the proceeding appears on its face to be frivolous or vexatious or otherwise an abuse of the process of the court. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Summary Procedure

(2) The court may make a determination under subrule (1) in a summary manner, subject to the procedures set out in this rule. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

(3) Unless the court orders otherwise, an order under subrule (1) shall be made on the basis of written submissions, if any, in accordance with the following procedures:

1. The court shall direct the registrar to give notice (Form 2.1A) to the plaintiff or applicant, as the case may be, that the court is considering making the order.

2. The plaintiff or applicant may, within 15 days after receiving the notice, file with the court a written submission, no more than 10 pages in length, responding to the notice.

3. If the plaintiff or applicant does not file a written submission that complies with paragraph 2, the court may make the order without any further notice to the plaintiff or applicant or to any other party.

4. If the plaintiff or applicant files a written submission that complies with paragraph 2, the court may direct the registrar to give a copy of the submission to any other party.

5. A party who receives a copy of the plaintiff’s or applicant’s submission may, within 10 days after receiving the copy, file with the court a written submission, no more than 10 pages in length, responding to the plaintiff’s or applicant’s submission, and shall give a copy of the responding submission to the plaintiff or applicant and, on the request of any other party, to that party. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

(4) A document required under subrule (3) to be given to a party shall be mailed in the manner described in subclause 16.01 (4) (b) (i), and is deemed to have been received on the fifth day after it is mailed. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Copy of Order

(5) The registrar shall serve a copy of the order by mail on the plaintiff or applicant as soon as possible after the order is made. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Request for Order

(6) Any party to the proceeding may file with the registrar a written request for an order under subrule (1). O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Notification of Court by Registrar

(7) If the registrar becomes aware that a proceeding could be the subject of an order under subrule (1), the registrar shall notify the court. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Stay, Dismissal of Frivolous, Vexatious, Abusive Motion

Order to Stay, Dismiss Motion

2.1.02 (1) The court may, on its own initiative, stay or dismiss a motion if the motion appears on its face to be frivolous or vexatious or otherwise an abuse of the process of the court. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

(2) Subrules 2.1.01 (2) to (7) apply, with necessary modifications, to the making of an order under subrule (1) and, for the purpose,

(a) a reference to the proceeding shall be read as a reference to the motion; and

(b) a reference to the plaintiff or applicant shall be read as a reference to the moving party. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Prohibition on Further Motions

(3) On making an order under subrule (1), the court may also make an order under rule 37.16 prohibiting the moving party from making further motions in a proceeding without leave. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Stay, Dismissal of Proceeding if No Leave under Courts of Justice Act

Order for Stay, Dismissal

2.1.03 (1) If the court determines that a person who is subject to an order under subsection 140 (1) of the Courts of Justice Act has instituted or continued a proceeding without the order having been rescinded or leave granted for the proceeding to be instituted or continued, the court shall make an order staying or dismissing the proceeding. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Request for Order

(2) Any party to the proceeding may file with the registrar a written request for an order under subrule (1). O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Copy of Order

(3) An order under subrule (1) may be made without notice, but the registrar shall serve a copy of the order by mail on every party to the proceeding for whom an address is provided in the originating process as soon as possible after the order is made. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 1.

Note: On the day subsection 7 (1) of Schedule 6 to the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2024 comes into force, rule 2.1 of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1)

RULE 2.1 FRIVOLOUS, VEXATIOUS OR ABUSIVE PROCEEDINGS

Stay or Dismissal of Proceedings

Court May Stay, Dismiss

2.1.01 (1) The court may make an order staying or dismissing a proceeding that appears on its face to be frivolous or vexatious or otherwise an abuse of the process of the court. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Summary Determination

(2) The court may make a determination under subrule (1) in a summary manner, subject to the procedures set out in this rule. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

On Own Initiative or On Request

(3) An order under subrule (1) may be made by the court on its own initiative or on the request of a party to the proceeding under subrule (4). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

How to Request

(4) A party may seek an order under subrule (1) by serving a request in Form 2.1A on every other party and filing it with proof of service. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Registrar May Notify Court

(5) If, in the registrar’s opinion, there is reason to believe that a proceeding may be frivolous or vexatious or otherwise an abuse of the process of the court, the registrar may, in the absence of a request under subrule (4), notify the court. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Notice to Parties

(6) If, on review of a request under subrule (4) or on its own initiative, the court determines that it may be appropriate to make an order under subrule (1), the court shall direct the registrar to give notice to the parties in Form 2.1B that the proceeding may be stayed or dismissed. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Effect of Notice

(7) Once the registrar gives notice to the parties,

(a) the proceeding is automatically stayed until the court either makes an order under subrule (1) or an order declining to stay or dismiss the proceeding; and

(b) no party may take any step in the proceeding other than the steps in this rule, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Procedures

(8) Unless the court orders otherwise, an order under subrule (1) shall be made on the basis of written submissions, if any, in accordance with the following procedures:

1. The plaintiff or applicant may, within 15 days after receiving the notice, file with the court a written submission, no more than 10 pages in length, responding to the notice.

2. If the plaintiff or applicant does not file a written submission that complies with paragraph 1, the court may make the order without any further notice to the plaintiff or applicant or to any other party.

3. If the plaintiff or applicant files a written submission that complies with paragraph 1, the court may direct the registrar to give a copy of the submission to any other party.

4. A party who receives a copy of the plaintiff’s or applicant’s submission may, within 10 days after receiving the copy, file with the court a written submission, no more than 10 pages in length, responding to the plaintiff’s or applicant’s submission.

5. A party who files a responding submission shall give a copy of it to the plaintiff or applicant and to any other party who requests a copy. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(9) A document required to be given to a party under subrule (8),

(a) shall be given to the party’s lawyer in a manner listed in rule 16.05; or

(b) if the party is acting in person, shall be mailed to the party in the manner described in subclause 16.01 (4) (b) (i). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(10) Rule 16 applies with necessary modifications to the determination of when a document given or mailed to a person under subrule (9) is considered to have been received. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Copy of Order

(11) After the court makes an order under subrule (1) or an order declining to stay or dismiss the proceeding, the registrar shall promptly provide a copy of the order to each of the parties in a manner listed in subrule 59.04 (4). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Stay or Dismissal of Motions

Court May Stay, Dismiss

2.1.02 (1) The court may make an order staying or dismissing a motion that appears on its face to be frivolous or vexatious or otherwise an abuse of the process of the court. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Procedures, etc.

(2) Subrules 2.1.01 (2) to (11), other than subrule (7), apply for the purposes of subrule (1), with the following and any other necessary modifications:

1. A reference to a proceeding shall be read as a reference to the motion.

2. A reference to the plaintiff or applicant shall be read as a reference to the moving party. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Restriction on Further Motions

(3) In making an order under subrule (1), the court may also make an order under rule 37.16 prohibiting the moving party from making further motions in the proceeding without leave. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

RULE 2.2 VEXATIOUS LITIGANT ORDERS

Interpretation

2.2.01 In this Rule,

“notified person” means a person, other than the potential subject of a vexatious litigant order, who receives a notice under rule 2.2.03 or 2.2.04; (“personne avisée”)

“participant” means, as the case may be,

(a) the person who is the potential subject of a vexatious litigant order,

(b) a notified person who serves and files a reply in accordance with subrule 2.2.05 (2), or

(c) the moving party or applicant under rule 2.2.03, if any; (“participant”)

“vexatious litigant order” means an order under subsection 140 (1) of the Courts of Justice Act. (“ordonnance de déclaration de plaideur quérulent”) O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Vexatious Litigant Order

2.2.02 A vexatious litigant order may be made,

(a) on a person’s motion or application, commenced in accordance with rule 2.2.03; or

(b) on a judge’s initiative, initiated in accordance with rule 2.2.04. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Order Sought by Person

By Motion or Application

2.2.03 (1) A vexatious litigant order against a person may be sought,

(a) by motion in accordance with subrule (2), if the person is a party to an ongoing proceeding and the order is sought by another party in the proceeding; or

(b) in any other case, by application made in the Superior Court of Justice in accordance with subrule (3). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

If by Motion

(2) For the purposes of clause (1) (a), the moving party shall serve on the persons listed in subrule (5) and file with proof of service a notice of motion for a vexatious litigant order (Form 2.2A). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

If by Application

(3) For the purposes of clause (1) (b), following issuance of a notice of application for a vexatious litigant order (Form 2.2B) as provided by rule 14.07, the applicant shall serve the notice on the persons listed in subrule (5) and file it with proof of service. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Notice Requirements

(4) A notice in Form 2.2A or 2.2B shall set out,

(a) the grounds on which the vexatious litigant order is sought; and

(b) the following information, to the extent that it can be determined by the moving party or applicant using their best efforts:

(i) The file number, location and title of any ongoing proceeding in any court in Ontario to which the person against whom the vexatious litigant order is sought is a party, and the address for service of every other party to any such proceeding.

(ii) The file number, location and title of any proceeding that was finally disposed of in any court in Ontario to which the person against whom the vexatious litigant order is sought was a party.

(iii) The citation of every reported decision made in the course of a proceeding referred to in subclause (i) or (ii). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Service

(5) A notice in Form 2.2A or 2.2B shall be served on,

(a) the person against whom the order is sought; and

(b) every party to a proceeding set out in the notice under subclause (4) (b) (i). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(6) Rule 16.04 applies with respect to service under this rule, except that a judge may not make an order dispensing with service on the person against whom the vexatious litigant order is sought. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Non-Application of Certain Rules

(7) Unless this Rule or a court order provides otherwise, Rules 37, 38 and 39 do not apply with respect to a motion or application under this rule. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

On Judge’s Own Initiative

Registrar’s Notice

2.2.04 (1) If it appears to a judge of a court that a vexatious litigant order against a party to an ongoing proceeding in that court may be warranted, the judge may give written direction to the registrar to prepare a registrar’s notice proposing consideration of a vexatious litigant order (Form 2.2C). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(2) The written direction shall,

(a) specify the information the registrar is required to include in the notice, which shall either be the information listed in subrule 2.2.03 (4), with necessary modifications, or such other information as the judge may specify in the direction; and

(b) be attached to the notice. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

No Review

(3) The written direction may not be set aside or varied. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Registrar to Send, File Notice

(4) The registrar shall,

(a) subject to subrule (5), send the notice by mail or e-mail to the persons referred to in subrule 2.2.03 (5), with necessary modifications; and

(b) file a copy of the notice, and a list of the persons to whom it was sent, in the court file. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(5) The judge may give directions to the registrar respecting how to send the notice and to whom, but shall not direct the registrar to dispense with sending the notice to the person who is the potential subject of a vexatious litigant order. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(6) Rule 16 applies with necessary modifications to the determination of whether and when the notice is considered to have been received, unless any directions given under subrule (5) require otherwise. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Response and Reply

Response

2.2.05 (1) The person who is the potential subject of a vexatious litigant order may, within 20 days after receiving a notice in Form 2.2A, 2.2B or 2.2C,

(a) serve a response in Form 2.2D on every notified person and, if applicable, the moving party or applicant; and

(b) file the response with proof of service. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Reply

(2) A moving party, applicant or notified person may serve and file with proof of service a reply in Form 2.2E, within,

(a) 20 days after receiving a response; or

(b) if no response is served, 30 days after serving or receiving the notice, as the case may be. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(3) A reply shall be served on the person who is the potential subject of a vexatious litigant order, on every notified person and, if applicable, on the moving party or applicant. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Effect of Not Replying

(4) A notified person who does not file a reply is not entitled to be heard at any hearing of the matter under rule 2.2.07 without leave of a judge. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(5) Subrule (4) does not affect any entitlement under rule 2.2.06 or 2.2.07 of a person to receive or obtain a copy of an order, decision or reasons. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Initial Review and Order

2.2.06 (1) After the time for filing a response and any replies has passed, a judge shall conduct an initial review of the notice and submissions, following which the judge shall make an order in Form 2.2F,

(a) directing that a hearing of the matter be held under rule 2.2.07; or

(b) dismissing the matter, with reasons. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(2) Without limiting the generality of rule 1.05, the judge may, in making an order under subrule (1),

(a) direct that a participant serve and file a motion record in accordance with Rule 37 or application record in accordance with Rule 38, with such modifications as the judge may specify;

(b) direct a participant to file supplementary arguments or further evidence;

(c) direct the person who is the potential subject of a vexatious litigant order to confirm every ongoing proceeding to which they are a party, and the name and address for service of every other party to any such proceeding;

(d) direct a participant to conduct a search to confirm every ongoing proceeding to which the person who is the potential subject of a vexatious litigant order is a party, and the name and address for service of every other party to any such proceeding;

(e) direct a participant to prepare a draft order in Form 2.2G;

(f) if notice was given in respect of an ongoing proceeding (Form 2.2A or 2.2C) and the judge is directing a hearing under rule 2.2.07, order a stay of the ongoing proceeding pending the determination of the matter; or

(g) establish a timetable. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Issuance of Order

(3) The registrar shall issue the order, as signed by the judge, and subrules 59.04 (1) and (2) apply with necessary modifications with respect to the issuance. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Copy of Order

(4) A copy of the order shall promptly be provided, by a method listed in subrule 59.04 (4), to each of the participants and any other person a judge may order. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

No Review

(5) An order under subrule (1) directing a hearing of the matter or dismissing it may not be set aside or varied. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Hearing and Disposition

Powers of Judge

2.2.07 (1) The judge presiding at the hearing to determine whether to make a vexatious litigant order may make such orders and give such directions as the judge considers appropriate in the interest of justice. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Determination Following Hearing

(2) Following the hearing, the judge shall,

(a) make a vexatious litigant order in Form 2.2G, with reasons; or

(b) decline to make a vexatious litigant order, with reasons. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(3) For greater certainty, rule 1.05 applies with respect to an order made under subrule (2). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

If Vexatious Litigant Order is Made

(4) If making a vexatious litigant order, the judge shall specify the details of any limitations in the order’s application. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(5) A vexatious litigant order shall include reference to the right of appeal or review under subsection 140 (2.3) of the Courts of Justice Act. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Issuance of Order

(6) The registrar shall issue the vexatious litigant order, as signed by the judge, and subrules 59.04 (1) and (2) apply with necessary modifications with respect to the issuance. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Copy of Order

(7) The issued vexatious litigant order and reasons shall promptly be provided, by a method listed in subrule 59.04 (4), to each of the participants, any other notified person and any other person a judge may order. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

(8) The registrar shall provide a copy of every issued vexatious litigant order and reasons to the Court Services Division of the Ministry of the Attorney General for the purposes of inclusion in the index of vexatious litigant orders administered by the Division. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

If Vexatious Litigant Order is Not Made

(9) If the judge makes an order under clause (2) (b) declining to make a vexatious litigant order, any participant may require the registrar to issue and enter an order reflecting the judge’s decision by filing a requisition (Form 4E) and draft order (Form 59A or 59B). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Leave Despite Order

2.2.08 A person who is the subject of a vexatious litigant order may, in the manner provided for under subrule 38.01 (3), seek leave under subsection 140 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act to institute or continue a proceeding. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Proceeding Instituted, Continued without Leave

Court Shall Order Stay, Dismissal

2.2.09 (1) If a proceeding is instituted or continued without leave by a plaintiff, applicant or appellant who is the subject of a vexatious litigant order, and the court determines that the proceeding is subject to the vexatious litigant order, the court shall make an order staying or dismissing the proceeding. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Request for Order

(2) A party to the proceeding may file a request with the court for an order under subrule (1). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Notice Not Required

(3) The order may be made without notice. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Copy of Order

(4) Once the order has been made, a copy of it shall promptly be provided to every party to the proceeding by a method listed in subrule 59.04 (4). O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

Refusal by Registrar

(5) Nothing in this rule prevents a registrar from refusing to issue an originating process or accept a document for filing in a proceeding if the registrar has determined that,

(a) the plaintiff, applicant or appellant is the subject of a vexatious litigant order;

(b) the proceeding is subject to the vexatious litigant order; and

(c) the plaintiff, applicant or appellant has not obtained leave to institute or continue the proceeding. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 1.

RULE 3  TIME

Computation

3.01 (1) In the computation of time under these rules or an order, except where a contrary intention appears,

(a) where there is a reference to a number of days between two events, they shall be counted by excluding the day on which the first event happens and including the day on which the second event happens, even if they are described as clear days or the words “at least” are used;

(b) where a period of seven days or less is prescribed, holidays shall not be counted;

(c) where the time for doing an act expires on a holiday, the act may be done on the next day that is not a holiday; and

(d) service of a document, other than an originating process, made after 4 p.m. or at any time on a holiday shall be deemed to have been made on the next day that is not a holiday.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 3.01 (1); O. Reg. 394/09, s. 3; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 4.

(2) Where a time of day is mentioned in these rules or in any document in a proceeding, the time referred to shall be taken as the time observed locally.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 3.01 (2).

Extension or Abridgment

General Powers of Court

3.02 (1) Subject to subrule (3), the court may by order extend or abridge any time prescribed by these rules or an order, on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 3.02 (1).

(2) A motion for an order extending time may be made before or after the expiration of the time prescribed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 3.02 (2).

Times in Appeals

(3) An order under subrule (1) extending or abridging a time prescribed by these rules and relating to an appeal to an appellate court may be made only by a judge of the appellate court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 3.02 (3).

Consent in Writing

(4) A time prescribed by these rules for serving, filing or delivering a document may be extended or abridged by filing a consent.  O. Reg. 555/96, s. 1; O. Reg. 427/01, s. 2; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 5.

When Proceedings May Be Heard

Hearings Throughout the Year

3.03 (1) Proceedings may be heard throughout the year, except that from December 24th to the following January 6th no trial of an action shall be held unless the consent of all parties is filed or the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 3; O. Reg. 427/01, s. 3.

In Absence of Opposite Party

(2) No motion, reference, examination, assessment of costs or other matter, except a motion made without notice, shall proceed before a judge, associate judge or other officer in the absence of the opposite party until fifteen minutes after the time fixed for it.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 3.03 (2); O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Timetables

Amendment

3.04 (1) Parties may, by written agreement, amend a timetable established by order of a judge or associate judge, unless the order expressly prohibits amendment by the parties.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 6; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Same

(2) Parties may, by written agreement, amend a timetable established by written agreement of the parties and amended by the order of a judge or associate judge, unless the order expressly prohibits amendment by the parties.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 6; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Limitation

(3) Despite subrules (1) and (2), in the case of an action, an agreement to amend a timetable shall not amend the date before which the action shall be set down for trial or restored to a trial list, as the case may be.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 6.

Non-Compliance

(4) If a party fails to comply with a timetable, a judge or associate judge may, on any other party’s motion,

(a) stay the party’s proceeding;

(b) dismiss the party’s proceeding or strike out the party’s defence; or

(c) make such other order as is just.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 6; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

RULE 4  COURT DOCUMENTS

Document Standards

4.01 A document in writing in a proceeding shall meet the following standards:

1. In the case of a document in paper format,

i. the text shall be printed, typed, written or reproduced legibly, with double spaces between the lines and a margin of approximately 40 millimetres on the left-hand side,

ii. the characters used shall be of at least 12 point or 10 pitch size,

iii. good quality white paper or good quality near white recycled paper 216 millimetres by 279 millimetres shall be used, and

iv. text may appear on one side or on both sides of the paper.

2. In the case of a document that is filed or submitted in electronic format using software authorized by the Ministry of the Attorney General for the purpose, the document must meet,

i. the requirements set out in subparagraph 1 i and ii, and

ii. any requirements specified by the authorized software. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 2.

Electronic Signatures

4.01.1 (1) In this rule,

“electronic signature” means electronic information that a person creates or adopts in order to sign a document and that is in, attached to or associated with the document. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 3.

Electronic Signatures Permitted

(2) A document that may or must be signed by the court, a registrar, a judge or an officer under these rules may be signed with an electronic signature. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 3.

Contents

General Heading

4.02 (1) Every document in a proceeding shall have a heading in accordance with Form 4A (actions) or 4B (applications) that sets out,

(a) the name of the court and the court file number; and

(b) the title of the proceeding in accordance with rule 14.06 (action or application), but in a document other than an originating process, pleading, record, order or report, where there are more than two parties to the proceeding, a short title showing the names of the first party on each side followed by the words “and others” may be used.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.02 (1); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 3.

(1.1) Clause (1) (b) does not apply to documents in a proceeding under Rule 74, 74.1 or 75.  O. Reg. 484/94, s. 3; O. Reg. 111/21, s. 1.

Body of Document

(2) Every document in a proceeding shall contain,

(a) the title of the document;

(b) its date;

(c) where the document is filed by a party and not issued by a registrar or is an originating process, the name, address and telephone number of the lawyer filing the document or, where a party acts in person, his or her name, address for service and telephone number; and

(d) where the document is issued by a registrar, the address of the court office in which the proceeding was commenced or, in the case of an application to the Divisional Court, the address of the court office in the place where the application is to be heard.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.02 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 13.

Backsheet

(3) Every document in a proceeding shall have a backsheet in accordance with Form 4C that sets out,

(a) the short title of the proceeding;

(b) the name of the court and the court file number;

(c) in the case of an affidavit, the deponent’s name and the date when he or she swore it;

(d) the location of the court office in which the proceeding was commenced;

(e) the title of the document;

(f) if a lawyer is serving or filing the document, the lawyer’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and law society membership number;

(g) if a party is acting in person, his or her name, address for service, telephone number and e-mail address (if any); and

(h) if the document is to be served, the e-mail address, if known, of the person on whom the document is to be served. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.02 (3); O. Reg. 333/96, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 457/01, s. 1; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 281/16, s. 1; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 4; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 13.

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 333/96, s. 1 (2).

Bilingual Documents

4.02.1 A pleading or any other document written in French that may be filed under section 126 of the Courts of Justice Act may also include a version of all or part of the text written in English. O. Reg. 584/17, s. 1.

Certified Copies of Court Documents

4.03 (1) The registrar shall provide a certified copy of a document that is in the court file to a person who is entitled to see the document under section 137 of the Courts of Justice Act, if the person files a requisition (Form 4E) and pays the prescribed fee, if any. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 5.

Certified Copy in Electronic Format

(2) The registrar may provide a certified copy in electronic format of a document that is in the court file. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 5.

Valid Certification

(3) For the purposes of these rules, a copy of a document is validly certified under this rule if,

(a) the copy bears the registrar’s signature and the date of certification; and

(b) in the case of a copy that is provided in electronic format, the copy accurately reproduces the information set out in the document, even if the way in which information is displayed in the document and in the copy differs. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 5.

Printed Version of Electronic Certified Copy may be Used

(4) If a certified copy of a document is provided by the registrar in electronic format, a requirement under these rules that a person provide a certified copy of a document to another person in paper format may be satisfied by printing the electronic certified copy by any means that produces the document in paper format and providing the printed version of the certified copy. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 5.

Notice to be Given in Writing or Electronically

4.04 (1) A notice required to be given by these rules shall be given,

(a) in writing; or

(b) electronically, if the use of electronic means is authorized.  O. Reg. 427/01, s. 5 (1).

(2), (3) Revoked:  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 3.

Issuing and Filing of Documents

Issuing Documents

4.05 (1) A document may be issued on personal attendance in the court office by the party seeking to issue it or by someone on the party’s behalf, unless these rules provide otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.05 (1); O. Reg. 452/98, s. 3 (1); O. Reg. 43/14, s. 3 (1).

Electronic Issuing

(1.1) Any document to be issued under these rules may be issued electronically,

(a) by the registrar dating, signing and sealing with an electronic version of the seal of the court a copy of the document in electronic format; or

(b) by use of the software authorized by the Ministry of the Attorney General for the purpose. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 6 (1).

Deemed Issuing

(1.2) A document issued under subrule (1.1) shall be deemed to have been issued by the Superior Court of Justice.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 4 (1).

(1.2.1), (1.2.2) Revoked:  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 4 (1).

Notice — Document Issued

(1.3) After a document is issued electronically, notice that it was issued shall be sent to the party that had it issued.  O. Reg. 427/01, s. 6 (3).

Place of Filing

(2) The following requirements govern the place of filing of documents in proceedings, unless the documents are filed in the course of a hearing or these rules provide otherwise:

1. All documents required to be filed in a proceeding shall be filed in the court office in which the proceeding was commenced, subject to paragraphs 2, 3 and 4.

2. If the proceeding has been transferred to another county in accordance with rule 13.1.02, the documents shall be filed in the court office in the new county, subject to paragraph 3.

3. An affidavit, transcript, record or factum to be used at a hearing shall be filed in the court office in the county where the hearing is to be held. 

4. Documents relating to a motion to transfer a proceeding to another county under rule 13.1.02 shall be filed in the court office of the county to which the transfer is sought, if subrule 13.1.02 (3.1) applies.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 4 (2); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 7.

(3) Revoked:  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 4 (2).

Filing by Leaving in Court Office or by Mail

(4) Any document, other than one that is to be issued, may be filed by leaving it in the proper court office or mailing it to the proper court office, accompanied by the prescribed fee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.05 (4).

Electronic Filing

(4.1) If these rules permit or require a document to be filed electronically, the software authorized by the Ministry of the Attorney General for the purpose shall be used for the filing. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 3 (3).

(4.1.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 487/16, s. 2 (1).

(4.1.2) Revoked:  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 4 (3).

Confirmation of Filing

(4.2) The electronic filing of a document in accordance with this rule shall be confirmed by way of a notice of accepted filing given through the authorized software. O. Reg. 584/17, s. 2 (1).

Date of Filing where Filed by Mail

(5) Where a document is filed by mail, the date of the filing stamp of the court office on the document shall be deemed to be the date of its filing, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.05 (5).

Where Document Filed by Mail not Received

(6) Where a court office has no record of the receipt of a document alleged to have been filed by mail, the document shall be deemed not to have been filed, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.05 (6).

Date of Electronic Issuance, Filing

(7) A document that is issued or filed electronically is considered to have been issued or filed, as the case may be, on the date indicated on the document by the registrar or the authorized software. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 6 (2).

Issuance, Filing Outside of Business Hours

(8) If a document is issued or filed electronically outside of regular business hours, the registrar or the authorized software shall indicate that the document was issued or filed, as the case may be, on the next day that is not a holiday. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 6 (2).

(9) Revoked: O. Reg. 584/17, s. 2 (2).

Requirement to Keep Original

(10) A person who electronically files a document that was originally signed, certified or commissioned in paper format shall,

(a) retain the original document in paper format until the thirtieth day after the expiry of the period for an appeal in the proceeding; and

(b) make the original document in paper format available for inspection and copying no later than five days after a request of the court or of any party to the proceeding to do so. O. Reg. 584/17, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 248/21, s. 12.

(11) Revoked: O. Reg. 584/17, s. 2 (2).

Civil Claims Online Portal

4.05.1 (1) In this rule,

“Civil Claims Online Portal” means the software authorized by the Ministry of the Attorney General for the purposes of this rule and that is available on the internet under the name “Civil Claims Online Portal” in English and “Portail en ligne pour les actions civiles” in French. O. Reg. 584/17, s. 3 (1).

Documents That May be Filed Through Portal

(2) Subject to subrule (3), the following documents may be filed electronically through the Civil Claims Online Portal:

1. A statement of claim (Form 14A, 14B or 14D).

2. A notice of action (Form 14C).

2.1 A statement of defence (Form 18A), including one that includes a counterclaim against parties to the main action only (Form 27A) or a crossclaim (Form 28A).

2.2 A notice of intent to defend (Form 18B).

2.3 A notice of discontinuance (Form 23A), and a consent to discontinuance filed for the purposes of clause 23.01 (1) (c).

2.4 A defence to counterclaim (Form 27C).

2.5 A defence to crossclaim (Form 28B).

2.6 Form 29A (third party claim), including with respect to a fourth or subsequent party claim or claim by a defendant to a counterclaim or crossclaim.

2.7 Form 29B (third party defence), including with respect to a defence by a fourth or subsequent party.

2.8 A jury notice (Form 47A).

3. An affidavit for the purposes of subrule 7.02 (2).

4. A requisition or written statement under clause 5 (1) (a) of Ontario Regulation 53/01 (Bilingual Proceedings) made under the Courts of Justice Act.

5. Revoked: O. Reg. 12/24, s. 1 (1).

5.1 A certificate of action under section 36 of the Construction Act (Form 14 under that Act).

6. Any consent or court order required to be filed together with a document referred to in this subrule.

7. Proof of service under rule 16.09 or in Form 17A, 17B or 17C of a document that is filed electronically under this subrule. O. Reg. 584/17, s. 3 (1-3); O. Reg. 456/19, s. 1 (1, 2); O. Reg. 12/24, s. 1 (1).

Agreement

(3) Subrule (2) does not apply unless the party filing the document through the Civil Claims Online Portal agrees to its terms of use, including providing an e-mail address at which he or she agrees to accept documents from the court electronically. O. Reg. 584/17, s. 3 (1).

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 12/24, s. 1 (2).

Inconsistencies

(5) In the event of an inconsistency between information provided in a document filed electronically by a person through the Civil Claims Online Portal and information provided by the person through the Civil Claims Online Portal that is not in the electronically filed document,

(a) the information in the electronically filed document prevails, except with respect to the county specified by the person for the purposes of Rule 13.1 where the information provided through the Civil Claims Online Portal prevails; and

(b) the registrar may request from the person written clarification, in the manner specified by the registrar, respecting the inconsistency, and the person shall promptly provide it. O. Reg. 584/17, s. 3 (1).

(6) Revoked: O. Reg. 441/20, s. 1.

Documents That May be Issued Through Portal

(7) The following documents may be issued electronically through the Civil Claims Online Portal:

1. A statement of claim in Form 14A or 14B.

2. A notice of action (Form 14C).

3. A third, fourth or subsequent party claim (Form 29A).

4. A certificate of action under section 36 of the Construction Act (Form 14 under that Act). O. Reg. 584/17, s. 3 (1); O. Reg. 456/19, s. 1 (3).

Civil Submissions Online Portal

4.05.2 (1) In this rule,

“Civil Submissions Online Portal” means the software authorized by the Ministry of the Attorney General for the purposes of this rule and that is available on the internet under the name “Civil Submissions Online Portal” in English and “Portail en ligne pour soumettre des documents dans les actions civiles” in French. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2.

Documents That May be Filed

(2) Any document that may or must be filed under these rules, other than a document listed under subrule 4.05.1 (2) or that is filed for the purposes of rule 60.07, may be filed electronically by submitting the document through the Civil Submissions Online Portal, if the Civil Submissions Online Portal provides for the electronic filing of the document. O. Reg. 248/21, s. 1 (1).

Registrar’s Acceptance Required

(3) A document submitted for filing through the Civil Submissions Online Portal is filed only if it is accepted by the registrar. O. Reg. 248/21, s. 1 (1).

Confirmation

(4) If the registrar accepts the document for filing, the registrar shall send confirmation of the filing by e-mail. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2.

Filing Date

(5) A document filed under subrule (3) is considered to have been filed on the day indicated in the confirmation sent by the registrar. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2.

Documents That May be Issued

(6) Any document that may or must be issued under these rules, other than a document listed under subrule 4.05.1 (7) or that is issued for the purposes of rule 60.07, may be issued electronically by submitting the document through the Civil Submissions Online Portal, if the Civil Submissions Online Portal provides for the electronic issuance of the document. O. Reg. 248/21, s. 1 (1).

Registrar’s Acceptance Required

(7) A document submitted for issuance through the Civil Submissions Online Portal will be issued only if it is accepted by the registrar. O. Reg. 248/21, s. 1 (1).

Confirmation

(8) If the registrar accepts the document for issuance, the registrar shall issue the document and send confirmation of the issuance by e-mail, together with the issued document. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2.

Issuance Date

(9) A document issued by the registrar under subrule (8) is considered to have been issued on the day indicated in the confirmation sent by the registrar. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2.

Filing, Issuance of Other Documents

(10) Despite subrules (2) and (6), a document listed under subrule 4.05.1 (2) or (7) may be filed or issued, as the case may be, electronically by using the Civil Submissions Online Portal in accordance with this rule, if a prescribed fee is not required to be paid for the filing or issuance of the document. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2.

If Clarification Needed

(11) The registrar may request from a person written clarification with respect to a document that is submitted for filing or issuance, and the person shall provide the clarification in the manner specified by the registrar. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 1 (2).

No Filing or Issuance Without Acceptance

(12) For greater certainty, a document that is not accepted by the registrar for filing or issuance is not considered to have been filed or issued, as the case may be. O. Reg. 248/21, s. 1 (3).

Requirement to Agree to Terms of Use

(13) Despite subrules (2) and (6), a document may not be filed or issued electronically by using the Civil Submissions Online Portal unless the person requesting the filing or issuance agrees to its terms of use, including providing an e-mail address at which the person agrees to accept documents from the court electronically. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2.

Non-Application of Certain Subrules

(14) Subrules 4.05 (4.2), (7) and (8) do not apply with respect to a document filed or issued electronically by using the Civil Submissions Online Portal. O. Reg. 441/20, s. 2.

Case Center

4.05.3 (1) In this rule,

“Case Center” means the software authorized by the Ministry of the Attorney General for the purposes of this rule and that is available on the internet under the name “Case Center”. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Application

(2) This rule applies to all or part of any hearing, pre-trial conference or case conference under these rules, except in a proceeding in the Court of Appeal. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 4.05.3 (2) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (1))

Application

(2) Unless the court directs otherwise, this rule applies to all or part of any hearing, pre-trial conference or case conference held in the Superior Court of Justice or the Divisional Court. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (1).

Requirement to Use Case Center

(3) A party shall provide the following documents to the court by submitting them to Case Center in accordance with this rule, if the court requires the party to do so:

1. Every document the party files or has filed with the court in respect of the hearing or conference.

2. Subject to subrule (5), any other document in the court file that the party intends to rely on at the hearing or conference and that has not already been submitted to Case Center by another party.

3. A compendium containing the excerpted portions of the cases and of the evidence to which the party intends to refer during the hearing or conference. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 4.05.3 (3) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (1))

Requirement to Use Case Center

(3) Every party participating in the hearing or conference shall provide the following documents to the court by uploading them to Case Center in accordance with this rule:

1. A copy of every document filed with the court by the party in respect of the hearing or conference.

2. Subject to subrule (5), a copy of any other document in the court file on which the party intends to rely at the hearing or conference that has not already been uploaded to Case Center by another party.

3. Unless the court directs otherwise and subject to subrule (3.1), a compendium that meets the requirements of subrule (7). O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (1).

(3.1) A compendium is not required to be provided with respect to a conference or the hearing of an unopposed motion or motion on consent, unless the court directs otherwise. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (1).

Deadline

(4) Subject to subrule (5), the documents listed in subrule (3) must be submitted to Case Center by the following deadline:

1. In the case of the hearing of a motion or application where the party is required to give the registrar a confirmation of motion (Form 37B) or confirmation of application (Form 38B), the deadline is 2 p.m. three days before the hearing date, unless the court orders otherwise.

2. In any other case, the deadline is five days before the date of the hearing or conference, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 224/22, s. 1; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Transcripts

(5) A transcript for use at a trial shall not be submitted to Case Center until a party refers to the transcript at trial and files a copy of it in accordance with subrule 34.18 (4), and, for greater certainty, that subrule also applies with respect to the copy submitted to Case Center. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Document Requirements

(6) Subject to subrule (7), a document that is submitted to Case Center must meet the following requirements:

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 4.05.3 (6) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “Subject to subrule (7), a document” at the beginning and substituting “A document”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (2))

1. The document must be submitted in the following formats:

i. A draft order or factum must be submitted in both Portable Document Format (PDF) and Word format.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subparagraph 1 i of subrule 4.05.3 (6) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “A draft order” at the beginning and substituting “A copy of a draft order”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (3))

ii. Any other document must be submitted only in Portable Document Format (PDF) or, if appropriate, in Excel format, except that an exhibit may be submitted in any format accepted by Case Center.

2. The document name, as submitted to Case Center, must indicate,

i. the document type,

ii. the type of party submitting the document,

iii. the name of the party submitting the document, and

iv. the date on which the document was created or signed, in the format DD-MMM-YYYY (e.g. 12-JAN-2021). O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 3; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 4.05.3 (6) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following paragraphs: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (4))

3. A copy of a factum that is uploaded to Case Center must meet the requirements that are specified in subrule 4.06.1 (3) for an electronically filed factum, even if the factum was originally filed in paper format.

4. A copy of a book of authorities that is uploaded to Case Center must meet the requirements that are specified in subrule 4.06.1 (5) for an electronically filed book of authorities, even if the book of authorities was originally filed in paper format.

Compendium and Factums

(7) The compendium required by paragraph 3 of subrule (3) and any factums that are submitted to Case Center must,

(a) be in Portable Document Format (PDF), with bookmarks as appropriate for each document and section heading within each document;

(b) contain,

(i) hyperlinks at which copies of the cited authorities may be viewed without charge, such as hyperlinks to the Canadian Legal Information Institute website (CanLii), e-Laws, the federal Justice Laws website or other similar sites, or

(ii) relevant excerpts of any cited authority for which copies are not available on a website without charge; and

(c) be named in accordance with paragraph 2 of subrule (6). O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 4.05.3 (7) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (5))

Compendium Requirements

(7) For the purposes of paragraph 3 of subrule (3), the compendium must meet the following requirements:

1. The compendium must include a table of contents listing only those authorities, transcripts, previous orders and other documents on which the party intends to rely during the hearing or conference, as applicable, hyperlinked in accordance with paragraph 3.

2. The compendium must include the relevant excerpts of every document listed in the table of contents, with a separate section for each document.

3. Each document listed in the table of contents must be hyperlinked,

i. to the section of the compendium containing the excerpt or excerpts of the document, and

ii. if the document is published on a website referred to in subrule (7.1), to the published document or, if possible, the relevant provision or portion of the published document. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (5).

(7.1) Subparagraph 3 ii of subrule (7) applies with respect to the Canadian Legal Information Institute website (CanLII), e-Laws or another Government of Ontario website, the federal Justice Laws website and any other similar website that is accessible without charge or subscription. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (5).

Document Must be Identical to Document in Court File

(8) The party shall ensure that every document that the party submits to Case Center is identical to that document as contained in the court file, subject to any modifications required by this rule or the court. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Requirement to Keep Original

(9) A party who submits a document to Case Center shall,

(a) retain the original document until the 30th day after the expiry of the period for an appeal in the proceeding; and

(b) on the request of the court, the registrar or another party, make the original document available to the court, registrar or party for inspection no later than five days after the request is made. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Document in Court File Prevails

(10) In the event of an inconsistency between information provided in a document in the court file and information provided in a document submitted to Case Center, the information in the document in the court file prevails. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Does Not Amount to Filing or Service

(11) For greater certainty, submitting documents to Case Center does not amount to the filing or service of those documents under these rules. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Note: On September 1, 2024, rule 4.05.3 of the Regulation is amended by striking out “submits”, “submitted” and “submitting” wherever they appear and substituting in each case “uploads”, “uploaded” and “uploading” respectively. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 2 (6))

Affidavits

Format

4.06 (1) An affidavit used in a proceeding shall,

(a) be in Form 4D;

(b) be expressed in the first person;

(c) state the full name of the deponent and, if the deponent is a party or a lawyer, officer, director, member or employee of a party, shall state that fact;

(d) be divided into paragraphs, numbered consecutively, with each paragraph being confined as far as possible to a particular statement of fact; and

(e) be signed by the deponent and sworn or affirmed in accordance with the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 8.

Contents

(2) An affidavit shall be confined to the statement of facts within the personal knowledge of the deponent or to other evidence that the deponent could give if testifying as a witness in court, except where these rules provide otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (2).

Exhibits

(3) An exhibit that is referred to in an affidavit shall be marked as such by the person taking the affidavit and where the exhibit,

(a) is referred to as being attached to the affidavit, it shall be attached to and filed with the affidavit;

(b) is referred to as being produced and shown to the deponent, it shall not be attached to the affidavit or filed with it, but shall be left with the registrar for the use of the court, and on the disposition of the matter in respect of which the affidavit was filed, the exhibit shall be returned to the lawyer or party who filed the affidavit, unless the court orders otherwise; and

(c) is a document, a copy shall be served with the affidavit, unless it is impractical to do so.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

By Two or More Deponents

(4) Where an affidavit is made by two or more deponents, there shall be a separate jurat for each deponent, unless all the deponents make the affidavit before the same person at the same time, in which case one jurat containing the words “Sworn (or affirmed) by the above-named deponents” may be used.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (4).

For a Corporation

(5) Where these rules require an affidavit to be made by a party and the party is a corporation, the affidavit may be made for the corporation by an officer, director or employee of the corporation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (5).

For a Partnership

(6) Where these rules require an affidavit to be made by a party and the party is a partnership, the affidavit may be made for the partnership by a member or employee of the partnership.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (6).

By an Illiterate or Blind Person

(7) Where it appears to a person taking an affidavit that the deponent is illiterate or blind, the person shall certify in the jurat that the affidavit was read in his or her presence to the deponent, that the deponent appeared to understand it, and that the deponent signed the affidavit or placed his or her mark on it in the presence of the person taking the affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (7).

By a Person who does not Understand the Language

(8) Where it appears to a person taking an affidavit that the deponent does not understand the language used in the affidavit, the person shall certify in the jurat that the affidavit was interpreted to the deponent in the person’s presence by a named interpreter who took an oath or made an affirmation before him or her to interpret the affidavit correctly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (8).

Alterations

(9) Any interlineation, erasure or other alteration in an affidavit shall be initialled by the person taking the affidavit and, unless so initialled, the affidavit shall not be used without leave of the presiding judge or officer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.06 (9).

Note: On September 1, 2024, rule 4 of the Regulation is amended by adding the following rule: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 3)

Factums

4.06.1 (1) A factum that is required to be filed by these rules shall consist of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party filing the factum. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 3.

Citations

(2) Each citation to an authority in a factum must include a reference to the relevant paragraph, provision or page number of the authority. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 3.

If Filed Electronically

(3) A factum that is filed electronically must meet the following requirements:

1. The factum must include bookmarks, as appropriate, for each section.

2. Each citation to an authority that is published on a website referred to in subrule 4.05.3 (7.1) must be hyperlinked to the published authority or, if possible, to the relevant provision or portion of the published authority. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 3.

When Book of Authorities is Also Required

(4) Except in a proceeding in the Court of Appeal, if a factum is filed electronically and contains one or more cited authorities that cannot be hyperlinked in accordance with subrule (3), or is filed in paper format, a book of authorities that meets the requirements of subrule (5) shall be served and filed together with the factum. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 3.

Contents

(5) Unless the court orders otherwise, a book of authorities shall contain the following information and documents:

1. A table of contents listing each authority cited in the factum.

2. If the book of authorities is being filed in electronic format,

i. for each cited authority that is published on a website referred to in subrule 4.05.3 (7.1), a hyperlink from the table of contents to that document, and

ii. for each cited authority that is not published on a website referred to in subrule 4.05.3 (7.1), a copy of that authority with a hyperlink to it from the table of contents.

3. If the book of authorities is being filed in paper format, a copy of each cited authority. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 3.

Other Requirements

(6) Any other requirements in these rules respecting factums or books of authorities apply in addition to the requirements of this rule, unless the rules provide otherwise. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 3.

Binding of Documents

Records

4.07 (1) Records for motions, applications, trials and appeals shall have a light blue backsheet.  O. Reg. 219/91, s. 2.

(1.1) Front covers of records for motions shall be,

(a) green, in the case of a responding party’s motion record;

(b) orange, in the case of a record for a motion under clause 134 (4) (b) of the Courts of Justice Act (motion to receive further evidence); and

(c) white, in any other case. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 1.

Transcripts

(2) Transcripts of evidence for use on a motion or application or at trial shall have a light grey backsheet.  O. Reg. 219/91, s. 2.

Appeal Book and Compendium

(3) An appeal book and compendium shall be bound front and back in buff covers.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 1 (1).

Transcripts on Appeal

(4) Transcripts of evidence for use in an appeal shall be bound front and back in red covers, except where the transcript forms part of the appeal book and compendium or record and, where there is more than one volume of transcripts, the volumes shall be clearly numbered.  O. Reg. 219/91, s. 2; O. Reg. 19/03, s. 1 (2).

Factums and Case Books

(5) A factum or case book filed by an applicant, moving party or appellant shall be bound front and back in white covers, and a factum or case book of a respondent or responding party shall be bound front and back in green covers.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 4.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 4.07 (5) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 4 (1))

Factums and Books of Authorities

(5) Factums and books of authorities shall be bound front and back,

(a) in white covers, if filed by an applicant, moving party or appellant; or

(b) in green covers, if filed by a respondent or responding party. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 4 (1).

(5.1) Revoked:  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 1 (3).

Cover Stock

(6) Backsheets and covers shall be of 176g/m² cover stock.  O. Reg. 219/91, s. 2.

Electronic Documents

(7) This rule does not apply to a document that is filed electronically in accordance with these rules or submitted to Case Center under rule 4.05.3; however, if the same document is filed or provided to the court in paper format, this rule applies to the paper version of the document. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 9; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 4.07 (7) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “submitted” and substituting “uploaded”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 4 (2))

Requisition

4.08 Where a party is entitled to require the registrar to carry out a duty under these rules, the party may do so by filing a requisition (Form 4E) and paying the prescribed fee, if any.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.08.

Transcripts

Paper Size

4.09 (1) Evidence shall be transcribed on paper 216 millimetres by 279 millimetres in size with a margin 25 millimetres wide on the left side delimited by a vertical line.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (1).

Heading

(2) The name of the court or, in the case of an examiner, the examiner’s name, title and location shall be stated on a single line no more than 15 millimetres from the top of the first page.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (2).

Standards

(3) The text shall be typed on thirty-two lines numbered in the margin at every fifth line.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (3); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 10 (1).

(4) Headings, such as swearing of a witness, direct examination and cross-examination, shall be capitalized and separated from the preceding text by the space of a numbered line, and the number of lines of text on the page may be reduced by one for each heading that appears on the page.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (4).

(5) Every question shall commence on a new line and shall begin with the designation “Q.”, followed, within 10 millimetres, by the question.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (5).

(6) Every answer shall commence on a new line and shall begin with the designation “A.”, followed, within 10 millimetres, by the answer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (6).

(7) The first line of a question or answer shall be indented 35 millimetres from the margin and shall be 130 millimetres in length.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (7).

(8) In a transcript of evidence taken in court, every line of a question or answer, other than the first line, shall begin at the margin and shall be 165 millimetres in length.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (8).

(9) In a transcript of evidence taken out of court, every line of a question or answer, other than the first line, shall begin 15 millimetres from the margin and shall be 150 millimetres in length, and questions shall be numbered consecutively by means of a number placed in the 15 millimetres to the right of the margin.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (9).

(10) Lines of text other than questions and answers shall be indented 35 millimetres from the margin and shall be 130 millimetres in length.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (10).

(11) Every transcript of evidence taken in court or out of court shall have,

(a) a cover page setting out,

(i) the court,

(ii) the title of the proceeding,

(iii) the nature of the hearing or examination,

(iv) the place and date of the hearing or examination,

(v) the name of the presiding judge or officer, and

(vi) the names of the lawyers representing the parties; and

(b) a table of contents setting out,

(i) the name of each witness with the page number at which the examination, cross-examination and re-examination of the witness commence,

(ii) the page number at which the charge to the jury, the objections to the charge and the re-charge commence,

(iii) the page number at which the reasons for judgment commence,

(iv) a list of the exhibits with the page number at which they were made exhibits, and

(v) at the foot of the page, the date the transcript was ordered, the date it was completed and the date the parties were notified of its completion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.09 (11); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 8.

Transcripts to be Provided in Electronic Format

(12) Unless the court orders otherwise, a transcript that is served, filed, sent or otherwise provided under these rules shall be served, filed, sent or provided in electronic format, except in proceedings in the Court of Appeal. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 10 (2).

Same, Transition

(13) Subrule (12) applies to proceedings commenced on or after the day on which subsection 10 (2) of Ontario Regulation 689/20 came into force. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 10 (2).

Transmission of Documents

4.10 (1) Where documents filed with the court or exhibits in the custody of an officer are required for use at another location, the registrar shall send them to the registrar at the other location on a party’s requisition, on payment of the prescribed fee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.10 (1).

(2) Documents or exhibits that have been filed at or sent to a location other than where the proceeding was commenced for a hearing at that location shall be sent by the registrar, after the completion of the hearing, to the registrar at the court office where the proceeding was commenced.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.10 (2).

Notice of Constitutional Question

4.11 The notice of constitutional question referred to in section 109 of the Courts of Justice Act shall be in Form 4F.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 4.11.

E-Mailing of Documents, Communications by Registrar

Documents

4.12 (1) Any document that the court or registrar may or must send, give or otherwise provide to a person under these rules may be sent to the person in electronic format by e-mail to,

(a) the e-mail address most recently indicated for the person in the applicable court file, if any; or

(b) in the case of a lawyer whose e-mail address is not indicated in the court file, the e-mail address for the lawyer as published on the Law Society of Ontario’s website. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 11.

Communications

(2) Any communication that the court or registrar may or must send to a person in connection with a proceeding under these rules may be sent to the person in electronic format by e-mail to,

(a) the e-mail address most recently indicated for the person in the applicable court file, if any; or

(b) in the case of a lawyer whose e-mail address is not indicated in the court file, the e-mail address for the lawyer as published on the Law Society of Ontario’s website. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 11.

Application

(3) This rule applies despite anything to the contrary in these rules. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 11.

RULE 4.1  DUTY OF EXPERT

Duty of Expert

4.1.01 (1) It is the duty of every expert engaged by or on behalf of a party to provide evidence in relation to a proceeding under these rules,

(a) to provide opinion evidence that is fair, objective and non-partisan;

(b) to provide opinion evidence that is related only to matters that are within the expert’s area of expertise; and

(c) to provide such additional assistance as the court may reasonably require to determine a matter in issue.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 8.

Duty Prevails

(2) The duty in subrule (1) prevails over any obligation owed by the expert to the party by whom or on whose behalf he or she is engaged.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 8.

PARTIES AND JOINDER

RULE 5  JOINDER OF CLAIMS AND PARTIES

Joinder of Claims

5.01 (1) A plaintiff or applicant may in the same proceeding join any claims the plaintiff or applicant has against an opposite party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.01 (1).

(2) A plaintiff or applicant may sue in different capacities and a defendant or respondent may be sued in different capacities in the same proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.01 (2).

(3) Where there is more than one defendant or respondent, it is not necessary for each to have an interest in all the relief claimed or in each claim included in the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.01 (3).

Joinder of Parties

Multiple Plaintiffs or Applicants

5.02 (1) Two or more persons who are represented by the same lawyer of record may join as plaintiffs or applicants in the same proceeding where,

(a) they assert, whether jointly, severally or in the alternative, any claims to relief arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences;

(b) a common question of law or fact may arise in the proceeding; or

(c) it appears that their joining in the same proceeding may promote the convenient administration of justice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.02 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 9.

Multiple Defendants or Respondents

(2) Two or more persons may be joined as defendants or respondents where,

(a) there are asserted against them, whether jointly, severally or in the alternative, any claims to relief arising out of the same transaction or occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences;

(b) a common question of law or fact may arise in the proceeding;

(c) there is doubt as to the person or persons from whom the plaintiff or applicant is entitled to relief;

(d) damage or loss has been caused to the same plaintiff or applicant by more than one person, whether or not there is any factual connection between the several claims apart from the involvement of the plaintiff or applicant, and there is doubt as to the person or persons from whom the plaintiff or applicant is entitled to relief or the respective amounts for which each may be liable; or

(e) it appears that their being joined in the same proceeding may promote the convenient administration of justice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.02 (2).

Joinder of Necessary Parties

General Rule

5.03 (1) Every person whose presence is necessary to enable the court to adjudicate effectively and completely on the issues in a proceeding shall be joined as a party to the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.03 (1).

Claim by Person Jointly Entitled

(2) A plaintiff or applicant who claims relief to which any other person is jointly entitled with the plaintiff or applicant shall join, as a party to the proceeding, each person so entitled.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.03 (2).

Claim by Assignee of Chose in Action

(3) In a proceeding by the assignee of a debt or other chose in action, the assignor shall be joined as a party unless,

(a) the assignment is absolute and not by way of charge only; and

(b) notice in writing has been given to the person liable in respect of the debt or chose in action that it has been assigned to the assignee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.03 (3).

Power of Court to Add Parties

(4) The court may order that any person who ought to have been joined as a party or whose presence as a party is necessary to enable the court to adjudicate effectively and completely on the issues in the proceeding shall be added as a party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.03 (4).

Party Added as Defendant or Respondent

(5) A person who is required to be joined as a party under subrule (1), (2) or (3) and who does not consent to be joined as a plaintiff or applicant shall be made a defendant or respondent.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.03 (5).

Relief Against Joinder of Party

(6) The court may by order relieve against the requirement of joinder under this rule.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.03 (6).

Misjoinder, Non-Joinder and Parties Incorrectly Named

Proceeding not to be Defeated

5.04 (1) No proceeding shall be defeated by reason of the misjoinder or non-joinder of any party and the court may, in a proceeding, determine the issues in dispute so far as they affect the rights of the parties to the proceeding and pronounce judgment without prejudice to the rights of all persons who are not parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.04 (1).

Adding, Deleting or Substituting Parties

(2) At any stage of a proceeding the court may by order add, delete or substitute a party or correct the name of a party incorrectly named, on such terms as are just, unless prejudice would result that could not be compensated for by costs or an adjournment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.04 (2).

Adding Plaintiff or Applicant

(3) No person shall be added as a plaintiff or applicant unless the person’s consent is filed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.04 (3).

Relief against Joinder

5.05 Where it appears that the joinder of multiple claims or parties in the same proceeding may unduly complicate or delay the hearing or cause undue prejudice to a party, the court may,

(a) order separate hearings;

(b) require one or more of the claims to be asserted, if at all, in another proceeding;

(c) order that a party be compensated by costs for having to attend, or be relieved from attending, any part of a hearing in which the party has no interest;

(d) stay the proceeding against a defendant or respondent, pending the hearing of the proceeding against another defendant or respondent, on condition that the party against whom the proceeding is stayed is bound by the findings made at the hearing against the other defendant or respondent; or

(e) make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 5.05.

RULE 6  CONSOLIDATION OR HEARING TOGETHER

Where Order May Be Made

6.01 (1) Where two or more proceedings are pending in the court and it appears to the court that,

(a) they have a question of law or fact in common;

(b) the relief claimed in them arises out of the same transaction or occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences; or

(c) for any other reason an order ought to be made under this rule,

the court may order that,

(d) the proceedings be consolidated, or heard at the same time or one immediately after the other; or

(e) any of the proceedings be,

(i) stayed until after the determination of any other of them, or

(ii) asserted by way of counterclaim in any other of them.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 6.01 (1).

(2) In the order, the court may give such directions as are just to avoid unnecessary costs or delay and, for that purpose, the court may dispense with service of a notice of listing for trial and abridge the time for placing an action on the trial list.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 6.01 (2).

Discretion of Presiding Judge

6.02 Where the court has made an order that proceedings be heard either at the same time or one immediately after the other, the judge presiding at the hearing nevertheless has discretion to order otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 6.02.

RULE 6.1  SEPARATE HEARINGS

Separate Hearings

6.1.01 (1) The court may order a separate hearing on one or more issues in a proceeding, including separate hearings on the issues of liability and damages,

(a) on a party’s motion, with or without the consent of the other parties; or

(b) at a conference under Rule 50, with the consent of the parties. O. Reg. 175/24, s. 1.

(2) In determining whether to order a separate hearing, the court shall consider,

(a) whether ordering a separate hearing will dispose of some or all of the issues, shorten or simplify the rest of the proceeding or result in a substantial saving of costs;

(b) whether the issues are clearly severable and can be heard separately without unduly repeating evidence or risking inconsistent findings of fact;

(c) whether ordering a separate hearing would unduly prejudice or advantage a party, including the impact on any counterclaim, crossclaim or third or subsequent party claim or, in cases where a jury notice has been delivered, on a party’s election to have the action heard by a jury;

(d) the impact of ordering a separate hearing at the applicable stage in the proceeding; and

(e) any other relevant matter. O. Reg. 175/24, s. 1.

RULE 7  PARTIES UNDER DISABILITY

Representation by Litigation Guardian

Party under Disability

7.01 (1) Unless the court orders or a statute provides otherwise, a proceeding shall be commenced, continued or defended on behalf of a party under disability by a litigation guardian.  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 2.

Substitute Decisions Act Applications

(2) Despite subrule (1), an application under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 to appoint a guardian of property or a guardian of the person may be commenced, continued and defended without the appointment of a litigation guardian for the respondent in respect of whom the application is made, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 2; O. Reg. 281/16, s. 2.

Previously Appointed Committees

(3) A committee named by order or statute before April 3, 1995 is the litigation guardian of the person in respect of whom the committee was named, and shall be referred to as the litigation guardian for all purposes.  O. Reg. 377/95, s. 2.

(4) Subrule (3) also applies to the Public Guardian and Trustee acting under an order made under subsection 72 (1) or (2) of the Mental Health Act as it read before April 3, 1995.  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 2.

Litigation Guardian for Plaintiff or Applicant

Court Appointment Unnecessary

7.02 (1) Any person who is not under disability may act, without being appointed by the court, as litigation guardian for a plaintiff or applicant who is under disability, subject to subrule (1.1).  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 3 (1).

Mentally Incapable Person or Absentee

(1.1) Unless the court orders otherwise, where a plaintiff or applicant,

(a) is mentally incapable and has a guardian with authority to act as litigation guardian in the proceeding, the guardian shall act as litigation guardian;

(b) is mentally incapable and does not have a guardian with authority to act as litigation guardian in the proceeding, but has an attorney under a power of attorney with that authority, the attorney shall act as litigation guardian;

(c) is an absentee and a committee of his or her estate has been appointed under the Absentees Act, the committee shall act as litigation guardian;

(d) is a person in respect of whom an order was made under subsection 72 (1) or (2) of the Mental Health Act as it read before April 3, 1995, the Public Guardian and Trustee shall act as litigation guardian.  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 3 (1).

Affidavit to be Filed

(2) No person except the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee shall act as litigation guardian for a plaintiff or applicant who is under disability until the person has filed an affidavit in which the person,

(a) consents to act as litigation guardian in the proceeding;

(b) confirms that he or she has given written authority to a named lawyer to act in the proceeding;

(c) provides evidence concerning the nature and extent of the disability;

(d) in the case of a minor, states the minor’s birth date;

(e) states whether he or she and the person under disability are ordinarily resident in Ontario;

(f) sets out his or her relationship, if any, to the person under disability;

(g) states that he or she has no interest in the proceeding adverse to that of the person under disability; and

(h) acknowledges that he or she has been informed of his or her liability to pay personally any costs awarded against him or her or against the person under disability.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 7; O. Reg. 193/15, s. 1.

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 584/17, s. 4.

Litigation Guardian for Defendant or Respondent

Generally must be Appointed by Court

7.03 (1) No person shall act as a litigation guardian for a defendant or respondent who is under disability until appointed by the court, except as provided in subrule (2), (2.1) or (3).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (1); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 4 (1).

Where Minor Interested in Estate or Trust

(2) Where a proceeding is against a minor in respect of the minor’s interest in an estate or trust, the Children’s Lawyer shall act as the litigation guardian of the minor defendant or respondent, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (2); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 19.

Mentally Incapable Person or Absentee

(2.1) Unless the court orders otherwise, where a proceeding is against,

(a) a mentally incapable person who has a guardian with authority to act as litigation guardian in the proceeding, the guardian shall act as litigation guardian;

(b) a mentally incapable person who does not have a guardian with authority to act as litigation guardian in the proceeding but has an attorney under a power of attorney with that authority, the attorney shall act as litigation guardian;

(c) an absentee, and a committee of his or her estate has been appointed under the Absentees Act, the committee shall act as litigation guardian;

(d) a person in respect of whom an order has been made under subsection 72 (1) or (2) of the Mental Health Act as it read before April 3, 1995, the Public Guardian and Trustee shall act as litigation guardian.  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 4 (2).

Affidavit by Guardian or Attorney

(2.2) A person who has authority under subrule (2.1) to act as litigation guardian shall, before acting in that capacity in a proceeding, file an affidavit containing the information referred to in subrule (10).  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 8.

(2.3) Revoked:  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 8.

Defending Counterclaim

(3) A litigation guardian for a plaintiff may defend a counterclaim without being appointed by the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (3).

Motion by Person Seeking to be Litigation Guardian

(4) A person who seeks to be the litigation guardian of a defendant or respondent under disability shall move to be appointed by the court before acting as litigation guardian.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (4).

Motion by Plaintiff or Applicant to Appoint Litigation Guardian

(5) Where a defendant or respondent under disability has been served with an originating process and no motion has been made under subrule (4) for the appointment of a litigation guardian, a plaintiff or applicant, before taking any further step in the proceeding, shall move for an order appointing a litigation guardian for the party under disability.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (5).

(6) At least ten days before moving for the appointment of a litigation guardian, a plaintiff or applicant shall serve a request for appointment of litigation guardian (Form 7A) on the party under disability personally or by an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (6).

(7) The request may be served on the party under disability with the originating process.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (7).

(8) A motion for the appointment of a litigation guardian may be made without notice to the party under disability.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (8).

(9) A plaintiff or applicant who moves to appoint the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee as the litigation guardian shall serve the notice of motion and the material required by subrule (10) on the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (9); O. Reg. 69/95, ss. 19, 20.

Evidence on Motion to Appoint

(10) A person who moves for the appointment of a litigation guardian shall provide evidence on the motion concerning,

(a) the nature of the proceeding;

(b) the date on which the cause of action arose and the date on which the proceeding was commenced;

(c) service on the party under disability of the originating process and the request for appointment of litigation guardian;

(d) the nature and extent of the disability;

(e) in the case of a minor, the minor’s birth date;

(f) whether the person under disability ordinarily resides in Ontario and,

except where the proposed litigation guardian is the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee, evidence,

(g) concerning the relationship, if any, of the proposed litigation guardian to the party under disability;

(h) whether the proposed litigation guardian ordinarily resides in Ontario;

(i) that the proposed litigation guardian,

(i) consents to act as litigation guardian in the proceeding,

(ii) is a proper person to be appointed,

(iii) has no interest in the proceeding adverse to that of the party under disability, and

(iv) acknowledges having been informed that he or she may incur costs that may not be recovered from another party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.03 (10); O. Reg. 69/95, ss. 19, 20; O. Reg. 193/15, s. 2.

Representation of Persons under Disability

Litigation guardian for party

7.04 (1) Unless there is some other proper person willing and able to act as litigation guardian for a party under disability, the court shall appoint,

(a) the Children’s Lawyer, if the party is a minor;

(b) the Public Guardian and Trustee, if the party is mentally incapable within the meaning of section 6 or 45 of the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 in respect of an issue in the proceeding and there is no guardian or attorney under a power of attorney with authority to act as litigation guardian;

(c) either of them, if clauses (a) and (b) both apply to the party.  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 5.

Legal representative for minor who is not a party

(2) Where, in the opinion of the court, the interests of a minor who is not a party require separate representation in a proceeding, the court may request and may by order authorize the Children’s Lawyer, or some other proper person who is willing and able to act, to act as the person’s legal representative.  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 5.

Litigation guardian for incapable person who is not a party

(3) Where, in the opinion of the court, the interests of a mentally incapable person who is not a minor and not a party require separate representation in a proceeding, the court may appoint as the mentally incapable person’s litigation guardian the Public Guardian and Trustee or some other proper person who is willing and able to act.  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 5.

Powers and Duties of Litigation Guardian

7.05 (1) Where a party is under disability, anything that a party in a proceeding is required or authorized to do may be done by the party’s litigation guardian.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.05 (1); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 18.

(2) A litigation guardian shall diligently attend to the interests of the person under disability and take all steps necessary for the protection of those interests, including the commencement and conduct of a counterclaim, crossclaim or third party claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.05 (2); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 18.

(3) A litigation guardian other than the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee shall be represented by a lawyer and shall instruct the lawyer in the conduct of the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.05 (3); O. Reg. 69/95, ss. 18-20; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Removal or Substitution of Litigation Guardian

7.06 (1) Where, in the course of a proceeding,

(a) a minor for whom a litigation guardian has been acting reaches the age of majority, the minor or the litigation guardian may, on filing an affidavit stating that the minor has reached the age of majority, obtain from the registrar an order to continue (Form 7B) authorizing the minor to continue the proceeding without the litigation guardian;

(b) a party under any other disability for whom a litigation guardian has been acting ceases to be under disability, the party or the litigation guardian may move without notice for an order to continue the proceeding without the litigation guardian,

and the order shall be served forthwith on every other party and on the litigation guardian.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.06 (1); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 18.

(2) Where it appears to the court that a litigation guardian is not acting in the best interests of the party under disability, the court may substitute the Children’s Lawyer, the Public Guardian and Trustee or any other person as litigation guardian.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.06 (2); O. Reg. 69/95, ss. 19, 20.

Noting Party under Disability in Default

7.07 (1) If a party to an action is under a disability, the party may be noted in default under rule 19.01 only with leave of a judge.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 2.

(2) Notice of a motion for leave under subrule (1) shall be served on the party’s litigation guardian and, if the litigation guardian is not the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee,

(a) on the Children’s Lawyer, if the party is a minor; or

(b) on the Public Guardian and Trustee, in any other case. O. Reg. 259/14, s. 1.

Discontinuance by or against Party under Disability

7.07.1 (1) If a party to an action is under a disability, the action may be discontinued by or against the party under rule 23.01 only with leave of a judge.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 3.

(2) Notice of a motion for leave under subrule (1) shall be served on the party’s litigation guardian and, if the litigation guardian is not the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee,

(a) on the Children’s Lawyer, if the party is a minor; or

(b) on the Public Guardian and Trustee, in any other case. O. Reg. 259/14, s. 2.

Approval of Settlement

Settlement Requires Judge’s Approval

7.08 (1) No settlement of a claim made by or against a person under disability, whether or not a proceeding has been commenced in respect of the claim, is binding on the person without the approval of a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.08 (1).

(2) Judgment may not be obtained on consent in favour of or against a party under disability without the approval of a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.08 (2).

Exception

(2.1) This rule does not apply to a settlement or judgment respecting the appointment under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 of a guardian of property or guardian of the person. O. Reg. 281/16, s. 3 (1).

Where no Proceeding Commenced

(3) Where an agreement for the settlement of a claim made by or against a person under disability is reached before a proceeding is commenced in respect of the claim, approval of a judge shall be obtained on an application.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.08 (3).

Material Required for Approval

(4) On a motion or application for the approval of a judge under this rule, there shall be served and filed with the notice of motion or notice of application,

(a) an affidavit of the litigation guardian setting out the material facts and the reasons supporting the proposed settlement and the position of the litigation guardian in respect of the settlement;

(b) an affidavit of the lawyer acting for the litigation guardian setting out the lawyer’s position in respect of the proposed settlement;

(c) where the person under disability is a minor who is over the age of sixteen years, the minor’s consent in writing, unless the judge orders otherwise; and

(d) a copy of the proposed minutes of settlement.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.08 (4); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 18; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 10.

(4.1) If there is no litigation guardian and the settlement that is the subject of the motion or application is in respect of a matter under the Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 to which this rule applies, the affidavit referred to in clause (4) (a) shall be provided by the moving party or applicant (as the case may be), and the affidavit referred to in clause (4) (b) shall be provided by his or her lawyer. O. Reg. 281/16, s. 3 (1).

Children’s Lawyer or Public Guardian and Trustee

(5) On a motion or application for the approval of a judge under this rule, the judge may,

(a) direct that material filed on the motion or application be served on the Children’s Lawyer or on the Public Guardian and Trustee; and

(b) direct the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee, as the case may be, to make a written report stating any objections he or she has to the proposed settlement and making recommendations, with reasons, in connection with the proposed settlement. O. Reg. 281/16, s. 3 (2).

Money to be Paid into Court

7.09 (1) Any money payable to a person under disability under an order or a settlement shall be paid into court, unless a judge orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.09 (1).

(2) Any money paid to the Children’s Lawyer on behalf of a person under disability shall be paid into court, unless a judge orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 7.09 (2); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 19.

RULE 8  PARTNERSHIPS AND SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS

Partnerships

8.01 (1) A proceeding by or against two or more persons as partners may be commenced using the firm name of the partnership.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.01 (1).

(2) Subrule (1) extends to a proceeding between partnerships having one or more partners in common.  O. Reg. 535/92, s. 4.

Defence

8.02 Where a proceeding is commenced against a partnership using the firm name, the partnership’s defence shall be delivered in the firm name and no person who admits having been a partner at any material time may defend the proceeding separately, except with leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.02.

Notice to Alleged Partner Where Enforcement Sought against Partner

8.03 (1) In a proceeding against a partnership using the firm name, where a plaintiff or applicant seeks an order that will be enforceable personally against a person as a partner, the plaintiff or applicant may serve the person with the originating process, together with a notice to alleged partner (Form 8A) stating that the person was a partner at a material time specified in the notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.03 (1).

(2) A person served as provided in subrule (1) shall be deemed to have been a partner at the material time, unless the person defends the proceeding separately denying that he or she was a partner at the material time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.03 (2).

Person Defending Separately

8.04 A person becomes a party to a proceeding as a defendant or respondent, and the title of the proceeding shall be amended accordingly, if the person defends a proceeding separately,

(a) denying having been a partner at the material time; or

(b) with leave of the court under rule 8.02.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.04.

Disclosure of Partners

8.05 (1) Where a proceeding is commenced by or against a partnership using the firm name, any other party may serve a notice requiring the partnership to disclose forthwith in writing the names and addresses of all the partners constituting the partnership at a time specified in the notice and, where the present address of a partner is unknown, the partnership shall disclose the last known address of that partner.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.05 (1).

(2) Where a partnership fails to comply with a notice under subrule (1), its claim may be dismissed or the proceeding stayed or its defence may be struck out.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.05 (2).

(3) Where the name of a partner is disclosed pursuant to a notice under subrule (1) and the partner has not been served as provided in rule 8.03, the partner may be so served within fifteen days after the name is disclosed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.05 (3).

Enforcement of Order

Against Partnership Property

8.06 (1) An order against a partnership using the firm name may be enforced against the property of the partnership.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.06 (1).

Against Person Served as Alleged Partner

(2) An order against a partnership using the firm name may also be enforced, where the order or a subsequent order so provides, against any person who was served as provided in rule 8.03 and who,

(a) under that rule, is deemed to have been a partner;

(b) has admitted having been a partner; or

(c) has been adjudged to have been a partner,

at the material time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.06 (2).

Against Person not Served as Alleged Partner

(3) Where, after an order has been made against a partnership using the firm name, the party obtaining it claims to be entitled to enforce it against any person alleged to be a partner other than a person who was served as provided in rule 8.03, the party may move before a judge for leave to do so, and the judge may grant leave if the liability of the person as a partner is not disputed or, if disputed, after the liability has been determined in such manner as the judge directs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.06 (3).

Sole Proprietorships

8.07 (1) Where a person carries on business in a business name other than his or her own name, a proceeding may be commenced by or against the person using the business name.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.07 (1).

(2) Rules 8.01 to 8.06 apply, with necessary modifications, to a proceeding by or against a sole proprietor using a business name, as though the sole proprietor were a partner and the business name were the firm name of a partnership.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 8.07 (2).

RULE 9  ESTATES AND TRUSTS

Proceedings by or against Executor, Administrator or Trustee

General Rule

9.01 (1) A proceeding may be brought by or against an executor, administrator or trustee as representing an estate or trust and its beneficiaries without joining the beneficiaries as parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.01 (1).

Exceptions

(2) Subrule (1) does not apply to a proceeding,

(a) to establish or contest the validity of a will;

(b) for the interpretation of a will;

(c) to remove or replace an executor, administrator or trustee;

(d) against an executor, administrator or trustee for fraud or misconduct; or

(e) for the administration of an estate or the execution of a trust by the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.01 (2).

Executor, Administrator or Trustee Refusing to be Joined

(3) Where a proceeding is commenced by executors, administrators or trustees, any executor, administrator or trustee who does not consent to be joined as a plaintiff or applicant shall be made a defendant or respondent.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.01 (3).

Beneficiaries and Others Added by Order

(4) The court may order that any beneficiary, creditor or other interested person be made a party to a proceeding by or against an executor, administrator or trustee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.01 (4).

Proceeding against Estate that Has No Executor or Administrator

9.02 (1) Where it is sought to commence or continue a proceeding against the estate of a deceased person who has no executor or administrator, the court on motion may appoint a litigation administrator to represent the estate for the purposes of the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.02 (1).

(2) An order in a proceeding to which a litigation administrator is a party binds or benefits the estate of the deceased person, but has no effect on the litigation administrator in a personal capacity, unless a judge orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.02 (2).

Remedial Provisions

Proceeding Commenced before Probate or Administration

9.03 (1) Where a proceeding is commenced by or against a person as executor or administrator before a grant of probate or administration has been made and the person subsequently receives a grant of probate or administration, the proceeding shall be deemed to have been properly constituted from its commencement.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.03 (1).

Proceeding Brought by or against Estate

(2) A proceeding commenced by or against the estate of a deceased person,

(a) by naming “the estate of A.B., deceased”, “the personal representative of A.B., deceased” or any similar designation; or

(b) in which the wrong person is named as the personal representative,

shall not be treated as a nullity, but the court may order that the proceeding be continued by or against the proper executor or administrator of the deceased or against a litigation administrator appointed for the purpose of the proceeding, and the title of the proceeding shall be amended accordingly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.03 (2).

Proceeding Commenced in the Name of or Against a Deceased Person

(3) A proceeding commenced in the name of or against a person who has died before its commencement shall not be treated as a nullity, but the court may order that the proceeding be continued by or against the executor or administrator or a litigation administrator appointed for the purpose of the proceeding and the title of the proceeding shall be amended accordingly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.03 (3).

Where There is an Executor or Administrator and a Litigation Administrator has been Appointed

(4) Where it appears that a deceased person for whom a litigation administrator has been appointed had an executor or administrator at the time of the appointment, the proceeding shall not be treated as a nullity, but the court may order that the proceeding be continued against the executor or administrator and the title of the proceeding shall be amended accordingly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.03 (4).

General Power

(5) A proceeding by or against a deceased person or an estate shall not be treated as a nullity because it was not properly constituted, but the court may order that the proceeding be reconstituted by analogy to the provisions of this rule.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.03 (5).

Stay of Proceeding until Properly Constituted

(6) No further step in a proceeding referred to in subrule (2), (3), (4) or (5) shall be taken until it is properly constituted and, unless it is properly constituted within a reasonable time, the court may dismiss the proceeding or make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.03 (6).

Terms May be Imposed

(7) On making an order under this rule, the court may impose such terms as are just, including a term that an executor or an administrator shall not be personally liable in respect of any part of the estate of a deceased person that the executor or administrator has distributed or otherwise dealt with in good faith while not aware that a proceeding had been commenced against the deceased person or the estate.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 9.03 (7).

RULE 10  REPRESENTATION ORDER

Representation of an Interested Person Who Cannot Be Ascertained

Proceedings in which Order may be Made

10.01 (1) In a proceeding concerning,

(a) the interpretation of a deed, will, contract or other instrument, or the interpretation of a statute, order in council, regulation or municipal by-law or resolution;

(b) the determination of a question arising in the administration of an estate or trust;

(c) the approval of a sale, purchase, settlement or other transaction;

(d) the approval of an arrangement under the Variation of Trusts Act;

(e) the administration of the estate of a deceased person; or

(f) any other matter where it appears necessary or desirable to make an order under this subrule,

a judge may by order appoint one or more persons to represent any person or class of persons who are unborn or unascertained or who have a present, future, contingent or unascertained interest in or may be affected by the proceeding and who cannot be readily ascertained, found or served.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 10.01 (1).

Order Binds Represented Persons

(2) Where an appointment is made under subrule (1), an order in the proceeding is binding on a person or class so represented, subject to rule 10.03.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 10.01 (2).

Settlement Affecting Persons who are not Parties

(3) Where in a proceeding referred to in subrule (1) a settlement is proposed and some of the persons interested in the settlement are not parties to the proceeding, but,

(a) those persons are represented by a person appointed under subrule (1) who assents to the settlement; or

(b) there are other persons having the same interest who are parties to the proceeding and assent to the settlement,

the judge, if satisfied that the settlement will be for the benefit of the interested persons who are not parties and that to require service on them would cause undue expense or delay, may approve the settlement on behalf of those persons.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 10.01 (3).

(4) A settlement approved under subrule (3) binds the interested persons who are not parties, subject to rule 10.03.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 10.01 (4).

Representation of a Deceased Person

10.02 Where it appears to a judge that the estate of a deceased person has an interest in a matter in question in the proceeding and there is no executor or administrator of the estate, the judge may order that the proceeding continue in the absence of a person representing the estate of the deceased person or may by order appoint a person to represent the estate for the purposes of the proceeding, and an order in the proceeding binds the estate of the deceased person, subject to rule 10.03, as if the executor or administrator of the estate of that person had been a party to the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 10.02.

Relief from Binding Effect of Order

10.03 Where a person or an estate is bound by reason of a representation order made under subrule 10.01 (1) or rule 10.02, an approval under subrule 10.01 (3) or an order that the proceeding continue made under rule 10.02, a judge may order in the same or a subsequent proceeding that the person or estate not be bound where the judge is satisfied that,

(a) the order or approval was obtained by fraud or non-disclosure of material facts;

(b) the interests of the person or estate were different from those represented at the hearing; or

(c) for some other sufficient reason the order or approval should be set aside.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 10.03; O. Reg. 259/14, s. 3.

RULE 11  TRANSFER OR TRANSMISSION OF INTEREST

Effect of Transfer or Transmission

11.01 Where at any stage of a proceeding the interest or liability of a party is transferred or transmitted to another person by assignment, bankruptcy, death or other means, the proceeding shall be stayed with respect to the party whose interest or liability has been transferred or transmitted until an order to continue the proceeding by or against the other person has been obtained.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 11.01; O. Reg. 14/04, s. 9.

Order to Continue

11.02 (1) Where a transfer or transmission of the interest or liability of a party takes place while a proceeding is pending, any interested person may, on filing an affidavit verifying the transfer or transmission of interest or liability, obtain on requisition from the registrar an order to continue (Form 11A), without notice to any other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 11.02 (1).

(2) An order to continue shall be served forthwith on every other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 11.02 (2).

Failure to Obtain Order to Continue Action

11.03 Where a transfer or transmission of the interest of a plaintiff takes place while an action is pending and no order to continue is obtained within a reasonable time, a defendant may move to have the action dismissed for delay, and rules 24.02 to 24.05 apply, with necessary modifications.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 11.03.

RULE 12  CLASS PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDINGS

Definitions

12.01 In rules 12.02 to 12.08,

“Act” means the Class Proceedings Act, 1992; (“Loi”)

“Foundation” means The Law Foundation of Ontario; (“Fondation”)

“Fund” means the Class Proceedings Fund of the Foundation. (“Fonds”)  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 5; O. Reg. 465/93, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 496/20, s. 1.

Title of Proceeding

12.02 (1) In a proceeding commenced under subsection 2 (1) of the Act, the title of the proceeding shall include, after the names of the parties, “Proceeding under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992”.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 5.

(2) In a proceeding referred to in section 3 or 4 of the Act, the notice of motion for an order certifying the proceeding, the order certifying it and all subsequent documents shall include, after the names of the parties, “Proceeding under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992”.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 5.

Discovery of Class Members

12.03 (1) For the purpose of subrule 31.11 (1) (reading in examination), a class member who is examined for discovery under subsection 15 (2) of the Act is examined in addition to the party.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 5.

(2) Rule 31.10 (discovery of non-parties) and clause 34.15 (1) (b) (sanctions for default or misconduct) do not apply when a class member is examined for discovery under subsection 15 (2) of the Act.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 5.

Costs

Application of Rule

12.04 (1) This rule applies to proceedings under the Act in which the plaintiff or applicant has received financial support from the Fund.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 5; O. Reg. 496/20, s. 2.

Notice to Foundation, Opportunity to Participate

(2) If the court is of the opinion that the defendant or respondent may be entitled to an award of costs, the court shall direct the plaintiff or applicant to give notice to the Foundation.  O. Reg. 113/01, s. 1.

(3) When the court has made a direction under subrule (2),

(a) no order for costs or assessment of costs shall be made unless the Foundation has had an opportunity to present evidence and make submissions in respect of costs; and

(b) the Foundation is a party for the purpose of an appeal in relation to costs.  O. Reg. 113/01, s. 1.

Failure to Accept Defendant’s Offer

(4) Subrule 49.10 (2) (costs consequences of offer) does not apply.  O. Reg. 113/01, s. 1.

Contents of Judgments and Orders

12.05 (1) A judgment in a proceeding under the Act, or an order approving a settlement under section 27.1 of the Act or approving a discontinuance or abandonment of a proceeding under section 29 of the Act, shall contain directions with respect to,

(a) the distribution of amounts awarded under section 24 or 25 of the Act, and the costs of distribution;

(b) the payment of amounts owing under an enforceable agreement made under section 32 of the Act between a lawyer and a representative party;

(c) the payment of the costs of the proceeding; and

(d) the payment of any levy in favour of the Fund under clause 59.5 (1) (g) of the Law Society Act.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 5; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 496/20, s. 3.

(2) An order certifying two or more proceedings as a class proceeding under section 3 of the Act or decertifying a class proceeding under section 10 of the Act shall contain directions with respect to pleadings and other procedural matters.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 5.

Leave to Appeal

Leave to be Obtained from Another Judge

12.06 (1) Leave to appeal to the Divisional Court under subsection 30 (9), (10) or (11) of the Act shall be obtained from a judge other than the judge who made the order.  O. Reg. 465/93, s. 2 (3); O. Reg. 496/20, s. 4 (1).

Motion in Writing

(1.1) The motion for leave to appeal shall be heard in writing, without the attendance of parties or lawyers. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 2 (1).

(2) Revoked: O. Reg. 496/20, s. 4 (2).

Leave to Appeal — Grounds

(3) Leave to appeal from an order under subsection 30 (9), (10) or (11) of the Act shall not be granted unless,

(a) there has been a miscarriage of justice; or

(b) the order may be used as a precedent in determining the rights of other class members or the defendant in the proceeding under section 24 or 25 of the Act and there is good reason to doubt the correctness of the order.  O. Reg. 465/93, s. 2 (3).

Procedure

(4) Subrules 61.03.1 (2) to (19) apply, with the following and any other necessary modifications, to the motion for leave to appeal:

1. References in those subrules to the Court of Appeal shall be read as references to the Divisional Court.

2. For the purposes of subrule 61.03.1 (6), only one copy of each of the motion record, factum, any transcripts and any book of authorities is required to be filed.

3. For the purposes of subrule 61.03.1 (10), only one copy of each of the factum, any motion record and any book of authorities is required to be filed. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 2 (3).

Subsequent Procedure if Leave Granted

(5) If leave is granted, the notice of appeal required by rule 61.04, together with the appellant’s certificate respecting evidence required by subrule 61.05 (1), shall be delivered within seven days after the granting of leave, and from then on Rule 61 applies to the appeal. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 2 (3).

Proceeding against Representative Defendant

12.07 Where numerous persons have the same interest, one or more of them may defend a proceeding on behalf or for the benefit of all, or may be authorized by the court to do so.  O. Reg. 465/93, s. 2 (3).

Proceeding by Unincorporated Association or Trade Union

12.08 Where numerous persons are members of an unincorporated association or trade union and a proceeding under the Act would be an unduly expensive or inconvenient means for determining their claims, one or more of them may be authorized by the court to bring a proceeding on behalf of or for the benefit of all.  O. Reg. 288/99, s. 9; O. Reg. 496/20, s. 5.

RULE 13  INTERVENTION

Leave to Intervene as Added Party

13.01 (1) A person who is not a party to a proceeding may move for leave to intervene as an added party if the person claims,

(a) an interest in the subject matter of the proceeding;

(b) that the person may be adversely affected by a judgment in the proceeding; or

(c) that there exists between the person and one or more of the parties to the proceeding a question of law or fact in common with one or more of the questions in issue in the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 13.01 (1).

(2) On the motion, the court shall consider whether the intervention will unduly delay or prejudice the determination of the rights of the parties to the proceeding and the court may add the person as a party to the proceeding and may make such order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 13.01 (2).

Leave to Intervene as Friend of the Court

13.02 Any person may, with leave of a judge or at the invitation of the presiding judge or associate judge, and without becoming a party to the proceeding, intervene as a friend of the court for the purpose of rendering assistance to the court by way of argument.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 13.02; O. Reg. 186/10, s. 1; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Leave to Intervene in Divisional Court or Court of Appeal

13.03 (1) Leave to intervene in the Divisional Court as an added party or as a friend of the court may be granted by a panel of the court, the Chief Justice or Associate Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice or a judge designated by either of them.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 13.03 (1); O. Reg. 292/99, s. 4; O. Reg. 186/10, s. 2; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 16.

(2) Leave to intervene as an added party or as a friend of the court in the Court of Appeal may be granted by a panel of the court, the Chief Justice or Associate Chief Justice of Ontario or a judge designated by either of them.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 13.03 (2); O. Reg. 186/10, s. 2; O. Reg. 55/12, s. 1; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 16.

COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS

RULE 13.1 PLACE OF COMMENCEMENT AND HEARING OR TRIAL

Place of Commencement

Statute or Rule Governing Place of Commencement, Trial or Hearing

13.1.01 (1) If a statute or rule requires a proceeding to be commenced, brought, tried or heard in a particular county, the proceeding shall be commenced at a court office in that county and the county shall be named in the originating process.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

Choice of Place

(2) If subrule (1) does not apply, the proceeding may be commenced at any court office in any county named in the originating process.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

Mortgage Claims

(3) In the case of an originating process, whether it is brought under Rule 64 (Mortgage Actions) or otherwise, that contains a claim relating to a mortgage, including a claim for payment of a mortgage debt or for possession of a mortgaged property, the proceeding shall be commenced in the county that the regional senior judge of a region in which the property is located, in whole or in part, designates within that region for such claims. O. Reg. 259/14, s. 4.

Transfer

Motion to Transfer to Another County

13.1.02 (1) If subrule 13.1.01 (1) applies to a proceeding but a plaintiff or applicant commences it in another place, the court may, on its own initiative or on any party’s motion, order that the proceeding be transferred to the county where it should have been commenced.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

(2) If subrule (1) does not apply, the court may, on any party’s motion, make an order to transfer the proceeding to a county other than the one where it was commenced, if the court is satisfied,

(a) that it is likely that a fair hearing cannot be held in the county where the proceeding was commenced; or

(b) that a transfer is desirable in the interest of justice, having regard to,

(i) where a substantial part of the events or omissions that gave rise to the claim occurred,

(ii) where a substantial part of the damages were sustained,

(iii) where the subject-matter of the proceeding is or was located,

(iv) any local community’s interest in the subject-matter of the proceeding,

(v) the convenience of the parties, the witnesses and the court,

(vi) whether there are counterclaims, crossclaims, or third or subsequent party claims,

(vii) any advantages or disadvantages of a particular place with respect to securing the just, most expeditious and least expensive determination of the proceeding on its merits,

(viii) whether judges and court facilities are available at the other county, and

(ix) any other relevant matter.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

(3) If an order has previously been made under subrule (2), any party may make a further motion, and in that case subrule (2) applies with necessary modifications.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

Where Motion may be Brought

(3.1) Despite rule 37.03 (where motions to be brought) and subrule 76.05 (2) (place of in-person hearings), a motion under subrule (1), (2) or (3) may be brought in the county to which the transfer of the proceeding is sought, in which case, if the motion is to be heard in person, it shall be heard in that county. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 12 (1).

Transfer on Initiative of Regional Senior Judge

(4) If subrule (1) does not apply, the regional senior judge in whose region the proceeding was commenced may, on his or her own initiative and subject to subrules (5) and (6), make an order to transfer the proceeding to another county in the same region.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

(5) Before making an order under subrule (4), the regional senior judge shall direct the parties to appear before him or her, by personal attendance or by telephone conference or video conference, to consider whether the order should be made.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 12 (2).

(6) An order under subrule (4) may be made only if the regional senior judge is satisfied that the transfer is desirable in the interest of justice, having regard to the factors listed in subclauses (2) (b) (i) to (ix).  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

(7) If an order has previously been made under subrule (4), a further order may be made, and in that case subrule (4) applies with necessary modifications.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

Effect of Order

(8) If an order is made under subrule (1), (2) or (4),

(a) the court file shall be transferred to the court office in the county to which the proceeding has been transferred; and

(b) all further documents required to be filed in the proceeding shall be filed there.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

(9)-(11) Revoked:  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 13.1.02 (12).

(12) Spent:  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 10.

RULE 14  ORIGINATING PROCESS

How Proceedings Commenced

By Issuing Originating Process

14.01 (1) A proceeding shall be commenced by the issuing of an originating process. O. Reg. 14/04, s. 11.

Exceptions

(2) A counterclaim that is only against persons who are already parties to the main action, and a crossclaim, shall be commenced by the delivery of the pleading containing the counterclaim or crossclaim, and the pleading need not be issued. O. Reg. 131/04, s. 4.

(2.1) An application for a certificate of appointment of estate trustee under Rule 74 or for a small estate certificate or amended small estate certificate under Rule 74.1 need not be issued. O. Reg. 484/94, s. 4 (2); O. Reg. 111/21, s. 2; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 2.

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 176/24, s. 1.

New Fact After Commencement

(4) A party may rely on a fact that occurs after the commencement of a proceeding, even though the fact gives rise to a new claim or defence, and, if necessary, may move to amend an originating process or pleading to allege the fact.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.01 (4).

Where Leave to Commence is Required

14.01.1 (1) Where leave to commence a proceeding is required, it shall be obtained by motion. O. Reg. 176/24, s. 2.

Note: On the day subsection 7 (1) of Schedule 6 to the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2024 comes into force, subsection 14.01.1 (1) of the Regulation is amended by adding “except where a statute or these rules provide otherwise” at the end. (See: O. Reg. 322/24, s. 2)

Small Claims Action

(2) A motion under subsection 23 (1.1) of the Courts of Justice Act for leave to commence an action in the Superior Court of Justice that is within the Small Claims Court’s jurisdiction may be made without notice, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 176/24, s. 2.

Same

(3) The court may grant leave under subsection 23 (1.1) of the Courts of Justice Act only if it is in the interest of justice. O. Reg. 176/24, s. 2.

Proceedings by Action as General Rule

14.02 Every proceeding in the court shall be by action, except where a statute or these rules provide otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.02.

Actions — By Statement of Claim or Notice of Action

Statement of Claim

14.03 (1) The originating process for the commencement of an action is a statement of claim (Form 14A (general) or 14B (mortgage actions)), except as provided by,

(a) subrule (2) (notice of action);

(b) Revoked:  O. Reg. 131/04, s. 5 (1).

(c) rule 27.03 (counterclaim against person not already a party);

(d) subrule 29.02 (1) (third party claim); and

(e) rule 29.11 (fourth and subsequent party claims).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.03 (1); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 5 (1).

Notice of Action

(2) Where there is insufficient time to prepare a statement of claim, an action may be commenced by the issuing of a notice of action (Form 14C) that contains a short statement of the nature of the claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.03 (2); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 5 (2).

(3) Where a notice of action is used, the plaintiff shall file a statement of claim (Form 14D) within thirty days after the notice of action is issued, and no statement of claim shall be filed thereafter except with the written consent of the defendant or with leave of the court obtained on notice to the defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.03 (3).

(4) The notice of action shall not be served separately from the statement of claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.03 (4).

Information for Court Use

(4.1) Form 14F (Information for court use) shall be filed together with a statement of claim in Form 14A or 14B or a notice of action in Form 14C, unless the statement of claim or notice of action is filed electronically through the Civil Claims Online Portal under rule 4.05.1 or the Civil Submissions Online Portal under rule 4.05.2. O. Reg. 12/24, s. 2.

Statement of Claim may Alter or Extend Claim

(5) In an action commenced by the issuing of a notice of action, the statement of claim may alter or extend the claim stated in the notice of action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.03 (5).

Ordinary and Simplified Procedure

14.03.1 The simplified procedure set out in Rule 76 shall be used in actions to which subrule 76.02 (1), (2) or (2.1) applies, and may be used in other actions in accordance with subrule 76.02 (3); otherwise, the ordinary procedure set out in these Rules shall be used in all proceedings.  O. Reg. 652/00, s. 1; O. Reg. 284/01, s. 4; O. Reg. 132/04, s. 3.

14.04 Revoked: O. Reg. 584/17, s. 6.

Applications — By Notice of Application or Application for Certificate

14.05 (1) The originating process for the commencement of an application is, as applicable,

(a) a notice of application (Form 14E, 14E.1, 68A or 73A); or

Note: On the day subsection 7 (1) of Schedule 6 to the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2024 comes into force, clause 14.05 (1) (a) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “Form 14E” and substituting “Form 2.2B, 14E”. (See: O. Reg. 322/24, s. 3 (1))

(b) an application for a certificate of appointment of estate trustee (Form 74A or 74J), small estate certificate (Form 74.1A) or amended small estate certificate (Form 74.1E). O. Reg. 383/21, s. 3; O. Reg. 709/21, s. 2.

Information for Court Use

(1.1) Form 14F (Information for court use) shall be filed together with a notice of application in Form 14E, 14E.1, 68A or 73A unless the notice of application is filed electronically through the Civil Submissions Online Portal under rule 4.05.2.  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 2; O. Reg. 43/14, s. 5 (2); O. Reg. 12/24, s. 3.

Note: On the day subsection 7 (1) of Schedule 6 to the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2024 comes into force, subrule 14.05 (1.1) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “Form 14E” and substituting “Form 2.2B, 14E”. (See: O. Reg. 322/24, s. 3 (2))

Application under Statute

(2) A proceeding may be commenced by an application to the Superior Court of Justice or to a judge of that court, if a statute so authorizes.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.05 (2); O. Reg. 292/99, s. 1 (2).

Application under Rules

(3) A proceeding may be brought by application where these rules authorize the commencement of a proceeding by application or where the relief claimed is,

(a) the opinion, advice or direction of the court on a question affecting the rights of a person in respect of the administration of the estate of a deceased person or the execution of a trust;

(b) an order directing executors, administrators or trustees to do or abstain from doing any particular act in respect of an estate or trust for which they are responsible;

(c) the removal or replacement of one or more executors, administrators or trustees, or the fixing of their compensation;

(d) the determination of rights that depend on the interpretation of a deed, will, contract or other instrument, or on the interpretation of a statute, order in council, regulation or municipal by-law or resolution;

(e) the declaration of an interest in or charge on land, including the nature and extent of the interest or charge or the boundaries of the land, or the settling of the priority of interests or charges;

(f) the approval of an arrangement or compromise or the approval of a purchase, sale, mortgage, lease or variation of trust;

(g) an injunction, mandatory order or declaration or the appointment of a receiver or other consequential relief when ancillary to relief claimed in a proceeding properly commenced by a notice of application;

(g.1) for a remedy under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; or

(h) in respect of any matter where it is unlikely that there will be any material facts in dispute requiring a trial. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.05 (3); O. Reg. 396/91, s. 3; O. Reg. 537/18, s. 2.

Title of Proceeding

14.06 (1) Every originating process shall contain a title of the proceeding setting out the names of all the parties and the capacity in which they are made parties, if other than their personal capacity.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.06 (1).

(2) In an action, the title of the proceeding shall name the party commencing the action as the plaintiff and the opposite party as the defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.06 (2); O. Reg. 131/04. s. 7.

(3) In an application, the title of the proceeding shall name the party commencing the application as the applicant and the opposite party, if any, as the respondent and the notice of application shall state the statutory provision or rule, if any, under which the application is made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.06 (3).

Exception

(4) Subrules (1), (2) and (3) do not apply to a proceeding under Rule 74, 74.1 or 75.  O. Reg. 484/94, s. 6; O. Reg. 111/21, s. 3.

How Originating Process Issued

14.07 (1) An originating process is issued by the registrar’s act of dating, signing and sealing it with the seal of the court and assigning to it a court file number.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.07 (1).

(2) A copy of the originating process shall be filed in the court file when it is issued.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.07 (2); O. Reg. 248/21, s. 14.

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 584/17, s. 7.

Time for Service in Actions

14.08 (1) Where an action is commenced by a statement of claim, the statement of claim shall be served within six months after it is issued.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.08 (1).

(2) Where an action is commenced by a notice of action, the notice of action and the statement of claim shall be served together within six months after the notice of action is issued.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.08 (2).

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 170/14, s. 2.

(4) Revoked:  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.08 (5).

(5) Spent:  O. Reg. 198/05, s. 1. (as amended by O. Reg. 438/08, s. 11 (2)).

Striking out or Amending

14.09 An originating process that is not a pleading may be struck out or amended in the same manner as a pleading.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.09.

Dismissal of Action Where Defendant Pays Claim

14.10 (1) Where the plaintiff’s claim is for money only, a defendant, on paying within the time prescribed for delivery of a defence or at any time before being noted in default, the amount of the plaintiff’s claim and the amount claimed for costs, may on motion have the court dismiss the action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.10 (1).

(2) A defendant who considers the amount claimed for costs to be excessive may pay, within the time prescribed for delivery of a defence or at any time before being noted in default, the amount of the plaintiff’s claim and the sum of $400 for costs, and the court on motion may dismiss the action and may fix and order payment of the plaintiff’s costs or may order payment of the plaintiff’s costs as assessed under Rule 58.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 14.10 (2); O. Reg. 653/00, s. 2.

RULE 15  REPRESENTATION BY LAWYER

Where Lawyer Is Required

15.01 (1) A party to a proceeding who is under disability or acts in a representative capacity shall be represented by a lawyer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 15.01 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(2) A party to a proceeding that is a corporation shall be represented by a lawyer, except with leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 15.01 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(3) Any other party to a proceeding may act in person or be represented by a lawyer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 15.01 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(4) Subrule (3) permits a party to be represented by a lawyer acting under a limited scope retainer, but a limited scope retainer does not, in itself, make a lawyer the lawyer of record for the party. O. Reg. 231/13, s. 3.

Interpretation

Party Acting in Person

15.01.1 (1) Where a party to a proceeding is not represented by a lawyer but acts in person, anything these rules require or permit a lawyer to do shall be done by the party. O. Reg. 231/13, s. 4.

Exception

(1.1) Subrule (1) does not apply with respect to the following provisions:

1. Subrule 16.09 (1.1).

2. Paragraph 1 of rule 60.20. O. Reg. 520/22, s. 1.

Party Represented under Limited Scope Retainer

(2) A party who is represented by a lawyer acting under a limited scope retainer is considered for the purpose of these rules to be acting in person and without a lawyer, and, to that end,

(a) a reference in these rules to a party acting in person includes a reference to a party who is represented in this manner; and

(b) anything these rules require or permit a party to do shall be done by the party. O. Reg. 231/13, s. 4.

Exception, Lawyer of Record

(3) Subrule (2) does not apply if the lawyer acting under the limited scope retainer is the party’s lawyer of record. O. Reg. 231/13, s. 4.

Notice of Authority to Commence Proceeding

Request for Notice by Lawyer

15.02 (1) A person who is served with an originating process may deliver a request that the lawyer who is named in the originating process as the lawyer for the plaintiff or applicant deliver a notice declaring whether he or she commenced or authorized the commencement of the proceeding or whether his or her client authorized the commencement of the proceeding.  O. Reg. 427/01, s. 9; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Power of Court

(2) If the lawyer fails to deliver a notice in accordance with the request, the court may,

(a) order the lawyer to do so;

(b) stay the proceeding; and

(c) order the lawyer to pay the costs of the proceeding.  O. Reg. 427/01, s. 9; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Proceeding Commenced without Lawyer’s Authority

(3) If the lawyer declares that he or she did not commence or authorize the commencement of the proceeding, the court may, on motion without notice, stay or dismiss the proceeding.  O. Reg. 427/01, s. 9; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Proceeding Commenced without Client’s Authority

(4) If a lawyer has commenced a proceeding without the authority of his or her client, the court may, on motion, stay or dismiss the proceeding and order the lawyer to pay the costs of the proceeding.  O. Reg. 427/01, s. 9; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Effect of Stay

(5) If a proceeding is stayed under this rule, no further step may be taken without leave of the court.  O. Reg. 427/01, s. 9.

Change in Representation by Party

Notice of Change of Lawyer

15.03 (1) A party who has a lawyer of record may change the lawyer of record by serving on the lawyer and every other party and filing, with proof of service, a notice of change of lawyer (Form 15A) giving the name, address and telephone number of the new lawyer.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 12.

Notice of Appointment of Lawyer

(2) A party acting in person may appoint a lawyer of record by serving on every other party and filing, with proof of service, a notice of appointment of lawyer (Form 15B) giving the name, address and telephone number of the lawyer of record.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 12.

Notice of Intention to Act in Person

(3) Subject to subrule 15.01 (1) or (2), a party who has a lawyer of record may elect to act in person by serving on the lawyer and every other party and filing, with proof of service, a notice of intention to act in person (Form 15C) that sets out the party’s address for service and telephone number.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 12; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 13.

Claim for Lawyer’s Lien

(4) A party may move, on notice to the party’s former lawyer of record, for an order determining whether and to what extent the lawyer has a right to a lawyer’s lien.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 12.

(5) In the order, the court may impose such terms as are just in connection with the lien and its discharge.  O. Reg. 377/95, s. 3.

Motion by Lawyer for Removal as Lawyer of Record

15.04 (1) A lawyer may move, on notice to his or her client, for an order removing him or her as lawyer of record.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 13 (1).

Notice to Other Parties

(1.1) A motion under subrule (1) shall also be on notice to every other party, but a motion record need not be served on a party who is not the client. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 3 (1).

Requirements Respecting Privileged, Prejudicial Information

(1.2) The lawyer making the motion shall ensure that any information contained in the notice of motion or in the motion record that is subject to solicitor-client privilege or that could, if it were disclosed to another person, be prejudicial to the client, including the grounds for the motion, is redacted or omitted from the notice of motion and from the motion record before,

(a) serving the notice of motion or, if applicable, motion record on a party other than the client; or

(b) filing the notice of motion or motion record. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 3 (1).

(1.3) The lawyer shall provide to the presiding judge or officer at the hearing the complete and unredacted versions of the notice of motion and motion record, which shall be returned by the judge or officer to the lawyer after the hearing and shall not form part of the court file. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 3 (1).

Service on Client

(2) Service on the client of the notice of motion, of the motion record and of any order removing the lawyer from the record shall be made,

(a) personally or by an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03; or

(b) by mailing a copy to the client at,

(i) the client’s last known address, and

(ii) another address, if any, where the lawyer believes the copy is likely to come to the client’s attention.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 2 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 537/18, s. 3 (2).

Party under Disability

(3) Where the party for whom the lawyer is acting is under disability, the complete and unredacted notice of motion and motion record, and any order removing the lawyer from the record, shall also be served on the party’s litigation guardian and, if the litigation guardian is not the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee,

(a) on the Children’s Lawyer, if the party is a minor; or

(b) on the Public Guardian and Trustee, in any other case. O. Reg. 259/14, s. 5; O. Reg. 537/18, s. 3 (3).

Contents of Order

(4) The order removing a lawyer from the record shall include,

(a) the client’s last known address, or the address for service if different;

(b) another address, if any, where the lawyer believes the copy is likely to come to the client’s attention;

(c) the telephone number and any e-mail address of the client;

(d) if the client is a corporation, the text of subrules (6) and (7); and

(e) if the client is not a corporation, the text of subrules (8) and (9).  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 13; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 2.

Requirements Following Service of Order on Client

(5) As soon as possible after the order is served,

(a) proof of service of the order, together with a copy of the order, shall be served on every other party; and

(b) proof of service under subrule (2), subrule (3) (if applicable) and clause (a) shall be filed. O. Reg. 281/16, s. 4.

Corporations

(6) A client that is a corporation shall, within 30 days after being served with the order removing the lawyer from the record,

(a) appoint a new lawyer of record by serving a notice under subrule 15.03 (2); or

(b) obtain and serve an order under subrule 15.01 (2) granting it leave to be represented by a person other than a lawyer.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 13 (2).

(7) If the corporation fails to comply with subrule (6),

(a) the court may dismiss its proceeding or strike out its defence; and

(b) in an appeal,

(i) a judge of the appellate court may, on motion, dismiss the corporation’s appeal, or

(ii) the court hearing the appeal may deny it the right to be heard.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 1.

Clients Other Than Corporations

(8) A client who is not a corporation shall, within 30 days after being served with the order removing the lawyer from the record,

(a) appoint a new lawyer of record by serving a notice under subrule 15.03 (2); or

(b) serve a notice of intention to act in person under subrule 15.03 (3).  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 13 (3).

(9) If the client fails to comply with subrule (8),

(a) the court may dismiss the client’s proceeding or strike out his or her defence; and

(b) in an appeal,

(i) a judge of the appellate court may, on motion, dismiss the client’s appeal, or

(ii) the court hearing the appeal may deny the client the right to be heard.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 2 (3).

Duty of Lawyer of Record

15.05 A lawyer of record shall act as and remains the lawyer of record for his or her client until,

(a) the client delivers a notice under rule 15.03; or

(b) an order removing the lawyer from the record has been entered and the lawyer has satisfied the service and filing requirements of subrules 15.04 (2), (3) (if applicable) and (5). O. Reg. 575/07, s. 14; O. Reg. 281/16, s. 5.

Where a Lawyer of Record Has Ceased to Practise

15.06 Where the lawyer of record for a party has ceased to practise law, and the party for whom the lawyer acted has not served a notice under rule 15.03, any other party may serve a document on the party by mailing a copy to the party at the party’s last known address, or may move for directions.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 14.

Lawyer from Another Province

15.07 If a lawyer from another province represents a party to a proceeding, any party to the proceeding may move for directions for the conduct of the proceeding.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 14.

SERVICE

RULE 16  SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS

General Rules for Manner of Service

Originating Process

16.01 (1) An originating process shall be served personally as provided in rule 16.02 or by an alternative to personal service as provided in rule 16.03.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.01 (1); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 8.

(2) A party who has not been served with the originating process but delivers a defence, notice of intent to defend or notice of appearance shall be deemed to have been served with the originating process as of the date of delivery.  O. Reg. 113/01, s. 2.

All Other Documents

(3) No other document need be served personally, or by an alternative to personal service, unless these rules or an order require personal service or an alternative to personal service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.01 (3).

(4) Any document that is not required to be served personally or by an alternative to personal service,

(a) shall be served on a party who has a lawyer of record by serving the lawyer, and service may be made in a manner provided in rule 16.05;

(b) may be served on a party acting in person or on a person who is not a party,

(i) by mailing a copy of the document to the last address for service provided by the party or other person or, if no such address has been provided, to the party’s or person’s last known address,

(ii) by personal service or by an alternative to personal service,

(iii) by use of an electronic document exchange of which the party or person is a member or subscriber, but, where service is made under this subclause between 4 p.m. and midnight, it is deemed to have been made on the following day, or

(iv) by e-mailing a copy to the last e-mail address for service provided by the party or other person or, if no such e-mail address has been provided, to the party’s or person’s last known e-mail address in accordance with subrule 16.06.1 (1), but, where service is made under this subclause between 4 p.m. and midnight, it is deemed to have been made on the following day. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.01 (4); O. Reg. 260/05, s. 3; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 15; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 3; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 14; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 3.

Personal Service

16.02 (1) Where a document is to be served personally, the service shall be made,

Individual

(a) on an individual, other than a person under disability, by leaving a copy of the document with the individual;

Municipality

(b) on a municipal corporation, by leaving a copy of the document with the chair, mayor, warden or reeve of the municipality, with the clerk or deputy clerk of the municipality or with a lawyer for the municipality;

Corporation

(c) on any other corporation, by leaving a copy of the document with an officer, director or agent of the corporation, or with a person at any place of business of the corporation who appears to be in control or management of the place of business;

Board or Commission

(d) on a board or commission, by leaving a copy of the document with a member or officer of the board or commission;

Person outside Ontario Carrying on Business in Ontario

(e) on a person outside Ontario who carries on business in Ontario, by leaving a copy of the document with anyone carrying on business in Ontario for the person;

Crown in Right of Canada

(f) on Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, in accordance with subsection 23 (2) of the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act (Canada);

Crown in Right of Ontario

(g) on Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario, in accordance with section 15 of the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act, 2019;

Attorney General

(h) on the Attorney General of Ontario, by leaving a copy of the document with an employee of the Crown at the Crown Law Office (Civil Law) of the Ministry of the Attorney General;

Absentee

(i) on an absentee, by leaving a copy of the document with the absentee’s litigation guardian, if there is one or, if not, with the Public Guardian and Trustee;

Minor

(j) on a minor, by leaving a copy of the document with the litigation guardian if one has been appointed or, if not, with the minor and, where the minor resides with a parent or other person having the care or lawful custody of the minor, by leaving another copy of the document with the parent or other person, but, where the proceeding is in respect of the minor’s interest in an estate or trust, the minor shall be served by leaving with the Children’s Lawyer a copy of the document bearing the name and address of the minor;

Mentally Incapable Person

(k) on a mentally incapable person,

(i) if there is a guardian or an attorney acting under a validated power of attorney for personal care with authority to act in the proceeding, by leaving a copy of the document with the guardian or attorney,

(ii) if there is no guardian or attorney acting under a validated power of attorney for personal care with authority to act in the proceeding but there is an attorney under a power of attorney with authority to act in the proceeding, by leaving a copy of the document with the attorney and leaving an additional copy with the person,

(iii) if there is neither a guardian nor an attorney with authority to act in the proceeding, by leaving a copy of the document bearing the person’s name and address with the Public Guardian and Trustee and leaving an additional copy with the person;

(l) Revoked:  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 6 (2).

Partnership

(m) on a partnership, by leaving a copy of the document with any one or more of the partners or with a person at the principal place of business of the partnership who appears to be in control or management of the place of business; and

Sole Proprietorship

(n) on a sole proprietorship, by leaving a copy of the document with the sole proprietor or with a person at the principal place of business of the sole proprietorship who appears to be in control or management of the place of business.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.02 (1); O. Reg. 465/93, s. 3; O. Reg. 69/95, ss. 6, 19, 20; O. Reg. 536/96, s. 2; O. Reg. 575/07, ss. 1, 16; O. Reg. 316/20, s. 1; O. Reg. 107/21, s. 1; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 15.

(2) A person effecting personal service of a document need not produce the original document or have it in his or her possession.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.02 (2).

Alternatives to Personal Service

Where Available

16.03 (1) Where these rules or an order of the court permit service by an alternative to personal service, service shall be made in accordance with this rule.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.03 (1).

Acceptance of Service by Lawyer

(2) Service on a party who has a lawyer may be made by leaving a copy of the document with the lawyer or an employee in the lawyer’s office, but service under this subrule is effective only if the lawyer endorses on the document or a copy of it an acceptance of service and the date of the acceptance.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 17.

(3) By accepting service the lawyer shall be deemed to represent to the court that the lawyer has the authority of his or her client to accept service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.03 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Service by Mail to Last Known Address

(4) Service of a document may be made by sending a copy of the document together with an acknowledgment of receipt card (Form 16A) by mail to the last known address of the person to be served, but service by mail under this subrule is only effective as of the date the sender receives the card.  O. Reg. 24/00, s. 3.

Service at Place of Residence

(5) Where an attempt is made to effect personal service at a person’s place of residence and for any reason personal service cannot be effected, the document may be served by,

(a) leaving a copy, in a sealed envelope addressed to the person, at the place of residence with anyone who appears to be an adult member of the same household; and

(b) on the same day or the following day mailing another copy of the document to the person at the place of residence,

and service in this manner is effective on the fifth day after the document is mailed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.03 (5).

Service on a Corporation

(6) Where the head office, registered office or principal place of business of a corporation or, in the case of an extra-provincial corporation, the attorney for service in Ontario cannot be found at the last address recorded with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, service may be made on the corporation by mailing a copy of the document to the corporation or to the attorney for service in Ontario, as the case may be, at that address.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.03 (6); O. Reg. 170/14, s. 4; O. Reg. 520/22, s. 2.

Crown in Right of Ontario, Attorney General

(7) Service of a document on the Crown in right of Ontario or on the Attorney General of Ontario may be made by e-mailing a copy of the document in accordance with subrule 16.06.1 (1) to the e-mail address for service specified for the Crown or the Attorney General, as the case may be, on the website of the Ministry of the Attorney General. O. Reg. 107/21, s. 2.

Children’s Lawyer

(8) Service of a document on the Children’s Lawyer, and any service of a document that involves leaving a copy with the Children’s Lawyer, may be made with respect to the Children’s Lawyer by e-mailing a copy of the document in accordance with subrule 16.06.1 (1) to the e-mail address for service specified for the Children’s Lawyer on the website of the Ministry of the Attorney General. O. Reg. 107/21, s. 2.

Public Guardian and Trustee

(9) Service of a document on the Public Guardian and Trustee, and any service of a document that involves leaving a copy with the Public Guardian and Trustee, may be made with respect to the Public Guardian and Trustee by e-mailing a copy of the document in accordance with subrule 16.06.1 (1) to the e-mail address for service specified for the Public Guardian and Trustee on the website of the Ministry of the Attorney General. O. Reg. 107/21, s. 2.

Deemed Service, E-mail

(10) Where service is made by e-mail under subrule (7), (8) or (9) between 4 p.m. and midnight, it is deemed to have been made on the following day. O. Reg. 107/21, s. 2.

Substituted Service or Dispensing with Service

Where Order May be Made

16.04 (1) Where it appears to the court that it is impractical for any reason to effect prompt service of an originating process or any other document required to be served personally or by an alternative to personal service under these rules, the court may make an order for substituted service or, where necessary in the interest of justice, may dispense with service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.04 (1).

Effective Date of Service

(2) In an order for substituted service, the court shall specify when service in accordance with the order is effective.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.04 (2).

(3) Where an order is made dispensing with service of a document, the document shall be deemed to have been served on the date of the order for the purpose of the computation of time under these rules.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.04 (3).

Service on Lawyer of Record

16.05 (1) Service of a document on the lawyer of record of a party may be made,

(a) by mailing a copy to the lawyer’s office;

(b) by leaving a copy with a lawyer or employee in the lawyer’s office;

(c) by depositing a copy at a document exchange of which the lawyer is a member or subscriber, but service under this clause is effective only if the document or a copy of it and the copy deposited are date stamped by the document exchange in the presence of the person depositing the copy;

(c.1) by use of an electronic document exchange of which the lawyer is a member or subscriber, but, where service is made under this clause between 4 p.m. and midnight, it is deemed to have been made on the following day;

(d) Revoked: O. Reg. 689/20, s. 15 (1).

(e) by sending a copy to the lawyer’s office by courier; or

(f) by e-mailing a copy to the last e-mail address for service provided by the lawyer or, if no such e-mail address has been provided, to the lawyer’s last known e-mail address in accordance with subrule 16.06.1 (1), but, where service is made under this clause between 4 p.m. and midnight, it is deemed to have been made on the following day. O. Reg. 575/07, s. 18; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 5 (1-3); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 15 (1, 2).

(2) Service of a document by depositing a copy at a document exchange under clause (1) (c) is effective on the day following the day on which it was deposited and date stamped, unless that following day is a holiday, in which case service is effective on the next day that is not a holiday.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.05 (2).

(2.1), (3) Revoked: O. Reg. 689/20, s. 15 (3).

(3.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 170/14, s. 5 (4).

(3.2) Revoked: O. Reg. 689/20, s. 15 (3).

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 170/14, s. 5 (5).

Service by Mail

Manner of Service

16.06 (1) Where a document is to be served by mail under these rules, a copy of the document shall be served by regular lettermail or by registered mail.  O. Reg. 535/92, s. 6 (1).

Effective Date

(2) Service of a document by mail, except under subrule 16.03 (4), is effective on the fifth day after the document is mailed but the document may be filed with proof of service before service becomes effective.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.06 (2); O. Reg. 535/92, s. 6 (2).

Service by E-mail

Required Information

16.06.1 (1) The e-mail message to which a document served by e-mail in accordance with these rules is attached shall include,

(a) the sender’s name, address, telephone number and e-mail address;

(b) the date and time of transmission; and

(c) the name and telephone number of a person to contact in the event of a transmission problem. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 6; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 16 (1, 2).

(2) Revoked: O. Reg. 689/20, s. 16 (3).

Service by Courier

16.06.2 Service of a document by courier in accordance with these rules is effective on the second day following the day the courier was given the document, or, if the second day is a holiday, on the next day that is not a holiday. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 17.

Where Document Does Not Reach Person Served

16.07 Even though a person has been served with a document in accordance with these rules, the person may show on a motion to set aside the consequences of default, for an extension of time or in support of a request for an adjournment, that the document,

(a) did not come to the person’s notice; or

(b) came to the person’s notice only at some time later than when it was served or is deemed to have been served.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.07.

Validating Service

16.08 Where a document has been served in a manner other than one authorized by these rules or an order, the court may make an order validating the service where the court is satisfied that,

(a) the document came to the notice of the person to be served; or

(b) the document was served in such a manner that it would have come to the notice of the person to be served, except for the person’s own attempts to evade service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.08.

Proof of Service

Affidavit of Service

16.09 (1) Service of a document may be proved by an affidavit of the person who served it (Form 16B).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.09 (1).

Lawyer’s Certificate

(1.1) A lawyer may prove service of a document by a lawyer’s certificate of service (Form 16B.1) if the lawyer served the document or caused it to be served and is satisfied that service was effected. O. Reg. 520/22, s. 3 (1).

Sheriff’s Certificate

(2) Personal service or service under subrule 16.03 (5) (service at place of residence) of a document by a sheriff may be proved by a sheriff’s certificate of service (Form 16C).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.09 (2); O. Reg. 520/22, s. 3 (2).

Lawyer’s Admission or Acceptance Sufficient Proof

(3) Where a lawyer admits or accepts service of a document on behalf of a party, the lawyer’s written admission or acceptance of service is sufficient proof of service and need not be verified by any other proof of service. O. Reg. 520/22, s. 3 (3).

Document Exchange

(4) Service of a document under clause 16.05 (1) (c) (document exchange) may be proved by the date stamp on the document or a copy of it.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.09 (4).

Electronic Document Exchange

(4.1) Service of a document under subclause 16.01 (4) (b) (iii) or clause 16.05 (1) (c.1) (electronic document exchange) may be proved by a record of service generated by the electronic document exchange that identifies the document that was served and indicates,

(a) the total number of pages served;

(b) the name of the person who served the document and, if the person served the document on behalf of a party, the name of the party and the nature of the relationship between the person and the party;

(c) the name of the person on whom the document was served; and

(d) the date on and time at which the document was served through the electronic document exchange. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 7 (1).

Proof of Service on Document

(5) The affidavit or certificate of service may be printed on the backsheet or on a stamp or sticker affixed to the backsheet of the document served.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 16.09 (5).

(6) Revoked: O. Reg. 689/20, s. 18.

RULE 17  SERVICE OUTSIDE ONTARIO

Definition

17.01 In rules 17.02 to 17.06,

“originating process” includes a counterclaim against only parties to the main action, and a crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.01.

Service outside Ontario without Leave

17.02 A party to a proceeding may, without a court order, be served outside Ontario with an originating process or notice of a reference where the proceeding against the party consists of a claim or claims,

Property in Ontario

(a) in respect of real or personal property in Ontario;

Administration of Estates

(b) in respect of the administration of the estate of a deceased person,

(i) in respect of real property in Ontario, or

(ii) in respect of personal property, where the deceased person, at the time of death, was resident in Ontario;

Interpretation of an Instrument

(c) for the interpretation, rectification, enforcement or setting aside of a deed, will, contract or other instrument in respect of,

(i) real or personal property in Ontario, or

(ii) the personal property of a deceased person who, at the time of death, was resident in Ontario;

Trustee Where Assets Include Property in Ontario

(d) against a trustee in respect of the execution of a trust contained in a written instrument where the assets of the trust include real or personal property in Ontario;

Mortgage on Property in Ontario

(e) for foreclosure, sale, payment, possession or redemption in respect of a mortgage, charge or lien on real or personal property in Ontario;

Contracts

(f) in respect of a contract where,

(i) the contract was made in Ontario,

(ii) the contract provides that it is to be governed by or interpreted in accordance with the law of Ontario,

(iii) the parties to the contract have agreed that the courts of Ontario are to have jurisdiction over legal proceedings in respect of the contract, or

(iv) a breach of the contract has been committed in Ontario, even though the breach was preceded or accompanied by a breach outside Ontario that rendered impossible the performance of the part of the contract that ought to have been performed in Ontario;

Tort Committed in Ontario

(g) in respect of a tort committed in Ontario;

(h) Revoked: O. Reg. 231/13, s. 5.

Injunctions

(i) for an injunction ordering a party to do, or refrain from doing, anything in Ontario or affecting real or personal property in Ontario;

(j)-(l) Revoked:  O. Reg. 131/04, s. 9.

Judgment of Court Outside Ontario

(m) on a judgment of a court outside Ontario;

Authorized by Statute

(n) authorized by statute to be made against a person outside Ontario by a proceeding commenced in Ontario;

(o) Revoked:  O. Reg. 43/14, s. 6.

Person Resident or Carrying on Business in Ontario

(p) against a person ordinarily resident or carrying on business in Ontario;

Counterclaim, Crossclaim or Third Party Claim

(q) properly the subject matter of a counterclaim, crossclaim or third or subsequent party claim under these rules; or

Taxes

(r) made by or on behalf of the Crown or a municipal corporation to recover money owing for taxes or other debts due to the Crown or the municipality.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.02; O. Reg. 171/98, s. 2; O. Reg. 131/04, s. 9; O. Reg. 231/13, s. 5; O. Reg. 43/14, s. 6.

Service outside Ontario with Leave

17.03 (1) In any case to which rule 17.02 does not apply, the court may grant leave to serve an originating process or notice of a reference outside Ontario.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.03 (1).

(2) A motion for leave to serve a party outside Ontario may be made without notice, and shall be supported by an affidavit or other evidence showing in which place or country the person is or probably may be found, and the grounds on which the motion is made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.03 (2).

Additional Requirements for Service outside Ontario

17.04 (1) An originating process served outside Ontario without leave shall disclose the facts and specifically refer to the provision of rule 17.02 relied on in support of such service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.04 (1).

(2) Where an originating process is served outside Ontario with leave of the court, the originating process shall be served together with the order granting leave and any affidavit or other evidence used to obtain the order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.04 (2).

Manner of Service outside Ontario

Definitions

17.05 (1) In this rule,

“contracting state” means a contracting state under the Convention; (“État contractant”)

“Convention” means the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters signed at The Hague on November 15, 1965. (“Convention”)  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.05 (1).

General Manner of Service

(2) An originating process or other document to be served outside Ontario in a jurisdiction that is not a contracting state may be served in the manner provided by these rules for service in Ontario, or in the manner provided by the law of the jurisdiction where service is made, if service made in that manner could reasonably be expected to come to the notice of the person to be served.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.05 (2).

Manner of Service in Convention States

(3) An originating process or other document to be served outside Ontario in a contracting state shall be served,

(a) through the central authority in the contracting state; or

(b) in a manner that is permitted by the Convention and that would be permitted by these rules if the document were being served in Ontario.  O. Reg. 535/92, s. 7; O. Reg. 231/13, s. 6.

Proof of Service

(4) Service may be proved,

(a) in the manner provided by these rules for proof of service in Ontario;

(b) in the manner provided by the law of the jurisdiction where service is made; or

(c) in accordance with the Convention, if service is made in a contracting state (Forms 17A to 17C).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.05 (4).

Motion to Set Aside Service outside Ontario

17.06 (1) A party who has been served with an originating process outside Ontario may move, before delivering a defence, notice of intent to defend or notice of appearance,

(a) for an order setting aside the service and any order that authorized the service; or

(b) for an order staying the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.06 (1).

(2) The court may make an order under subrule (1) or such other order as is just where it is satisfied that,

(a) service outside Ontario is not authorized by these rules;

(b) an order granting leave to serve outside Ontario should be set aside; or

(c) Ontario is not a convenient forum for the hearing of the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.06 (2).

(3) Where on a motion under subrule (1) the court concludes that service outside Ontario is not authorized by these rules, but the case is one in which it would have been appropriate to grant leave to serve outside Ontario under rule 17.03, the court may make an order validating the service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.06 (3).

(4) The making of a motion under subrule (1) is not in itself a submission to the jurisdiction of the court over the moving party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 17.06 (4).

RULE 18  TIME FOR DELIVERY OF STATEMENT OF DEFENCE

Time for Delivery of Statement of Defence

18.01 Except as provided in rule 18.02 or subrule 19.01 (5) (late delivery of defence) or 27.04 (2) (counterclaim against plaintiff and non-party), a statement of defence (Form 18A) shall be delivered,

(a) within twenty days after service of the statement of claim, where the defendant is served in Ontario;

(b) within forty days after service of the statement of claim, where the defendant is served elsewhere in Canada or in the United States of America; or

(c) within sixty days after service of the statement of claim, where the defendant is served anywhere else.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 18.01.

Notice of Intent to Defend

18.02 (1) A defendant who is served with a statement of claim and intends to defend the action may deliver a notice of intent to defend (Form 18B) within the time prescribed for delivery of a statement of defence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 18.02 (1).

(2) A defendant who delivers a notice of intent to defend within the prescribed time is entitled to ten days, in addition to the time prescribed by rule 18.01, within which to deliver a statement of defence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 18.02 (2).

(3) Subrules (1) and (2) apply, with necessary modifications, to,

(a) a defendant to a counterclaim who is not already a party to the main action and who has been served with a statement of defence and counterclaim; and

(b) a third party who has been served with a third party claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 18.02 (3).

18.03 Revoked:  O. Reg. 457/01, s. 4.

DISPOSITION WITHOUT TRIAL

RULE 19  DEFAULT PROCEEDINGS

Noting Default

Where no Defence Delivered

19.01 (1) Where a defendant fails to deliver a statement of defence within the prescribed time, the plaintiff may, on filing proof of service of the statement of claim, or of deemed service under subrule 16.01 (2), require the registrar to note the defendant in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.01 (1); O. Reg. 113/01, s. 3.

(1.1) Revoked:  O. Reg. 43/14, s. 7.

Where Defence Struck Out

(2) Where the statement of defence of a defendant has been struck out,

(a) without leave to deliver another; or

(b) with leave to deliver another, and the defendant has failed to deliver another within the time allowed,

the plaintiff may, on filing a copy of the order striking out the statement of defence, require the registrar to note the defendant in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.01 (2).

Noting of Default by Co-defendant

(3) Where a plaintiff has failed to require the registrar to note a defendant in default, the court on motion of any other defendant who has delivered a statement of defence, on notice to the plaintiff, may order the registrar to note the other defendant in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.01 (3)

Party under Disability

(4) If a party to an action is under disability, the party may be noted in default only with leave of a judge obtained on motion under rule 7.07.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 5.

Late Delivery of Defence

(5) A defendant may deliver a statement of defence at any time before being noted in default under this rule.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.01 (5).

Consequences of Noting Default

19.02 (1) A defendant who has been noted in default,

(a) is deemed to admit the truth of all allegations of fact made in the statement of claim; and

(b) shall not deliver a statement of defence or take any other step in the action, other than a motion to set aside the noting of default or any judgment obtained by reason of the default, except with leave of the court or the consent of the plaintiff.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.02 (1).

(2) Despite any other rule, where a defendant has been noted in default, any step in the action that requires the consent of a defendant may be taken without the consent of the defendant in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.02 (2).

(3) Despite any other rule, a defendant who has been noted in default is not entitled to notice of any step in the action and need not be served with any document in the action, except where the court orders otherwise or where a party requires the personal attendance of the defendant, and except as provided in,

(a) subrule 26.04 (3) (amended pleading);

(b) subrule 27.04 (3) (counterclaim);

(c) subrule 28.04 (2) (crossclaim);

(d) subrule 29.11 (2) (fourth or subsequent party claim);

(e) subrule 54.08 (1) (motion for confirmation of report on reference);

(f) subrule 54.09 (1) (report on reference);

(g) subrule 54.09 (3) (motion to oppose confirmation of report on reference);

(h) subrule 55.02 (2) (notice of hearing for directions on reference);

(i) clause 64.03 (8) (a) (notice of taking of account in foreclosure action);

(j) subrule 64.03 (24) (notice of reference in action converted from foreclosure to sale);

(k) subrule 64.04 (7) (notice of taking of account in sale action);

(l) subrule 64.06 (8) (notice of reference in mortgage action);

(m) subrule 64.06 (17) (report on reference in mortgage action); and

(n) subrule 64.06 (21) (notice of change of account);

(o), (p) Revoked:  O. Reg. 131/04, s. 10 (2).

R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.02 (3); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 19; O. Reg. 131/04, s. 10.

Setting Aside the Noting of Default

19.03 (1) The noting of default may be set aside by the court on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.03 (1).

(2) Where a defendant delivers a statement of defence with the consent of the plaintiff under clause 19.02 (1) (b), the noting of default against the defendant shall be deemed to have been set aside.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.03 (2).

By Signing Default Judgment

Where Available

19.04 (1) Where a defendant has been noted in default, the plaintiff may require the registrar to sign judgment against the defendant in respect of a claim for,

(a) a debt or liquidated demand in money, including interest if claimed in the statement of claim (Form 19A);

(b) the recovery of possession of land (Form 19B);

(c) the recovery of possession of personal property (Form 19C); or

(d) foreclosure, sale or redemption of a mortgage (Forms 64B to 64D, 64G to 64K and 64M).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.04 (1).

(1.1) Revoked:  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 13.

Requisition for Default Judgment

(2) Before the signing of default judgment, the plaintiff shall file with the registrar a requisition for default judgment (Form 19D),

(a) stating that the claim comes within the class of cases for which default judgment may properly be signed;

(b) stating whether there has been any partial payment of the claim and setting out the date and amount of any partial payment;

(c) where the plaintiff has claimed prejudgment interest in the statement of claim, setting out how the interest is calculated;

(d) where the plaintiff has claimed postjudgment interest in the statement of claim at a rate other than as provided in section 129 of the Courts of Justice Act, setting out the rate; and

(e) stating whether the plaintiff wishes costs to be fixed by the registrar or assessed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.04 (2).

Registrar may Decline to Sign Default Judgment

(3) The registrar may decline to sign default judgment if uncertain,

(a) whether the claim comes within the class of cases for which default judgment may properly be signed; or

(b) of the amount or rate that is properly recoverable for prejudgment or postjudgment interest.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 4.

(3.1) If the registrar declines to sign default judgment, the plaintiff may,

(a) move before a judge for judgment under rule 19.05; or

(b) in the case of a claim referred to in subrule (1), make a motion to the court for default judgment.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 4.

Where Claim Partially Satisfied

(4) Where the claim has been partially satisfied, the default judgment shall be confined to the remainder of the claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.04 (4).

Postjudgment Interest

(5) Where the registrar signs default judgment and the plaintiff has claimed postjudgment interest in the statement of claim at a rate other than as provided in section 129 of the Courts of Justice Act, the default judgment shall provide for postjudgment interest at the rate claimed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.04 (5).

Costs

(6) On signing a default judgment, the registrar shall fix the costs under Tariff A to which the plaintiff is entitled against the defendant in default and shall include the costs in the judgment unless,

(a) the judgment directs a reference; or

(b) the plaintiff states in the requisition that he or she wishes to have the costs assessed,

in which case the judgment shall include costs to be determined on the reference or on assessment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.04 (6).

By Motion for Judgment

19.05 (1) Where a defendant has been noted in default, the plaintiff may move before a judge for judgment against the defendant on the statement of claim in respect of any claim for which default judgment has not been signed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.05 (1).

(2) A motion for judgment under subrule (1) shall be supported by evidence given by affidavit if the claim is for unliquidated damages.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.05 (2); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 11.

(3) On a motion for judgment under subrule (1), the judge may grant judgment, dismiss the action or order that the action proceed to trial and that oral evidence be presented.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.05 (3).

(4) Where an action proceeds to trial, a motion for judgment on the statement of claim against a defendant noted in default may be made at the trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.05 (4).

Facts Must Entitle Plaintiff to Judgment

19.06 A plaintiff is not entitled to judgment on a motion for judgment or at trial merely because the facts alleged in the statement of claim are deemed to be admitted, unless the facts entitle the plaintiff to judgment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.06.

Effect of Default Judgment

19.07 A judgment obtained against a defendant who has been noted in default does not prevent the plaintiff from proceeding against the same defendant for any other relief.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.07.

Setting Aside Default Judgment

19.08 (1) A judgment against a defendant who has been noted in default that is signed by the registrar or granted by the court on motion under rule 19.04 may be set aside or varied by the court on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.08 (1).

(2) A judgment against a defendant who has been noted in default that is obtained on a motion for judgment on the statement of claim under rule 19.05 or that is obtained after trial may be set aside or varied by a judge on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.08 (2).

(3) On setting aside a judgment under subrule (1) or (2) the court or judge may also set aside the noting of default under rule 19.03.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.08 (3).

Application to Counterclaims, Crossclaims and Third Party Claims

19.09 Rules 19.01 to 19.08 apply, with necessary modifications, to counterclaims, crossclaims and third party claims, subject to rules 28.07 (default of defence to crossclaim) and 29.07 (default of defence to third party claim).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 19.09.

RULE 20  SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Where Available

To Plaintiff

20.01 (1) A plaintiff may, after the defendant has delivered a statement of defence or served a notice of motion, move with supporting affidavit material or other evidence for summary judgment on all or part of the claim in the statement of claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.01 (1).

(2) The plaintiff may move, without notice, for leave to serve a notice of motion for summary judgment together with the statement of claim, and leave may be given where special urgency is shown, subject to such directions as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.01 (2).

To Defendant

(3) A defendant may, after delivering a statement of defence, move with supporting affidavit material or other evidence for summary judgment dismissing all or part of the claim in the statement of claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.01 (3).

Evidence on Motion

20.02 (1) An affidavit for use on a motion for summary judgment may be made on information and belief as provided in subrule 39.01 (4), but, on the hearing of the motion, the court may, if appropriate, draw an adverse inference from the failure of a party to provide the evidence of any person having personal knowledge of contested facts.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 12.

(2) In response to affidavit material or other evidence supporting a motion for summary judgment, a responding party may not rest solely on the allegations or denials in the party’s pleadings, but must set out, in affidavit material or other evidence, specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue requiring a trial.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 12.

Factums Required

20.03 (1) On a motion for summary judgment, each party shall serve on every other party to the motion a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 14.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 20.03 (1) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party” at the end and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 5)

(2) The moving party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least seven days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 4.

(3) The responding party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least four days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 4.

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 4.

Disposition of Motion

General

20.04 (1) Revoked:  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 13 (1).

(2) The court shall grant summary judgment if,

(a) the court is satisfied that there is no genuine issue requiring a trial with respect to a claim or defence; or

(b) the parties agree to have all or part of the claim determined by a summary judgment and the court is satisfied that it is appropriate to grant summary judgment.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 6; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 13 (2).

Powers

(2.1) In determining under clause (2) (a) whether there is a genuine issue requiring a trial, the court shall consider the evidence submitted by the parties and, if the determination is being made by a judge, the judge may exercise any of the following powers for the purpose, unless it is in the interest of justice for such powers to be exercised only at a trial:

1. Weighing the evidence.

2. Evaluating the credibility of a deponent.

3. Drawing any reasonable inference from the evidence.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 13 (3).

Oral Evidence (Mini-Trial)

(2.2) A judge may, for the purposes of exercising any of the powers set out in subrule (2.1), order that oral evidence be presented by one or more parties, with or without time limits on its presentation.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 13 (3).

Only Genuine Issue Is Amount

(3) Where the court is satisfied that the only genuine issue is the amount to which the moving party is entitled, the court may order a trial of that issue or grant judgment with a reference to determine the amount.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.04 (3); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 13 (4).

Only Genuine Issue is Question of Law

(4) Where the court is satisfied that the only genuine issue is a question of law, the court may determine the question and grant judgment accordingly, but where the motion is made to an associate judge, it shall be adjourned to be heard by a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.04 (4); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 13 (4); O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Only Claim Is For An Accounting

(5) Where the plaintiff is the moving party and claims an accounting and the defendant fails to satisfy the court that there is a preliminary issue to be tried, the court may grant judgment on the claim with a reference to take the accounts.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.04 (5).

Where Trial is Necessary

Powers of Court

20.05 (1) Where summary judgment is refused or is granted only in part, the court may make an order specifying what material facts are not in dispute and defining the issues to be tried, and order that the action proceed to trial expeditiously.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 14.

Directions and Terms

(2) If an action is ordered to proceed to trial under subrule (1), the court may give such directions or impose such terms as are just, including an order,

(a) that each party deliver, within a specified time, an affidavit of documents in accordance with the court’s directions;

(b) that any motions be brought within a specified time;

(c) that a statement setting out what material facts are not in dispute be filed within a specified time;

(d) that examinations for discovery be conducted in accordance with a discovery plan established by the court, which may set a schedule for examinations and impose such limits on the right of discovery as are just, including a limit on the scope of discovery to matters not covered by the affidavits or any other evidence filed on the motion and any cross-examinations on them;

(e) that a discovery plan agreed to by the parties under Rule 29.1 (discovery plan) be amended;

(f) that the affidavits or any other evidence filed on the motion and any cross-examinations on them may be used at trial in the same manner as an examination for discovery;

(g) that any examination of a person under Rule 36 (taking evidence before trial) be subject to a time limit;

(h) that a party deliver, within a specified time, a written summary of the anticipated evidence of a witness;

(i) that any oral examination of a witness at trial be subject to a time limit;

(j) that the evidence of a witness be given in whole or in part by affidavit;

  (j.1) that any oral examination of a person or witness proceed by video conference;

(k) that any experts engaged by or on behalf of the parties in relation to the action meet on a without prejudice basis in order to identify the issues on which the experts agree and the issues on which they do not agree, to attempt to clarify and resolve any issues that are the subject of disagreement and to prepare a joint statement setting out the areas of agreement and any areas of disagreement and the reasons for it if, in the opinion of the court, the cost or time savings or other benefits that may be achieved from the meeting are proportionate to the amounts at stake or the importance of the issues involved in the case and,

(i) there is a reasonable prospect for agreement on some or all of the issues, or

(ii) the rationale for opposing expert opinions is unknown and clarification on areas of disagreement would assist the parties or the court;

(l) that each of the parties deliver a concise summary of his or her opening statement;

(m) that the parties appear before the court by a specified date, at which appearance the court may make any order that may be made under this subrule;

(n) that the action be set down for trial on a particular date or on a particular trial list, subject to the direction of the regional senior judge;

(o) for payment into court of all or part of the claim; and

(p) for security for costs.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 14; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 19.

Specified Facts

(3) At the trial, any facts specified under subrule (1) or clause (2) (c) shall be deemed to be established unless the trial judge orders otherwise to prevent injustice.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 14.

Order re Affidavit Evidence

(4) In deciding whether to make an order under clause (2) (j), the fact that an adverse party may reasonably require the attendance of the deponent at trial for cross-examination is a relevant consideration.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 14.

Order re Experts, Costs

(5) If an order is made under clause (2) (k), each party shall bear his or her own costs.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 14.

Failure to Comply with Order

(6) Where a party fails to comply with an order under clause (2) (o) for payment into court or under clause (2) (p) for security for costs, the court on motion of the opposite party may dismiss the action, strike out the statement of defence or make such other order as is just.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 14.

(7) Where on a motion under subrule (6) the statement of defence is struck out, the defendant shall be deemed to be noted in default.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 14.

Costs Sanctions for Improper Use of Rule

20.06 The court may fix and order payment of the costs of a motion for summary judgment by a party on a substantial indemnity basis if,

(a) the party acted unreasonably by making or responding to the motion; or

(b) the party acted in bad faith for the purpose of delay.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 14.

Effect of Summary Judgment

20.07 A plaintiff who obtains summary judgment may proceed against the same defendant for any other relief.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.07.

Stay of Execution

20.08 Where it appears that the enforcement of a summary judgment ought to be stayed pending the determination of any other issue in the action or a counterclaim, crossclaim or third party claim, the court may so order on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.08.

Application to Counterclaims, Crossclaims and Third Party Claims

20.09 Rules 20.01 to 20.08 apply, with necessary modifications, to counterclaims, crossclaims and third party claims.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 20.09.

RULE 21  DETERMINATION OF AN ISSUE BEFORE TRIAL

Where Available

To Any Party on a Question of Law

21.01 (1) A party may move before a judge,

(a) for the determination, before trial, of a question of law raised by a pleading in an action where the determination of the question may dispose of all or part of the action, substantially shorten the trial or result in a substantial saving of costs; or

(b) to strike out a pleading on the ground that it discloses no reasonable cause of action or defence,

and the judge may make an order or grant judgment accordingly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 21.01 (1).

(2) No evidence is admissible on a motion,

(a) under clause (1) (a), except with leave of a judge or on consent of the parties;

(b) under clause (1) (b).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 21.01 (2).

To Defendant

(3) A defendant may move before a judge to have an action stayed or dismissed on the ground that,

Jurisdiction

(a) the court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action;

Capacity

(b) the plaintiff is without legal capacity to commence or continue the action or the defendant does not have the legal capacity to be sued;

Another Proceeding Pending

(c) another proceeding is pending in Ontario or another jurisdiction between the same parties in respect of the same subject matter; or

Action Frivolous, Vexatious or Abuse of Process

(d) the action is frivolous or vexatious or is otherwise an abuse of the process of the court,

and the judge may make an order or grant judgment accordingly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 21.01 (3).

Motion to be Made Promptly

21.02 A motion under rule 21.01 shall be made promptly and a failure to do so may be taken into account by the court in awarding costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 21.02.

Factums Required

21.03 (1) On a motion under rule 21.01, each party shall serve on every other party to the motion a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 15.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 21.03 (1) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party” at the end and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 6)

(2) The moving party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least seven days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 5.

(3) The responding party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least four days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 5.

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 5.

RULE 22  SPECIAL CASE

Where Available

22.01 (1) Where the parties to a proceeding concur in stating a question of law in the form of a special case for the opinion of the court, any party may move before a judge to have the special case determined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 22.01 (1).

(2) Where the judge is satisfied that the determination of the question may dispose of all or part of the proceeding, substantially shorten the hearing or result in a substantial saving of costs, the judge may hear and determine the special case.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 22.01 (2).

Factums Required

22.02 (1) On a motion under rule 22.01, each party shall serve on every other party to the motion a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 16.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 22.02 (1) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party” at the end and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 7)

(2) The moving party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least seven days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 6.

(3) The responding party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least four days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 6.

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 6.

Removal into Court of Appeal

22.03 (1) A motion under rule 22.01 may be made to a judge of the Court of Appeal for leave to have a special case determined in the first instance by that court and the judge may grant leave where subrule 22.01 (2) is satisfied and where the special case raises an issue in respect of which,

(a) there are conflicting decisions of judges in Ontario and there is no decision of an appellate court in Ontario;

(b) there is a conflict between decisions of an appellate court in Ontario and an appellate court of another province, or between decisions of appellate courts of two or more other provinces; or

(c) one of the parties seeks to establish that a decision of an appellate court in Ontario should not be followed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 22.03 (1).

(2) A judge who grants leave under subrule (1) may give directions in respect of the time and form in which the case is to be listed for hearing and the exchange and filing of factums, and subject to any such directions, Rule 61 (appeals to an appellate court) applies with necessary modifications.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 22.03 (2).

Form of Special Case

22.04 A special case (Form 22A) shall,

(a) set out concisely the material facts, as agreed on by the parties, that are necessary to enable the court to determine the question stated;

(b) refer to and include a copy of any documents that are necessary to determine the question;

(c) set out the relief sought, as agreed on by the parties, on the determination of the question of law; and

(d) be signed by the lawyers for the parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 22.04; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 2.

Hearing of Special Case

22.05 (1) On the hearing of a special case the court may draw any reasonable inference from the facts agreed on by the parties and documents referred to in the special case.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 22.05 (1).

(2) On the determination of the question of law the court may make an order or grant judgment accordingly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 22.05 (2).

RULE 23  DISCONTINUANCE AND WITHDRAWAL

Discontinuance by Plaintiff

23.01 (1) A plaintiff may discontinue all or part of an action against any defendant,

(a) before the close of pleadings, by serving on all parties who have been served with the statement of claim a notice of discontinuance (Form 23A) and filing the notice with proof of service;

(b) after the close of pleadings, with leave of the court; or

(c) at any time, by filing the consent of all parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 23.01 (1); O. Reg. 427/01, s. 10.

(2) If a party to an action is under disability, the action may be discontinued by or against the party only with leave of a judge obtained on motion under rule 7.07.1.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 6.

Effect of Discontinuance on Counterclaim

23.02 Where an action is discontinued against a defendant who has counterclaimed, the defendant may deliver within thirty days after the discontinuance a notice of election to proceed with the counterclaim (Form 23B), and if the defendant fails to do so, the counterclaim shall be deemed to be discontinued without costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 23.02.

Effect of Discontinuance on Crossclaim or Third Party Claim

23.03 (1) Where an action is discontinued against a defendant who has crossclaimed or made a third party claim, the crossclaim or third party claim shall be deemed to be dismissed thirty days after the discontinuance unless the court orders otherwise during the thirty-day period.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 23.03; O. Reg. 394/09, s. 7 (1).

(1.1) Where an action against a defendant against whom a crossclaim has been made is discontinued, the crossclaim shall be deemed to be dismissed thirty days after the discontinuance, unless the court orders otherwise during the thirty-day period.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 7 (2).

Effect of deemed dismissal on subsequent action

(2) A deemed dismissal under this rule is not a defence to a subsequent action unless the court orders otherwise during the thirty-day period.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 6; O. Reg. 394/09, s. 7 (3).

Effect of Discontinuance on Subsequent Action

23.04 (1) The discontinuance of all or part of an action is not a defence to a subsequent action, unless the order giving leave to discontinue or a consent filed by the parties provides otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 23.04 (1).

(2) Where a plaintiff has discontinued and is liable for costs of an action, and another action involving the same subject matter is subsequently brought between the same parties or their representatives or successors in interest before payment of the costs of the discontinued action, the court may order a stay of the subsequent action until the costs of the discontinued action have been paid.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 23.04 (2).

Costs of Discontinuance, Deemed Dismissal

23.05 (1) If all or part of an action is discontinued, any party to the action may, within thirty days after the action is discontinued, make a motion respecting the costs of the action.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 8.

(2) If a crossclaim or third party claim is deemed to be dismissed, any party to the crossclaim or third party claim may, within thirty days after the deemed dismissal, make a motion respecting the costs of the crossclaim or third party claim.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 8.

Withdrawal by Defendant

23.06 (1) A defendant may withdraw all or part of the statement of defence with respect to any plaintiff at any time by delivering to all parties a notice of withdrawal of defence (Form 23C), but,

(a) where the defendant has crossclaimed or made a third party claim, leave to withdraw must be obtained from the court; and

(b) where the defendant seeks to withdraw an admission in the statement of defence, rule 51.05 (withdrawal of admission) applies.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 23.06 (1).

(2) Where a defendant withdraws the whole of the statement of defence, the defendant shall be deemed to be noted in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 23.06 (2).

Application to Counterclaims, Crossclaims and Third Party Claims

23.07 Rules 23.01 to 23.06 apply, with necessary modifications, to counterclaims, crossclaims and third party claims.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 23.07.

RULE 24  DISMISSAL OF ACTION FOR DELAY

Where Available

24.01 (1) A defendant who is not in default under these rules or an order of the court may move to have an action dismissed for delay where the plaintiff has failed,

(a) to serve the statement of claim on all the defendants within the prescribed time;

(b) to have noted in default any defendant who has failed to deliver a statement of defence, within thirty days after the default;

(c) to set the action down for trial within six months after the close of pleadings; or

(d) Revoked:  R.R.O. 1990. Reg. 194, r. 24.01 (2).

(e) to move for leave to restore to a trial list an action that has been struck off the trial list, within thirty days after the action was struck off.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 24.01; R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 24.01 (2); O. Reg. 770/92, s. 7; O. Reg. 533/95, s. 4 (1).

(2) The court shall, subject to subrule 24.02 (2), dismiss an action for delay if either of the circumstances described in paragraphs 1 and 2 of subrule 48.14 (1) applies to the action, unless the plaintiff demonstrates that dismissal of the action would be unjust. O. Reg. 259/14, s. 6.

Where plaintiff under disability

24.02 (1) Where the plaintiff is under disability, notice of a motion to dismiss an action for delay shall be served on the plaintiff’s litigation guardian and, if the litigation guardian is not the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee,

(a) on the Children’s Lawyer, if the plaintiff is a minor; or

(b) on the Public Guardian and Trustee, in any other case. O. Reg. 259/14, s. 7.

No Order Without Confirmation

(2) Where the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee has been served under subrule (1) but is not the plaintiff’s litigation guardian, the action may be dismissed under this Rule only if the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee, as the case may be, confirms to the court that he or she was served and takes no position on the dismissal, unless a judge orders otherwise. O. Reg. 259/14, s. 7.

Notice of Order

24.02.1 If the defendant is successful on the motion to dismiss an action for delay, the defendant shall serve a copy of the order dismissing the action on every defendant to the action who has crossclaimed against him or her.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 9.

Effect of Dismissal on Counterclaim

24.03 Where an action against a defendant who has counterclaimed is dismissed for delay, the defendant may within thirty days after the dismissal deliver a notice of election to proceed with the counterclaim (Form 23B), and if the defendant fails to do so, the counterclaim shall be deemed to be discontinued without costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 24.03.

Effect of Dismissal on Crossclaim or Third Party Claim

24.04 (1) Unless the court orders otherwise, where an action against a defendant who has crossclaimed or made a third party claim is dismissed for delay, the crossclaim or third party claim shall be deemed to be dismissed.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 10 (1).

(1.1) Where an action against a defendant against whom a crossclaim has been made is dismissed for delay, the crossclaim shall be deemed to be dismissed thirty days after a copy of the order dismissing the action is served on the crossclaiming defendant under rule 24.02.1, unless the court orders otherwise during the thirty-day period.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 10 (1).

Effect of deemed dismissal on subsequent action

(2) A deemed dismissal under this rule is not a defence to a subsequent action unless the order dismissing the action provides otherwise.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 8; O. Reg. 394/09, s. 10 (2).

Effect on Subsequent Action

24.05 (1) The dismissal of an action for delay is not a defence to a subsequent action unless the order dismissing the action provides otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 24.05 (1).

(2) Where a plaintiff’s action has been dismissed for delay with costs, and another action involving the same subject matter is subsequently brought between the same parties or their representatives or successors in interest before payment of the costs of the dismissed action, the court may order a stay of the subsequent action until the costs of the dismissed action have been paid.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 24.05 (2).

Costs of Dismissal, Deemed Dismissal

24.05.1 (1) If an action is dismissed for delay, any party to the action may, within thirty days after the dismissal, make a motion respecting the costs of the action.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 11.

(2) If a crossclaim or third party claim is deemed to be dismissed, any party to the crossclaim or third party claim may, within thirty days after the deemed dismissal, make a motion respecting the costs of the crossclaim or third party claim.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 11.

Application to Counterclaims, Crossclaims and Third Party Claims

24.06 Rules 24.01 to 24.05.1 apply, with necessary modifications, to counterclaims, crossclaims and third party claims.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 24.06; O. Reg. 394/09, s. 12.

RULE 24.1  MANDATORY MEDIATION

Purpose

24.1.01 This Rule provides for mandatory mediation in specified actions, in order to reduce cost and delay in litigation and facilitate the early and fair resolution of disputes.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 198/05, s. 2; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 15.

Nature of Mediation

24.1.02 In mediation, a neutral third party facilitates communication among the parties to a dispute, to assist them in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Definitions

24.1.03 In rules 24.1.04 to 24.1.16,

“defence” means,

(a) Revoked:  O. Reg. 457/01, s. 5.

(b) a notice of intent to defend,

(c) a statement of defence, and

(d) a notice of motion in response to an action, other than a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction; (“défense”)

“mediation co-ordinator” means the person designated under rule 24.1.06. (“coordonnateur de la médiation”)  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 627/98, s. 2; O. Reg. 457/01, s. 5.

Application

Scope

24.1.04 (1) This Rule applies to the following actions:

1. Actions that were governed by this Rule immediately before January 1, 2010.

2. Actions that are commenced in one of the following counties on or after January 1, 2010:

i. The City of Ottawa.

ii. The City of Toronto.

iii. The County of Essex.

3. Actions that are transferred to a county listed in paragraph 2 on or after January 1, 2014, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 16 (1); O. Reg. 231/13, s. 7.

Exceptions

(2) Despite subrule (1), this Rule does not apply to,

(a) actions to which Rule 75.1 (Mandatory Mediation ― Estates, Trusts and Substitute Decisions) applies;

(b) actions in relation to a matter that was the subject of a mediation under section 258.6 of the Insurance Act, if the mediation was conducted less than a year before the delivery of the first defence in the action;

(c) actions placed on the Commercial List established by practice direction in the Toronto Region;

(d) actions under Rule 64 (Mortgage Actions);

(e) actions under the Construction Act, except trust claims; and

(f) actions under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 16 (1); O. Reg. 537/18, s. 4.

Exceptions, Class Proceedings Act, 1992

(2.1) Despite subrule (1), this Rule,

(a) applies to an action commenced under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992 only if certification as a class proceeding has been denied; and

(b) does not apply to actions certified as class proceedings under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 16 (1).

Crown Liability and Proceedings Act, 2019

(3) In an action to which the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act, 2019 applies, if the notice required by section 18 of that Act has not been served, the Crown in right of Ontario is entitled to participate in mediation under this Rule but is not required to do so. O. Reg. 316/20, s. 2.

(4) Spent:  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, s. 24.1.04 (4) (as amended by O. Reg. 438/08, s. 16).

Exemption from Mediation

24.1.05 The court may make an order on a party’s motion exempting the action from this Rule.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Mediation Co-ordinator

24.1.06 The Attorney General or his or her delegate may designate a person as mediation co-ordinator for a county named in subrule 24.1.04 (1), to be responsible for the administration of mediation in the county under this Rule.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 17.

Local Mediation Committees

Establishment

24.1.07 (1) There shall be a local mediation committee in each county named in subrule 24.1.04 (1).  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 18 (1).

Membership

(2) The members of each committee shall be appointed by the Attorney General so as to represent lawyers, mediators, the general public and persons employed in the administration of the courts.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(3) The Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice shall appoint a judge or an associate judge to be a member of each committee.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 292/99, s. 3; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 18 (2); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Functions

(4) Each committee shall,

(a) compile and keep current a list of mediators for the purposes of subrule 24.1.08 (1), in accordance with guidelines approved by the Attorney General;

(b) monitor the performance of the mediators named in the list;

(c) receive and respond to complaints about mediators named in the list.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(5) In carrying out their functions under subrule (4), committees may add mediators to the list and remove mediators from the list.  O. Reg. 457/01, s. 6.

Mediators

List of Mediators

24.1.08 (1) The mediation co-ordinator for a county shall maintain a list of mediators for the county, as compiled and kept current by the local mediation committee.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(2) A mediation under this Rule shall be conducted by,

(a) a person chosen by the agreement of the parties from the list for a county;

(b) a person assigned by the mediation co-ordinator under subrule 24.1.09 (6) or (6.1) from the list for the county; or

(c) a person who is not named on a list, if the parties consent.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 19.

(3) Every person who conducts a mediation under subrule (2), whether named on the list or not, is required to comply with this Rule.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(4) Without limiting the generality of subrule (3), every person who conducts a mediation under subrule (2) shall comply with subrule 24.1.15 (1) (mediator’s report).  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Mediation Session

Time Limit

24.1.09 (1) A mediation session shall take place within 180 days after the first defence has been filed, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 20 (1).

Extension or Abridgment of Time

(2) In considering whether to exercise the power conferred by subrule (1), the court shall take into account all the circumstances, including,

(a) the number of parties, the state of the pleadings and the complexity of the issues in the action;

(b) whether a party intends to bring a motion under Rule 20 (Summary Judgment), Rule 21 (Determination of an Issue Before Trial) or Rule 22 (Special Case);

(c) whether the mediation will be more likely to succeed if the 180-day period is extended to allow the parties to obtain evidence under,

(i) Rule 30 (Discovery of Documents),

(ii) Rule 31 (Examination for Discovery),

(iii) Rule 32 (Inspection of Property),

(iv) Rule 33 (Medical Examination), or

(v) Rule 35 (Examination for Discovery by Written Questions); and

(d) whether, given the nature of the case or the circumstances of the parties, the mediation will be more likely to succeed if the 180-day period is extended or abridged.  O. Reg. 244/01, s. 2; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 20 (2).

Transfer

(2.1) In the case of an action described in paragraph 3 of subrule 24.1.04 (1),

(a) subrules (1) and (6) do not apply; and

(b) the court may make an order, on motion or otherwise, specifying the date by which a mediation session must take place. O. Reg. 231/13, s. 8 (1).

Postponement

(3) Despite subrule (1) and clause (2.1) (b), the mediation session may be postponed to a later date if,

(a) the parties consent to the date in writing; and

(b) the consent is filed with the mediation co-ordinator.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 20 (4); O. Reg. 231/13, s. 8 (2).

Selection of Mediator

(4) The parties shall choose a mediator under subrule 24.1.08 (2).  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(5) Before setting the action down for trial, one of the parties shall file with the mediation co-ordinator,

(a) a notice (Form 24.1A) stating the mediator’s name and the date of the mediation session; or

(b) a mediator’s report under subrule 24.1.15 (1) indicating that the mediation has been concluded.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 20 (5).

Assignment of Mediator

(6) If the mediation co-ordinator does not, within 180 days after the first defence has been filed, receive an order under subrule (1), a consent under subrule (3), a notice under clause (5) (a), a mediator's report or a notice that the action has been settled, he or she shall immediately assign a mediator from the list, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 20 (5).

(6.1) If the mediation co-ordinator does not, within the time provided by an order under subrule (1) or clause (2.1) (b) or a consent under subrule (3), receive a notice under clause (5) (a), a mediator’s report or a notice that the action has been settled, and the action is set down for trial, he or she shall immediately assign a mediator from the list, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 20 (5); O. Reg. 231/13, s. 8 (3).

(6.2) In the case of an action described in paragraph 3 of subrule 24.1.04 (1), if the court does not make an order under clause (2.1) (b) and the action is set down for trial without the mediation co-ordinator having received a notice under clause (5) (a), a mediator’s report or a notice that the action has been settled, he or she shall immediately assign a mediator from the list, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 231/13, s. 8 (4).

(7) The assigned mediator shall immediately fix a date for the mediation session and shall, at least 20 days before that date, serve on every party a notice (Form 24.1B) stating the place, date and time of the session and the method of attendance and advising that attendance is obligatory.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 526/21, s. 2.

(7.1) The date fixed for the mediation session shall be within 90 days after the appointment of the mediator, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 20 (6).

(8) The assigned mediator shall provide a copy of the notice to the mediation co-ordinator.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

24.1.09.1  Revoked: R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, s. 24.1.09.1 (3) (as amended by O. Reg. 198/05, s. 4 and O. Reg. 438/08, s. 21).

Procedure before Mediation Session

Statement of Issues

24.1.10 (1) At least seven days before the mediation session, every party shall prepare a statement in Form 24.1C and provide a copy to every other party and to the mediator.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(2) The statement shall identify the factual and legal issues in dispute and briefly set out the position and interests of the party making the statement.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(3) The party making the statement shall attach to it any documents that the party considers of central importance in the action.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Copy of Pleadings

(4) The plaintiff shall include a copy of the pleadings with the copy of the statement that is provided to the mediator.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Non-Compliance

(5) If it is not practical to conduct a mediation session because a party fails to comply with subrule (1), the mediator shall cancel the session and immediately file with the mediation co-ordinator a certificate of non-compliance (Form 24.1D).  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Attendance at Mediation Session

Who is Required to Attend

24.1.11 (1) The parties, and their lawyers if the parties are represented, are required to attend the mediation session unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Representative of Insurer

(1.1) Unless the court orders otherwise, if an insurer may be liable to satisfy all or part of a judgment in the action or to indemnify or reimburse an insured party for money paid in satisfaction of all or part of a judgment in the action,

(a) a representative of the insurer shall attend the mediation session; and

(b) despite subrule (1), the insured party is not required to attend the mediation session.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 22.

Authority to Settle

(2) A party who requires another person’s approval before agreeing to a settlement shall, before the mediation session, arrange to have ready telephone access to the other person throughout the session, whether it takes place during or after regular business hours.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Failure to Attend

Non-Compliance

24.1.12 If it is not practical to conduct a scheduled mediation session because a party fails to attend within the first 30 minutes of the time appointed for the commencement of the session, the mediator shall cancel the session and immediately file with the mediation co-ordinator a certificate of non-compliance (Form 24.1D).  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Non-Compliance

24.1.13 (1) When a certificate of non-compliance is filed, the mediation co-ordinator shall refer the matter to a judge or associate judge.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 23 (1); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(2) The judge or associate judge may convene a case conference under rule 50.13, and may,

(a) establish a timetable for the action;

(b) strike out any document filed by a party;

(c) dismiss the action, if the non-complying party is a plaintiff, or strike out the statement of defence, if that party is a defendant;

(d) order a party to pay costs;

(e) make any other order that is just.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 23 (2); O. Reg. 170/14, s. 8; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(3) Revoked:  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 13.

Confidentiality

24.1.14 All communications at a mediation session and the mediator’s notes and records shall be deemed to be without prejudice settlement discussions.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Outcome of Mediation

Mediator’s Report

24.1.15 (1) Within 10 days after the mediation is concluded, the mediator shall give the mediation co-ordinator and the parties a report on the mediation.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(2) The mediation co-ordinator for the county may remove from the list maintained under subrule 24.1.08 (1) the name of a mediator who does not comply with subrule (1).  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Agreement

(3) If there is an agreement resolving some or all of the issues in dispute, it shall be signed by the parties or their lawyers.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(4) If the agreement settles the action, the defendant shall file a notice to that effect,

(a) in the case of an unconditional agreement, within 10 days after the agreement is signed;

(b) in the case of a conditional agreement, within 10 days after the condition is satisfied.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

Failure to Comply with Signed Agreement

(5) Where a party to a signed agreement fails to comply with its terms, any other party to the agreement may,

(a) make a motion to a judge for judgment in the terms of the agreement, and the judge may grant judgment accordingly; or

(b) continue the action as if there had been no agreement.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 288/99, s. 14.

Consent Order for Additional Mediation Session

24.1.16 (1) With the consent of the parties the court may, at any stage in the action, make an order requiring the parties to participate in an additional mediation session.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(2) The court may include any necessary directions in the order.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

(3) Rules 24.1.09 to 24.1.15 apply in respect of the additional session, with necessary modifications.  O. Reg. 453/98, s. 1.

24.1.17 Revoked:  O. Reg. 244/01, s. 4.

PLEADINGS

RULE 25  PLEADINGS IN AN ACTION

Pleadings Required or Permitted

Action Commenced by Statement of Claim or Notice of Action

25.01 (1) In an action commenced by statement of claim or notice of action, pleadings shall consist of the statement of claim (Form 14A, 14B or 14D), statement of defence (Form 18A) and reply (Form 25A), if any.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.01 (1).

Counterclaim

(2) In a counterclaim, pleadings shall consist of the counterclaim (Form 27A or 27B), defence to counterclaim (Form 27C) and reply to defence to counterclaim (Form 27D), if any.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.01 (2).

Crossclaim

(3) In a crossclaim, pleadings shall consist of the crossclaim (Form 28A), defence to crossclaim (Form 28B) and reply to defence to crossclaim (Form 28C), if any.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.01 (3).

Third Party Claim

(4) In a third party claim, pleadings shall consist of the third party claim (Form 29A), third party defence (Form 29B) and reply to third party defence (Form 29C), if any.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.01 (4).

Pleading Subsequent to Reply

(5) No pleading subsequent to a reply shall be delivered without the consent of the opposite party or leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.01 (5); O. Reg. 427/01, s. 11.

Form of Pleadings

25.02 Pleadings shall be divided into paragraphs numbered consecutively, and each allegation shall, so far as is practical, be contained in a separate paragraph.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.02.

Service of Pleadings

Who is to be Served

25.03 (1) Every pleading shall be served,

(a) initially on every opposite party and on every other party who has delivered a pleading or a notice of intention to defend in the main action or in a counterclaim, crossclaim or third or subsequent party claim in the main action; and

(b) subsequently on every other party forthwith after the party delivers a pleading or a notice of intention to defend in the main action or in a counterclaim, crossclaim or third or subsequent party claim in the main action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.03 (1).

Service on Added Parties

(2) Where a person is added as a party to an action, the party doing so shall serve on the added party all the pleadings previously delivered in the main action and in any counterclaim, crossclaim or third or subsequent party claim in the main action, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.03 (2).

Where Personal Service Not Required

(3) Where a pleading is an originating process, personal service on parties other than an opposite party is not required.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.03 (3).

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 4.

Time for Delivery of Pleadings

Statement of Claim

25.04 (1) The time for service of a statement of claim is prescribed by rule 14.08.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.04 (1).

Statement of Defence

(2) The time for delivery of a statement of defence is prescribed by rule 18.01.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.04 (2).

Reply

(3) A reply, if any, shall be delivered within ten days after service of the statement of defence except where the defendant counterclaims, in which case a reply and defence to counterclaim, if any, shall be delivered within twenty days after service of the statement of defence and counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.04 (3).

In a Counterclaim

(4) The time for delivery of pleadings in a counterclaim is prescribed by Rule 27.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.04 (4).

In a Crossclaim

(5) The time for delivery of pleadings in a crossclaim is prescribed by Rule 28.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.04 (5).

In a Third Party Claim

(6) The time for delivery of pleadings in a third party claim is prescribed by Rule 29.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.04 (6).

Close of Pleadings

25.05 Pleadings in an action are closed when,

(a) the plaintiff has delivered a reply to every defence in the action or the time for delivery of a reply has expired; and

(b) every defendant who is in default in delivering a defence in the action has been noted in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.05.

Rules of Pleading — Applicable to all Pleadings

Material Facts

25.06 (1) Every pleading shall contain a concise statement of the material facts on which the party relies for the claim or defence, but not the evidence by which those facts are to be proved.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.06 (1).

Pleading Law

(2) A party may raise any point of law in a pleading, but conclusions of law may be pleaded only if the material facts supporting them are pleaded.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.06 (2).

Condition Precedent

(3) Allegations of the performance or occurrence of all conditions precedent to the assertion of a claim or defence of a party are implied in the party’s pleading and need not be set out, and an opposite party who intends to contest the performance or occurrence of a condition precedent shall specify in the opposite party’s pleading the condition and its non-performance or non-occurrence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.06 (3).

Inconsistent Pleading

(4) A party may make inconsistent allegations in a pleading where the pleading makes it clear that they are being pleaded in the alternative.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.06 (4).

(5) An allegation that is inconsistent with an allegation made in a party’s previous pleading or that raises a new ground of claim shall not be made in a subsequent pleading but by way of amendment to the previous pleading.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.06 (5).

Notice

(6) Where notice to a person is alleged, it is sufficient to allege notice as a fact unless the form or a precise term of the notice is material.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.06 (6).

Documents or Conversations

(7) The effect of a document or the purport of a conversation, if material, shall be pleaded as briefly as possible, but the precise words of the document or conversation need not be pleaded unless those words are themselves material.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.06 (7).

Nature of Act or Condition of Mind

(8) Where fraud, misrepresentation, breach of trust, malice or intent is alleged, the pleading shall contain full particulars, but knowledge may be alleged as a fact without pleading the circumstances from which it is to be inferred.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 1.

Claim for Relief

(9) Where a pleading contains a claim for relief, the nature of the relief claimed shall be specified and, where damages are claimed,

(a) the amount claimed for each claimant in respect of each claim shall be stated; and

(b) the amounts and particulars of special damages need only be pleaded to the extent that they are known at the date of the pleading, but notice of any further amounts and particulars shall be delivered forthwith after they become known and, in any event, not less than ten days before trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.06 (9).

Rules of Pleading — Applicable to Defences

Admissions

25.07 (1) In a defence, a party shall admit every allegation of fact in the opposite party’s pleading that the party does not dispute.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.07 (1).

Denials

(2) Subject to subrule (6), all allegations of fact that are not denied in a party’s defence shall be deemed to be admitted unless the party pleads having no knowledge in respect of the fact.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.07 (2).

Different Version of Facts

(3) Where a party intends to prove a version of the facts different from that pleaded by the opposite party, a denial of the version so pleaded is not sufficient, but the party shall plead the party’s own version of the facts in the defence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.07 (3).

Affirmative Defences

(4) In a defence, a party shall plead any matter on which the party intends to rely to defeat the claim of the opposite party and which, if not specifically pleaded, might take the opposite party by surprise or raise an issue that has not been raised in the opposite party’s pleading.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.07 (4).

Effect of Denial of Agreement

(5) Where an agreement is alleged in a pleading, a denial of the agreement by the opposite party shall be construed only as a denial of the making of the agreement or of the facts from which the agreement may be implied by law, and not as a denial of the legality or sufficiency in law of the agreement.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.07 (5).

Damages

(6) In an action for damages, the amount of damages shall be deemed to be in issue unless specifically admitted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.07 (6).

Where a Reply Is Necessary

Different Version of Facts

25.08 (1) A party who intends to prove a version of the facts different from that pleaded in the opposite party’s defence shall deliver a reply setting out the different version, unless it has already been pleaded in the claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.08 (1).

Affirmative Reply

(2) A party who intends to reply in response to a defence on any matter that might, if not specifically pleaded, take the opposite party by surprise or raise an issue that has not been raised by a previous pleading shall deliver a reply setting out that matter, subject to subrule 25.06 (5) (inconsistent claims or new claims).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.08 (2).

Reply Only Where Required

(3) A party shall not deliver a reply except where required to do so by subrule (1) or (2).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.08 (3).

Deemed Denial of Allegations Where No Reply

(4) A party who does not deliver a reply within the prescribed time shall be deemed to deny the allegations of fact made in the defence of the opposite party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.08 (4).

Rules of Pleading — Applicable to Replies

Admissions

25.09 (1) A party who delivers a reply shall admit every allegation of fact in the opposite party’s defence that the party does not dispute.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.09 (1).

Effect of Denial of Agreement

(2) Where an agreement is alleged in a defence, a denial of the agreement in the opposite party’s reply, or a deemed denial under subrule 25.08 (4), shall be construed only as a denial of the making of the agreement or of the facts from which the agreement may be implied by law, and not as a denial of the legality or sufficiency in law of the agreement.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.09 (2).

Particulars

25.10 Where a party demands particulars of an allegation in the pleading of an opposite party, and the opposite party fails to supply them within seven days, the court may order particulars to be delivered within a specified time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.10.

Striking out a Pleading or Other Document

25.11 The court may strike out or expunge all or part of a pleading or other document, with or without leave to amend, on the ground that the pleading or other document,

(a) may prejudice or delay the fair trial of the action;

(b) is scandalous, frivolous or vexatious; or

(c) is an abuse of the process of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 25.11.

RULE 26  AMENDMENT OF PLEADINGS

General Power of Court

26.01 On motion at any stage of an action the court shall grant leave to amend a pleading on such terms as are just, unless prejudice would result that could not be compensated for by costs or an adjournment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.01.

When Amendments may be Made

26.02 A party may amend the party’s pleading,

(a) without leave, before the close of pleadings, if the amendment does not include or necessitate the addition, deletion or substitution of a party to the action;

(b) on filing the consent of all parties and, where a person is to be added or substituted as a party, the person’s consent; or

(c) with leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.02.

How Amendments Made

26.03 (1) An amendment to a pleading shall be made on the face of the copy filed in the court office, except that where the amendment is so extensive as to make the amended pleading difficult or inconvenient to read the party shall file a fresh copy of the original pleading as amended, bearing the date of the original pleading and the title of the pleading preceded by the word “amended”.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.03 (1).

(2) An amendment to a pleading shall be underlined so as to distinguish the amended wording from the original, and the registrar shall note on the amended pleading the date on which, and the authority by which, the amendment was made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.03 (2).

(3) Where a pleading has been amended more than once each subsequent amendment shall be underlined with an additional line for each occasion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.03 (3).

Service of Amended Pleading

Service on Every Party to Action and Related Actions

26.04 (1) An amended pleading shall be served forthwith on every person who is, at the time of service, a party to the main action or to a counterclaim, crossclaim or third party claim in the main action, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.04 (1).

(2) Proof of service of an amended pleading other than an originating process shall be filed forthwith after it is served.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.04 (2).

Amended Originating Process

(3) Where an amended pleading is an originating process,

(a) it need not be served personally on a party who was served with the original pleading and responded to it; and

(b) it shall be served personally or by an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03 on an opposite party who has not responded to the original pleading, whether or not the party has been noted in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.04 (3).

Responding to an Amended Pleading

26.05 (1) A party shall respond to an amended pleading within the time remaining for responding to the original pleading, or within ten days after service of the amended pleading, whichever is the longer period, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.05 (1).

(2) A party who has responded to a pleading that is subsequently amended and does not respond to the amended pleading within the prescribed time shall be deemed to rely on the party’s original pleading in answer to the amended pleading.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.05 (2).

Amendment at Trial

26.06 Where a pleading is amended at the trial, and the amendment is made on the face of the record, an order need not be taken out and the pleading as amended need not be filed or served unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 26.06.

RULE 27  COUNTERCLAIM

Where Available

Against the Plaintiff

27.01 (1) A defendant may assert, by way of counterclaim in the main action, any right or claim against the plaintiff including a claim for contribution or indemnity under the Negligence Act in respect of another party’s claim against the defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.01 (1); O. Reg. 396/91, s. 4.

Against the Plaintiff and Another Person

(2) A defendant who counterclaims against a plaintiff may join as a defendant to the counterclaim any other person, whether a party to the main action or not, who is a necessary or proper party to the counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.01 (2).

Statement of Defence and Counterclaim

27.02 A counterclaim (Form 27A or 27B) shall be included in the same document as the statement of defence and the document shall be entitled a statement of defence and counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.02.

Counterclaim to be Issued Where Defendant to Counterclaim not already Party to Main Action

27.03 Where a person who is not already a party to the main action is made a defendant to the counterclaim, the statement of defence and counterclaim,

(a) shall be issued,

(i) within the time prescribed by rule 18.01 for delivery of the statement of defence in the main action or at any time before the defendant is noted in default, or

(ii) subsequently with leave of the court; and

(b) shall contain a second title of proceeding showing who is the plaintiff by counterclaim and who are defendants to the counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.03; O. Reg. 12/24, s. 4.

Time for Delivery or Service of Defence and Counterclaim

Where all Parties are Parties to Main Action

27.04 (1) Where a counterclaim is only against the plaintiff, or only against the plaintiff and another person who is already a party to the main action, the statement of defence and counterclaim shall be delivered within the time prescribed by rule 18.01 for the delivery of the statement of defence in the main action, or at any time before the defendant is noted in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.04 (1).

Where New Party is Brought in

(2) Where a counterclaim is against the plaintiff and a defendant to the counterclaim who is not already a party to the main action, the statement of defence and counterclaim shall be served, after it has been issued, on the parties to the main action and, together with all the pleadings previously delivered in the main action, on a defendant to the counterclaim who is not already a party to the main action, and shall be filed with proof of service,

(a) within thirty days after the statement of defence and counterclaim is issued or at any time before the defendant is noted in default; or

(b) subsequently with leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.04 (2).

(3) A statement of defence and counterclaim need not be served personally on any person who is a party to the main action, except where a defendant to the counterclaim is also a defendant in the main action and has failed to deliver a notice of intent to defend or a statement of defence in the main action, in which case the defendant shall be served personally or by an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03 whether or not the defendant has been noted in default in the main action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.04 (3).

Time for Delivery of Defence to Counterclaim

27.05 (1) The plaintiff and any other defendant to a counterclaim who is already a party to the main action shall deliver a defence to counterclaim (Form 27C) within twenty days after service of the statement of defence and counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.05 (1).

(2) Where the plaintiff delivers a reply in the main action, the defence to counterclaim shall be included in the same document as the reply and the document shall be entitled a reply and defence to counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.05 (2).

(3) Except as provided in subrule 18.02 (3) (notice of intent to defend) or 19.01 (5) (late delivery of defence), a defendant to a counterclaim who is not already a party to the main action shall deliver a defence to counterclaim,

(a) within twenty days after service of the statement of defence and counterclaim, where the defendant to the counterclaim is served in Ontario;

(b) within forty days after service of the statement of defence and counterclaim, where the defendant to the counterclaim is served elsewhere in Canada or in the United States of America; or

(c) within sixty days after service of the statement of defence and counterclaim, where the defendant to the counterclaim is served anywhere else.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.05 (3).

Time for Delivery of Reply to Defence to Counterclaim

27.06 A reply to defence to counterclaim (Form 27D), if any, shall be delivered within ten days after service of the defence to counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.06.

Amending Defence to Add Counterclaim

27.07 (1) A defendant who has delivered a statement of defence that does not contain a counterclaim and who wishes to counterclaim only against the plaintiff or only against the plaintiff and another person who is already a party to the main action may amend the statement of defence in accordance with rules 26.02 and 26.03 in order to add the counterclaim, and rule 26.05 (responding to amended pleading) applies to the amended statement of defence and counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.07 (1).

(2) A defendant who has delivered a statement of defence that does not contain a counterclaim and who wishes to counterclaim against the plaintiff and another person who is not already a party to the main action may, with leave of the court, have the registrar issue an amended statement of defence and counterclaim, and rule 26.05 (responding to amended pleading) applies to the amended statement of defence and counterclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.07 (2).

Trial of Counterclaim

27.08 (1) A counterclaim shall be tried at the trial of the main action, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.08 (1).

(2) Where it appears that a counterclaim may unduly complicate or delay the trial of the main action, or cause undue prejudice to a party, the court may order separate trials or order that the counterclaim proceed as a separate action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.08 (2).

Disposition of Counterclaim

Where Claim in Main Action not Disputed

27.09 (1) Where a defendant does not dispute the claim of the plaintiff in the main action, but asserts a counterclaim, the court may stay the main action or grant judgment, with or without a stay of execution, until the counterclaim is disposed of.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.09 (1).

Where Counterclaim not Disputed

(2) Where the plaintiff does not dispute the counterclaim of a defendant, the court may stay the counterclaim or grant judgment, with or without a stay of execution, until the main action is disposed of.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.09 (2).

Where Both Claim and Counterclaim Succeed

(3) Where both the plaintiff in the main action and the plaintiff by counterclaim succeed, either in whole or in part, and there is a resulting balance in favour of one of them, the court may in a proper case give judgment for the balance and dismiss the smaller claim and may make such order for costs of the claim and counterclaim as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.09 (3).

Application to Counterclaims, Crossclaims and Third Party Claims

27.10 Rules 27.01 to 27.09 apply, with necessary modifications, to the assertion of a counterclaim by a defendant to a counterclaim, by a defendant to a crossclaim and by a third party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 27.10.

RULE 28  CROSSCLAIM

Where Available

28.01 (1) A defendant may crossclaim against a co-defendant who,

(a) is or may be liable to the defendant for all or part of the plaintiff’s claim;

(b) is or may be liable to the defendant for an independent claim for damages or other relief arising out of,

(i) a transaction or occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences involved in the main action, or

(ii) a related transaction or occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences; or

(c) should be bound by the determination of an issue arising between the plaintiff and the defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.01 (1).

(2) A defendant who claims contribution from a co-defendant under the Negligence Act shall do so by way of crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.01 (2).

Statement of Defence and Crossclaim

28.02 A crossclaim (Form 28A) shall be included in the same document as the statement of defence and the document shall be entitled a statement of defence and crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.02.

Amending Defence to Add Crossclaim

28.03 A defendant who has delivered a statement of defence that does not contain a crossclaim and who wishes to crossclaim may amend the statement of defence in accordance with rules 26.02 and 26.03 in order to add the crossclaim, and rule 26.05 (responding to amended pleading) applies to the amended statement of defence and crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.03.

Time for Delivery of Statement of Defence and Crossclaim

28.04 (1) A statement of defence and crossclaim shall be delivered,

(a) within the time prescribed by rule 18.01 for delivery of the statement of defence in the main action or at any time before the defendant is noted in default; or

(b) subsequently with leave, which the court shall grant unless the plaintiff would be prejudiced thereby.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.04 (1).

(2) A statement of defence and crossclaim need not be served personally on a defendant against whom a crossclaim is made, unless the defendant has failed to deliver a notice of intent to defend or a statement of defence in the main action, in which case the defendant shall be served personally or by an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03, whether or not the defendant has been noted in default in the main action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.04 (2).

Time for Delivery of Defence to Crossclaim

Defence to Crossclaim

28.05 (1) Subject to subrule (2), a defence to crossclaim (Form 28B) shall be delivered within twenty days after service of the statement of defence and crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.05 (1).

Where Defence to Crossclaim not Required

(2) Where,

(a) a crossclaim contains no claim other than a claim for contribution or indemnity under the Negligence Act;

(b) the defendant to the crossclaim has delivered a statement of defence in the main action; and

(c) the defendant to the crossclaim in response to the crossclaim relies on the facts pleaded in the defendant’s statement of defence in the main action and not on a different version of the facts or on any matter that might, if not specifically pleaded, take the crossclaiming defendant by surprise,

the defendant to the crossclaim need not deliver a defence to the crossclaim and shall be deemed to deny the allegations of fact made in the crossclaim and to rely on the facts pleaded in the statement of defence in the main action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.05 (2).

Contents of Defence to Crossclaim

May Defend Against Crossclaim and Against Plaintiff’s Claim Against Co-defendant

28.06 (1) In a defence to crossclaim, the defendant may,

(a) defend against the crossclaim; and

(b) where appropriate, defend against the plaintiff’s claim against the crossclaiming defendant, in which case the defendant may raise any defence open to the crossclaiming defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.06 (1).

Separate Part for Defence Against Plaintiff

(2) Where the defendant defends against the plaintiff’s claim against the crossclaiming defendant, the defence to crossclaim shall contain a separate part entitled a defence to plaintiff’s claim against crossclaiming defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.06 (2).

Consequence of Defending Against Plaintiff

(3) A defendant who defends against the plaintiff’s claim against the crossclaiming defendant,

(a) has the same rights and obligations in the action, including those in respect of discovery, trial and appeal, as a defendant to that claim; and

(b) is bound by any order or determination made in the main action between the plaintiff and the crossclaiming defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.06 (3).

Time for Reply by Plaintiff

(4) The plaintiff’s reply, if any, to the defence to plaintiff’s claim against crossclaiming defendant shall be delivered within ten days after service of that defence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.06 (4).

Consequence of Not Defending Against Plaintiff

(5) A defendant who does not defend against the plaintiff’s claim against the crossclaiming defendant is bound by any order or determination made in the main action between the plaintiff and the crossclaiming defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.06 (5).

Effect of Default of Defence to Crossclaim

28.07 Where a defendant against whom a crossclaim is made is noted in default in respect of the crossclaim, the crossclaiming defendant may obtain judgment against the other defendant only at the trial of the main action or on motion to a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.07.

Time for Delivery of Reply to Defence to Crossclaim

28.08 A reply to defence to crossclaim (Form 28C), if any, shall be delivered within ten days after service of the defence to crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.08.

Trial of Crossclaim

28.09 A crossclaim shall be tried at or immediately after the trial of the main action, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.09.

Prejudice or Delay to Plaintiff

28.10 A plaintiff is not to be prejudiced or unnecessarily delayed by reason of a crossclaim, and on motion by the plaintiff the court may make such order or impose such terms, including an order that the crossclaim proceed as a separate action, as are necessary to prevent prejudice or delay where that may be done without injustice to the parties to the crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.10.

Application to Counterclaims and Third Party Claims

28.11 Rules 28.01 to 28.10 apply, with necessary modifications, to the assertion of a crossclaim between co-defendants to a counterclaim or between third parties to a third party claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 28.11.

RULE 29  THIRD PARTY CLAIM

Where Available

29.01 A defendant may commence a third party claim against any person who is not a party to the action and who,

(a) is or may be liable to the defendant for all or part of the plaintiff’s claim;

(b) is or may be liable to the defendant for an independent claim for damages or other relief arising out of,

(i) a transaction or occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences involved in the main action, or

(ii) a related transaction or occurrence or series of transactions or occurrences; or

(c) should be bound by the determination of an issue arising between the plaintiff and the defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.01.

Time for Third Party Claim

Issuing

29.02 (1) A third party claim (Form 29A) shall be issued within 10 days after the defendant delivers a statement of defence, or at any time before the defendant is noted in default.  O. Reg. 351/94, s. 2; O. Reg. 55/12, s. 2.

Exception, reply

(1.1) A third party claim may be issued within 10 days after the plaintiff delivers a reply in the main action to the defendant’s statement of defence.  O. Reg. 351/94, s. 2.

Exceptions, consent and leave

(1.2) A third party claim may be issued at any time with the plaintiff’s consent or with leave, which the court shall grant unless the plaintiff would be prejudiced thereby.  O. Reg. 351/94, s. 2.

Service

(2) A third party claim shall be served on the third party personally or by an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03, together with all the pleadings previously delivered in the main action or in any counterclaim, crossclaim or third or subsequent party claim in the main action, within thirty days after the third party claim is issued.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.02 (2).

(3) A third party claim shall also be served on every other party to the main action within the time for service on the third party, but personal service is not required.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.02 (3).

Third Party Defence

29.03 Except as provided in subrule 18.02 (3) (notice of intent to defend) or 19.01 (5) (late filing of defence), a third party may defend against the third party claim by delivering a third party defence (Form 29B),

(a) within twenty days after service of the third party claim, where the third party is served in Ontario;

(b) within forty days after service of the third party claim, where the defendant is served elsewhere in Canada or in the United States of America; or

(c) within sixty days after service of the third party claim, where the third party is served anywhere else.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.03.

Reply to Third Party Defence

29.04 A reply to third party defence (Form 29C), if any, shall be delivered within ten days after service of the third party defence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.04.

Defence of Main Action By Third Party

Third Party May Defend Main Action

29.05 (1) Where appropriate, the third party may defend against the plaintiff’s claim against the defendant by delivering a statement of defence in the main action, in which the third party may raise any defence open to the defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.05 (1); O. Reg. 12/24, s. 5 (1).

Consequence of Defending Main Action

(2) A third party who delivers a statement of defence in the main action,

(a) has the same rights and obligations in the main action, including those in respect of discovery, trial and appeal, as a defendant in the main action; and

(b) is bound by any order or determination made in the main action between the plaintiff and the defendant who made the third party claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.05 (2); O. Reg. 12/24, s. 5 (2).

Time for Statement of Defence

(3) The third party shall deliver the statement of defence within the main action within the time prescribed by rule 29.03 for the delivery of the third party defence. O. Reg. 12/24, s. 5 (3).

Time for Reply

(4) The plaintiff shall deliver a reply, if any, to the third party’s statement of defence in the main action within 10 days after it is served on the plaintiff. O. Reg. 12/24, s. 5 (3).

Consequence of Not Defending Main Action

(5) A third party who does not deliver a statement of defence in the main action is bound by any order or determination made in the main action between the plaintiff and the defendant who made the third party claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.05 (5); O. Reg. 12/24, s. 5 (4).

Effect of Third Party Defence

29.06 Where a third party has delivered a third party defence,

(a) the third party shall be served with all subsequent documents in the main action;

(b) judgment in the main action on consent or after the noting of the defendant in default may be obtained only on notice to the third party; and

(c) where the defendant making the third party claim has also made a crossclaim against a co-defendant, the co-defendant and the third party have the same rights to discovery from each other as if they were parties to the same action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.06.

Effect of Default of Third Party

29.07 Where a third party has been noted in default, the defendant may obtain judgment against the third party only at the trial of the main action or on motion to a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.07.

Trial of Third Party Claim

29.08 (1) After the close of pleadings in the third party claim it shall be listed for trial as an action as provided in Rule 48 without undue delay and placed on the trial list immediately after the main action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.08 (1).

(2) The third party claim shall be tried at or immediately after the trial of the main action, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.08 (2).

Prejudice or Delay to Plaintiff

29.09 A plaintiff is not to be prejudiced or unnecessarily delayed by reason of a third party claim, and on motion by the plaintiff the court may make such order or impose such terms, including an order that the third party claim proceed as a separate action, as are necessary to prevent prejudice or delay where that may be done without injustice to the defendant or the third party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.09.

Third Party Directions

29.10 Any party affected by a third party claim may move for directions in respect of any matter of procedure not otherwise provided for in these rules.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.10.

Fourth and Subsequent Party Claims

29.11 (1) A third party may, by commencing a fourth party claim, assert against any person not already a party to the third party claim any claim that is properly the subject matter of a third party claim, and rules 29.01 to 29.10 apply, with necessary modifications, to the fourth party claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.11 (1).

(2) A fourth party claim need not be served personally on a fourth party who is a party to the main action, unless the fourth party is a defendant in that action and has failed to deliver a notice of intent to defend or a statement of defence in the main action, in which case the fourth party shall be served personally or by an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03, whether or not the fourth party has been noted in default in the main action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.11 (2).

(2.1) Despite subrule 29.02 (2), when a fourth party claim is served on a person who is already a party to the main action or to any counterclaim, crossclaim or third party claim in the main action, the pleadings previously delivered in the main action or in any counterclaim, crossclaim or third party claim in the main action need not be served.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 9.

(3) A fourth or subsequent party may assert any claim that is properly the subject matter of a third party claim in like manner as a third party claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.11 (3).

Application to Fourth and Subsequent Party Claims

29.12 The provisions of these rules that apply to third party claims apply, with necessary modifications, to fourth and subsequent party claims.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.12.

Application to Counterclaims and Crossclaims

29.13 Rules 29.01 to 29.12 apply, with necessary modifications, to the assertion of a third party claim by a defendant to a counterclaim or by a defendant to a crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 29.13.

File Number

29.14 Third and subsequent party claims shall be given the same file number as the main action, followed by a suffix letter.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 24.

DISCOVERY

RULE 29.1  DISCOVERY PLAN

Non-application of Rule

29.1.01 This Rule does not apply to parties who are subject to a discovery plan established by the court under these rules.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25; O. Reg. 537/18, s. 5.

Definition

29.1.02 In this Rule,

“document” has the same meaning as in clause 30.01 (1) (a).  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Discovery Plan

Requirement for Plan

29.1.03 (1) Where a party to an action intends to obtain evidence under any of the following Rules, the parties to the action shall agree to a discovery plan in accordance with this rule:

1. Rule 30 (Discovery of Documents).

2. Rule 31 (Examination for Discovery).

3. Rule 32 (Inspection of Property).

4. Rule 33 (Medical Examination).

5. Rule 35 (Examination for Discovery by Written Questions).  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Timing

(2) The discovery plan shall be agreed to before the earlier of,

(a) 60 days after the close of pleadings or such longer period as the parties may agree to; and

(b) attempting to obtain the evidence.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Contents

(3) The discovery plan shall be in writing, and shall include,

(a) the intended scope of documentary discovery under rule 30.02, taking into account relevance, costs and the importance and complexity of the issues in the particular action;

(b) dates for the service of each party’s affidavit of documents (Form 30A or 30B) under rule 30.03;

(c) information respecting the timing, costs and manner of the production of documents by the parties and any other persons;

(d) the names of persons intended to be produced for oral examination for discovery under Rule 31 and information respecting the timing and length of the examinations; and

(e) any other information intended to result in the expeditious and cost-effective completion of the discovery process in a manner that is proportionate to the importance and complexity of the action.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Principles re Electronic Discovery

(4) In preparing the discovery plan, the parties shall consult and have regard to the document titled “The Sedona Canada Principles Addressing Electronic Discovery” developed by and available from The Sedona Conference.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Duty to Update Plan

29.1.04 The parties shall ensure that the discovery plan is updated to reflect any changes in the information listed in subrule 29.1.03 (3).  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Failure to Agree to Plan

29.1.05 (1) On any motion under Rules 30 to 35 relating to discovery, the court may refuse to grant any relief or to award any costs if the parties have failed to agree to or update a discovery plan in accordance with this Rule.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Court may Impose Discovery Plan

(2) If the parties fail to agree to a discovery plan in accordance with this Rule, the court may order that examinations for discovery be conducted in accordance with a discovery plan established by the court, which may set a schedule for examinations and impose such limits on the right of discovery as are just. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 6.

RULE 29.2  PROPORTIONALITY IN DISCOVERY

Definition

29.2.01 In this Rule,

“document” has the same meaning as in clause 30.01 (1) (a).  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Application

29.2.02 This Rule applies to any determination by the court under any of the following Rules as to whether a party or other person must answer a question or produce a document:

1. Rule 30 (Discovery of Documents).

2. Rule 31 (Examination for Discovery).

3. Rule 34 (Procedure on Oral Examinations).

4. Rule 35 (Examination for Discovery by Written Questions).  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Considerations

General

29.2.03 (1) In making a determination as to whether a party or other person must answer a question or produce a document, the court shall consider whether,

(a) the time required for the party or other person to answer the question or produce the document would be unreasonable;

(b) the expense associated with answering the question or producing the document would be unjustified;

(c) requiring the party or other person to answer the question or produce the document would cause him or her undue prejudice;

(d) requiring the party or other person to answer the question or produce the document would unduly interfere with the orderly progress of the action; and

(e) the information or the document is readily available to the party requesting it from another source.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

Overall Volume of Documents

(2) In addition to the considerations listed in subrule (1), in determining whether to order a party or other person to produce one or more documents, the court shall consider whether such an order would result in an excessive volume of documents required to be produced by the party or other person.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 25.

RULE 30  DISCOVERY OF DOCUMENTS

Interpretation

30.01 (1) In rules 30.02 to 30.11,

(a) “document” includes a sound recording, videotape, film, photograph, chart, graph, map, plan, survey, book of account, and data and information in electronic form; and

(b) a document shall be deemed to be in a party’s power if that party is entitled to obtain the original document or a copy of it and the party seeking it is not so entitled.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.01 (1); O. Reg. 427/01, s. 12; O. Reg. 132/04, s. 6.

(2) In subrule 30.02 (4),

(a) a corporation is a subsidiary of another corporation where it is controlled directly or indirectly by the other corporation; and

(b) a corporation is affiliated with another corporation where,

(i) one corporation is the subsidiary of the other,

(ii) both corporations are subsidiaries of the same corporation, or

(iii) both corporations are controlled directly or indirectly by the same person or persons.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.01 (2).

Scope of Documentary Discovery

Disclosure

30.02 (1) Every document relevant to any matter in issue in an action that is or has been in the possession, control or power of a party to the action shall be disclosed as provided in rules 30.03 to 30.10, whether or not privilege is claimed in respect of the document.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.02 (1); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 26.

Production for Inspection

(2) Every document relevant to any matter in issue in an action that is in the possession, control or power of a party to the action shall be produced for inspection if requested, as provided in rules 30.03 to 30.10, unless privilege is claimed in respect of the document.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.02 (2); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 26.

Insurance Policy

(3) A party shall disclose and, if requested, produce for inspection any insurance policy under which an insurer may be liable,

(a) to satisfy all or part of a judgment in the action; or

(b) to indemnify or reimburse a party for money paid in satisfaction of all or part of the judgment,

but no information concerning the insurance policy is admissible in evidence unless it is relevant to an issue in the action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.02 (3).

Subsidiary and Affiliated Corporations and Corporations Controlled by Party

(4) The court may order a party to disclose all relevant documents in the possession, control or power of the party’s subsidiary or affiliated corporation or of a corporation controlled directly or indirectly by the party and to produce for inspection all such documents that are not privileged.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.02 (4).

Affidavit of Documents

Party to Serve Affidavit

30.03 (1) A party to an action shall serve on every other party an affidavit of documents (Form 30A or 30B) disclosing to the full extent of the party’s knowledge, information and belief all documents relevant to any matter in issue in the action that are or have been in the party’s possession, control or power.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 27 (1).

Contents

(2) The affidavit shall list and describe, in separate schedules, all documents relevant to any matter in issue in the action,

(a) that are in the party’s possession, control or power and that the party does not object to producing;

(b) that are or were in the party’s possession, control or power and for which the party claims privilege, and the grounds for the claim; and

(c) that were formerly in the party’s possession, control or power, but are no longer in the party’s possession, control or power, whether or not privilege is claimed for them, together with a statement of when and how the party lost possession or control of or power over them and their present location.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.03 (2); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 27 (2).

(3) The affidavit shall also contain a statement that the party has never had in the party’s possession, control or power any document relevant to any matter in issue in the action other than those listed in the affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.03 (3); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 27 (3).

Lawyer's Certificate

(4) Where the party is represented by a lawyer, the lawyer shall certify on the affidavit that he or she has explained to the deponent,

(a) the necessity of making full disclosure of all documents relevant to any matter in issue in the action; and

(b) what kinds of documents are likely to be relevant to the allegations made in the pleadings.  O. Reg. 653/00, s. 3; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 27 (4).

Affidavit not to be Filed

(5) An affidavit of documents shall not be filed unless it is relevant to an issue on a pending motion or at trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.03 (5).

Inspection of Documents

Request to Inspect

30.04 (1) A party who serves on another party a request to inspect documents (Form 30C) is entitled to inspect any document that is not privileged and that is referred to in the other party’s affidavit of documents as being in that party’s possession, control or power.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.04 (1).

(2) A request to inspect documents may also be used to obtain the inspection of any document in another party’s possession, control or power that is referred to in the originating process, pleadings or an affidavit served by the other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.04 (2).

(3) A party on whom a request to inspect documents is served shall forthwith inform the party making the request of a date within five days after the service of the request to inspect documents and of a time between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. when the documents may be inspected at the office of the lawyer of the party served, or at some other convenient place, and shall at the time and place named make the documents available for inspection.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.04 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Documents to be Taken to Examination and Trial

(4) Unless the parties agree otherwise, all documents listed in a party’s affidavit of documents that are not privileged and all documents previously produced for inspection by the party shall, without notice, summons or order, be produced at,

(a) the examination for discovery of the party or of a person on behalf or in place of or in addition to the party; and

(b) the trial of the action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.04 (4); O. Reg. 248/21, s. 4.

Court may Order Production

(5) The court may at any time order production for inspection of documents that are not privileged and that are in the possession, control or power of a party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.04 (5).

Court may Inspect to Determine Claim of Privilege

(6) Where privilege is claimed for a document, the court may inspect the document to determine the validity of the claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.04 (6).

Copying of Documents

(7) Where a document is produced for inspection, the party inspecting the document is entitled to make a copy of it at the party’s own expense, if it can be reproduced, unless the person having possession or control of or power over the document agrees to make a copy, in which case the person shall be reimbursed for the cost of making the copy.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.04 (7).

Divided Disclosure or Production

(8) Where a document may become relevant only after the determination of an issue in the action and disclosure or production for inspection of the document before the issue is determined would seriously prejudice a party, the court on the party’s motion may grant leave to withhold disclosure or production until after the issue has been determined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.04 (8).

Disclosure or Production not Admission of Relevance

30.05 The disclosure or production of a document for inspection shall not be taken as an admission of its relevance or admissibility.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.05.

Where Affidavit Incomplete or Privilege Improperly Claimed

30.06 Where the court is satisfied by any evidence that a relevant document in a party’s possession, control or power may have been omitted from the party’s affidavit of documents, or that a claim of privilege may have been improperly made, the court may,

(a) order cross-examination on the affidavit of documents;

(b) order service of a further and better affidavit of documents;

(c) order the disclosure or production for inspection of the document, or a part of the document, if it is not privileged; and

(d) inspect the document for the purpose of determining its relevance or the validity of a claim of privilege.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.06; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 5.

Documents or Errors Subsequently Discovered

30.07 Where a party, after serving an affidavit of documents,

(a) comes into possession or control of or obtains power over a document that relates to a matter in issue in the action and that is not privileged; or

(b) discovers that the affidavit is inaccurate or incomplete,

the party shall forthwith serve a supplementary affidavit specifying the extent to which the affidavit of documents requires modification and disclosing any additional documents.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.07.

Effect of Failure to Disclose or Produce for Inspection

Failure to Disclose or Produce Document

30.08 (1) Where a party fails to disclose a document in an affidavit of documents or a supplementary affidavit, or fails to produce a document for inspection in compliance with these rules, an order of the court or an undertaking,

(a) if the document is favourable to the party’s case, the party may not use the document at the trial, except with leave of the trial judge; or

(b) if the document is not favourable to the party’s case, the court may make such order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.08 (1); O. Reg. 504/00, s. 3.

Failure to Serve Affidavit or Produce Document

(2) Where a party fails to serve an affidavit of documents or produce a document for inspection in compliance with these rules or fails to comply with an order of the court under rules 30.02 to 30.11, the court may,

(a) revoke or suspend the party’s right, if any, to initiate or continue an examination for discovery;

(b) dismiss the action, if the party is a plaintiff, or strike out the statement of defence, if the party is a defendant; and

(c) make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.08 (2).

Privileged Document not to be Used without Leave

30.09 Where a party has claimed privilege in respect of a document and does not abandon the claim by giving notice in writing and providing a copy of the document or producing it for inspection at least 90 days before the commencement of the trial, the party may not use the document at the trial, except to impeach the testimony of a witness or with leave of the trial judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.09; O. Reg. 19/03, s. 7.

Production from Non-Parties with Leave

Order for Inspection

30.10 (1) The court may, on motion by a party, order production for inspection of a document that is in the possession, control or power of a person not a party and is not privileged where the court is satisfied that,

(a) the document is relevant to a material issue in the action; and

(b) it would be unfair to require the moving party to proceed to trial without having discovery of the document.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.10 (1).

Notice of Motion

(2) A motion for an order under subrule (1) shall be made on notice,

(a) to every other party; and

(b) to the person not a party, served personally or by an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.10 (2).

Court may Inspect Document

(3) Where privilege is claimed for a document referred to in subrule (1), or where the court is uncertain of the relevance of or necessity for discovery of the document, the court may inspect the document to determine the issue.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.10 (3).

Preparation of Certified Copy

(4) The court may give directions respecting the preparation of a certified copy of a document referred to in subrule (1) and the certified copy may be used for all purposes in place of the original.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.10 (4).

Cost of Producing Document

(5) The moving party is responsible for the reasonable cost incurred or to be incurred by the person not a party to produce a document referred to in subrule (1), unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 5.

Document Deposited for Safe Keeping

30.11 The court may order that a relevant document be deposited for safe keeping with the registrar and thereafter the document shall not be inspected by any person except with leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 30.11.

RULE 30.1  DEEMED UNDERTAKING

Application

30.1.01 (1) This Rule applies to,

(a) evidence obtained under,

(i) Rule 30 (documentary discovery),

(ii) Rule 31 (examination for discovery),

(iii) Rule 32 (inspection of property),

(iv) Rule 33 (medical examination),

(v) Rule 35 (examination for discovery by written questions); and

(b) information obtained from evidence referred to in clause (a).  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 2; O. Reg. 627/98, s. 3.

(2) This Rule does not apply to evidence or information obtained otherwise than under the rules referred to in subrule (1).  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 2.

Deemed Undertaking

(3) All parties and their lawyers are deemed to undertake not to use evidence or information to which this Rule applies for any purposes other than those of the proceeding in which the evidence was obtained.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 2; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 4.

Exceptions

(4) Subrule (3) does not prohibit a use to which the person who disclosed the evidence consents.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 2.

(5) Subrule (3) does not prohibit the use, for any purpose, of,

(a) evidence that is filed with the court;

(b) evidence that is given or referred to during a hearing;

(c) information obtained from evidence referred to in clause (a) or (b).  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 2.

(6) Subrule (3) does not prohibit the use of evidence obtained in one proceeding, or information obtained from such evidence, to impeach the testimony of a witness in another proceeding.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 2.

(7) Subrule (3) does not prohibit the use of evidence or information in accordance with subrule 31.11 (8) (subsequent action).  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 2.

Order that Undertaking does not Apply

(8) If satisfied that the interest of justice outweighs any prejudice that would result to a party who disclosed evidence, the court may order that subrule (3) does not apply to the evidence or to information obtained from it, and may impose such terms and give such directions as are just.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 2; O. Reg. 263/03, s. 3.

RULE 31  EXAMINATION FOR DISCOVERY

Definition

31.01 In rules 31.02 to 31.11,

“document” has the same meaning as in clause 30.01 (1) (a).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.01.

Form of Examination

31.02 (1) Subject to subrule (2), an examination for discovery may take the form of an oral examination or, at the option of the examining party, an examination by written questions and answers, but the examining party is not entitled to subject a person to both forms of examination except with leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.02 (1).

(2) Where more than one party is entitled to examine a person, the examination for discovery shall take the form of an oral examination, unless all the parties entitled to examine the person agree otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.02 (2).

Who may Examine and be Examined

Generally

31.03 (1) A party to an action may examine for discovery any other party adverse in interest, once, and may examine that party more than once only with leave of the court, but a party may examine more than one person as permitted by subrules (2) to (8).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.03 (1); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 28 (1).

On Behalf of Corporation

(2) Where a corporation may be examined for discovery,

(a) the examining party may examine any officer, director or employee on behalf of the corporation, but the court on motion of the corporation before the examination may order the examining party to examine another officer, director or employee; and

(b) the examining party may examine more than one officer, director or employee only with the consent of the parties or the leave of the court.  O. Reg. 132/04, s. 7.

On Behalf of Partnership or Sole Proprietorship

(3) Where an action is brought by or against a partnership or a sole proprietorship using the firm name,

(a) each person who was, or is alleged to have been, a partner or the sole proprietor, as the case may be, at a material time, may be examined on behalf of the partnership or sole proprietorship; and

(b) the examining party may examine one or more employees of the partnership or sole proprietorship only with the consent of the parties or the leave of the court.  O. Reg. 132/04, s. 7.

Requirements for Leave

(4) Before making an order under clause (2) (b) or (3) (b), the court shall satisfy itself that,

(a) satisfactory answers respecting all of the issues raised cannot be obtained from only one person without undue expense and inconvenience; and

(b) examination of more than one person would likely expedite the conduct of the action.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 28 (2).

In Place of Person under Disability

(5) Where an action is brought by or against a party under disability,

(a) the litigation guardian may be examined in place of the person under disability; or

(b) at the option of the examining party, the person under disability may be examined if he or she is competent to give evidence,

but where the litigation guardian is the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee, the litigation guardian may be examined only with leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.03 (5); O. Reg. 69/95, ss. 18-20.

Assignee

(6) Where an action is brought by or against an assignee, the assignor may be examined in addition to the assignee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.03 (6).

Trustee in Bankruptcy

(7) Where an action is brought by or against a trustee of the estate of a bankrupt, the bankrupt may be examined in addition to the trustee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.03 (7).

Nominal Party

(8) Where an action is brought or defended for the immediate benefit of a person who is not a party, the person may be examined in addition to the party bringing or defending the action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.03 (8).

Limiting Multiple Examinations

(9) Where a party is entitled to examine for discovery,

(a) more than one person under this rule; or

(b) multiple parties who are in the same interest,

but the court is satisfied that multiple examinations would be oppressive, vexatious or unnecessary, the court may impose such limits on the right of discovery as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.03 (9).

When Examination may be Initiated

Examination of Plaintiff

31.04 (1) A party who seeks to examine a plaintiff for discovery may serve a notice of examination under rule 34.04 or written questions under rule 35.01 only after delivering a statement of defence and, unless the parties agree otherwise, serving an affidavit of documents.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.04 (1).

Examination of Defendant

(2) A party who seeks to examine a defendant for discovery may serve a notice of examination under rule 34.04 or written questions under rule 35.01 only after,

(a) the defendant has delivered a statement of defence and, unless the parties agree otherwise, the examining party has served an affidavit of documents; or

(b) the defendant has been noted in default.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.04 (2).

Completion of Examination

(3) The party who first serves on another party a notice of examination under rule 34.04 or written questions under rule 35.01 may examine first and may complete the examination before being examined by another party, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.04 (3).

Oral Examination by more than one Party

31.05 Unless the court orders or the parties agree otherwise, where more than one party is entitled to examine a party or other person for discovery without leave, there shall be only one oral examination, which may be initiated by any party adverse to the party,

(a) who is to be examined; or

(b) on behalf or in place of whom, or in addition to whom, a person is to be examined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.05; O. Reg. 260/05, s. 6.

Time Limit

Not to Exceed Seven Hours

31.05.1 (1) No party shall, in conducting oral examinations for discovery, exceed a total of seven hours of examination, regardless of the number of parties or other persons to be examined, except with the consent of the parties or with leave of the court.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 29.

Considerations for Leave

(2) In determining whether leave should be granted under subrule (1), the court shall consider,

(a) the amount of money in issue;

(b) the complexity of the issues of fact or law;

(c) the amount of time that ought reasonably to be required in the action for oral examinations;

(d) the financial position of each party;

(e) the conduct of any party, including a party’s unresponsiveness in any examinations for discovery held previously in the action, such as failure to answer questions on grounds other than privilege or the questions being obviously irrelevant, failure to provide complete answers to questions, or providing answers that are evasive, irrelevant, unresponsive or unduly lengthy;

(f) a party’s denial or refusal to admit anything that should have been admitted; and

(g) any other reason that should be considered in the interest of justice.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 29.

Scope of Examination

General

31.06 (1) A person examined for discovery shall answer, to the best of his or her knowledge, information and belief, any proper question relevant to any matter in issue in the action or to any matter made discoverable by subrules (2) to (4) and no question may be objected to on the ground that,

(a) the information sought is evidence;

(b) the question constitutes cross-examination, unless the question is directed solely to the credibility of the witness; or

(c) the question constitutes cross-examination on the affidavit of documents of the party being examined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.06 (1); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 30 (1).

Identity of Persons Having Knowledge

(2) A party may on an examination for discovery obtain disclosure of the names and addresses of persons who might reasonably be expected to have knowledge of transactions or occurrences in issue in the action, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.06 (2).

Expert Opinions

(3) A party may on an examination for discovery obtain disclosure of the findings, opinions and conclusions of an expert engaged by or on behalf of the party being examined that are relevant to a matter in issue in the action and of the expert’s name and address, but the party being examined need not disclose the information or the name and address of the expert where,

(a) the findings, opinions and conclusions of the expert relevant to any matter in issue in the action were made or formed in preparation for contemplated or pending litigation and for no other purpose; and

(b) the party being examined undertakes not to call the expert as a witness at the trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.06 (3); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 30 (2); O. Reg. 453/09, s. 1.

Insurance Policies

(4) A party may on an examination for discovery obtain disclosure of,

(a) the existence and contents of any insurance policy under which an insurer may be liable to satisfy all or part of a judgment in the action or to indemnify or reimburse a party for money paid in satisfaction of all or part of the judgment; and

(b) the amount of money available under the policy, and any conditions affecting its availability.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.06 (4).

(5) No information concerning the insurance policy is admissible in evidence unless it is relevant to an issue in the action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.06 (5).

Divided Discovery

(6) Where information may become relevant only after the determination of an issue in the action and the disclosure of the information before the issue is determined would seriously prejudice a party, the court on the party’s motion may grant leave to withhold the information until after the issue has been determined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.06 (6).

Failure to Answer on Discovery

Failure to Answer Questions

31.07 (1) A party, or a person examined for discovery on behalf of or in place of a party, fails to answer a question if,

(a) the party or other person refuses to answer the question, whether on the grounds of privilege or otherwise;

(b) the party or other person indicates that the question will be considered or taken under advisement, but no answer is provided within 60 days after the response; or

(c) the party or other person undertakes to answer the question, but no answer is provided within 60 days after the response.  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 7.

Effect of Failure to Answer

(2) If a party, or a person examined for discovery on behalf of or in place of a party, fails to answer a question as described in subrule (1), the party may not introduce at the trial the information that was not provided, except with leave of the trial judge.  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 7.

Additional Sanction

(3) The sanction provided by subrule (2) is in addition to the sanctions provided by rule 34.15 (sanctions for default in examination).  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 7.

Obligatory Status of Undertakings

(4) For greater certainty, nothing in these rules relieves a party or other person who undertakes to answer a question from the obligation to honour the undertaking.  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 7.

Effect of Lawyer Answering

31.08 Questions on an oral examination for discovery shall be answered by the person being examined but, where there is no objection, the question may be answered by his or her lawyer and the answer shall be deemed to be the answer of the person being examined unless, before the conclusion of the examination, the person repudiates, contradicts or qualifies the answer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.08; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 4.

Information Subsequently Obtained

Duty to Correct Answers

31.09 (1) Where a party has been examined for discovery or a person has been examined for discovery on behalf or in place of, or in addition to the party, and the party subsequently discovers that the answer to a question on the examination,

(a) was incorrect or incomplete when made; or

(b) is no longer correct and complete,

the party shall forthwith provide the information in writing to every other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.09 (1).

Consequences of Correcting Answers

(2) Where a party provides information in writing under subrule (1),

(a) the writing may be treated at a hearing as if it formed part of the original examination of the person examined; and

(b) any adverse party may require that the information be verified by affidavit of the party or be the subject of further examination for discovery.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.09 (2).

Sanction for Failing to Correct Answers

(3) Where a party has failed to comply with subrule (1) or a requirement under clause (2) (b), and the information subsequently discovered is,

(a) favourable to the party’s case, the party may not introduce the information at the trial, except with leave of the trial judge; or

(b) not favourable to the party’s case, the court may make such order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.09 (3).

Discovery of Non-Parties with Leave

General

31.10 (1) The court may grant leave, on such terms respecting costs and other matters as are just, to examine for discovery any person who there is reason to believe has information relevant to a material issue in the action, other than an expert engaged by or on behalf of a party in preparation for contemplated or pending litigation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.10 (1).

Test for Granting Leave

(2) An order under subrule (1) shall not be made unless the court is satisfied that,

(a) the moving party has been unable to obtain the information from other persons whom the moving party is entitled to examine for discovery, or from the person the party seeks to examine;

(b) it would be unfair to require the moving party to proceed to trial without having the opportunity of examining the person; and

(c) the examination will not,

(i) unduly delay the commencement of the trial of the action,

(ii) entail unreasonable expense for other parties, or

(iii) result in unfairness to the person the moving party seeks to examine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.10 (2).

Costs Consequences for Examining Party

(3) A party who examines a person orally under this rule shall serve every party who attended or was represented on the examination with the transcript free of charge, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.10 (3).

(4) The examining party is not entitled to recover the costs of the examination from another party unless the court expressly orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.10 (4).

Limitation on Use at Trial

(5) The evidence of a person examined under this rule may not be read into evidence at trial under subrule 31.11 (1).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.10 (5).

Use of Examination for Discovery at Trial

Reading in Examination of Party

31.11 (1) At the trial of an action, a party may read into evidence as part of the party’s own case against an adverse party any part of the evidence given on the examination for discovery of,

(a) the adverse party; or

(b) a person examined for discovery on behalf or in place of, or in addition to the adverse party, unless the trial judge orders otherwise,

if the evidence is otherwise admissible, whether the party or other person has already given evidence or not.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.11 (1); O. Reg. 260/05, s. 8.

Impeachment

(2) The evidence given on an examination for discovery may be used for the purpose of impeaching the testimony of the deponent as a witness in the same manner as any previous inconsistent statement by that witness.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.11 (2).

Qualifying Answers

(3) Where only part of the evidence given on an examination for discovery is read into or used in evidence, at the request of an adverse party the trial judge may direct the introduction of any other part of the evidence that qualifies or explains the part first introduced.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.11 (3).

Rebuttal

(4) A party who reads into evidence as part of the party’s own case evidence given on an examination for discovery of an adverse party, or a person examined for discovery on behalf or in place of or in addition to an adverse party, may rebut that evidence by introducing any other admissible evidence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.11 (4).

Party under Disability

(5) The evidence given on the examination for discovery of a party under disability may be read into or used in evidence at the trial only with leave of the trial judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.11 (5).

Unavailability of Deponent

(6) Where a person examined for discovery,

(a) has died;

(b) is unable to testify because of infirmity or illness;

(c) for any other sufficient reason cannot be compelled to attend at the trial; or

(d) refuses to take an oath or make an affirmation or to answer any proper question,

any party may, with leave of the trial judge, read into evidence all or part of the evidence given on the examination for discovery as the evidence of the person examined, to the extent that it would be admissible if the person were testifying in court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.11 (6).

(7) In deciding whether to grant leave under subrule (6), the trial judge shall consider,

(a) the extent to which the person was cross-examined on the examination for discovery;

(b) the importance of the evidence in the proceeding;

(c) the general principle that evidence should be presented orally in court; and

(d) any other relevant factor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.11 (7).

Subsequent Action

(8) Where an action has been discontinued or dismissed and another action involving the same subject matter is subsequently brought between the same parties or their representatives or successors in interest, the evidence given on an examination for discovery taken in the former action may be read into or used in evidence at the trial of the subsequent action as if it had been taken in the subsequent action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 31.11 (8).

RULE 32  INSPECTION OF PROPERTY

Order for Inspection

32.01 (1) The court may make an order for the inspection of real or personal property where it appears to be necessary for the proper determination of an issue in a proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 32.01 (1).

(2) For the purpose of the inspection, the court may,

(a) authorize entry on or into and the taking of temporary possession of any property in the possession of a party or of a person not a party;

(b) permit the measuring, surveying or photographing of the property in question, or of any particular object or operation on the property; and

(c) permit the taking of samples, the making of observations or the conducting of tests or experiments.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 32.01 (2).

(3) The order shall specify the time, place and manner of the inspection and may impose such other terms, including the payment of compensation, as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 32.01 (3).

(4) No order for inspection shall be made without notice to the person in possession of the property unless,

(a) service of notice, or the delay necessary to serve notice, might entail serious consequences to the moving party; or

(b) the court dispenses with service of notice for any other sufficient reason.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 32.01 (4).

RULE 33  MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF PARTIES

Motion for Medical Examination

33.01 A motion by an adverse party for an order under section 105 of the Courts of Justice Act for the physical or mental examination of a party whose physical or mental condition is in question in a proceeding shall be made on notice to every other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.01.

Order for Examination

Contents of Order

33.02 (1) An order under section 105 of the Courts of Justice Act may specify the time, place and purpose of the examination and shall name the health practitioner or practitioners by whom it is to be conducted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.02 (1).

Further Examinations

(2) The court may order a second examination or further examinations on such terms respecting costs and other matters as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.02 (2).

Dispute as to Scope of Examination

33.03 The court may on motion determine any dispute relating to the scope of an examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.03.

Provision of Information to Party Obtaining Order

Interpretation

33.04 (1) Subrule 30.01 (1) (meaning of “document”, “power”) applies to subrule (2).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.04 (1).

Party to be Examined must Provide Information

(2) The party to be examined shall, unless the court orders otherwise, provide to the party obtaining the order, at least seven days before the examination, a copy of,

(a) any report made by a health practitioner who has treated or examined the party to be examined in respect of the mental or physical condition in question, other than a practitioner whose report was made in preparation for contemplated or pending litigation and for no other purpose, and whom the party to be examined undertakes not to call as a witness at the hearing; and

(b) any hospital record or other medical document relating to the mental or physical condition in question that is in the possession, control or power of the party other than a document made in preparation for contemplated or pending litigation and for no other purpose, and in respect of which the party to be examined undertakes not to call evidence at the hearing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.04 (2).

Who may Attend On Examination

33.05 No person other than the person being examined, the examining health practitioner and such assistants as the practitioner requires for the purpose of the examination shall be present at the examination, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.05.

Medical Reports

Preparation of Report

33.06 (1) After conducting an examination, the examining health practitioner shall prepare a written report setting out his or her observations, the results of any tests made and his or her conclusions, diagnosis and prognosis and shall forthwith provide the report to the party who obtained the order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.06 (1).

Service of Report

(2) The party who obtained the order shall forthwith serve the report on every other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.06 (2).

Penalty for Failure to Comply

33.07 A party who fails to comply with section 105 of the Courts of Justice Act or an order made under that section or with rule 33.04 is liable, if a plaintiff or applicant, to have the proceeding dismissed or, if a defendant or respondent, to have the statement of defence or affidavit in response to the application struck out.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.07.

Examination by Consent

33.08 Rules 33.01 to 33.07 apply to a physical or mental examination conducted on the consent in writing of the parties, except to the extent that they are waived by the consent.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 33.08.

EXAMINATIONS OUT OF COURT

RULE 34  PROCEDURE ON ORAL EXAMINATIONS

Application of the Rule

34.01 Rules 34.02 to 34.19 apply to,

(a) an oral examination for discovery under Rule 31;

(b) the taking of evidence before trial under rule 36.01, subject to rule 36.02;

(c) a cross-examination on an affidavit for use on a motion or application under rule 39.02;

(d) the examination out of court of a witness before the hearing of a pending motion or application under rule 39.03; and

(e) an examination in aid of execution under rule 60.18.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.01.

Before Whom to be Held

34.02 (1) An oral examination to be held in Ontario shall be held at a time and place set out in the notice of examination or summons to a witness, before a person assigned by,

(a) an official examiner;

(b) a reporting service agreed on by the parties; or

(c) a reporting service named by the examining party.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 8.

(2) A person who objects to being examined at the time or place set out in the notice of examination or before a person assigned under subrule (1) may make a motion to show that the time, place or person is unsuitable for the proper conduct of the examination.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 8.

(3) If a motion under subrule (2) is dismissed, the court shall fix the responding party’s costs on a substantial indemnity basis and order the moving party to pay them forthwith, unless the court is satisfied that the making of the motion, although unsuccessful, was nevertheless reasonable.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 8; O. Reg. 284/01, s. 8.

Place of Examination

34.03 Where the person to be examined resides in Ontario, the examination shall take place in the county in which the person resides, unless the court orders or the person to be examined and all the parties agree otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.03.

How Attendance Required

Party

34.04 (1) Where the person to be examined is a party to the proceeding, a notice of examination (Form 34A) shall be served,

(a) on the party’s lawyer of record; or

(b) where the party acts in person, on the party, personally or by an alternative to personal service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.04 (1); O. Reg. 739/94, s. 2 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 20 (1).

Person Examined on Behalf or in Place of Party

(2) Where a person is to be examined for discovery or in aid of execution on behalf or in place of a party, a notice of examination shall be served,

(a) on the party’s lawyer of record; or

(b) on the person to be examined, personally and not by an alternative to personal service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.04 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 20 (2).

Deponent of Affidavit

(3) Where a person is to be cross-examined on an affidavit, a notice of examination shall be served,

(a) on the lawyer for the party who filed the affidavit; or

(b) where the party who filed the affidavit acts in person, on the person to be cross-examined, personally and not by an alternative to personal service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.04 (3); O. Reg. 739/94, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Others

(4) Where the person to be examined,

(a) is neither a party nor a person referred to in subrule (2) or (3); and

(b) resides in Ontario,

the person shall be served with a summons to witness (Form 34B), personally and not by an alternative to personal service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.04 (4).

Attendance Money

(5) When a summons to witness is served on a witness, attendance money calculated in accordance with Tariff A shall be paid or tendered to the witness at the same time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.04 (5).

Summons may be Issued in Blank

(6) On the request of a party or a lawyer and on payment of the prescribed fee, a registrar shall sign, seal and issue a blank summons to witness and the party or lawyer may complete the summons and insert the names of any number of witnesses.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.04 (6); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Person Outside Ontario

(7) Rule 53.05 (summons to a witness outside Ontario) applies to the securing of the attendance for examination of a person outside Ontario and the attendance money paid or tendered to the person shall be calculated in accordance with the Interprovincial Summonses Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.04 (7).

Person in Custody

(8) Rule 53.06 (compelling attendance of witness in custody) applies to the securing of the attendance for examination of a person in custody.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.04 (8).

34.04.1 Revoked:  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 9.

Notice of Time and Place

Person to be Examined

34.05 (1) Where the person to be examined resides in Ontario, he or she shall be given not less than two days notice of the time and place of the examination, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.05 (1).

Every Other Party

(2) Every party to the proceeding other than the examining party shall be given not less than two days notice of the time and place of the examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.05 (2).

Examinations on Consent

34.06 A person to be examined and all the parties may consent to the time and place of the examination and,

(a) to the minimum notice period and the form of notice; or

(b) to dispense with notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.06.

Where Person to be Examined Resides outside Ontario

Contents of Order for Examination

34.07 (1) Where the person to be examined resides outside Ontario, the court may determine,

(a) whether the examination is to take place in or outside Ontario;

(b) the time and place of the examination;

(c) the minimum notice period;

(d) the person before whom the examination is to be conducted;

(e) the amount of attendance money to be paid to the person to be examined; and

(f) any other matter respecting the holding of the examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.07 (1).

Commission and Letter of Request

(2) Where the person is to be examined outside Ontario, the order under subrule (1) shall be in Form 34E and shall, if the moving party requests it, provide for the issuing of,

(a) a commission (Form 34C) authorizing the taking of evidence before a named commissioner; and

(b) a letter of request (Form 34D) directed to the judicial authorities of the jurisdiction in which the person is to be found, requesting the issuing of such process as is necessary to compel the person to attend and be examined before the commissioner.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.07 (2).

(3) The commission and letter of request shall be prepared and issued by the registrar.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.07 (3).

Attendance Money

(4) Where the person to be examined resides outside Ontario and is not a party or a person to be examined on behalf or in place of a party, the examining party shall pay or tender to the person to be examined the amount of attendance money fixed by the order under subrule (1).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.07 (4).

Duties of Commissioner

(5) A commissioner shall, to the extent that it is possible to do so, conduct the examination in the form of oral questions and answers in accordance with these rules, the law of evidence of Ontario and the terms of the commission, unless some other form of examination is required by the order or the law of the place where the examination is conducted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.07 (5).

(6) As soon as the transcript of the examination is prepared, the commissioner shall,

(a) return the commission, together with the original transcript and exhibits, to the registrar who issued it;

(b) keep a copy of the transcript and, where practicable, the exhibits; and

(c) notify the parties who appeared at the examination that the transcript is complete and has been returned to the registrar who issued the commission.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.07 (6).

Examining Party to Serve Transcript

(7) The registrar shall send the transcript to the lawyer for the examining party and the lawyer shall forthwith serve every other party with the transcript free of charge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.07 (7); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Person to be Examined to be Sworn

34.08 (1) Before being examined, the person to be examined shall take an oath or make an affirmation and, where the examination is conducted in Ontario, the oath or affirmation shall be administered by an official examiner or by a person authorized to administer oaths in Ontario.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.08 (1).

(2) Where the examination is conducted outside Ontario, the oath or affirmation may be administered by the person before whom the examination is conducted, a person authorized to administer oaths in Ontario or a person authorized to take affidavits or administer oaths or affirmations in the jurisdiction where the examination is conducted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.08 (2).

Interpreter

34.09 (1) Where the person to be examined does not understand the language or languages in which the examination is to be conducted or is deaf or mute, a competent and independent interpreter shall, before the person is examined, take an oath or make an affirmation to interpret accurately the administration of the oath or affirmation and the questions to and answers of the person being examined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.09 (1).

(2) Where an interpreter is required by subrule (1) for the examination of,

(a) a party or a person on behalf or in place of a party, the party shall provide the interpreter;

(b) any other person, the examining party shall provide the interpreter,

unless the interpretation is from English to French or from French to English and an interpreter is provided by the Ministry of the Attorney General.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.09 (2).

Production of Documents on Examination

Interpretation

34.10 (1) Subrule 30.01 (1) (meaning of “document”, “power”) applies to subrules (2), (3) and (4).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.10 (1).

Person to be Examined Must Produce Required Documents and Things

(2) The person to be examined shall produce for inspection at the examination,

(a) on an examination for discovery, all documents in his or her possession, control or power that are not privileged and that subrule 30.04 (4) requires the person to produce; and

(b) on any examination, including an examination for discovery, all documents and things in his or her possession, control or power that are not privileged and that the notice of examination or summons to witness requires the person to produce. O. Reg. 248/21, s. 6 (1).

Notice or Summons May Require Documents and Things

(3) Unless the court orders otherwise, the notice of examination or summons to witness may require the person to be examined to produce for inspection at the examination,

(a) all documents and things relevant to any matter in issue in the proceeding that are in his or her possession, control or power and are not privileged; or

(b) such documents or things described in clause (a) as are specified in the notice or summons.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.10 (3); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 31; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 6 (2).

Duty to Produce Other Documents

(4) Where a person admits, on an examination, that he or she has possession or control of or power over any other document that is relevant to a matter in issue in the proceeding and is not privileged, the person shall produce it for inspection by the examining party forthwith, if the person has the document at the examination, and if not, within two days thereafter, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.10 (4); O. Reg. 453/09, s. 2.

Re-examination

On Examination for Discovery

34.11 (1) A person being examined for discovery may be re-examined by his or her own lawyer and by any party adverse in interest to the examining party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.11 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 3.

On Cross-Examination on Affidavit or Examination in Aid of Execution

(2) A person being cross-examined on an affidavit or examined in aid of execution may be re-examined by his or her own lawyer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.11 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 3.

Timing and Form

(3) The re-examination shall take place immediately after the examination or cross-examination and shall not take the form of a cross-examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.11 (3).

On Examination for Motion or Application

(4) Re-examination of a witness examined,

(a) before the hearing of a motion or application, is governed by subrule 39.03 (2); and

(b) at the hearing of a motion or application, is governed by subrule 39.03 (4).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.11 (4).

On Examination Before Trial

(5) Re-examination of a witness examined before trial under Rule 36 is governed by subrule 36.02 (2).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.11 (5).

Objections and Rulings

34.12 (1) Where a question is objected to, the objector shall state briefly the reason for the objection, and the question and the brief statement shall be recorded.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.12 (1).

(2) A question that is objected to may be answered with the objector’s consent, and where the question is answered, a ruling shall be obtained from the court before the evidence is used at a hearing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.12 (2).

(3) A ruling on the propriety of a question that is objected to and not answered may be obtained on motion to the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.12 (3).

34.13 Revoked:  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 10.

Improper Conduct of Examination

Adjournment to Seek Directions

34.14 (1) An examination may be adjourned by the person being examined or by a party present or represented at the examination, for the purpose of moving for directions with respect to the continuation of the examination or for an order terminating the examination or limiting its scope, where,

(a) the right to examine is being abused by an excess of improper questions or interfered with by an excess of improper interruptions or objections;

(b) the examination is being conducted in bad faith, or in an unreasonable manner so as to annoy, embarrass or oppress the person being examined;

(c) many of the answers to the questions are evasive, unresponsive or unduly lengthy; or

(d) there has been a neglect or improper refusal to produce a relevant document on the examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.14 (1).

Sanctions for Improper Conduct or Adjournment

(2) Where the court finds that,

(a) a person’s improper conduct necessitated a motion under subrule (1); or

(b) a person improperly adjourned an examination under subrule (1),

the court may order the person to pay personally and forthwith the costs of the motion, any costs thrown away and the costs of any continuation of the examination and the court may fix the costs and make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.14 (2).

Sanctions for Default or Misconduct by Person to be Examined

34.15 (1) Where a person fails to attend at the time and place fixed for an examination in the notice of examination or summons to witness or at the time and place agreed on by the parties, or refuses to take an oath or make an affirmation, to answer any proper question, to produce a document or thing that he or she is required to produce or to comply with an order under rule 34.14, the court may,

(a) where an objection to a question is held to be improper, order or permit the person being examined to reattend at his or her own expense and answer the question, in which case the person shall also answer any proper questions arising from the answer;

(b) where the person is a party or, on an examination for discovery, a person examined on behalf or in place of a party, dismiss the party’s proceeding or strike out the party’s defence;

(c) strike out all or part of the person’s evidence, including any affidavit made by the person; and

(d) make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.15 (1).

(2) Where a person does not comply with an order under rule 34.14 or subrule (1), a judge may make a contempt order against the person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.15 (2).

Examination to be Recorded

34.16 Every examination shall be recorded in its entirety in question and answer form in a manner that permits the preparation of a typed transcript of the examination, unless the court orders or the parties agree otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.16; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 20.

Typed Transcript

34.17 (1) The official examiner or person who recorded an examination shall, on the request of a party, have a typed transcript of the examination prepared and completed within four weeks after receipt of the request. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 21.

Certification

(2) The transcript shall be certified as correct by the person who recorded the examination, but need not be read to or signed by the person examined. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 21.

Copy to be Provided

(3) As soon as the transcript is prepared, the official examiner or person who recorded the examination shall send a copy of the transcript to the party who requested it. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 21.

Filing of Transcript

Party to Have Transcript Available

34.18 (1) It is the responsibility of a party who intends to refer to evidence given on an examination to have a copy of the transcript of the examination available for filing with the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.18 (1).

Filing for Use on Motion or Application

(2) Where a party intends to refer to a transcript on the hearing of a motion or application, a copy of the transcript for the use of the court shall be filed in the court office where the motion or application is to be heard, at least four days before the hearing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.18 (2); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 11; O. Reg. 394/09, s. 14.

(3) The party may file a copy of a portion of the transcript if the other parties consent.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.18 (3).

Filing for Use at Trial

(4) A copy of a transcript for the use of the court at trial shall not be filed until a party refers to it at trial, and the trial judge may read only the portions to which a party refers.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.18 (4).

Videotaping or other Recording of Examination

34.19 (1) On consent of the parties or by order of the court, an examination may be recorded by videotape or other similar means and the tape or other recording may be filed for the use of the court along with the transcript.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.19 (1).

(2) Rule 34.18 applies, with necessary modifications, to a tape or other recording made under subrule (1).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 34.19 (2).

RULE 35  PROCEDURE ON EXAMINATION FOR DISCOVERY BY WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Questions

35.01 An examination for discovery by written questions and answers shall be conducted by serving a list of the questions to be answered (Form 35A) on the person to be examined and every other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.01.

Answers

35.02 (1) Written questions shall be answered by the affidavit (Form 35B) of the person being examined, served on the examining party within fifteen days after service of the list of questions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.02 (1).

(2) The examining party shall serve the answers on every other party forthwith.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.02 (2).

Objections

35.03 An objection to answering a written question shall be made in the affidavit of the person being examined, with a brief statement of the reason for the objection.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.03.

Failure to Answer

Further List of Questions

35.04 (1) Where the examining party is not satisfied with an answer or where an answer suggests a new line of questioning, the examining party may, within ten days after receiving the answer, serve a further list of written questions which shall be answered within fifteen days after service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.04 (1).

Court Order for Further Answers

(2) Where the person being examined refuses or fails to answer a proper question or where the answer to a question is insufficient, the court may order the person to answer or give a further answer to the question or to answer any other question either by affidavit or on oral examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.04 (2).

Court Order for Oral Examination

(3) Where the court is satisfied, on reading all the answers to the written questions, that some or all of them are evasive, unresponsive or otherwise unsatisfactory, the court may order the person examined to submit to oral examination on such terms respecting costs and other matters as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.04 (3).

Additional Sanctions

(4) Where a person refuses or fails to answer a proper question on a written examination or to produce a document that he or she is required to produce, the court may, in addition to imposing the sanctions provided in subrules (2) and (3),

(a) if the person is a party or a person examined on behalf or in place of a party, dismiss the party’s action or strike out the party’s defence;

(b) strike out all or part of the person’s evidence; and

(c) make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.04 (4).

Improper Conduct of Examination

35.05 On motion by the person being examined, or by any party, the court may terminate the written examination or limit its scope where,

(a) the right to examine is being abused by an excess of improper questions; or

(b) the examination is being conducted in bad faith, or in an unreasonable manner so as to annoy, embarrass or oppress the person being examined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.05.

Filing Questions and Answers

35.06 Rule 34.18 applies, with necessary modifications, to the filing of written questions and answers for the use of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 35.06.

RULE 36  TAKING EVIDENCE BEFORE TRIAL

Where Available

Definition

36.01 (1) In this rule,

“party” includes a party to a pending or intended proceeding.  O. Reg. 8/07, s. 1.

By Consent or by Order

(2) A party who intends to introduce the evidence of a person at trial may, with leave of the court or the consent of the parties, examine the person on oath or affirmation before trial for the purpose of having the person’s testimony available to be tendered as evidence at the trial.  O. Reg. 8/07, s. 1.

Discretion of Court

(3) In exercising its discretion to order an examination under subrule (2), the court shall take into account,

(a) the convenience of the person whom the party seeks to examine;

(b) the possibility that the person will be unavailable to testify at the trial by reason of death, infirmity or sickness;

(c) the possibility that the person will be beyond the jurisdiction of the court at the time of the trial;

(d) the expense of bringing the person to the trial;

(e) whether the witness ought to give evidence in person at the trial; and

(f) any other relevant consideration.  O. Reg. 8/07, s. 1.

Expert Witness

(4) Before moving for leave to examine an expert witness under subrule (2), the moving party shall serve on every other party the report of the expert witness referred to in subrule 53.03 (1) (calling expert witness at trial) unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 8/07, s. 1.

Interim Costs, Pending or Intended Proceeding

(5) Where an order is made under subrule (2) for the examination of a witness in respect of a matter that is or will be the subject of a pending or intended proceeding, the court may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, order the moving party to pay to any other party, in advance of the examination, any or all of the costs reasonably expected to arise for the other party from the examination and any related cross-examination or re-examination.  O. Reg. 8/07, s. 1.

Procedure

36.02 (1) Subject to subrule (2), Rule 34 applies to the examination of a witness under rule 36.01, unless the court orders otherwise, and, for the purpose, a reference in Rule 34 to a party includes a reference to a party to a pending or intended proceeding.  O. Reg. 8/07, s. 2.

(2) A witness examined under rule 36.01 may be examined, cross-examined and re-examined in the same manner as a witness at trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.02 (2).

Examinations outside Ontario

36.03 Where an order is made under rule 36.01 for the examination of a witness outside Ontario, the order shall, if the moving party requests it, provide for the issuing of a commission and letter of request under subrules 34.07 (2) and (3) for the taking of the evidence of the witness and, on consent of the parties, any other witness in the same jurisdiction, and the order shall be in Form 34E.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.03.

Use at Trial

36.04 (1) In subrules (2) to (7), where an action,

(a) is brought by or against a corporation, “party” includes an officer, director or employee of the corporation;

(b) is brought by or against a partnership or a sole proprietorship using the firm name, “party” includes each person who was, or is alleged to have been, a partner or the sole proprietor, as the case may be;

(c) is brought by or against a party under disability, “party” includes the litigation guardian;

(d) is brought by or against an assignee, “party” includes the assignor;

(e) is brought by or against a trustee of the estate of a bankrupt, “party” includes the bankrupt;

(f) is brought or defended for the immediate benefit of a person who is not a party, “party” includes the person for whose immediate benefit the action is brought or defended.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.04 (1); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 18.

(2) At trial any party may use the transcript and videotape or other recording of an examination under rule 36.01 or 36.03 of a witness who is not a party as the evidence of the witness, unless the court orders otherwise on the ground that the witness ought to give evidence at trial or for any other sufficient reason.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.04 (2).

(3) A witness who is not a party and whose evidence has been taken under rule 36.01 or 36.03 shall not be called to give evidence at the trial, except with leave of the trial judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.04 (3).

(4) With leave of the trial judge or the consent of the parties, a party may use at trial the transcript and a videotape or other recording of an examination under rule 36.01 of a witness who is a party as the evidence of the witness.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.04 (4).

(5) In exercising its discretion under subrule (4), the court shall take into account,

(a) whether the party is unavailable to testify by reason of death, infirmity or sickness;

(b) whether the party ought to give evidence in person at the trial; and

(c) any other relevant consideration.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.04 (5).

(6) Use of evidence taken under rule 36.01 or 36.03 is subject to any ruling by the trial judge respecting its admissibility.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.04 (6).

(7) The transcript and a videotape or other recording may be filed with the court at trial and need not be read or played at trial unless a party or the trial judge requires it.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 36.04 (7).

MOTIONS AND APPLICATIONS

RULE 37  MOTIONS — JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

Notice of Motion

37.01 A motion shall be made by a notice of motion (Form 37A) unless the nature of the motion or the circumstances make a notice of motion unnecessary.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.01.

Note: On the day subsection 7 (1) of Schedule 6 to the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2024 comes into force, rule 37.01 of the Regulation is amended by adding “or these rules provide otherwise” at the end. (See: O. Reg. 322/24, s. 4)

Jurisdiction to Hear a Motion

Jurisdiction of Judge

37.02 (1) A judge has jurisdiction to hear any motion in a proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.02 (1).

Jurisdiction of an Associate Judge

(2) An associate judge has jurisdiction to hear any motion in a proceeding, and has all the jurisdiction of a judge in respect of a motion, except a motion,

(a) where the power to grant the relief sought is conferred expressly on a judge by a statute or rule;

(b) to set aside, vary or amend an order of a judge;

(c) to abridge or extend a time prescribed by an order that an associate judge could not have made;

(d) for judgment on consent in favour of or against a party under disability;

(e) relating to the liberty of the subject;

(f) under section 4 or 5 of the Judicial Review Procedure Act; or

(g) in an appeal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.02 (2); O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Jurisdiction of Registrar

(3) The registrar shall make an order granting the relief sought on a motion for an order on consent, if,

(a) the consent of all parties (including the consent of any party to be added, deleted or substituted) is filed;

(b) the consent states that no party affected by the order is under disability; and

(c) the order sought is for,

(i) amendment of a pleading, notice of application or notice of motion,

(ii) addition, deletion or substitution of a party,

(iii) removal of a lawyer as lawyer of record;

(iv) setting aside the noting of a party in default,

(v) setting aside a default judgment,

(vi) discharge of a certificate of pending litigation,

(vii) security for costs in a specified amount,

(viii) re-attendance of a witness to answer questions on an examination,

(ix) fulfilment of undertakings given on an examination, or

(x) dismissal of a proceeding, with or without costs.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 8; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 21.

Where Motions to be Brought

37.03 Unless the court orders otherwise, all motions shall be brought in the county where the proceeding was commenced or to which it has been transferred under rule 13.1.02 and, if a motion is to be heard in person, it shall be heard in that county. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 22.

Motions — To Whom to be Made

37.04 A motion shall be made to the court if it is within the jurisdiction of an associate judge or registrar and otherwise shall be made to a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.04; O. Reg. 19/03, s. 9; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Hearing Date for Motions

Where no practice direction

37.05 (1) At any place where no practice direction concerning the scheduling of motions is in effect, a motion may be set down for hearing on any day on which a judge or associate judge is scheduled to hear motions.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 10; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Exception, lengthy hearing

(2) If a lawyer estimates that the hearing of the motion will be more than two hours long, a hearing date shall be obtained from the registrar before the notice of motion is served.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 10; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 3.

Urgent motion

(3) An urgent motion may be set down for hearing on any day on which a judge or associate judge is scheduled to hear motions, even if a lawyer estimates that the hearing is likely to be more than two hours long.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 10; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 3; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Content of Notice

37.06 Every notice of motion (Form 37A) shall,

(a) state the precise relief sought;

(b) state the grounds to be argued, including a reference to any statutory provision or rule to be relied on; and

(c) list the documentary evidence to be used at the hearing of the motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.06.

Service of Notice

Required as General Rule

37.07 (1) The notice of motion shall be served on any party or other person who will be affected by the order sought, unless these rules provide otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.07 (1); O. Reg. 260/05, s. 9 (1).

Where Not Required

(2) Where the nature of the motion or the circumstances render service of the notice of motion impracticable or unnecessary, the court may make an order without notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.07 (2).

(3) Where the delay necessary to effect service might entail serious consequences, the court may make an interim order without notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.07 (3).

(4) Unless the court orders or these rules provide otherwise, an order made without notice to a party or other person affected by the order shall be served on the party or other person, together with a copy of the notice of motion and all affidavits and other documents used at the hearing of the motion.  O. Reg. 219/91, s. 3; O. Reg. 260/05, s. 9 (2).

Where Notice Ought to Have Been Served

(5) Where it appears to the court that the notice of motion ought to have been served on a person who has not been served, the court may,

(a) dismiss the motion or dismiss it only against the person who was not served;

(b) adjourn the motion and direct that the notice of motion be served on the person; or

(c) direct that any order made on the motion be served on the person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.07 (5).

Minimum Notice Period

(6) Where a motion is made on notice, the notice of motion shall be served at least seven days before the date on which the motion is to be heard.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.07 (6); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 12; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 33.

Filing of Notice of Motion

37.08 (1) Where a motion is made on notice, the notice of motion shall be filed with proof of service at least seven days before the hearing date in the court office where the motion is to be heard.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.08 (1); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 13; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 34.

(2) Where service of the notice of motion is not required, it shall be filed at or before the hearing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.08 (2).

Abandoned Motions

37.09 (1) A party who makes a motion may abandon it by delivering a notice of abandonment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.09 (1).

(2) A party who serves a notice of motion and does not file it or appear at the hearing shall be deemed to have abandoned the motion unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.09 (2).

(3) Where a motion is abandoned or is deemed to have been abandoned, a responding party on whom the notice of motion was served is entitled to the costs of the motion forthwith, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.09 (3).

Material for Use on Motions

Where Motion Record Required

37.10 (1) Where a motion is made on notice, the moving party shall, unless the court orders otherwise before or at the hearing of the motion, serve a motion record on every other party to the motion and file it, with proof of service, in the court office where the motion is to be heard, at least seven days before the hearing, and the court file shall not be placed before the judge or associate judge hearing the motion unless he or she requests it or a party requisitions it.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.10 (1); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 14 (1); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 35 (1); O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Contents of Motion Record

(2) The motion record shall contain, in consecutively numbered pages arranged in the following order,

(a) a table of contents describing each document, including each exhibit, by its nature and date and, in the case of an exhibit, by exhibit number or letter;

(b) a copy of the notice of motion;

(c) a copy of all affidavits and other material served by any party for use on the motion;

(d) a list of all relevant transcripts of evidence in chronological order, but not necessarily the transcripts themselves; and

(e) a copy of any other material in the court file that is necessary for the hearing of the motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.10 (2).

Responding Party’s Motion Record

(3) Where a motion record is served a responding party who is of the opinion that it is incomplete may serve on every other party, and file, with proof of service, in the court office where the motion is to be heard, at least four days before the hearing, a responding party’s motion record containing, in consecutively numbered pages arranged in the following order,

(a) a table of contents describing each document, including each exhibit, by its nature and date and, in the case of an exhibit, by exhibit number or letter; and

(b) a copy of any material to be used by the responding party on the motion and not included in the motion record.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.10 (3); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 14 (2); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 35 (2).

Material may be Filed as Part of Record

(4) A notice of motion and any other material served by a party for use on a motion may be filed, together with proof of service, as part of the party’s motion record and need not be filed separately.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.10 (4).

Transcript of Evidence

(5) A party who intends to refer to a transcript of evidence at the hearing of a motion shall file a copy of the transcript as provided by rule 34.18.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.10 (5).

Factum

(6) A party may serve on every other party a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 18.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 37.10 (6) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party” at the end and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 8)

(7) The moving party’s factum, if any, shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least seven days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 15 (1).

(8) The responding party’s factum, if any, shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least four days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 15 (2).

(9) Revoked:  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 15 (3).

Refusals and Undertakings Chart

(10) On a motion to compel answers or to have undertakings given on an examination or cross-examination satisfied,

(a) the moving party shall serve on every other party to the motion and file with proof of service, in the court office where the motion is to be heard, at least seven days before the hearing, a refusals and undertakings chart (Form 37C) that sets out,

(i) the issue that is the subject of the refusal or undertaking and its connection to the pleadings or affidavit,

(ii) the question number and a reference to the page of the transcript where the question appears, and

(iii) the exact words of the question; and

(b) the responding party shall serve on the moving party and every other party to the motion and file with proof of service, in the court office where the motion is to be heard, at least four days before the hearing, a copy of the undertakings and refusals chart that was served by the moving party completed so as to show,

(i) the answer provided, or

(ii) the basis for the refusal to answer the question or satisfy the undertaking.  O. Reg. 132/04, s. 8; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 35 (5, 6).

Confirmation of Motion

37.10.1 (1) A party who makes a motion on notice to another party shall confer or attempt to confer with the other party and shall, not later than 2 p.m. five days before the hearing date,

(a) give the registrar a confirmation of motion (Form 37B) by,

(i) sending it by e-mail to the court office, or

(ii) leaving it at the court office; and

(b) send a copy of the confirmation of motion to the other party by e-mail. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 7 (1); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 23 (1); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 4; O. Reg. 224/22, s. 2 (1, 3).

Failure to Send Copy of Confirmation

(2) If a party fails to send a copy of the confirmation of motion to a responding party in accordance with clause (1) (b), the responding party may, not later than 10 a.m. four days before the hearing date,

(a) give the registrar a confirmation of motion (Form 37B) by,

(i) sending it by e-mail to the court office, or

(ii) leaving it at the court office; and

(b) send a copy of the confirmation of motion to the moving party by e-mail. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 7 (1); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 23 (2); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 4; O. Reg. 224/22, s. 2 (2, 3).

Duty to Update

(3) A party who has given a confirmation of motion and later determines that the confirmation is no longer correct shall immediately,

(a) give the registrar a corrected confirmation of motion (Form 37B) by,

(i) sending it by e-mail to the court office, or

(ii) leaving it at the court office; and

(b) send a copy of the corrected confirmation of motion to the other party by e-mail.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 19; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 23 (3); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 4; O. Reg. 224/22, s. 2 (3).

Effect of Failure to Confirm

(4) If no confirmation is given under subrule (1), the motion shall not be heard and is deemed to have been abandoned, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 7 (2).

Costs

(5) If a motion is deemed to have been abandoned under subrule (4) and the responding party gave a confirmation of motion in accordance with subrule (2), the responding party may be heard on the costs of the abandoned motion on the hearing date scheduled for the abandoned motion. O. Reg. 537/18, s. 7 (2).

Hearing in Absence of Public

37.11 (1) A motion may be heard in the absence of the public where,

(a) the motion is to be heard and determined without oral argument;

(b) because of urgency, it is impractical to have the motion heard in public;

(c) the motion is to be heard by telephone conference or video conference;

(d) the motion is made in the course of a pre-trial conference or case conference; or

(e) the motion is before a single judge of an appellate court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.11 (1); O. Reg. 465/93, s. 4 (1); O. Reg. 24/00, s. 7; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 9.

(2) The hearing of all other motions shall be open to the public, except as provided in section 135 of the Courts of Justice Act, in which case the presiding judge, associate judge or officer shall endorse,

(a) on the notice of motion leave for a hearing in the absence of the public; or

(b) on a separate document in accordance with subrule 59.02 (2), with necessary modifications. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 24; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

37.12 Revoked:  O. Reg. 288/99, s. 15.

Hearing without Oral Argument

Consent motions, unopposed motions and motions without notice

37.12.1 (1) Where a motion is on consent, unopposed or without notice under subrule 37.07 (2), the motion may be heard in writing without the attendance of the parties, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 465/93, s. 4 (2).

(2) Where the motion is on consent, the consent and a draft order shall be filed with the notice of motion.  O. Reg. 766/93, s. 1 (1).

(2.1) In the case of a motion on consent in the Court of Appeal, an affidavit or other document setting out the reasons why it is appropriate to make the order sought on the motion shall also be filed with the notice of motion. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 3.

(3) Where the motion is unopposed, a notice from the responding party stating that the party does not oppose the motion and a draft order shall be filed with the notice of motion.  O. Reg. 766/93, s. 1 (1).

Opposed Motions in Writing

(4) The moving party may propose in the notice of motion that the motion be heard in writing without the attendance of the parties, in which case,

(a) the motion shall be made on at least fourteen days notice;

(b) the moving party shall serve with the notice of motion and immediately file, with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard, a motion record, a draft order and a factum entitled factum for a motion in writing, setting out the moving party’s argument;

(c) the motion may be heard in writing without the attendance of the parties, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 465/93, s. 4 (2); O. Reg. 766/93, s. 1 (2); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 25.

(5) Within ten days after being served with the moving party’s material, the responding party shall serve and file, with proof of service, in the court office where the motion is to be heard,

(a) a consent to the motion;

(b) a notice that the responding party does not oppose the motion;

(c) a motion record, a notice that the responding party agrees to have the motion heard and determined in writing under this rule and a factum entitled factum for a motion in writing, setting out the party’s argument; or

(d) a notice that the responding party intends to make oral argument, along with any material intended to be relied upon by the party.  O. Reg. 465/93, s. 4 (2).

(6) Where the responding party delivers a notice under subrule (5) that the party intends to make oral argument, the moving party may either attend the hearing and make oral argument or not attend and rely on the party’s motion record and factum.  O. Reg. 465/93, s. 4 (2).

Disposition of Motion

37.13 (1) On the hearing of a motion, the presiding judge or officer may grant the relief sought or dismiss or adjourn the motion, in whole or in part and with or without terms, and may,

(a) where the proceeding is an action, order that it be placed forthwith, or within a specified time, on a list of cases requiring speedy trial; or

(b) where the proceeding is an application, order that it be heard at such time and place as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.13 (1).

(2) A judge who hears a motion may,

(a) in proper case, order that the motion be converted into a motion for judgment; or

(b) order the trial of an issue, with such directions as are just, and adjourn the motion to be disposed of by the trial judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.13 (2).

(3) Where on a motion a judge directs the trial of an issue, subrules 38.10 (2) and (3) (issue treated as action) apply with necessary modifications.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.13 (3).

Exception, motions in estate matters

(4) Clause (2) (b) and subrule (3) do not apply to a motion under Rule 74, 74.1 or 75.  O. Reg. 484/94, s. 7; O. Reg. 111/21, s. 4.

Setting Aside, Varying or Amending Orders

Motion to Set Aside or Vary

37.14 (1) A party or other person who,

(a) is affected by an order obtained on motion without notice;

(b) fails to appear on a motion through accident, mistake or insufficient notice; or

(c) is affected by an order of a registrar,

may move to set aside or vary the order, by a notice of motion that is served forthwith after the order comes to the person’s attention and names the first available hearing date that is at least three days after service of the notice of motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.14 (1); O. Reg. 132/04, s. 9.

(2) On a motion under subrule (1), the court may set aside or vary the order on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.14 (2).

Order Made by Registrar

(3) A motion under subrule (1) or any other rule to set aside, vary or amend an order of a registrar may be made to a judge or associate judge, at a place determined in accordance with rule 37.03 (where motions to be brought).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.14 (3); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 26; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15

Order Made by Judge

(4) A motion under subrule (1) or any other rule to set aside, vary or amend an order of a judge may be made,

(a) to the judge who made it, at any place; or

(b) to any other judge, at a place determined in accordance with rule 37.03 (where motions to be brought).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.14 (4); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 26.

Order Made by Associate Judge

(5) A motion under subrule (1) or any other rule to set aside, vary or amend an order of an associate judge may be made,

(a) to the associate judge who made it, at any place; or

(b) to any other associate judge or to a judge, at a place determined in accordance with rule 37.03 (where motions to be brought).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.14 (5); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 26; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Order Made in Court of Appeal or Divisional Court

(6) A motion under subrule (1) or any other rule to set aside, vary or amend an order made by a judge or panel of the Court of Appeal or Divisional Court may be made,

(a) where the order was made by a judge, to the judge who made it or any other judge of the court; or

(b) where the order was made by a panel of the court, to the panel that made it or any other panel of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.14 (6); O. Reg. 82/17, s. 4, 17.

Motions in a Complicated Proceeding or Series of Proceedings

37.15 (1) Where a proceeding involves complicated issues or where there are two or more proceedings that involve similar issues, the Chief Justice or Associate Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice, a regional senior judge of the Superior Court of Justice or a judge designated by any of them may direct that all motions in the proceeding or proceedings be heard by a particular judge, and rule 37.03 (where motions to be brought) does not apply to those motions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.15 (1); O. Reg. 292/99, ss. 2 (3), 4; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 27.

(1.1) A judge who is directed to hear all motions under subrule (1) may refer to an associate judge any motion within the jurisdiction of an associate judge under subrule 37.02 (2) unless the judge who made the direction under subrule (1) directs otherwise.  O. Reg. 348/97, s. 2; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(1.2) A judge who is directed to hear all motions under subrule (1) and an associate judge to whom a motion is referred under subrule (1.1) may give such directions and make such procedural orders as are necessary to promote the most expeditious and least expensive determination of the proceeding.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 37 (1); O. Reg. 394/09, s. 16; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(2) A judge who hears motions pursuant to a direction under subrule (1) shall not preside at the trial of the actions or the hearing of the applications except with the written consent of all parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.15 (2); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 37 (2).

Prohibiting Motions without Leave

37.16 On motion by any party, a judge or associate judge may by order prohibit another party from making further motions in the proceeding without leave, where the judge or associate judge on the hearing of the motion is satisfied that the other party is attempting to delay or add to the costs of the proceeding or otherwise abuse the process of the court by a multiplicity of frivolous or vexatious motions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.16; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Motion before Commencement of Proceeding

37.17 In an urgent case, a motion may be made before the commencement of a proceeding on the moving party’s undertaking to commence the proceeding forthwith.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 37.17.

RULE 38  APPLICATIONS — JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

Application of the Rule

38.01 (1) Rules 38.02 to 38.12 apply to all proceedings commenced by a notice of application under rule 14.05, subject to subrules (2) and (3). O. Reg. 43/14, s. 8 (1).

Note: On the day subsection 7 (1) of Schedule 6 to the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2024 comes into force, subrule 38.01 (1) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “subject to subrules (2) and (3)” at the end and substituting “except as otherwise provided by this rule”. (See: O. Reg. 322/24, s. 5 (1))

(2) Rules 38.02 and 38.09 do not apply to applications to the Divisional Court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.01 (2).

(3) Rules 38.02 to 38.12 apply to an application made under subsection 140 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act, unless otherwise provided in rule 38.13 and subject to any modifications set out in that rule. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 8 (2).

Note: On the day subsection 7 (1) of Schedule 6 to the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2024 comes into force, rule 38.01 of the Regulation is amended by adding the following subrule: (See: O. Reg. 322/24, s. 5 (2))

(4) Rules 38.02 to 38.12 do not apply to an application made under rule 2.2.03, unless Rule 2.2 or a court order provides otherwise. O. Reg. 322/24, s. 5 (2).

Applications — To Whom to be Made

38.02 An application shall be made to a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.02.

Place and Date of Hearing

Place of Commencement

38.03 (1) The applicant shall, in the notice of application, name the place of commencement in accordance with rule 13.1.01.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 38.

Place of In-Person Hearings

(1.1) If the application is to be heard in person, it shall be heard in the county where the proceeding was commenced or to which it has been transferred under rule 13.1.02, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 28.

Hearing date where no practice direction

(2) At any place where no practice direction concerning the scheduling of applications is in effect, an application may be set down for hearing on any day on which a judge is scheduled to hear applications.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 11.

Exception, lengthy hearing

(3) If a lawyer estimates that the hearing of the application will be more than two hours long, a hearing date shall be obtained from the registrar before the notice of application is served.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 11; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 3.

Urgent application

(3.1) An urgent application may be set down for hearing on any day on which a judge is scheduled to hear applications, even if a lawyer estimates that the hearing is likely to be more than two hours long.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 11; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 3.

Counter-Application

(4) If a notice of application has been served and the respondent wishes to make an application against the applicant, or against the applicant and another person, the respondent shall make the application at the same place and time to the same judge, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 20 (3).

Content of Notice

38.04 Every notice of application (Form 14E, 14E.1, 68A, 73A, 74.44 or 75.5) shall state,

(a) the precise relief sought;

(b) the grounds to be argued, including a reference to any statutory provision or rule to be relied on; and

(c) the documentary evidence to be used at the hearing of the application.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.04; O. Reg. 484/94, s. 8; O. Reg. 43/14, s. 9.

Issuing of Notice

38.05 A notice of application shall be issued as provided by rule 14.07 before it is served.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.05.

Service of Notice

Generally

38.06 (1) The notice of application shall be served on all parties and, where there is uncertainty whether anyone else should be served, the applicant may make a motion without notice to a judge for an order for directions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.06 (1).

Where Notice Ought to Have Been Served

(2) Where it appears to the judge hearing the application that the notice of application ought to have been served on a person who has not been served, the judge may,

(a) dismiss the application or dismiss it only against the person who was not served;

(b) adjourn the application and direct that the notice of application be served on the person; or

(c) direct that any judgment made on the application be served on the person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.06 (2).

Minimum Notice Period

(3) The notice of application shall be served at least ten days before the date of the hearing of the application, except where the notice is served outside Ontario, in which case it shall be served at least twenty days before the hearing date.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.06 (3).

Filing Proof of Service

(4) The notice of application shall be filed with proof of service at least seven days before the hearing date in the court office where the application is to be heard.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.06 (4); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 15; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 39.

Notice of Appearance

38.07 (1) A respondent who has been served with a notice of application shall forthwith deliver a notice of appearance (Form 38A).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.07 (1).

(2) A respondent who has not delivered a notice of appearance is not entitled to,

(a) receive notice of any step in the application;

(b) receive any further document in the application, unless,

(i) the court orders otherwise, or

(ii) the document is an amended notice of application that changes the relief sought;

(c) file material, examine a witness or cross-examine on an affidavit on the application; or

(d) be heard at the hearing of the application, except with leave of the presiding judge.  O. Reg. 351/94, s. 3.

(3) Despite subrule (2), a party who is served with a notice of application outside Ontario may make a motion under subrule 17.06 (1) before delivering a notice of appearance and is entitled to be served with material responding to the motion.  O. Reg. 351/94, s. 3.

Exception, applications to pass accounts

(4) Subrules (1) and (2) do not apply to a notice of application to pass accounts under Rule 74.  O. Reg. 484/94, s. 9.

38.07.1 Revoked:  O. Reg. 457/01, s. 8.

Abandoned Applications

38.08 (1) The applicant may abandon an application by delivering a notice of abandonment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.08 (1).

(2) An applicant who fails to appear at the hearing shall be deemed to have abandoned the application unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.08 (2).

(3) Where an application is abandoned or is deemed to have been abandoned, a respondent on whom the notice of application was served is entitled to the costs of the application, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.08 (3).

(4) If a party to an application is under disability, the application may be abandoned by or against that party only with leave of a judge, on notice to the party’s litigation guardian and, if the litigation guardian is not the Children’s Lawyer or the Public Guardian and Trustee,

(a) to the Children’s Lawyer, if the party is a minor; or

(b) to the Public Guardian and Trustee, in any other case. O. Reg. 193/15, s. 3.

Material for Use on Application

Application Record and Factum

38.09 (1) The applicant shall,

(a) serve an application record, together with a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the applicant, at least seven days before the hearing, on every respondent who has served a notice of appearance; and

Note: On September 1, 2024, clause 38.09 (1) (a) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the applicant” and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 9 (1))

(b) file the application record and factum, with proof of service, at least seven days before the hearing, in the court office where the application is to be heard.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.09 (1); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 17 (1); O. Reg. 206/02, s. 9 (1); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 40 (1, 2).

(2) The applicant’s application record shall contain, in consecutively numbered pages arranged in the following order,

(a) a table of contents describing each document, including each exhibit, by its nature and date and, in the case of an exhibit, by exhibit number or letter;

(b) a copy of the notice of application;

(c) a copy of all affidavits and other material served by any party for use on the application;

(d) a list of all relevant transcripts of evidence in chronological order, but not necessarily the transcripts themselves; and

(e) a copy of any other material in the court file that is necessary for the hearing of the application.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.09 (2).

Respondent’s Application Record and Factum

(3) The respondent shall serve on every other party, at least four days before the hearing, a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the respondent.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 17 (2); O. Reg. 206/02, s. 9 (2); O. Reg. 14/04, s. 21; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 40 (3).

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 38.09 (3) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the respondent” at the end and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 9 (2))

(3.1) If of the opinion that the application record is incomplete, the respondent may serve on every other party, at least four days before the hearing, a respondent’s application record containing, in consecutively numbered pages arranged in the following order,

(a) a table of contents describing each document, including each exhibit, by its nature and date and, in the case of an exhibit, by exhibit number or letter; and

(b) a copy of any material to be used by the respondent on the application and not included in the applicant’s application record.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 17 (2); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 40 (4).

(3.2) The respondent’s factum, and the respondent’s application record, if any, shall be filed with proof of service in the court office where the application is to be heard, at least four days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 17 (2); O. Reg. 438/08, s. 40 (5).

Dispensing with Record and Factum

(4) A judge, before or at the hearing of the application, may dispense with compliance with this rule in whole or in part.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.09 (4).

Material May be Filed as Part of Record

(5) Any material served by a party for use on an application may be filed, together with proof of service, as part of the party’s application record and need not be filed separately if the record is filed within the time prescribed for filing the notice or other material.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.09 (5).

Transcript of Evidence

(6) A party who intends to refer to a transcript of evidence at the hearing of an application shall file a copy of the transcript as provided by rule 34.18.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.09 (6).

Exceptions, applications in estate matters

(7) Subrules (1) to (6) do not apply to applications under Rule 74 or 74.1.  O. Reg. 484/94, s. 10; O. Reg. 111/21, s. 5.

(8) Subrules (1) to (6) apply to applications under Rule 75, but neither the applicant nor the respondent is required to serve a factum.  O. Reg. 484/94, s. 10.

Confirmation of Application

Confirmation of Application

38.09.1 (1) A party who makes an application on notice to another party shall,

(a) confer or attempt to confer with the other party;

(b) not later than 2 p.m. five days before the hearing date, give the registrar a confirmation of application (Form 38B) by,

(i) sending it by e-mail to the court office, or

(ii) leaving it at the court office; and

(c) send a copy of the confirmation of application to the other party by e-mail.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 22; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 41; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 29 (1); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 4; O. Reg. 224/22, s. 3 (1, 2).

Effect of Failure to Confirm

(2) If no confirmation is given, the application shall not be heard, except by order of the court.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 22.

Duty to Update

(3) A party who has given a confirmation of application and later determines that the confirmation is no longer correct shall immediately,

(a) give the registrar a corrected confirmation of application (Form 38B), by,

(i) sending it by e-mail to the court office, or

(ii) leaving it at the court office; and

(b) send a copy of the corrected confirmation of application to the other party by e-mail.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 22; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 29 (2); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 4; O. Reg. 224/22, s. 3 (2).

Disposition of Application

38.10 (1) On the hearing of an application the presiding judge may,

(a) grant the relief sought or dismiss or adjourn the application, in whole or in part and with or without terms; or

(b) order that the whole application or any issue proceed to trial and give such directions as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.10 (1).

(2) Where a trial of the whole application is directed, the proceeding shall thereafter be treated as an action, subject to the directions in the order directing the trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.10 (2).

(3) Where a trial of an issue in the application is directed, the order directing the trial may provide that the proceeding be treated as an action in respect of the issue to be tried, subject to any directions in the order, and shall provide that the application be adjourned to be disposed of by the trial judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.10 (3).

Exception, applications in estate matters

(4) Clause (1) (b) and subrules (2) and (3) do not apply to applications under Rule 74, other than applications under rule 74.18, or Rule 74.1 or 75.  O. Reg. 484/94, s. 11; O. Reg. 193/15, s. 4; O. Reg. 111/21, s. 6.

Setting aside Judgment on Application Made without Notice

38.11 (1) A party or other person who is affected by a judgment on an application made without notice or who fails to appear at the hearing of an application through accident, mistake or insufficient notice may move to set aside or vary the judgment, by a notice of motion that is served forthwith after the judgment comes to the person’s attention and names the first available hearing date that is at least three days after service of the notice of motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.11 (1); O. Reg. 132/04, s. 10; O. Reg. 55/12, s. 3.

(2) A motion under subrule (1) may be made,

(a) at any place, to the judge who granted the judgment;

(b) at a place determined in accordance with rule 37.03 (where motions to be brought), to any other judge;

(c) to the Divisional Court, in the case of a judgment of that court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.11 (2); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 30.

(3) On a motion under subrule (1), the judgment may be set aside or varied on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 38.11 (3).

Striking out a Document

38.12 Rule 25.11 applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to any document filed on an application. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Applications under s. 140 (3), Courts of Justice Act

38.13 (1) This rule applies to applications made under subsection 140 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Written Hearing

(2) An application made under subsection 140 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act shall be heard in writing without the attendance of the parties, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Commencement

(3) The application shall be commenced by filing both a notice of application, in Form 14E.1, and the application record described in subrule 38.09 (2). O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Factum not Required

(4) A factum described in clause 38.09 (1) (a) is not required to be filed, but any factum that is filed shall be filed together with the notice of application and the application record. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Interpretation of Service of Notice Rule

(5) Subrules 38.06 (1) and (2) shall be read as if the reference to the notice of application includes reference to the application record and, if applicable, the applicant’s factum. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Service on Attorney General

(6) In addition to serving the notice of application, application record and, if applicable, factum, on all parties under subrule 38.06 (1), the applicant shall serve the documents on the Attorney General of Ontario in the manner described in clause 16.02 (1) (h). O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Timing of Service

(7) The notice of application, application record and, if applicable, factum shall be served within 15 days after the documents were filed or, if the service is on a person outside Ontario, within 25 days after the documents were filed. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Proof of Service

(8) Proof of service of the notice of application, application record and, if applicable, factum shall be filed immediately after they are served. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Non-application of Rules

(9) Subrules 38.03 (2), (3) and (3.1), 38.06 (3) and (4), rule 38.07, subrules 38.09 (1), (3), (3.1) and (3.2) and rule 38.09.1 do not apply to applications made under subsection 140 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act, unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Opportunity to Respond Before Making Order

(10) Despite subrule (9), the court shall not make an order under subsection 140 (4) of the Courts of Justice Act granting leave to institute or continue a proceeding, or rescinding an order made under subsection 140 (1) of that Act, without giving the other parties and the Attorney General of Ontario an opportunity to serve and file a respondent’s application record and factum. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 10.

Note: On the day subsection 7 (1) of Schedule 6 to the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2024 comes into force, subrule 38.13 (10) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “an order made under subsection 140 (1) of that Act” and substituting “a vexatious litigant order as defined in Rule 2.2”. (See: O. Reg. 322/24, s. 6)

RULE 39  EVIDENCE ON MOTIONS AND APPLICATIONS

Evidence by Affidavit

Generally

39.01 (1) Evidence on a motion or application may be given by affidavit unless a statute or these rules provide otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.01 (1).

Service and Filing

(2) Where a motion or application is made on notice, the affidavits on which the motion or application is founded shall be served with the notice of motion or notice of application and shall be filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion or application is to be heard at least seven days before the hearing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.01 (2); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 18 (1); O. Reg. 394/09, s. 17 (1).

(3) All affidavits to be used at the hearing in opposition to a motion or application or in reply shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion or application is to be heard at least four days before the hearing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.01 (3); O. Reg. 171/98, s. 18 (2); O. Reg. 394/09, s. 17 (2).

Contents — Motions

(4) An affidavit for use on a motion may contain statements of the deponent’s information and belief, if the source of the information and the fact of the belief are specified in the affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.01 (4).

Contents — Applications

(5) An affidavit for use on an application may contain statements of the deponent’s information and belief with respect to facts that are not contentious, if the source of the information and the fact of the belief are specified in the affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.01 (5).

Full and Fair Disclosure on Motion or Application Without Notice

(6) Where a motion or application is made without notice, the moving party or applicant shall make full and fair disclosure of all material facts, and failure to do so is in itself sufficient ground for setting aside any order obtained on the motion or application.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.01 (6).

Expert Witness Evidence

(7) Opinion evidence provided by an expert witness for the purposes of a motion or application shall include the information listed under subrule 53.03 (2.1). O. Reg. 259/14, s. 8.

Evidence by Cross-Examination on Affidavit

On a Motion or Application

39.02 (1) A party to a motion or application who has served every affidavit on which the party intends to rely and has completed all examinations under rule 39.03 may cross-examine the deponent of any affidavit served by a party who is adverse in interest on the motion or application.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.02 (1).

(1.1) Subrule (1) does not apply to an application made under subsection 140 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 11.

(2) A party who has cross-examined on an affidavit delivered by an adverse party shall not subsequently deliver an affidavit for use at the hearing or conduct an examination under rule 39.03 without leave or consent, and the court shall grant leave, on such terms as are just, where it is satisfied that the party ought to be permitted to respond to any matter raised on the cross-examination with evidence in the form of an affidavit or a transcript of an examination conducted under rule 39.03.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.02 (2).

To be Exercised with Reasonable Diligence

(3) The right to cross-examine shall be exercised with reasonable diligence, and the court may refuse an adjournment of a motion or application for the purpose of cross-examination where the party seeking the adjournment has failed to act with reasonable diligence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.02 (3).

Additional Provisions Applicable to Motions

(4) On a motion other than a motion for summary judgment or a contempt order, a party who cross-examines on an affidavit,

(a) shall, where the party orders a transcript of the examination, purchase and serve a copy on every adverse party on the motion, free of charge; and

(b) is liable for the partial indemnity costs of every adverse party on the motion in respect of the cross-examination, regardless of the outcome of the proceeding, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.02 (4); O. Reg. 284/01, s. 10.

Evidence by Examination of a Witness

Before the Hearing

39.03 (1) Subject to subrule 39.02 (2), a person may be examined as a witness before the hearing of a pending motion or application for the purpose of having a transcript of his or her evidence available for use at the hearing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.03 (1).

(2) A witness examined under subrule (1) may be cross-examined by the examining party and any other party and may then be re-examined by the examining party on matters raised by other parties, and the re-examination may take the form of cross-examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.03 (2).

(2.1) Subrules (1) and (2) do not apply to an application made under subsection 140 (3) of the Courts of Justice Act. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 12.

To be Exercised with Reasonable Diligence

(3) The right to examine shall be exercised with reasonable diligence, and the court may refuse an adjournment of a motion or application for the purpose of an examination where the party seeking the adjournment has failed to act with reasonable diligence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.03 (3).

At the Hearing

(4) With leave of the presiding judge or officer, a person may be examined at the hearing of a motion or application in the same manner as at a trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.03 (4).

Summons to Witness

(5) The attendance of a person to be examined under subrule (4) may be compelled in the same manner as provided in Rule 53 for a witness at a trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 39.03 (5).

Evidence by Examination for Discovery

Adverse Party’s Examination

39.04 (1) On the hearing of a motion, a party may use in evidence an adverse party’s examination for discovery or the examination for discovery of any person examined on behalf or in place of, or in addition to, the adverse party, and rule 31.11 (use of discovery at trial) applies with necessary modifications.  O. Reg. 534/95, s. 1.

Party’s Examination

(2) On the hearing of a motion, a party may not use in evidence the party’s own examination for discovery or the examination for discovery of any person examined on behalf or in place of, or in addition to, the party unless the other parties consent.  O. Reg. 534/95, s. 1.

PRESERVATION OF RIGHTS IN PENDING LITIGATION

RULE 40  INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION OR MANDATORY ORDER

How Obtained

40.01 An interlocutory injunction or mandatory order under section 101 or 102 of the Courts of Justice Act may be obtained on motion to a judge by a party to a pending or intended proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 40.01.

Where Motion Made without Notice

Maximum Duration

40.02 (1) An interlocutory injunction or mandatory order may be granted on motion without notice for a period not exceeding ten days.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 40.02 (1).

Extension

(2) Where an interlocutory injunction or mandatory order is granted on a motion without notice, a motion to extend the injunction or mandatory order may be made only on notice to every party affected by the order, unless the judge is satisfied that because a party has been evading service or because there are other exceptional circumstances, the injunction or mandatory order ought to be extended without notice to the party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 40.02 (2).

(3) An extension may be granted on a motion without notice for a further period not exceeding ten days.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 40.02 (3).

Labour Injunctions Excepted

(4) Subrules (1) to (3) do not apply to a motion for an injunction in a labour dispute under section 102 of the Courts of Justice Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 40.02 (4).

Undertaking

40.03 On a motion for an interlocutory injunction or mandatory order, the moving party shall, unless the court orders otherwise, undertake to abide by any order concerning damages that the court may make if it ultimately appears that the granting of the order has caused damage to the responding party for which the moving party ought to compensate the responding party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 40.03.

Factums Required

40.04 (1) On a motion under rule 40.01, each party shall serve on every other party to the motion a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 23.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 40.04 (1) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party” at the end and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 10)

(2) The moving party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least seven days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 18.

(3) The responding party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least four days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 18.

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 18.

RULE 41  APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER

Definition

41.01 In rules 41.02 to 41.06,

“receiver” means a receiver or receiver and manager.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 41.01.

How Obtained

41.02 The appointment of a receiver under section 101 of the Courts of Justice Act may be obtained on motion to a judge in a pending or intended proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 41.02.

Form of Order

41.03 An order appointing a receiver shall,

(a) name the person appointed or refer that issue in accordance with Rule 54;

(b) specify the amount and terms of the security, if any, to be furnished by the receiver for the proper performance of the receiver’s duties, or refer that issue in accordance with Rule 54;

(c) state whether the receiver is also appointed as manager and, if necessary, define the scope of the receiver’s managerial powers; and

(d) contain such directions and impose such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 41.03.

Reference of Conduct of Receivership

41.04 An order appointing a receiver may refer the conduct of all or part of the receivership in accordance with Rule 54.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 41.04.

Directions

41.05 A receiver may obtain directions at any time on motion to a judge, unless there has been a reference of the conduct of the receivership, in which case the motion shall be made to the referee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 41.05.

Discharge

41.06 A receiver may be discharged only by the order of a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 41.06.

RULE 42  CERTIFICATE OF PENDING LITIGATION

Issuing of Certificate

Court Order Required

42.01 (1) A certificate of pending litigation (Form 42A) under section 103 of the Courts of Justice Act may be issued by a registrar only under an order of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 42.01 (1).

Claim for Certificate to be in Originating Process

(2) A party who seeks a certificate of pending litigation shall include a claim for it in the originating process or pleading that commences the proceeding, together with a description of the land in question sufficient for registration.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 42.01 (2).

Motion Without Notice

(3) A motion for an order under subrule (1) may be made without notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 42.01 (3).

Order to be Served Forthwith

(4) A party who obtains an order under subrule (1) shall forthwith serve it, together with a copy of the notice of motion and all affidavits and other documents used at the hearing of the motion, on all parties against whom an interest in land is claimed in the proceeding.  O. Reg. 219/91, s. 4.

Discharge of Certificate

42.02 (1) An order discharging a certificate of pending litigation under subsection 103 (6) of the Courts of Justice Act may be obtained on motion to the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 42.02 (1).

Factum

(2) Each party to a motion under subrule (1) shall, unless the motion is made on consent, serve on every other party to the motion a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 24.

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 42.02 (2) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the party” at the end and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 11)

(3) The moving party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least seven days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 19.

(4) The responding party’s factum shall be served and filed with proof of service in the court office where the motion is to be heard at least four days before the hearing.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 19.

(5) Revoked:  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 19.

RULE 43  INTERPLEADER

General

Definition

43.01 (1) In rules 43.02 to 43.04,

“property” means personal property and includes a debt.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3.

Claimants

(2) For the purposes of rules 43.02 to 43.04, the following persons are claimants:

1. In the case of an application or motion for an interpleader order under subrule 43.02 (1), each person who makes a claim in respect of the property.

2. In the case of an application or motion for an interpleader order under subrule 43.02 (2),

i. the judgment debtor against whom the enforcement process has been filed,

ii. every creditor who has filed with the sheriff an enforcement process against the judgment debtor, and

iii. each person who makes a claim in respect of the property.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3.

Where Available

Person Claiming No Beneficial Interest

43.02 (1) A person may seek an interpleader order (Form 43A) in respect of property if,

(a) two or more other persons have made adverse claims in respect of the property; and

(b) the first-named person,

(i) claims no beneficial interest in the property, other than a lien for costs, fees or expenses, and

(ii) is willing to deposit the property with the court or dispose of it as the court directs.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3.

Claims Under Rule 60.13

(2) A claimant who is entitled to do so under subrule 60.13 (4) or (5) may seek an interpleader order (Form 43A).  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3.

How Obtained

Application or Motion under Subrule 43.02 (1)

43.03 (1) The following requirements apply when a person seeks an interpleader order under subrule 43.02 (1):

1. If no proceeding has been commenced in respect of the property, the person shall make an application naming the claimants as respondents.

2. If a proceeding has been commenced in respect of the property, the person shall make a motion in the proceeding on notice to the claimants.

3. The notice of application or notice of motion shall require the claimants to attend the hearing to substantiate their claims.

4. The application or motion shall be supported by an affidavit identifying the property, containing the names and addresses of every claimant of whom the deponent has knowledge, and stating that the applicant or moving party,

i. claims no beneficial interest in the property, other than a lien for costs, fees or expenses,

ii. does not collude with any of the claimants, and

iii. is willing to deposit the property with the court or dispose of it as the court directs.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3.

Motion under Subrule 43.02 (2)

(2) The following requirements apply when a claimant seeks an interpleader order under subrule 43.02 (2):

1. The claimant shall make a motion, on notice to the other claimants, in the proceeding in which the writ of execution was issued against the debtor.

2. The notice of motion shall require the other claimants to attend the hearing to substantiate their claims.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3.

Disposition

Powers of Court

43.04 (1) On the hearing of an application or motion for an interpleader order, the court may,

(a) order that the applicant or moving party deposit the property with an officer of the court, sell it as the court directs or, in the case of money, pay it into court to await the outcome of a specified proceeding;

(b) declare that, on compliance with an order under clause (a), the liability of the applicant or moving party in respect of the property or its proceeds is extinguished; and

(c) order that the costs of the applicant or moving party be paid out of the property or its proceeds.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3.

(2) In an order under subrule (1), the court may,

(a) order a claimant to be made a party to a proceeding already commenced in substitution for or in addition to the moving party;

(b) order the trial of an issue between the claimants, define the issue to be tried and direct which claimant is to be plaintiff and which defendant;

(c) where the question is one of law and the facts are not in dispute, decide the question without directing the trial of an issue;

(d) on the request of a claimant, determine the rights of the claimants in a summary manner, if, having regard to the value of the property and the nature of the issues in dispute, it seems desirable to do so;

(e) where a claimant fails to attend the hearing, or attends and fails to comply with an order made in the course of the proceeding, make an order declaring that the claimant and all persons claiming under the claimant are forever barred from making a claim against the applicant or moving party and all persons claiming under the applicant or moving party, without affecting the rights of the claimants as between themselves;

(f) stay any further step in a proceeding in respect of the property; and

(g) make such other order as is just.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3.

Certain Motions to be Heard by Judge

(3) A motion for an interpleader order that is made to an associate judge and raises a genuine issue of fact or of law shall be adjourned to be heard by a judge.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 3; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

RULE 44  INTERIM RECOVERY OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

Motion for Interim Order

44.01 (1) An interim order under section 104 of the Courts of Justice Act for recovery of possession of personal property may be obtained on motion by the plaintiff, supported by an affidavit setting out,

(a) a description of the property sufficient to make it readily identifiable;

(b) the value of the property;

(c) that the plaintiff is the owner or lawfully entitled to possession of the property;

(d) that the property was unlawfully taken from the possession of the plaintiff or is unlawfully detained by the defendant; and

(e) the facts and circumstances giving rise to the unlawful taking or detention.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.01 (1).

(2) The notice of motion shall be served on the defendant unless the court is satisfied that there is reason to believe that the defendant may improperly attempt to prevent recovery of possession of the property or that, for any other sufficient reason, the order should be made without notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.01 (2).

Order to Contain Description and Value of Property

44.02 An interim order for recovery of possession of personal property shall contain a description of the property sufficient to make it readily identifiable and shall state the value of the property.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.02.

Disposition of Motion

Where Made on Notice

44.03 (1) On a motion for an interim order for recovery of possession of personal property made on notice to the defendant, the court may,

(a) order the plaintiff to pay into court as security twice the value of the property as stated in the order, or such other amount as the court directs, or to give the appropriate sheriff security in such form and amount as the court approves, and direct the sheriff to take the property from the defendant and give it to the plaintiff;

(b) order the defendant to pay into court as security twice the value of the property as stated in the order, or such other amount as the court directs, or to give the plaintiff security in such form and amount as the court approves, and direct that the property remain in the possession of the defendant; or

(c) make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.03 (1).

Where Made Without Notice

(2) On a motion for an interim order for the recovery of possession of personal property made without notice to the defendant, the court may,

(a) order the plaintiff to pay into court as security twice the value of the property as stated in the order, or such other amount as the court directs, or to give the appropriate sheriff security in such form and amount as the court approves, and direct the sheriff to take and detain the property for a period of ten days after service of the interim order on the defendant before giving it to the plaintiff; or

(b) make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.03 (2).

Condition and Form of Security

44.04 (1) Where an interim order for the recovery of possession of personal property requires either party to give security, the condition of the security shall be that the party providing the security will return the property to the opposite party without delay when ordered to do so, and pay any damages and costs the opposite party has sustained by reason of the interim order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.04 (1).

(2) Where the security is by bond, the bond shall be in Form 44A and shall remain in force until the security is released under rule 44.06.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.04 (2).

(3) Where the bond is to be given by a person other than an insurer licensed under the Insurance Act to write surety and fidelity insurance, the person giving the bond shall first be approved by the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.04 (3); O. Reg. 570/98, s. 2.

Setting Aside Order

44.05 The court on motion may set aside or vary an interim order for the recovery of possession of personal property or stay enforcement of the order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.05.

Release of Security

44.06 Any security furnished pursuant to an order made under rule 44.03 may be released on the filing of the written consent of the parties or by order of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.06.

Duty of Sheriff

44.07 (1) Before proceeding to enforce an interim order for the recovery of possession of personal property, the sheriff shall ascertain that any security required by the order has been given.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.07 (1).

(2) The sheriff shall serve the order on the defendant when the property or any part of it is recovered or as soon thereafter as is possible.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.07 (2).

(3) Where the sheriff is unable to comply with the order, or it is dangerous to do so, the sheriff may move for directions from the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.07 (3).

(4) The sheriff shall, without delay after attempting to enforce the order and in any event within ten days after service of the order, report to the plaintiff on what property has been recovered and, where the sheriff has failed to recover possession of all or part of the property, on what property has not been recovered and the reason for his or her failure to recover it.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.07 (4).

Where Defendant Prevents Recovery

44.08 Where the sheriff reports that the defendant has prevented the recovery of all or part of the property, the court may make an order,

(a) directing the sheriff to take any other personal property of the defendant, to the value of the property that the sheriff was prevented from recovering, and give it to the plaintiff; and

(b) directing the plaintiff to hold the substituted property until the defendant surrenders to the plaintiff the property that the sheriff was prevented from recovering.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 44.08.

RULE 45  INTERIM PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY

Interim Order for Preservation or Sale

45.01 (1) The court may make an interim order for the custody or preservation of any property in question in a proceeding or relevant to an issue in a proceeding, and for that purpose may authorize entry on or into any property in the possession of a party or of a person not a party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 45.01 (1).

(2) Where the property is of a perishable nature or likely to deteriorate or for any other reason ought to be sold, the court may order its sale in such manner and on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 45.01 (2).

Specific Fund

45.02 Where the right of a party to a specific fund is in question, the court may order the fund to be paid into court or otherwise secured on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 45.02.

Recovery of Personal Property Held as Security

45.03 (1) Where in a proceeding a party from whom the recovery of personal property is claimed does not dispute the title of the party making the claim, but claims the right to retain the property as security for a debt, the court may order the party claiming recovery of the property to pay into court or otherwise give security for the debt and such further sum, if any, for interest and costs as the court directs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 45.03 (1).

(2) The affidavit in support of a motion under subrule (1) shall disclose the name of every person asserting a claim to possession of the property of whom the party claiming recovery has knowledge and every such person shall be served with notice of the motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 45.03 (2).

(3) On compliance with an order under subrule (1), the property shall be given to the party claiming recovery and the money in court or the security shall await the outcome of the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 45.03 (3).

PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURES

RULE 46  PLACE OF TRIAL

County where Proceeding Commenced or Transferred

46.01 The trial of an action shall be held in the county where the proceeding was commenced or to which it has been transferred under rule 13.1.02, unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 25.

RULE 47  JURY NOTICE

Actions to be Tried with a Jury

47.01 A party to an action may require that the issues of fact be tried or the damages be assessed, or both, by a jury, by delivering a jury notice (Form 47A) at any time before the close of pleadings, unless section 108 of the Courts of Justice Act or another statute requires that the action be tried without a jury.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 47.01.

Striking out Jury Notice

Where Jury Notice not in Accordance with Statute or Rules

47.02 (1) A motion may be made to the court to strike out a jury notice on the ground that,

(a) a statute requires a trial without a jury; or

(b) the jury notice was not delivered in accordance with rule 47.01.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 47.02 (1); O. Reg. 344/19, s. 1.

Where Jury Trial Inappropriate

(2) A motion to strike out a jury notice on the ground that the action ought to be tried without a jury shall be made to a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 47.02 (2).

Discretion of Trial Judge

(3) Where an order striking out a jury notice is refused, the refusal does not affect the discretion of the trial judge, in a proper case, to try the action without a jury.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 47.02 (3).

RULE 48  LISTING FOR TRIAL

When and by Whom Action may be Set down for Trial

48.01 After the close of pleadings, any party to an action or to a counterclaim or crossclaim in the action who is not in default under these rules or an order of the court and who is ready for trial may set the action down for trial, together with any counterclaim or crossclaim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.01.

How Action is Set down for Trial

Defended Action

48.02 (1) Where an action is defended, a party who wishes to set it down for trial may do so by serving a trial record prepared in accordance with rule 48.03 on every party to the action or to a counterclaim or crossclaim in the action and on any third or subsequent party and forthwith filing the trial record with proof of service.  O. Reg. 396/91, s. 5.

Undefended Action

(2) Where the court orders the trial of an undefended action, a party who wishes to set it down for trial may do so by filing a trial record prepared in accordance with rule 48.03.  O. Reg. 396/91, s. 5.

Defended Third Party Claim

(3) Where an action is a defended third party claim, a party who wishes to set it down for trial shall, in addition to complying with subrule (1), serve the trial record in the third party claim on the plaintiff in the main action within the time for service on the parties to the third party claim and shall forthwith file proof of service.  O. Reg. 396/91, s. 5.

Undefended Third Party Claim

(4) Where an action is an undefended third party claim, a party who wishes to set it down for trial shall serve the trial record in the third party claim on the plaintiff in the main action and shall forthwith file proof of service.  O. Reg. 396/91, s. 5.

Trial at Another Place

(5) Where an action is to be tried at a place other than where it was commenced, the party filing the trial record shall by requisition require the court file, including the trial record, to be sent to the court office at the place of trial.  O. Reg. 396/91, s. 5.

Trial Record

48.03 (1) The trial record shall contain, in the following order,

(a) a table of contents, describing each document by its nature and date;

(b) a copy of any jury notice;

(c) a copy of the pleadings, including those relating to any counterclaim or crossclaim;

(d) Revoked: O. Reg. 131/04, s. 12 (1).

(e) a copy of any demand or order for particulars of a pleading and the particulars delivered in response;

(f) a copy of any notice of amounts and particulars of special damages delivered under clause 25.06 (9) (b);

(g) a copy of any order respecting the trial, including an order made under Rule 6.1; and

(h) a certificate signed by the lawyer setting the action down, stating,

(i) that the record contains the documents required by clauses (a) to (g),

(ii) that the time for delivery of pleadings has expired,

(iii) where applicable, that a defendant who has failed to deliver a statement of defence has been noted in default, and

(iv) where applicable, that judgment has been obtained or that the action has been discontinued or dismissed against a defendant. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.03 (1); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 12 (1, 2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 42 (1).

(2) It is the responsibility of the party who filed the trial record to place with the record, before the trial, a copy of,

(a) any notice of amounts and particulars of special damages delivered after the filing of the trial record;

(b) any order respecting the trial made after the filing of the trial record;

(c) any order under rule 50.07;

(c.1) the pre-trial conference report under rule 50.08; and

(d) in an undefended action, any affidavit to be used in evidence.

(e), (f) Revoked: O. Reg. 131/04, s. 12 (3).

R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.03 (2); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 19; O. Reg. 131/04, s. 12 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 22; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 42 (2); O. Reg. 18/22, s. 1.

Consequences of Setting down

48.04 (1) Subject to subrule (3), a party who has set an action down for trial shall not initiate or continue any motion or form of discovery without leave of the court. O. Reg. 343/21, s. 1.

(2) Subrule (1) does not,

(a) relieve a party from complying with undertakings given by the party on an examination for discovery;

(b) relieve a party from any obligation imposed by,

(0.i) rule 29.1.03 (requirement for discovery plan),

(i) rule 30.07 (disclosure of documents or errors subsequently discovered),

(ii) rule 30.09 (abandonment of claim of privilege),

(iii) rule 31.07 (failure to answer on discovery),

(iv) rule 31.09 (disclosure of information subsequently obtained),

(v) rule 51.03 (duty to respond to request to admit),

(vi) rule 53.03 (service of report of expert witness); or

(vii) Revoked:  O. Reg. 131/04, s. 13.

(c) preclude a party from resorting to rule 51.02 (request to admit facts or documents).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.04 (2); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 13; O. Reg. 260/05, s. 10; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 43.

(3) Leave of the court is not required for,

(a) a motion to compel compliance with any obligation imposed by a rule listed in clause (2) (b); or

(b) a motion under rule 6.1.01 for a separate hearing on one or more issues in a proceeding, including separate hearings on the issues of liability and damages. O. Reg. 175/24, s. 2.

Placing Action on Trial List

48.05 (1) On the setting down of an action for trial, the registrar at the place of trial shall place the action on the appropriate trial list. O. Reg. 343/21, s. 2.

(2) In placing an action on a trial list, the registrar shall take into account any applicable pre-trial conference scheduling requirements in rule 50.02. O. Reg. 18/22, s. 2.

48.06 Revoked: O. Reg. 343/21, s. 2.

Consequences of Action being Placed on Trial List

48.07 Where an action is placed on a trial list,

(a) all parties shall be deemed to be ready for trial; and

(b) Revoked:  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 44.

(c) the trial shall proceed when the action is reached on the trial list unless a judge orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.07; O. Reg. 438/08, s. 44.

Separate Trial Lists

48.08 (1) Actions to be tried with a jury shall be placed on a trial list of jury actions and actions to be tried without a jury shall be placed on a trial list of non-jury actions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.08 (1).

(2) Where the next scheduled sitting in a place outside Toronto is for the trial of jury actions, the trial list of non-jury actions shall be added at the end of the trial list of jury actions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.08 (2).

Separate Speedy Trial List

48.09 The registrar shall keep a separate speedy trial list on which only actions for which a speedy trial has been ordered shall be listed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.09.

Actions Traversed or Remaining on List at Conclusion of Sitting

48.10 Unless a judge orders otherwise, all actions traversed to the next sitting and all actions remaining on the trial list at the conclusion of a sitting shall stand in the same order at the beginning of the next appropriate trial list.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.10.

Actions Struck off Trial List

48.11 Where an action is struck off a trial list, it shall not thereafter be placed on any trial list except,

(a) in the case of an action struck off the list by a judge, with leave of a judge; or

(b) in any other case, with leave of the court.  O. Reg. 55/08, s. 4.

Duty to Inform Registrar of Settlement

48.12 Every party to an action, whether it is placed on a trial list or not, shall promptly inform the registrar of any settlement of the action and shall confirm in writing that the action has been settled.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.12.

Application of the Rule

48.13 Rules 48.01 to 48.12 apply to any proceeding in which the court has directed the trial of an issue, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 48.13.

Dismissal of Action for Delay

48.14 (1) Unless the court orders otherwise, the registrar shall dismiss an action for delay in either of the following circumstances, subject to subrules (4) to (8):

1. The action has not been set down for trial or terminated by any means by the fifth anniversary of the commencement of the action.

2. The action was struck off a trial list and has not been restored to a trial list or otherwise terminated by any means by the second anniversary of being struck off. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10; O. Reg. 487/16, s. 8 (1).

Exceptions

(1.1) Subrule (1) does not apply to,

(a) actions placed on the Commercial List established by practice direction in the Toronto Region; and

(b) actions under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992. O. Reg. 487/16, s. 8 (2).

Form of Order, Electronic Issuance

(1.2) An order made under subrule (1) shall be in Form 48D. O. Reg. 487/16, s. 8 (2); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 31.

Order to be Served

(2) The registrar shall serve an order made under subrule (1) on the parties. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10; O. Reg. 487/16, s. 8 (3).

Order to Client

(3) A lawyer who is served with an order made under subrule (1) shall promptly give a copy of the order to his or her client. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10.

Timetable

(4) Subrule (1) does not apply if, at least 30 days before the expiry of the applicable period referred to in that subrule, a party files the following documents:

1. A timetable, signed by all the parties, that,

i. identifies the steps to be completed before the action may be set down for trial or restored to a trial list, as the case may be,

ii. shows the date or dates by which the steps will be completed, and

iii. shows a date, which shall be no more than two years after the day the applicable period referred to in subrule (1) expires, before which the action shall be set down for trial or restored to a trial list.

2. A draft order establishing the timetable. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10.

Status Hearing

(5) If the parties do not consent to a timetable under subrule (4), any party may, before the expiry of the applicable period referred to in subrule (1), bring a motion for a status hearing. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10.

(6) For the purposes of subrule (5), the hearing of the motion shall be convened as a status hearing. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10.

(7) At a status hearing, the plaintiff shall show cause why the action should not be dismissed for delay, and the court may,

(a) dismiss the action for delay; or

(b) if the court is satisfied that the action should proceed,

(i) set deadlines for the completion of the remaining steps necessary to have the action set down for trial or restored to a trial list, as the case may be, and order that it be set down for trial or restored to a trial list within a specified time,

(ii) adjourn the status hearing on such terms as are just,

(iii) if Rule 77 may apply to the action, assign the action for case management under that Rule, subject to the direction of the regional senior judge, or

(iv) make such other order as is just. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10.

Party Under Disability

(8) Subrule (1) does not apply if, at the time the registrar would otherwise be required under that subrule to dismiss an action for delay, the plaintiff is under a disability. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10.

Effect of Dismissal

(9) Rules 24.03 to 24.05 (effect of dismissal for delay), other than subrule 24.04 (1.1), apply to an action dismissed under subrule (1). O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10; O. Reg. 487/16, s. 8 (4).

Setting Aside

(10) The dismissal of an action under subrule (1) may be set aside under rule 37.14. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10.

(11)-(13) Revoked: O. Reg. 487/16, s. 8 (5).

48.15 Revoked: O. Reg. 170/14, s. 10.

RULE 49  OFFER TO SETTLE

Definitions

49.01 In rules 49.02 to 49.14,

“defendant” includes a respondent; (“défendeur”)

“plaintiff” includes an applicant. (“demandeur”)  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.01.

Where Available

49.02 (1) A party to a proceeding may serve on any other party an offer to settle any one or more of the claims in the proceeding on the terms specified in the offer to settle (Form 49A).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.02 (1).

(2) Subrule (1) and rules 49.03 to 49.14 also apply to motions, with necessary modifications.  O. Reg. 627/98, s. 4.

Time for Making Offer

49.03 An offer to settle may be made at any time, but where the offer to settle is made less than seven days before the hearing commences, the costs consequences referred to in rule 49.10 do not apply.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.03.

Withdrawal or Expiry of Offer

Withdrawal

49.04 (1) An offer to settle may be withdrawn at any time before it is accepted by serving written notice of withdrawal of the offer on the party to whom the offer was made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.04 (1).

(2) The notice of withdrawal of the offer may be in Form 49B.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.04 (2).

Offer Expiring after Limited Time

(3) Where an offer to settle specifies a time within which it may be accepted and it is not accepted or withdrawn within that time, it shall be deemed to have been withdrawn when the time expires.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.04 (3).

Offer Expires when Court Disposes of Claim

(4) An offer may not be accepted after the court disposes of the claim in respect of which the offer is made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.04 (4).

Effect of Offer

49.05 An offer to settle shall be deemed to be an offer of compromise made without prejudice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.05; O. Reg. 132/04, s. 11.

Disclosure of Offer to Court

49.06 (1) No statement of the fact that an offer to settle has been made shall be contained in any pleading.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.06 (1).

(2) Where an offer to settle is not accepted, no communication respecting the offer shall be made to the court at the hearing of the proceeding until all questions of liability and the relief to be granted, other than costs, have been determined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.06 (2).

(3) An offer to settle shall not be filed until all questions of liability and the relief to be granted in the proceeding, other than costs, have been determined.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.06 (3).

Acceptance of Offer

Generally

49.07 (1) An offer to settle may be accepted by serving an acceptance of offer (Form 49C) on the party who made the offer, at any time before it is withdrawn or the court disposes of the claim in respect of which it is made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.07 (1).

(2) Where a party to whom an offer to settle is made rejects the offer or responds with a counter-offer that is not accepted, the party may thereafter accept the original offer to settle, unless it has been withdrawn or the court has disposed of the claim in respect of which it was made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.07 (2).

Payment into Court or to Trustee as Term of Offer

(3) An offer by a plaintiff to settle a claim in return for the payment of money by a defendant may include a term that the defendant pay the money into court or to a trustee and the defendant may accept the offer only by paying the money in accordance with the offer and notifying the plaintiff of the payment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.07 (3).

Payment into Court or to Trustee as a Condition of Acceptance

(4) Where a defendant offers to pay money to the plaintiff in settlement of a claim, the plaintiff may accept the offer with the condition that the defendant pay the money into court or to a trustee and, where the offer is so accepted and the defendant fails to pay the money in accordance with the acceptance, the plaintiff may proceed as provided in rule 49.09 for failure to comply with the terms of an accepted offer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.07 (4).

Costs

(5) Where an accepted offer to settle does not provide for the disposition of costs, the plaintiff is entitled,

(a) where the offer was made by the defendant, to the plaintiff’s costs assessed to the date the plaintiff was served with the offer; or

(b) where the offer was made by the plaintiff, to the plaintiff’s costs assessed to the date that the notice of acceptance was served.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.07 (5).

Incorporating into Judgment

(6) Where an offer is accepted, the court may incorporate any of its terms into a judgment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.07 (6).

Payment out of Court

(7) Where money is paid into court under subrule (3) or (4), it may be paid out on consent or by order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.07 (7).

Parties under Disability

49.08 A party under disability may make, withdraw and accept an offer to settle, but if approval of the settlement is required under rule 7.08,  no acceptance of an offer made by the party and no acceptance by the party of an offer made by another party is binding on the party until that approval has been given. O. Reg. 281/16, s. 6.

Failure to Comply with Accepted Offer

49.09 Where a party to an accepted offer to settle fails to comply with the terms of the offer, the other party may,

(a) make a motion to a judge for judgment in the terms of the accepted offer, and the judge may grant judgment accordingly; or

(b) continue the proceeding as if there had been no accepted offer to settle.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.09.

Costs Consequences of Failure to Accept

Plaintiff’s Offer

49.10 (1) Where an offer to settle,

(a) is made by a plaintiff at least seven days before the commencement of the hearing;

(b) is not withdrawn and does not expire before the commencement of the hearing; and

(c) is not accepted by the defendant,

and the plaintiff obtains a judgment as favourable as or more favourable than the terms of the offer to settle, the plaintiff is entitled to partial indemnity costs to the date the offer to settle was served and substantial indemnity costs from that date, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.10 (1); O. Reg. 284/01, s. 11 (1).

Defendant’s Offer

(2) Where an offer to settle,

(a) is made by a defendant at least seven days before the commencement of the hearing;

(b) is not withdrawn and does not expire before the commencement of the hearing; and

(c) is not accepted by the plaintiff,

and the plaintiff obtains a judgment as favourable as or less favourable than the terms of the offer to settle, the plaintiff is entitled to partial indemnity costs to the date the offer was served and the defendant is entitled to partial indemnity costs from that date, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.10 (2); O. Reg. 284/01, s. 11 (2).

Burden of Proof

(3) The burden of proving that the judgment is as favourable as the terms of the offer to settle, or more or less favourable, as the case may be, is on the party who claims the benefit of subrule (1) or (2).  O. Reg. 219/91, s. 6.

Multiple Defendants

49.11 Where there are two or more defendants, the plaintiff may offer to settle with any defendant and any defendant may offer to settle with the plaintiff, but where the defendants are alleged to be jointly or jointly and severally liable to the plaintiff in respect of a claim and rights of contribution or indemnity may exist between the defendants, the costs consequences prescribed by rule 49.10 do not apply to an offer to settle unless,

(a) in the case of an offer made by the plaintiff, the offer is made to all the defendants, and is an offer to settle the claim against all the defendants; or

(b) in the case of an offer made to the plaintiff,

(i) the offer is an offer to settle the plaintiff’s claim against all the defendants and to pay the costs of any defendant who does not join in making the offer, or

(ii) the offer is made by all the defendants and is an offer to settle the claim against all the defendants, and, by the terms of the offer, they are made jointly and severally liable to the plaintiff for the whole amount of the offer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.11.

Offer to Contribute

49.12 (1) Where two or more defendants are alleged to be jointly or jointly and severally liable to the plaintiff in respect of a claim, any defendant may serve on any other defendant an offer to contribute (Form 49D) toward a settlement of the claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.12 (1); O. Reg. 627/98, s. 5.

(2) The court may take an offer to contribute into account in determining whether another defendant should be ordered,

(a) to pay the costs of the defendant who made the offer; or

(b) to indemnify the defendant who made the offer for any costs that defendant is liable to pay to the plaintiff,

or to do both.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.12 (2).

(3) Rules 49.04, 49.05, 49.06 and 49.13 apply to an offer to contribute as if it were an offer to settle.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.12 (3).

Discretion of Court

49.13 Despite rules 49.03, 49.10 and 49.11, the court, in exercising its discretion with respect to costs, may take into account any offer to settle made in writing, the date the offer was made and the terms of the offer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.13.

Application to Counterclaims, Crossclaims and Third Party Claims

49.14 Rules 49.01 to 49.13 apply, with necessary modifications, to counterclaims, crossclaims and third party claims.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 49.14.

RULE 50  CONFERENCES

Purpose

50.01 The purpose of this Rule is to provide an opportunity for any or all of the issues in a proceeding to be settled without a hearing and, with respect to any issues that are not settled, to obtain from the court orders or directions to assist in the just, most expeditious and least expensive disposition of the proceeding, including orders or directions to ensure that any hearing proceeds in an orderly and efficient manner.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Pre-Trial Conferences for Actions

50.02 (1) Unless the court orders otherwise, within 180 days after an action is set down for trial, the parties shall schedule with the registrar a date and time acceptable to all parties and consistent with the requirements of subrule (2.1) to appear before a judge or associate judge for a pre-trial conference. O. Reg. 394/09, s. 22; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 12 (1); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15; O. Reg. 18/22, s. 3 (1).

(2) If the parties do not schedule a pre-trial conference within 180 days after the action is set down for trial, the registrar shall, subject to any previous order,

(a) schedule a date and time consistent with the requirements of subrule (2.1) for the parties to appear before a judge or associate judge for a pre-trial conference; and

(b) give notice to the parties to appear at the scheduled date and time. O. Reg. 394/09, s. 22; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 12 (2); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15; O. Reg. 18/22, s. 3 (2).

(2.1) Unless otherwise provided by a court order or applicable practice direction, a pre-trial conference shall be scheduled for a date that is not more than 120 days and not less than 30 days before the later of the following dates:

1. The first day fixed for the trial.

2. The first day of the sitting during which the trial is expected to be held. O. Reg. 18/22, s. 3 (3).

(3) In addition to the pre-trial conference required to be held under this rule, a judge may at any time, on his or her own initiative or at a party’s request, direct that a pre-trial conference be held before a judge or associate judge. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 12 (3); O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(4) This rule, as it read on March 30, 2022, continues to apply to an action that was set down for trial before March 31, 2022. O. Reg. 18/22, s. 3 (3).

Pre-Trial Conferences for Applications

50.03 In an application, a judge may at any time, on his or her own initiative or at a party’s request, direct that a pre-trial conference be held before a judge or associate judge. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 13; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Certificate of Readiness to be Filed (Actions)

50.03.1 (1) At least 30 days before a pre-trial conference in an action, each party shall deliver a certificate of readiness (Form 50A) indicating whether the party intends to call any expert evidence at trial, and, if so, for each expert,

(a) whether the report of the expert required by subrule 53.03 (1) or (2), as the case may be, was served on the other parties within the time specified by that subrule; and

(b) if the expert’s report was not served on the other parties within the time specified by subrule 53.03 (1) or (2), the reason why. O. Reg. 18/22, s. 4.

Application

(2) Subrule (1) applies regardless of any extension of the time to file the report. O. Reg. 18/22, s. 4.

(3) For greater certainty, if a pre-trial conference is rescheduled, subrule (1) applies with respect to the rescheduled pre-trial conference date. O. Reg. 18/22, s. 4.

Pre-trial Conference Brief

50.04 At least five days before a pre-trial conference, each party shall file with proof of service a pre-trial conference brief containing concise statements, without argument, of the following matters:

1. The nature of the proceeding.

2. The issues raised and the party’s position.

3. In the case of an action, the names of the witnesses that the party is likely to call at the trial and the length of time that the evidence of each of those witnesses is estimated to take.

4. The steps that need to be completed before the action is ready for trial or the application is ready to be heard, and the length of time that it is estimated that the completion of those steps will take.

5. If any of the parties intends to seek an order granting separate hearings under rule 6.1.01, the filing party’s position on proceeding by way of separate hearings. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47; O. Reg. 175/24, s. 3.

Attendance

50.05 (1) The lawyers for the parties shall appear at the pre-trial conference and, unless the presiding judge or associate judge orders otherwise, the parties shall also participate. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 32; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Authority to Settle

(2) A party who requires another person’s approval before agreeing to a settlement shall, before the pre-trial conference, arrange to have ready telephone access to the other person throughout the conference, whether it takes place during or after regular business hours.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Duty of Lawyers

(3) Every lawyer attending the pre-trial conference shall ensure that he or she has the authority to deal with the matters referred to in rule 50.06 and that he or she is fully acquainted with the facts and legal issues in the proceeding. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 14.

Matters to be Considered

50.06 The following matters shall be considered at a pre-trial conference:

1. The possibility of settlement of any or all of the issues in the proceeding.

2. Simplification of the issues.

3. The possibility of obtaining admissions that may facilitate the hearing.

4. The question of liability.

5. The amount of damages, if damages are claimed.

6. The estimated duration of the trial or hearing.

7. The advisability of having the court appoint an expert.

8. In the case of an action, the number of expert witnesses and other witnesses that may be called by each party, and dates for the service of any outstanding or supplementary experts’ reports.

9. The intention, if any, of a party to seek an order granting separate hearings under rule 6.1.01.

10. The advisability of directing a reference.

11. Any other matter that may assist in the just, most expeditious and least expensive disposition of the proceeding. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47; O. Reg. 18/22, s. 5; O. Reg. 175/24, s. 4.

Powers

50.07 (1) If the proceeding is not settled at the pre-trial conference, the presiding judge or associate judge may,

(a) establish a timetable;

(a.1) if necessary, and subject to the direction of the regional senior judge or a judge designated by the regional senior judge, adjourn the date for the trial or hearing;

(b) order a case conference under rule 50.13 if it is impractical to establish a timetable; and

(c) make such order as the judge or associate judge considers necessary or advisable with respect to the conduct of the proceeding, including any order under subrule 20.05 (1) or (2). O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 15; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15; O. Reg. 18/22, s. 6.

Order Binds Parties

(2) An order made under this rule binds the parties unless the judge or officer presiding at the hearing of the proceeding orders otherwise to prevent injustice. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Copy of Order

(3) A copy of any order made under this rule shall be placed with the trial or application record. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Pre-Trial Conference Report

Requirement

50.08 (1) Following the pre-trial conference, the presiding judge or associate judge shall complete a pre-trial conference report,

(a) stating what steps need to be completed before the action is ready for the trial or hearing, and how much time is needed to complete those steps;

(b) stating the anticipated length of the trial or hearing; and

(c) setting out any other matter relevant to the trial or hearing. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15; O. Reg. 18/22, s. 7.

Copy of Report

(2) A copy of the pre-trial conference report shall be placed with the trial or application record. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Certificate

(3) Each party or the party’s lawyer shall certify on the copy of the pre-trial conference report that is to be placed with the trial or application record that he or she understands the contents of the report and acknowledges the obligation to be ready to proceed on the date fixed for the trial or hearing. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Duty of Lawyer

(4) Each lawyer who represents a party shall, in addition to giving the certificate described in subrule (3), undertake to the court to advise the party of,

(a) the contents of the pre-trial conference report; and

(b) the obligation to be ready to proceed on the date fixed for the trial or hearing. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

No Disclosure

50.09 No communication shall be made to the judge or officer presiding at the hearing of the proceeding or a motion or reference in the proceeding with respect to any statement made at a pre-trial conference, except as disclosed in an order under rule 50.07 or in a pre-trial conference report under rule 50.08.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Pre-Trial Judge not to Preside at Hearing

50.10 (1) A judge who conducts a pre-trial conference shall not preside at the trial of the action or the hearing of the application, except with the written consent of all parties.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Conference Before Trial Judge

(2) Subrule (1) does not prevent a judge before whom a proceeding has been called for hearing from holding a conference either before or during the hearing to consider any matter that may assist in the just, most expeditious and least expensive disposition of the proceeding without disqualifying himself or herself from presiding at the hearing.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47.

Documents to be Made Available

50.11 All documents intended to be used at the trial or hearing that may be of assistance in achieving the purposes of a pre-trial conference, such as any medical reports and reports of experts, shall be provided to the presiding judge or associate judge at the conference.  O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Costs of Pre-Trial Conference

50.12 (1) At the pre-trial conference, the presiding judge or associate judge may make an order for costs of the conference, but in the absence of such an order the costs shall be assessed as part of the costs of the proceeding. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 47; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Unproductive Pre-Trial Conference

(2) If the judge or associate judge determines that a pre-trial conference over which the judge or associate judge presided was unproductive for reasons relating to a party’s conduct, an order made under subrule (1) may require that the costs be paid immediately. O. Reg. 18/22, s. 8.

Case Conferences

50.13 (1) A judge may at any time, on his or her own initiative or at a party’s request, direct that a case conference be held before a judge or associate judge. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 16; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Attendance

(2) The lawyers for the parties shall appear at the case conference and, unless the judge or associate judge orders otherwise, the parties shall also participate. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 33; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(3) A party who requires another person’s approval before agreeing to a settlement shall, before the case conference, arrange to have ready telephone access to the other person throughout the case conference, whether it takes place during or after regular business hours. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 16.

(4) Every lawyer attending the case conference shall ensure that he or she has the authority to deal with the matters referred to in subrule (5) and that he or she is fully acquainted with the facts and legal issues in the proceeding. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 16.

Matters to be Dealt With

(5) At the case conference, the judge or associate judge may,

(a) identify the issues and note those that are contested and those that are not;

(b) explore methods to resolve the contested issues;

(c) if possible, secure the parties’ agreement on a specific schedule of events in the proceeding;

(d) establish a timetable for the proceeding; and

(e) review and, if necessary, amend an existing timetable. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 16; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Powers

(6) At the case conference, the judge or associate judge may, if notice has been given and it is appropriate to do so or on consent of the parties,

(a) make a procedural order;

(b) convene a pre-trial conference;

(c) give directions; and

(d) in the case of a judge,

(i) make an order for interlocutory relief, or

(ii) convene a hearing. O. Reg. 170/14, s. 16; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

RULE 51  ADMISSIONS

Interpretation

51.01 In rules 51.02 to 51.06,

“authenticity” includes the fact that,

(a) a document that is said to be an original was printed, written, signed or executed as it purports to have been,

(b) a document that is said to be a copy is a true copy of the original, and

(c) where the document is a copy of a letter or e-mail or other telecommunication, the original was sent as it purports to have been sent and received by the person to whom it is addressed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.01; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 34.

Request to Admit Fact or Document

51.02 (1) A party may at any time, by serving a request to admit (Form 51A), request any other party to admit, for the purposes of the proceeding only, the truth of a fact or the authenticity of a document.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.02 (1).

(2) A copy of any document mentioned in the request to admit shall, where practicable, be served with the request, unless a copy is already in the possession of the other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.02 (2).

Effect of Request to Admit

Response Required Within Twenty Days

51.03 (1) A party on whom a request to admit is served shall respond to it within twenty days after it is served by serving on the requesting party a response to request to admit (Form 51B).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.03 (1).

Deemed Admission Where No Response

(2) Where the party on whom the request is served fails to serve a response as required by subrule (1), the party shall be deemed, for the purposes of the proceeding only, to admit the truth of the facts or the authenticity of the documents mentioned in the request to admit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.03 (2).

Deemed Admission Unless Response Contains Denial or Reason for Refusal to Admit

(3) A party shall also be deemed, for the purposes of the proceeding only, to admit the truth of the facts or the authenticity of the documents mentioned in the request, unless the party’s response,

(a) specifically denies the truth of a fact or the authenticity of a document mentioned in the request; or

(b) refuses to admit the truth of a fact or the authenticity of a document and sets out the reason for the refusal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.03 (3).

Costs on Refusal to Admit

51.04 Where a party denies or refuses to admit the truth of a fact or the authenticity of a document after receiving a request to admit, and the fact or document is subsequently proved at the hearing, the court may take the denial or refusal into account in exercising its discretion respecting costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.04; O. Reg. 259/14, s. 9.

Withdrawal of Admission

51.05 An admission made in response to a request to admit, a deemed admission under rule 51.03 or an admission in a pleading may be withdrawn on consent or with leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.05.

Order Based on Admission of Fact or Document

Motion

51.06 (1) Where an admission of the truth of a fact or the authenticity of a document is made,

(a) in an affidavit filed by a party;

(b) in the examination for discovery of a party or a person examined for discovery on behalf of a party; or

(c) by a party on any other examination under oath or affirmation in or out of court,

any party may make a motion to a judge in the same or another proceeding for such order as the party may be entitled to on the admission without waiting for the determination of any other question between the parties, and the judge may make such order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.06 (1).

(2) Where an admission of the truth of a fact or the authenticity of a document is made by a party in a pleading or is made or deemed to be made by a party in response to a request to admit, any party may make a motion in the same proceeding to a judge for such order as the party may be entitled to on the admission without waiting for the determination of any question between the parties, and the judge may make such order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 51.06 (2).

Exception: Deemed Undertaking

(3) If Rule 30.1 applies to the admission, its use in another proceeding is subject to Rule 30.1 (deemed undertaking).  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 3.

TRIALS

RULE 52  TRIAL PROCEDURE

Failure to Attend at Trial

52.01 (1) Where an action is called for trial and all the parties fail to attend, the trial judge may strike the action off the trial list.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.01 (1).

(2) Where an action is called for trial and a party fails to attend, the trial judge may,

(a) proceed with the trial in the absence of the party;

(b) where the plaintiff attends and the defendant fails to attend, dismiss the counterclaim, if any, and allow the plaintiff to prove the claim;

(c) where the defendant attends and the plaintiff fails to attend, dismiss the action and allow the defendant to prove the counterclaim, if any; or

(d) make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.01 (2).

(3) A judge may set aside or vary, on such terms as are just, a judgment obtained against a party who failed to attend at the trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.01 (3).

Adjournment of Trial

52.02 A judge may postpone or adjourn a trial to such time and place, and on such terms, as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.02.

Court Appointed Experts

Appointment by Judge

52.03 (1) On motion by a party or on his or her own initiative, a judge may, at any time, appoint one or more independent experts to inquire into and report on any question of fact or opinion relevant to an issue in the action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (1); O. Reg. 536/18, s. 1.

(2) The expert shall be named by the judge and, where possible, shall be an expert agreed on by the parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (2).

Contents of Order Appointing Expert

(3) The order shall contain the instructions to be given to the expert and the judge may make such further orders as he or she considers necessary to enable the expert to carry out the instructions, including, on motion by a party, an order for,

(a) inspection of property under Rule 32; or

(b) the physical or mental examination of a party under section 105 of the Courts of Justice Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (3).

Remuneration of Expert

(4) The remuneration of an expert shall be fixed by the judge who appoints the expert, and shall include a fee for the expert’s report and an appropriate sum for each day that attendance at the trial is required.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (4).

(5) The responsibility of the parties for payment of the remuneration of an expert shall be determined in the first instance by the judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (5).

(6) Where a motion by a party for the appointment of an expert is opposed, the judge may, as a condition of making the appointment, require the party seeking the appointment to give such security for the remuneration of the expert as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (6).

Report

(7) The expert shall prepare a report and send it to the registrar and the registrar shall send a copy of the report to every party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (7).

(8) The report shall be filed as evidence at the trial of the action unless the trial judge orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (8).

(9) The judge may direct the expert to make a further or supplementary report, and subrules (7) and (8) apply to that report.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (9).

Cross-examination of Expert

(10) Any party may cross-examine the expert at the trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (10).

Liability of Parties for Remuneration of Expert

(11) The liability of the parties for payment of the remuneration of the expert shall be determined by the trial judge at the end of the trial, and a party who has paid the expert in accordance with a determination under subrule (5), if not the party determined to be liable for payment under this subrule, shall be indemnified by the party determined to be liable.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.03 (11).

Exhibits

Marking and Numbering

52.04 (1) Exhibits shall be marked and numbered consecutively, and the registrar attending the trial shall make a list of the exhibits, giving a description of each exhibit, and stating by whom it was put in evidence and, where the person who produced it is not a party or a party’s lawyer, the name of that person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.04 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Return of Exhibits

(2) At any time following the trial judgment, on requisition by the lawyer or party who put an exhibit in evidence or the person who produced it and on the filing of the consent of all parties represented at the trial, the registrar may return the exhibit to the person making the requisition.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.04 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(3) Subject to subrule (2), the exhibits shall remain in the possession of the registrar or the registrar of the court to which an appeal is taken,

(a) until the time for an appeal has expired; or

(b) where an appeal has been taken, until it has been disposed of.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.04 (3).

(4) On the expiration of the time for appeal or on the disposition of the appeal, the registrar on his or her own initiative shall return the exhibits to the respective lawyers or parties who put the exhibits in evidence at the trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.04 (4); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 2.

View by Judge or Jury

52.05 The judge or judge and jury by whom an action is being tried or the court before whom an appeal is being heard may, in the presence of the parties or their lawyers, inspect any property concerning which any question arises in the action, or the place where the cause of action arose.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.05; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 4.

Exclusion of Witnesses

Order for Exclusion

52.06 (1) The trial judge may, at the request of any party, order that a witness be excluded from the courtroom until called to give evidence, subject to subrule (2).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.06 (1).

Order not to Apply to Party or Witness Instructing Lawyer

(2) An order under subrule (1) may not be made in respect of a party to the action or a witness whose presence is essential to instruct the lawyer for the party calling the witness, but the trial judge may require any such party or witness to give evidence before any other witnesses are called to give evidence on behalf of that party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.06 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 3; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 7.

No Communication with Excluded Witnesses

(3) Where an order is made excluding a witness from the courtroom, there shall be no communication to the witness of any evidence given during his or her absence from the courtroom, except with leave of the trial judge, until after the witness has been called and has given evidence.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.06 (3).

Exclusion of Persons Interfering with Trial

(4) Nothing in this rule prevents the trial judge from excluding from the courtroom any person who is interfering with the proper conduct of the trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.06 (4).

Order of Presentation in Jury Trials

52.07 (1) On the trial of an action with a jury, the order of presentation shall be regulated as follows, unless the trial judge directs otherwise:

1. The plaintiff may make an opening address and, subject to paragraph 2, shall then adduce evidence.

2. A defendant may, with leave of the trial judge, make an opening address immediately after the opening address of the plaintiff, and before the plaintiff adduces any evidence.

3. When the plaintiff’s evidence is concluded, the defendant may make an opening address, unless he or she has already done so, and shall then adduce evidence.

4. When the defendant’s evidence is concluded, the plaintiff may adduce any proper reply evidence and the defendant shall then make a closing address, followed by the closing address of the plaintiff.

5. Where a defendant adduces no evidence after the conclusion of the plaintiff’s evidence, the plaintiff shall make a closing address, followed by the closing address of the defendant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.07 (1).

(2) Where the burden of proof in respect of all matters in issue in the action lies on the defendant, the trial judge may reverse the order of presentation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.07 (2).

(3) Where there are two or more defendants separately represented, the order of presentation shall be as directed by the trial judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.07 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 25 (1).

(4) Where a party is represented by a lawyer, the right to address the jury shall be exercised by the lawyer.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 25 (2).

Disagreement of the Jury

52.08 (1) Where the jury,

(a) disagrees;

(b) makes no finding on which judgment can be granted; or

(c) answers some but not all of the questions directed to it or gives conflicting answers, so that judgment cannot be granted on its findings,

the trial judge may direct that the action be retried with another jury at the same or any subsequent sitting, but where there is no evidence on which a judgment for the plaintiff could be based or where for any other reason the plaintiff is not entitled to judgment, the judge shall dismiss the action.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.08 (1).

(2) Where the answers given by a jury are sufficient to entitle a party to judgment on some but not all of the claims in the action, the judge may grant judgment on the claims in respect of which the answers are sufficient, and subrule (1) applies to the remaining claims.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.08 (2).

Recording Jury Verdict

52.09 The verdict of a jury shall be endorsed on the trial record or on a separate document in accordance with subrule 59.02 (2), with necessary modifications. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 35.

Failure to Prove a Fact or Document

52.10 Where, through accident, mistake or other cause, a party fails to prove some fact or document material to the party’s case,

(a) the judge may proceed with the trial subject to proof of the fact or document afterwards at such time and on such terms as the judge directs; or

(b) where the case is being tried by a jury, the judge may direct the jury to find a verdict as if the fact or document had been proved, and the verdict shall take effect on proof of the fact or document afterwards as directed, and, if it is not so proved, judgment shall be granted to the opposite party, unless the judge directs otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 52.10.

RULE 53  EVIDENCE AT TRIAL

Evidence by Witnesses

Oral Evidence as General Rule

53.01 (1) Unless these rules provide otherwise, witnesses at the trial of an action shall be examined orally in court and the examination may consist of direct examination, cross-examination and re-examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.01 (1).

Trial Judge to Exercise Control

(2) The trial judge shall exercise reasonable control over the mode of interrogation of a witness so as to protect the witness from undue harassment or embarrassment and may disallow a question put to a witness that is vexatious or irrelevant to any matter that may properly be inquired into at the trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.01 (2).

(3) The trial judge may at any time direct that a witness be recalled for further examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.01 (3).

Leading Questions on Direct Examination

(4) Where a witness appears unwilling or unable to give responsive answers, the trial judge may permit the party calling the witness to examine him or her by means of leading questions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.01 (4).

Interpreter

(5) Where a witness does not understand the language or languages in which the examination is to be conducted or is deaf or mute, a competent and independent interpreter shall, before the witness is called, take an oath or make an affirmation to interpret accurately the administration of the oath or affirmation to the witness, the questions put to the witness and his or her answers.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.01 (5).

(6) Where an interpreter is required under subrule (5), the party calling the witness shall provide the interpreter, unless the interpretation is to be from English to French or from French to English and an interpreter is provided by the Ministry of the Attorney General.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.01 (6).

Evidence by Affidavit

With Leave of Court

53.02 (1) Before or at the trial of an action, the court may make an order allowing the evidence of a witness or proof of a particular fact or document to be given by affidavit, unless an adverse party reasonably requires the attendance of the deponent at trial for cross-examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.02 (1).

(2) Where an order is made under subrule (1) before the trial, it may be set aside or varied by the trial judge where it appears necessary to do so in the interest of justice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.02 (2).

Expert Witnesses

Experts’ Reports

53.03 (1) A party who intends to call an expert witness at trial shall, not less than 90 days before the pre-trial conference scheduled under subrule 50.02 (1) or (2), serve on every other party to the action a report, signed by the expert, containing the information listed in subrule (2.1). O. Reg. 438/08, s. 48; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 17.

(2) A party who intends to call an expert witness at trial to respond to the expert witness of another party shall, not less than 60 days before the pre-trial conference, serve on every other party to the action a report, signed by the expert, containing the information listed in subrule (2.1). O. Reg. 438/08, s. 48.

(2.1) A report provided for the purposes of subrule (1) or (2) shall contain the following information:

1. The expert’s name, address and area of expertise.

2. The expert’s qualifications and employment and educational experiences in his or her area of expertise.

3. The instructions provided to the expert in relation to the proceeding.

4. The nature of the opinion being sought and each issue in the proceeding to which the opinion relates.

5. The expert’s opinion respecting each issue and, where there is a range of opinions given, a summary of the range and the reasons for the expert’s own opinion within that range.

6. The expert’s reasons for his or her opinion, including,

i. a description of the factual assumptions on which the opinion is based,

ii. a description of any research conducted by the expert that led him or her to form the opinion, and

iii. a list of every document, if any, relied on by the expert in forming the opinion.

7. An acknowledgement of expert’s duty (Form 53) signed by the expert. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 48.

Schedule for Service of Reports

(2.2) Within 60 days after an action is set down for trial, the parties shall agree to a schedule setting out dates for the service of experts’ reports in order to meet the requirements of subrules (1), (2) and (3), unless the court orders otherwise. O. Reg. 438/08, s. 48; O. Reg. 537/18, s. 8 (1).

Sanction for Failure to Address Issue in Report or Supplementary Report

(3) An expert witness may not testify with respect to an issue, except with leave of the trial judge, unless the substance of his or her testimony with respect to that issue is set out in,

(a) a report served under this rule;

(b) a supplementary report served on every other party to the action not less than 45 days before the commencement of the trial; or

(c) a responding supplementary report served on every other party to the action not less than 15 days before the commencement of the trial. O. Reg. 348/97, s. 3; O. Reg. 537/18, s. 8 (2).

Extension or Abridgment of Time

(4) The time provided for service of a report or supplementary report under this rule may be extended or abridged,

(a) by the judge or associate judge at the pre-trial conference or at any conference under Rule 77;

(b) by the court, on motion; or

(c) on the written consent of the parties, except that the parties may not consent to an extension that would affect the scheduled trial date. O. Reg. 570/98. s. 3; O. Reg. 186/10, s. 4; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15; O. Reg. 18/22, s. 9.

Compelling Attendance at Trial

By Summons to Witness

53.04 (1) A party who requires the attendance of a person in Ontario as a witness at a trial may serve the person with a summons to witness (Form 53A) requiring him or her to attend the trial at the time and place stated in the summons, and the summons may also require the person to produce at the trial the documents or other things in his or her possession, control or power relating to the matters in question in the action that are specified in the summons.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.04 (1).

Summons may be Issued in Blank

(2) On the request of a party or a lawyer and on payment of the prescribed fee, a registrar shall sign, seal and issue a blank summons to witness and the party or lawyer may complete the summons and insert the names of any number of witnesses.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.04 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Where Document may be Proved by Certified Copy

(3) No summons to witness for the production of an original record or document that may be proved by a certified copy shall be served without leave of the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.04 (3).

Summons to be Served Personally

(4) A summons to witness shall be served on the witness personally and not by an alternative to personal service and, at the same time, attendance money calculated in accordance with Tariff A shall be paid or tendered to the witness.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.04 (4).

(5) Service of a summons to witness and the payment or tender of attendance money may be proved by affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.04 (5).

Summons in Effect until Attendance No Longer Required

(6) A summons to witness continues to have effect until the attendance of the witness is no longer required.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.04 (6).

Sanctions for Failure to Obey Summons

(7) Where a witness whose evidence is material to an action is served with a summons to witness and the proper attendance money is paid or tendered to him or her, and the witness fails to attend at the trial or to remain in attendance in accordance with the requirements of the summons, the presiding judge may by a warrant for arrest (Form 53B) cause the witness to be apprehended anywhere within Ontario and forthwith brought before the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.04 (7).

(8) On being apprehended, the witness may be detained in custody until his or her presence is no longer required, or released on such terms as are just, and the witness may be ordered to pay the costs arising out of the failure to attend or remain in attendance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.04 (8).

Interprovincial Subpoena

53.05 A summons to a witness outside Ontario to compel his or her attendance under the Interprovincial Summonses Act shall be in Form 53C.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.05.

Compelling Attendance of Witness in Custody

53.06 The court may make an order (Form 53D) for attendance of a witness in custody whose evidence is material to an action, directing the officer having custody of a prisoner to produce him or her, on payment of the fee prescribed under the Administration of Justice Act, for an examination authorized by these rules or as a witness at a hearing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.06.

Calling Adverse Party as Witness

Persons to Whom Rule Applies

53.07 (1) Subrules (2) to (7) apply in respect of the following persons:

1. An adverse party.

2. An officer, director, employee or sole proprietor of an adverse party.

3. A partner of a partnership that is an adverse party.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 4.

Securing Attendance

(2) A party may secure the attendance of a person referred to in subrule (1) as a witness at a trial,

(a) by serving the person with a summons to witness, or by serving on the adverse party or the lawyer for the adverse party, at least 10 days before the commencement of the trial, a notice of intention to call the person as a witness; and

(b) by paying or tendering attendance money calculated in accordance with Tariff A at the same time.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 4; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(3) If a person referred to in subrule (1) is in attendance at the trial, it is unnecessary to serve the person with a summons or to pay attendance money to call the person as a witness.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 4.

When Adverse Party may be Called

(4) A party may call a person referred to in subrule (1) as a witness unless,

(a) the person has already testified; or

(b) the adverse party or the adverse party’s lawyer undertakes to call the person as a witness.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 4; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 4.

Cross-examination

(5) A person referred to in subrule (1) may be cross-examined by the party who called him or her as a witness and by any other party who is adverse in interest to that person.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 4.

Re-examination

(6) After a cross-examination under subrule (5), the person may be re-examined by any party who is not entitled to cross-examine under that subrule.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 4.

Failure to Testify

(7) The court may grant judgment in favour of the party calling the witness, adjourn the trial or make such other order as is just where a person required to testify under this rule,

(a) refuses or neglects to attend at the trial or to remain in attendance at the trial;

(b) refuses to be sworn; or

(c) refuses to answer any proper question put to him or her or to produce any document or other thing that he or she is required to produce.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 4.

Evidence Admissible only with Leave

53.08 (1) If evidence is admissible only with leave of the trial judge under a provision listed in subrule (2), leave may be granted if the party responsible for the applicable failure satisfies the judge that,

(a) there is a reasonable explanation for the failure; and

(b) granting the leave would not,

(i) cause prejudice to the opposing party that could not be compensated for by costs or an adjournment, or

(ii) cause undue delay in the conduct of the trial. O. Reg. 18/22, s. 10 (1).

(2) Subrule (1) applies with respect to the following provisions:

1. Subrule 30.08 (1) (failure to disclose document).

2. Rule 30.09 (failure to abandon claim of privilege).

3. Rule 31.07 (failure to answer on discovery).

4. Subrule 31.09 (3) (failure to correct answers on discovery).

5. Subrule 53.03 (3) (failure to comply with requirements re experts’ reports).

6. Subrule 76.03 (3) (failure to disclose witness). O. Reg. 284/01, s. 13; O. Reg. 260/05, s. 11; O. Reg. 18/22, s. 10 (2).

Calculation of Awards for Future Pecuniary Damages

Discount Rate

53.09 (1) The discount rate to be used in determining the amount of an award in respect of future pecuniary damages, to the extent that it reflects the difference between estimated investment and price inflation rates, is,

(a) for the 15-year period that follows the start of the trial, the greater of,

(i) the average of the value for the last Wednesday in each month of the real rate of interest on long-term Government of Canada real return bonds (Series V80691347, formerly Series V121808 and Series B113911), as published on the Bank of Canada’s website for the period starting on March 1 and ending on August 31 in the year before the year in which the trial begins, less ½ per cent and rounded to the nearest 1/10 per cent, and

(ii) zero; and

(b) for any later period covered by the award, 2.5 per cent per year for each year in that period.  O. Reg. 488/99, s. 2; O. Reg. 263/03, s. 4 (1); O. Reg. 231/13, s. 9 (1); O. Reg. 383/23, s. 1 (1).

Gross Up

(2) In calculating the amount to be included in the award to offset any liability for income tax on income from investment of the award, the court shall,

(a) assume that the entire award will be invested in fixed income securities; and

(b) determine the rate to be assumed for future inflation in accordance with the following formula:

g rounded to the nearest 1/10 per cent where,

g = (1 + i) / (1 + d) – 1

“i” is the average of the value for the last Wednesday in each month of the nominal rate of interest on long-term Government of Canada bonds (Series V80691331, formerly Series V121758 and Series B113867), as published on the Bank of Canada’s website for the period starting on March 1 and ending on August 31 in the year before the year in which the trial begins;

“d” is,

(a) for the 15-year period that follows the start of the trial, the greater of,

(i) the average of the value for the last Wednesday in each month of the real rate of interest on long-term Government of Canada real return bonds (Series V80691347, formerly Series V121808 and Series B113911), as published on the Bank of Canada’s website for the period starting on March 1 and ending on August 31 in the year before the year in which the trial begins, less ½ per cent, and

(ii) zero, and

(b) for any later period covered by the award, 2.5 per cent per year for each year in that period.

O. Reg. 488/99, s. 2; O. Reg. 263/03, s. 4 (2); O. Reg. 231/13, s. 9 (2); O. Reg. 383/23, s. 1 (2, 3).

Transition

(3) Subrules (1) and (2), as they read on December 31, 2013, continue to apply with respect to actions in which the trial commenced before January 1, 2014. O. Reg. 383/23, s. 1 (4).

Posted Rates

(4) For the purposes of subrule (1), clause (2) (b) and subrule (3), reference may be made to the rates determined in accordance with this rule and published by the Ministry of the Attorney General on a Government of Ontario website. O. Reg. 383/23, s. 1 (4).

Prejudgment Interest Rate for Non-Pecuniary Damages

53.10 The prejudgment interest rate on damages for non-pecuniary loss in an action for personal injury is 5 per cent per year.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 53.10.

REFERENCES

RULE 54  DIRECTING A REFERENCE

Application of Rules 54 and 55

54.01 Rules 54 and 55 apply to references directed,

(a) under rule 54.02 or any other rule; and

(b) under a statute, subject to the provisions of the statute.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.01.

Where Reference may be Directed

Reference of Whole Proceeding or Issue

54.02 (1) Subject to any right to have an issue tried by a jury, a judge may at any time in a proceeding direct a reference of the whole proceeding or a reference to determine an issue where,

(a) all affected parties consent;

(b) a prolonged examination of documents or an investigation is required that, in the opinion of the judge, cannot conveniently be made at trial; or

(c) a substantial issue in dispute requires the taking of accounts.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.02 (1).

Reference of Issue

(2) Subject to any right to have an issue tried by a jury, a judge may at any time in a proceeding direct a reference to determine an issue relating to,

(a) the taking of accounts;

(b) the conduct of a sale;

(c) the appointment by the court of a guardian or receiver, or the appointment by a person of an attorney under a power of attorney;

(d) the conduct of a guardianship or receivership or the exercise of the authority of an attorney acting under a power of attorney; or

(e) the enforcement of an order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.02 (2); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 7.

To Whom Reference may be Directed

Judge or Officer

54.03 (1) A reference may be directed to the referring judge, to another judge with that judge’s consent, to a registrar or other officer of the court or to a person agreed on by the parties.  O. Reg. 570/98, s. 4.

Person Agreed on by Parties

(2) Where a reference is directed to a person agreed on by the parties, the person is, for the purposes of the reference, an officer of the court directing the reference.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.03 (2).

(3) The judge directing a reference to a person agreed on by the parties may,

(a) determine his or her remuneration and the liability of the parties for its payment;

(b) refer that issue to the person to whom the reference is directed; or

(c) reserve that issue until the report on the reference is confirmed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.03 (3).

Order Directing a Reference

54.04 (1) An order directing a reference shall specify the nature and subject matter of the reference and who is to conduct it and may,

(a) direct in general terms that all necessary inquiries be made, accounts taken and costs assessed;

(b) contain directions for the conduct of the reference; and

(c) designate which party is to have carriage of the reference.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.04 (1).

(2) An order of an associate judge or registrar directing a reference shall not require a report back, and the report or an interim report on the reference shall be confirmed under rule 54.09 (confirmation by passage of time).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.04 (2); O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(3) A referee has, subject to the order directing the reference, all the powers these rules give to a referee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.04 (3).

Motions on a Reference

54.05 (1) A referee shall hear and dispose of any motion made in connection with the reference, but in the absence of or with the consent of the referee, a motion may be heard and disposed of by a judge or associate judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.05 (1); O. Reg. 219/91, s. 7; O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(2) Rule 37.03 (where motions to be brought) does not apply to a motion made in connection with a reference and heard by the referee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.05 (2); O. Reg. 689/20, s. 36.

(3) Where a referee has made an order on a motion in the reference, a person who is affected by the order may make a motion to a judge to set aside or vary the order by a notice of motion served within seven days after the order is made and naming the first available hearing date that is at least three days after service of the notice of motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.05 (3).

Report on Reference

54.06 A referee shall make a report that contains his or her findings and conclusions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.06.

Report must be Confirmed

54.07 (1) A report has no effect until it has been confirmed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.07.

(2) A report shall be entered immediately after it has been confirmed and rule 59.05 (entry of order) applies, with necessary modifications.  O. Reg. 396/91, s. 9.

Confirmation on Motion where Report back Required

54.08 (1) Where the order directing a reference requires the referee to report back, the report or an interim report on the reference may be confirmed only on a motion to the judge who directed the reference on notice to every party who appeared on the reference, and the judge may require the referee to give reasons for his or her findings and conclusions and may confirm the report in whole or in part or make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.08 (1); O. Reg. 288/99, s. 17.

(2) Where the judge who directed the reference is unable for any reason to hear a motion for confirmation, the motion may be made to another judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.08 (2).

Confirmation by Passage of Time where Report back not Required

Fifteen-Day Period to Oppose Confirmation

54.09 (1) Where the order directing a reference does not require the referee to report back, the report or an interim report on the reference is confirmed,

(a) immediately on the filing of the consent of every party who appeared on the reference; or

(b) on the expiration of fifteen days after a copy, with proof of service on every party who appeared on the reference, has been filed in the office in which the proceeding was commenced, unless a notice of motion to oppose confirmation of a report is served within that time.  O. Reg. 396/91, s. 10.

To Whom Motion to Oppose Confirmation Made

(2) A motion to oppose confirmation of a report shall be made to a judge other than the one who conducted the reference.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.09 (2).

Notice of Motion to Oppose Confirmation

(3) A notice of motion to oppose confirmation of a report shall,

(a) set out the grounds for opposing confirmation;

(b) be served within fifteen days after a copy of the report, with proof of service on every party who appeared on the reference, has been filed in the office in which the proceeding was commenced; and

(c) name the first available hearing date that is at least three days after service of the notice of motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.09 (3).

Motion for Immediate Confirmation

(4) A party who seeks confirmation before the expiration of the fifteen-day period prescribed in subrule (1) may make a motion to a judge for confirmation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.09 (4).

Disposition of Motion

(5) A judge hearing a motion under subrule (2) or (4) may require the referee to give reasons for his or her findings and conclusions and may confirm the report in whole or in part or make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 54.09 (5).

Referee Unable to Continue or Complete Reference

54.10 Where a referee is unable for any reason to continue or complete a reference,

(a) the parties to the reference may by consent appoint a new referee; or

(b) any party to the reference may make a motion to a judge for directions for continuation or completion of the reference.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 5.

RULE 55  PROCEDURE ON A REFERENCE

General Provisions for Conduct of Reference

Simple Procedure to be Adopted

55.01 (1) A referee shall, subject to any directions contained in the order directing the reference, devise and adopt the simplest, least expensive and most expeditious manner of conducting the reference and may,

(a) give such directions as are necessary; and

(b) dispense with any procedure ordinarily taken that the referee considers to be unnecessary, or adopt a procedure different from that ordinarily taken.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.01 (1).

Special Circumstances to be Reported

(2) A referee shall report on any special circumstances relating to the reference and shall generally inquire into, decide and report on all matters relating to the reference as fully as if they had been specifically referred.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.01 (2).

General Procedure

(3) Subject to subrule (1), a reference shall be conducted as far as possible in accordance with rules 55.01 to 55.07.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.01 (3).

Procedure on a Reference Generally

Hearing for Directions

55.02 (1) The party having carriage of the reference shall forthwith have the order directing the reference signed and entered and, within ten days after entry, request an appointment with the referee for a hearing to consider directions for the reference and, in default, any other party having an interest in the reference may assume carriage of it.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (1).

(2) A notice of hearing for directions (Form 55A) and a copy of the order directing the reference shall be served on every other party to the proceeding at least five days before the hearing unless the referee directs or these rules provide otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (2).

Directions

(3) At the hearing for directions, the referee shall give such directions for the conduct of the reference as are just, including,

(a) the time and place at which the reference is to proceed;

(b) any special directions concerning the parties who are to attend; and

(c) any special directions concerning what evidence is to be received and how documents are to be proved.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (3).

(4) The directions may be varied or supplemented during the course of the reference.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (4).

Adding Parties

(5) Where it appears to the referee that any person ought to be added as a party to the proceeding, the referee may make an order adding the person as a defendant or respondent and direct that the order, together with the order directing the reference and a notice to party added on reference (Form 55B), be served on the person, and on being served the person becomes a party to the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (5).

(6) A person served with a notice under subrule (5) may make a motion to a judge to set aside or vary the order directing the reference or the order adding the person as a party, by a notice of motion served within ten days after service of the notice under subrule (5), or where the person is served outside Ontario, within such further time as the referee directs, and naming the first available hearing date that is at least three days after service of the notice of motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (6).

Failure to Appear on Reference

(7) A party who is served with notice of a reference under subrule (2) or (5) and does not appear in response to the notice is not entitled to notice of any step in the reference and need not be served with any document in the reference, unless the referee orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (7).

Representation of Parties with Similar Interests

(8) Where it appears to the referee that two or more parties have substantially similar interests and can be adequately represented as a class, the referee may require them to be represented by the same lawyer and, where they cannot agree on a lawyer to represent them, the referee may designate a lawyer on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (8); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(9) A party referred to in subrule (8) who insists on being represented by a different lawyer shall not recover the costs of the separate representation and, unless the referee orders otherwise, shall pay all costs incurred by the other parties as a result of the separate representation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (9); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Amendment of Pleadings

(10) The referee may grant leave to make any necessary amendments to the pleadings that are not inconsistent with the order of reference.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (10).

Procedure Book

(11) The referee shall keep a procedure book in which he or she shall note all steps taken and all directions given in respect of the reference, and the directions need not be embodied in a formal order or report to bind the parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (11).

Transferring Carriage of Reference

(12) Where the party having carriage of the reference does not proceed with reasonable diligence, the referee may, on the motion of any other interested party, transfer carriage of the reference to another party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (12).

Evidence of Witnesses

(13) Witnesses on a reference shall be examined orally unless the referee directs otherwise, and evidence taken orally shall be recorded.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (13).

(14) The attendance of a person to be examined on a reference may be compelled in the same manner as provided in Rule 53 for a witness at a trial.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (14).

Expert Witnesses

(14.1) Rule 53.03 (expert witness) and rule 53.08 (evidence admissible only with leave) apply, with necessary modifications, to the calling of an expert witness on a reference.  O. Reg. 535/92, s. 12.

Expert Appointed by Referee

(14.2) A referee may appoint an independent expert and rule 52.03 (court appointed expert) applies, with necessary modifications.  O. Reg. 535/92, s. 12.

Examination of Party and Production of Documents

(15) The referee may require any party to be examined and to produce such documents as the referee thinks fit and may give directions for their inspection by any other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (15).

Filing of Documents

(16) While a reference is pending, all documents relating to it shall be filed with the referee and, on completion of the reference, the documents shall be returned to the office in which the proceeding was commenced.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (16).

Execution or Delivery of Instrument

(17) Where a person refuses or neglects to execute or deliver an instrument that becomes necessary under an order directing the reference, the referee may give directions for its execution or delivery.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (17).

Rulings

(18) Where the referee has made a ruling on the admissibility of evidence or any other matter relating to the conduct of the reference, the referee shall, on the request of any party, set out the ruling and the reasons for it in the report or, in the discretion of the referee, in an interim report on the reference.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (18).

Preparation of Report

(19) When the hearing of the reference is completed, the referee shall fix a date to settle the report and the party having carriage of the reference shall serve notice of the date on all parties who appeared on the reference unless the referee dispenses with notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (19).

(20) The party having carriage of the reference shall prepare a draft report and present it to the referee on the day fixed for settling the report.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (20).

(21) When the referee has settled and signed the report, the party having carriage of the reference shall forthwith serve it on all parties who appeared on the reference and file a copy with proof of service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (21).

(22) In a proceeding for the administration of the estate of a deceased person, the report shall, as far as possible, be in Form 55C.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.02 (22).

Procedure to Ascertain Interested Persons and Verify Claims

Publication of Advertisements

55.03 (1) The referee may direct the publication of advertisements for creditors or beneficiaries of an estate or trust, other unascertained persons, or their successors.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.03 (1).

Filing of Claims

(2) The advertisement shall specify a date by which and a place where interested persons may file their claims and shall notify them that, unless their claims are so filed, they may be excluded from the benefit of the order, but the referee may nevertheless accept a claim at a later time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.03 (2).

Examination of Claims

(3) Before the day specified by the referee for the consideration of claims filed in response to the advertisement, the executor, administrator or trustee, or such other person as the referee directs, shall examine the claims and prepare an affidavit verifying a list of the claims filed in response to the advertisement and stating which claims he or she believes should be disallowed and the reasons for that belief.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.03 (3).

Adjudication of Contested Claims

(4) If a claim is contested, the referee shall order that a notice of contested claim (Form 55D), fixing a date for adjudication of the claim, be served on the claimant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.03 (4).

Procedure on Taking of Accounts

Powers of Referee

55.04 (1) On the taking of accounts, the referee may,

(a) take the accounts with rests or otherwise;

(b) take account of money received or that might have been received but for wilful neglect or default;

(c) make allowance for occupation rent and determine the amount;

(d) take into account necessary repairs, lasting improvements, costs and other expenses properly incurred; and

(e) make all just allowances.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.04 (1).

Preparation of Accounts

(2) Where an account is to be taken, the party required to account, unless the referee directs otherwise, shall prepare the account in debit and credit form, verified by affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.04 (2).

(3) The items on each side of the account shall be numbered consecutively, and the account shall be referred to in the affidavit as an exhibit and shall not be attached to the affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.04 (3).

Books of Accounts as Proof

(4) The referee may direct that the books in which the accounts have been kept be taken as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the matters contained in them.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.04 (4).

Production of Vouchers

(5) Before hearing a reference, the referee may fix a date for the purpose of taking the accounts and may direct the production and inspection of vouchers and, where appropriate, cross-examination on his or her affidavit of the party required to account or of the person who filed the affidavit on the party’s behalf or in the party’s place, with a view to ascertaining what is admitted and what is contested between the parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.04 (5).

Questioning Accounts

(6) A party who questions an account shall give particulars of the objection, with specific reference by number to the item in question, to the party required to account, and the referee may require the party to give further particulars of the objection.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.04 (6).

Direction for Payment of Money

Payment into Financial Institution

55.05 (1) Where under an order directing a reference the referee directs money to be paid at a specified time and place, the referee shall direct it to be paid into a financial institution to the credit of the party entitled or to the joint credit of the party entitled and the Accountant of the Superior Court of Justice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.05 (1); O. Reg. 292/99, s. 5; O. Reg. 399/12, s. 1 (1).

Payment Out

(2) Where money is directed to be paid out of court to the credit of the party entitled, the party may name the financial institution into which the party wishes it to be paid.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.05 (2).

(3) Where money has been paid to the joint credit of the party and the Accountant, the Accountant shall sign the cheque or direction for payment out on the production of the consent of the party paying in, verified by affidavit, or of the party’s lawyer, or, in the absence of the consent, on the order of the referee.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.05 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 399/12, s. 1 (2).

Money Belonging to Minor

(4) Where it appears that money in court belongs to a minor, the referee shall require evidence of the age of the minor and shall, in the report, state the minor’s birth date and full address.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.05 (4).

Money to be Paid to Creditors

(5) Where an order of reference or a report directs the payment of money out of court to creditors, the person having carriage of the reference shall deposit with the Accountant a copy of the order or report and shall serve a notice to creditor (Form 55E) on each creditor stating that payment of the creditor’s claim, as allowed, may be obtained from the Accountant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.05 (5); O. Reg. 399/12, s. 1 (3).

Reference for Conduct of Sale

Method of Sale

55.06 (1) Where a sale is ordered, the referee may cause the property to be sold by public auction, private contract or tender, or partly by one method and partly by another.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (1).

Advertisement

(2) Where property is directed to be sold by auction or tender, the party having carriage of the sale shall prepare a draft advertisement according to the instructions of the referee showing,

(a) the short title of the proceeding;

(b) that the sale is by order of the court;

(c) the time and place of the sale;

(d) a short description of the property to be sold;

(e) whether the property is to be sold in one lot or several and, if in several, in how many, and in what lots;

(f) the terms of payment;

(g) that the sale is subject to a reserve bid, if that is the case; and

(h) any conditions of sale different from those set out in Form 55F.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (2).

Conditions of Sale

(3) The conditions of sale by auction or tender shall be those set out in Form 55F, subject to such modifications as the referee directs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (3).

Hearing for Directions

(4) At a hearing for directions under subrule 55.02 (3), the referee shall,

(a) settle the form of the advertisement;

(b) fix the time and place of sale;

(c) name an auctioneer, where one is to be employed;

(d) give directions for publication of the advertisement;

(e) give directions for obtaining appraisals;

(f) fix a reserve bid, if any; and

(g) make all other arrangements necessary for the sale.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (4).

Who May Bid

(5) All parties may bid except the party having carriage of the sale and any trustee or agent for the party or other person in a fiduciary relationship to the party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (5).

(6) Where the party having carriage of the sale wishes to bid, the referee may transfer carriage of the sale to another party or to any other person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (6).

Who Conducts Sale

(7) Where no auctioneer is employed, the referee or a person designated by the referee shall conduct the sale.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (7).

Purchaser to Sign Agreement

(8) The purchaser shall enter into an agreement of purchase and sale at the time of sale.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (8).

Deposit

(9) The deposit required by the conditions of sale shall be paid to the party having carriage of the sale or the party’s lawyer at the time of sale and the party or lawyer shall forthwith pay the money into court in the name of the purchaser.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (9); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Interim Report

(10) Where a sale is made through an auctioneer, the auctioneer shall make an affidavit concerning the result of the sale, and where no auctioneer is employed, the referee shall enter the result in the procedure book and, in either case, the referee may make an interim report on the sale (Form 55G).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (10).

Objection to Sale

(11) A party may object to a sale by making a motion to the referee to set it aside, and notice of the motion shall be served on all parties to the reference and on the purchaser, who shall be deemed to be a party for the purpose of the motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (11).

Completion of Sale

(12) The purchaser may pay the purchase money or the balance of it into court without order and, after the confirmation of the report on the sale, on notice to the party having carriage of the sale, the purchaser may obtain a vesting order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (12).

(13) Where possession is wrongfully withheld from the purchaser, either the purchaser or the party having carriage of the sale may move for a writ of possession.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (13).

(14) The purchase money may be paid out of court in accordance with the report,

(a) on consent of the purchaser or the purchaser’s lawyer; or

(b) on proof to the Accountant that the purchaser has received a transfer or vesting order of the property for which the money in question was paid into court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (14); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 399/12, s. 2 (1).

(15) No transfer shall be approved until the referee is satisfied that the purchase money has been paid into court and, where a mortgage is taken for part of the purchase money, that the mortgage has been registered and deposited with the Accountant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.06 (15); O. Reg. 399/12, s. 2 (2).

Reference to Appoint Guardian or Receiver

55.07 (1) Where, by an order directing a reference, a referee is directed to appoint a guardian or receiver, the referee shall not report on the appointment until he or she has settled and approved any security required by the order and until the security has been filed with the Accountant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.07 (1); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 18; O. Reg. 399/12, s. 3.

(2) Where, by an order directing a reference or a report, the person so appointed is required to pass accounts or to pay money into court and has not done so, the referee may, on the passing of accounts, disallow any compensation and may charge the person with interest.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 55.07 (2); O. Reg. 193/15, s. 5.

COSTS

RULE 56  SECURITY FOR COSTS

Where Available

56.01 (1) The court, on motion by the defendant or respondent in a proceeding, may make such order for security for costs as is just where it appears that,

(a) the plaintiff or applicant is ordinarily resident outside Ontario;

(b) the plaintiff or applicant has another proceeding for the same relief pending in Ontario or elsewhere;

(c) the defendant or respondent has an order against the plaintiff or applicant for costs in the same or another proceeding that remain unpaid in whole or in part;

(d) the plaintiff or applicant is a corporation or a nominal plaintiff or applicant, and there is good reason to believe that the plaintiff or applicant has insufficient assets in Ontario to pay the costs of the defendant or respondent;

(e) there is good reason to believe that the action or application is frivolous and vexatious and that the plaintiff or applicant has insufficient assets in Ontario to pay the costs of the defendant or respondent; or

(f) a statute entitles the defendant or respondent to security for costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.01 (1).

(2) Subrule (1) applies with necessary modifications to a party to a garnishment, interpleader or other issue who is an active claimant and would, if a plaintiff, be liable to give security for costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.01 (2).

Declaration of Plaintiff’s or Applicant’s Place of Residence

56.02 The lawyer for the plaintiff or applicant shall, forthwith on receipt of a demand in writing from any person who has been served with the originating process, declare in writing whether the plaintiff or applicant is ordinarily resident in Ontario and, where the lawyer fails to respond to the demand, the court may order that the action or application be stayed or dismissed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.02; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Motion for Security

56.03 (1) In an action, a motion for security for costs may be made only after the defendant has delivered a defence and shall be made on notice to the plaintiff and every other defendant who has delivered a defence or notice of intent to defend.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.03 (1).

(2) In an application, a motion for security for costs may be made only after the respondent has delivered a notice of appearance and shall be made on notice to the applicant and every other respondent who has delivered a notice of appearance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.03 (2).

Amount and Form of Security and Time for Furnishing

56.04 The amount and form of security and the time for paying into court or otherwise giving the required security shall be determined by the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.04.

Form and Effect of Order

56.05 A plaintiff or applicant against whom an order for security for costs (Form 56A) has been made may not, until the security has been given, take any step in the proceeding except an appeal from the order, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.05.

Default of Plaintiff or Applicant

56.06 Where a plaintiff or applicant defaults in giving the security required by an order, the court on motion may dismiss the proceeding against the defendant or respondent who obtained the order, and the stay imposed by rule 56.05 no longer applies unless another defendant or respondent has obtained an order for security for costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.06.

Amount may be Varied

56.07 The amount of security required by an order for security for costs may be increased or decreased at any time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.07.

Notice of Compliance

56.08 On giving the security required by an order, the plaintiff or applicant shall forthwith give notice of compliance to the defendant or respondent who obtained the order, and to every other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.08.

Security for Costs as Term of Relief

56.09 Despite rules 56.01 and 56.02, any party to a proceeding may be ordered to give security for costs where, under rule 1.05 or otherwise, the court has a discretion to impose terms as a condition of granting relief and, where such an order is made, rules 56.04 to 56.08 apply with necessary modifications.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 56.09.

RULE 57 COSTS OF PROCEEDINGS

General Principles

Factors in Discretion

57.01 (1) In exercising its discretion under section 131 of the Courts of Justice Act to award costs, the court may consider, in addition to the result in the proceeding and any offer to settle or to contribute made in writing,

(0.a) the principle of indemnity, including, where applicable, the experience of the lawyer for the party entitled to the costs as well as the rates charged and the hours spent by that lawyer;

(0.b) the amount of costs that an unsuccessful party could reasonably expect to pay in relation to the step in the proceeding for which costs are being fixed;

(a) the amount claimed and the amount recovered in the proceeding;

(b) the apportionment of liability;

(c) the complexity of the proceeding;

(d) the importance of the issues;

(e) the conduct of any party that tended to shorten or to lengthen unnecessarily the duration of the proceeding;

(f) whether any step in the proceeding was,

(i) improper, vexatious or unnecessary, or

(ii) taken through negligence, mistake or excessive caution;

(g) a party’s denial of or refusal to admit anything that should have been admitted;

(h) whether it is appropriate to award any costs or more than one set of costs where a party,

(i) commenced separate proceedings for claims that should have been made in one proceeding, or

(ii) in defending a proceeding separated unnecessarily from another party in the same interest or defended by a different lawyer;

(h.1) whether a party unreasonably objected to proceeding by telephone conference or video conference under rule 1.08; and

(i) any other matter relevant to the question of costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.01 (1); O. Reg. 627/98, s. 6; O. Reg. 42/05, s. 4 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 37.

Costs Against Successful Party

(2) The fact that a party is successful in a proceeding or a step in a proceeding does not prevent the court from awarding costs against the party in a proper case.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.01 (2).

Fixing Costs:  Tariffs

(3) When the court awards costs, it shall fix them in accordance with subrule (1) and the Tariffs.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 15 (1).

Assessment in Exceptional Cases

(3.1) Despite subrule (3), in an exceptional case the court may refer costs for assessment under Rule 58.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 15 (1).

Authority of Court

(4) Nothing in this rule or rules 57.02 to 57.07 affects the authority of the court under section 131 of the Courts of Justice Act,

(a) to award or refuse costs in respect of a particular issue or part of a proceeding;

(b) to award a percentage of assessed costs or award assessed costs up to or from a particular stage of a proceeding;

(c) to award all or part of the costs on a substantial indemnity basis;

(d) to award costs in an amount that represents full indemnity; or

(e) to award costs to a party acting in person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.01 (4); O. Reg. 284/01, s. 15 (2); O. Reg. 42/05, s. 4 (2); O. Reg. 8/07, s. 3.

Bill of Costs

(5) After a trial, the hearing of a motion that disposes of a proceeding or the hearing of an application, a party who is awarded costs shall serve a bill of costs (Form 57A) on the other parties and shall file it, with proof of service.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 15 (3).

Costs Outline

(6) Unless the parties have agreed on the costs that it would be appropriate to award for a step in a proceeding, every party who intends to seek costs for that step shall give to every other party involved in the same step, and bring to the hearing, a costs outline (Form 57B) not exceeding three pages in length.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 4 (3).

Process for Fixing Costs

(7) The court shall devise and adopt the simplest, least expensive and most expeditious process for fixing costs and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, costs may be fixed after receiving written submissions, without the attendance of the parties.  O. Reg. 42/05, s. 4 (3).

Directions to Assessment Officer

57.02 (1) Where costs are to be assessed, the court may give directions to the assessment officer in respect of any matter referred to in rule 57.01.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.02 (1).

(2) The court shall record,

(a) any direction to the assessment officer;

(b) any direction that is requested by a party and refused; and

(c) any direction that is requested by a party and that the court declines to make but leaves to the discretion of the assessment officer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.02 (2).

Costs of a Motion

Contested Motion

57.03 (1) On the hearing of a contested motion, unless the court is satisfied that a different order would be more just, the court shall,

(a) fix the costs of the motion and order them to be paid within 30 days; or

(b) in an exceptional case, refer the costs of the motion for assessment under Rule 58 and order them to be paid within 30 days after assessment.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 16.

(2) Where a party fails to pay the costs of a motion as required under subrule (1), the court may dismiss or stay the party’s proceeding, strike out the party’s defence or make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.03 (2).

Motion Without Notice

(3) On a motion made without notice, there shall be no costs to any party, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.03 (3).

Costs on Settlement

57.04 Where a proceeding is settled on the basis that a party shall pay or recover costs and the amount of costs is not included in or determined by the settlement, the costs may be assessed under Rule 58 on the filing of a copy of the minutes of settlement in the office of the assessment officer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.04.

Costs where Action Brought in Wrong Court

Recovery within Monetary Jurisdiction of Small Claims Court

57.05 (1) If a plaintiff recovers an amount within the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court, the court may order that the plaintiff shall not recover any costs.  O. Reg. 377/95, s. 4.

(2) Subrule (1) does not apply to an action transferred to the Superior Court of Justice under section 107 of the Courts of Justice Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.05 (2); O. Reg. 292/99, s. 2 (2).

Default Judgment within Monetary Jurisdiction of Small Claims Court

(3) If the plaintiff obtains a default judgment that is within the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court, costs shall be assessed in accordance with that court’s tariff.  O. Reg. 377/95, s. 4.

Proceeding Dismissed for Want of Jurisdiction

(4) Where a proceeding is dismissed for want of jurisdiction, the court may make an order for the costs of the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.05 (4).

Relief Sought Improperly

(5) If the court determines that a plaintiff included a claim for relief in a proceeding in order to be able to commence the action in the Superior Court of Justice instead of in the Small Claims Court, the court may order the payment of costs by the plaintiff. O. Reg. 176/24, s. 3.

Costs of Litigation Guardian

57.06 (1) The court may order a successful party to pay the costs of the litigation guardian of a party under disability who is a defendant or respondent, but may further order that the successful party pay those costs only to the extent that the successful party is able to recover them from the party liable for the successful party’s costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.06 (1).

(2) A litigation guardian who has been ordered to pay costs is entitled to recover them from the person under disability for whom he or she has acted, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.06 (2).

Liability of Lawyer for Costs

57.07 (1) Where a lawyer for a party has caused costs to be incurred without reasonable cause or to be wasted by undue delay, negligence or other default, the court may make an order,

(a) disallowing costs between the lawyer and client or directing the lawyer to repay to the client money paid on account of costs;

(b) directing the lawyer to reimburse the client for any costs that the client has been ordered to pay to any other party; and

(c) requiring the lawyer personally to pay the costs of any party.  O. Reg. 575/07, s. 26.

(2) An order under subrule (1) may be made by the court on its own initiative or on the motion of any party to the proceeding, but no such order shall be made unless the lawyer is given a reasonable opportunity to make representations to the court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.07 (2); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(3) The court may direct that notice of an order against a lawyer under subrule (1) be given to the client in the manner specified in the order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 57.07 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

RULE 58  ASSESSMENT OF COSTS

General

58.01 Where a rule or order provides that a party is entitled to the costs of all or part of a proceeding and the costs have not been fixed by the court, they shall be assessed in accordance with rules 58.02 to 58.12.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.01; O. Reg. 284/01, s. 17.

Who May Assess Costs

General Rule

58.02 (1) Costs shall be assessed by an assessment officer, subject to subrule (2), in the place where the proceeding was commenced or heard or in a county agreed on by the parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.02 (1).

Reference

(2) The costs of a reference may be assessed by an assessment officer or by the referee, and for the purposes of rules 58.03 to 58.12, the referee shall be deemed to be an assessment officer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.02 (2).

Assessment at Instance of Party Entitled

By Filing Bill of Costs and Obtaining Appointment

58.03 (1) A party entitled to costs may obtain a notice of appointment for assessment of costs (Form 58A) from the appropriate assessment officer on filing a bill of costs and a copy of the order or other document giving rise to the party’s entitlement to costs with the assessment officer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.03 (1).

(2) The notice and the bill of costs shall be served on every party interested in the assessment at least seven days before the date fixed for the assessment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.03 (2).

Assessment at Instance of Party Liable

By Obtaining Appointment and Serving Notice

58.04 (1) Where a party entitled to costs fails or refuses to file or serve a bill of costs for assessment within a reasonable time, any party liable to pay the costs may obtain a notice to deliver a bill of costs for assessment (Form 58B) from the appropriate assessment officer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.04 (1).

(2) The notice shall be served on every party interested in the assessment at least twenty-one days before the date fixed for the assessment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.04 (2).

Delivery of Bill of Costs

(3) On being served with the notice, the person required to deliver a bill of costs shall file and serve a copy of the bill on every party interested in the assessment at least seven days before the date fixed for the assessment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.04 (3).

Failure to Deliver Bill of Costs

(4) Where a party required to deliver a bill of costs for assessment fails to do so at the time set out in the notice and thereby prejudices another party, the assessment officer may fix the costs of the defaulting party at an appropriate sum in order to prevent further prejudice to the other party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.04 (4).

Assessment in Accordance with Tariffs

Generally

58.05 (1) If costs are to be assessed, the assessment officer shall assess and allow,

(a) lawyers’ fees and disbursements in accordance with subrule 57.01 (1) and the Tariffs; and

(b) disbursements for fees paid to the court, an authorized court transcriptionist, an official examiner or a sheriff under the regulations under the Administration of Justice Act.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 18; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 18.

Students-at-Law and Law Clerks

(2) No other fees, disbursements or charges shall be assessed or allowed unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 18.

Disbursements

(3) No disbursements other than fees paid to the court shall be assessed or allowed unless it is established by affidavit or by the lawyer appearing on the assessment that the disbursement was made or that the party is liable for it.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.05 (3); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Directions

(4) An assessment officer may direct production of books and documents and give directions for the conduct of an assessment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.05 (4).

Set Off of Costs

(5) Where parties are liable to pay costs to each other, the assessment officer may adjust the costs by way of set off.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.05 (5).

Costs of Assessment

(6) The assessment officer may, in his or her discretion, award or refuse the costs of an assessment to either party, and fix those costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.05 (6).

Factors to be Considered on Assessment

58.06 (1) In assessing costs the assessment officer may consider,

(a) the amount involved in the proceeding;

(b) the complexity of the proceeding;

(c) the importance of the issues;

(d) the duration of the hearing;

(e) the conduct of any party that tended to shorten or to lengthen unnecessarily the duration of the proceeding;

(f) whether any step in the proceeding was,

(i) improper, vexatious or unnecessary, or

(ii) taken through negligence, mistake or excessive caution;

(g) a party’s denial of or refusal to admit anything that should have been admitted; and

(h) any other matter relevant to the assessment of costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.06 (1).

(2) In assessing costs the assessment officer is bound by the court’s direction or refusal to make a direction under rule 57.02, but is not bound where the court declines to make a direction and leaves the matter to the assessment officer’s discretion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.06 (2).

Costs of Abandoned Proceeding

58.07 The costs of a motion, application, action or appeal that is abandoned or deemed to be abandoned may be assessed on filing in the office of the assessment officer,

(a) the notice of motion or application served, together with an affidavit that the notice was not filed within the prescribed time, that a confirmation of motion was not given under subrule 37.10.1 (1) or that the moving party, applicant, plaintiff or appellant did not appear at the hearing, as the case may be;

(b) the notice of abandonment served; or

(c) a copy of the order dismissing the action or appeal as abandoned. O. Reg. 653/00, s. 4; O. Reg. 537/18, s. 9.

Costs of Particular Proceedings

Passing of Accounts

58.08 (1) The costs of passing the accounts of a trustee, attorney under a power of attorney, guardian or other person having similar duties relating to the management of assets shall be determined in accordance with subrules 74.18 (10) to (11.4) and (13) (costs of passing of accounts of estate trustees).  O. Reg. 69/95, s. 8; O. Reg. 193/15, s. 6.

Costs out of Fund or Estate

(2) Where costs are to be paid out of a fund or estate, the assessment officer may direct what parties are to attend on the assessment and may disallow the costs of the assessment of any party whose attendance is unnecessary because the interest of the party in the fund or estate is small, remote or sufficiently protected by other interested parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.08 (2).

Certificate of Assessment

58.09 On the assessment of costs, the assessment officer shall set out in a certificate of assessment of costs (Form 58C) the amount of costs assessed and allowed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.09.  O. Reg. 284/01, s. 19.

Objections to Assessment

58.10 (1) On request, the assessment officer shall withhold the certificate for seven days or such other time as he or she directs, in order to allow a party who is dissatisfied with the decision of the assessment officer to serve objections on every other interested party and file them with the assessment officer, specifying concisely the grounds for the objections.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.10 (1).

(2) A party on whom objections have been served may, within seven days after service or such other time as the assessment officer directs, serve a reply to the objections on every other interested party and file it with the assessment officer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.10 (2).

(3) The assessment officer shall then reconsider and review the assessment in view of the objections and reply and may receive further evidence in respect of the objections, and the assessment officer shall decide on the objections and complete the certificate accordingly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.10 (3).

(4) The assessment officer may, and if requested shall, state in writing the reasons for his or her decision on the objections.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.10 (4).

Appeal from Assessment

58.11 The time for and the procedure on an appeal under clause 6 (1) (c) or 17 (b) or subsection 90 (4) of the Courts of Justice Act from a certificate of an assessment officer on an issue in respect of which an objection was served is governed by rule 62.01.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.11.

Costs of a Sheriff

Party may Require Assessment

58.12 (1) A sheriff claiming fees or expenses that are not prescribed by the regulations under the Administration of Justice Act or that have not been assessed shall, on being required by a party, furnish the party with a bill of costs and have the costs assessed by an assessment officer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.12 (1).

(2) A sheriff who has been required to have his or her fees or expenses assessed shall not collect them until they have been assessed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.12 (2).

(3) Either the sheriff or the party requiring the assessment may obtain an appointment for the assessment and the procedure on the assessment shall be the same as in the case of an assessment between parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.12 (3); O. Reg. 284/01, s. 20.

Reduction of Fees on Motion by Debtor

(4) A person liable under a writ of execution who is dissatisfied with the amount of fees or expenses claimed by a sheriff in respect of the enforcement of the writ may make a motion, before or after payment, on notice to the sheriff and, if the amount appears to be unreasonable, even though it is in accordance with Tariff A, the court may reduce the amount or order the amount to be refunded on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.12 (4).

(5) Nothing in subrule (4) authorizes the court to reduce or order a refund of a fee that is prescribed by the regulations under the Administration of Justice Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 58.12 (5).

Costs Fixed by Registrar

When Registrar May Fix Costs

58.13 (1) A registrar may fix costs,

(a) if all the parties consent; or

(b) if the lawyer’s fee does not exceed $2,000, exclusive of harmonized sales tax (HST).  O. Reg. 168/05, s. 1; O. Reg. 55/12, s. 4.

(2) Under clause (1) (b), the registrar shall fix costs of $750 plus disbursements.  O. Reg. 168/05, s. 1.

Documents to be Filed with Registrar

(3) When costs are to be fixed by the registrar under subrule (1), the party who has been awarded costs shall file with the registrar,

(a) a bill of costs; and

(b) a copy of a receipt for each disbursement.  O. Reg. 168/05, s. 1.

ORDERS

RULE 59  ORDERS

Effective Date

59.01 An order is effective from the date on which it is made, unless it provides otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 59.01.

Endorsement of Orders

59.02 (1) An endorsement of an order shall be made on the appeal book, compendium, record, notice of motion, notice of application or on a separate document by the judge, associate judge or officer making the order. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 38; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Requirements if Separate Document

(2) A separate document on which an endorsement is made,

(a) may be in paper or electronic format;

(b) may include the reasons for the decision; and

(c) shall include,

(i) the name and signature of the judge, associate judge or officer making the order,

(ii) the date on which the endorsement is made,

(iii) the date of the hearing or conference,

(iv) the nature of the hearing or conference,

(v) the relief requested,

(vi) the disposition made at the hearing or conference, and

(vii) a list of the parties and lawyers who participated in the hearing or conference and a list of any parties or lawyers who did not participate in the hearing or conference. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 38; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Court File

(3) The registrar shall file endorsements in the court file. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 38.

Preparation and Form of Order

Preparation of Draft Order

59.03 (1) Any party or person affected by an order may prepare a draft order and send it to all parties who participated in the hearing or conference for approval of its form and content. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 39.

Approval

(2) If all the parties who participated in the hearing or conference approve the draft order, the party or other person who prepared the draft order may request that it be issued by the registrar by filing,

(a) the draft order; and

(b) evidence that the parties have approved the draft order. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 39.

General Form of Order

(3) A draft order must be in Form 59A (order), 59B (judgment) or 59C (order or certificate on appeal) and must contain,

(a) the name of the judge, associate judge or officer who made the order;

(b) the date on which the order was made;

(c) a recital of the particulars necessary to understand the order, including the date of the hearing or conference, the parties who participated in the hearing or conference and those who did not, and any undertaking given by a party as a condition of the order; and

(d) if the order is for the payment of money on which postjudgment interest is payable, the rate of interest and the date from which interest is payable. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 39; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(4) The operative parts of an order shall be divided into paragraphs, numbered consecutively.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 59.03 (4).

Order Directing Payment for Minor

(5) An order directing payment into court or to a trustee on behalf of a minor shall show the minor’s birth date and full address and shall direct that a copy of the order be served on the Children’s Lawyer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 59.03 (5); O. Reg. 69/95, s. 19.

Order for Costs

(6) An order for the payment of costs shall direct payment to the party entitled to receive the costs and not to the party’s lawyer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 59.03 (6); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Order on which Interest Payable

(7) An order for the payment of money on which postjudgment interest is payable shall set out the rate of interest and the date from which interest is payable.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 59.03 (7).

(8) Revoked:  O. Reg. 131/04, s. 14.

Issuing Orders

Issuance

59.04 (1) An order is considered to have been issued on the completion of the following steps:

1. The signing of the order,

i. by the judge, associate judge or officer making the order, or

ii. by the registrar in accordance with subrule (3).

2. The registrar’s dating and sealing of the order with the seal of the court. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Electronic Issuance

(2) If an order is issued electronically,

(a) subrule (1) applies instead of subrule 4.05 (1.1); and

(b) for greater certainty, the order may be sealed by use of an electronic version of the seal. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

Registrar’s Signature

(3) A registrar where the hearing or conference was held or where the proceeding was commenced may sign a draft order filed under subrule 59.03 (2), if the registrar is satisfied that the draft order,

(a) is in proper form; and

(b) complies with and reflects the terms of an endorsement or decision made by the person indicated in the draft order. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

Provision of Issued Order

(4) An issued order shall be provided to the person who filed the draft order by,

(a) having the order e-mailed to,

(i) the e-mail address most recently indicated for the person in the applicable court file, or

(ii) the e-mail address most recently indicated for the person’s lawyer in the applicable court file or, if no e-mail address is indicated in the court file, the e-mail address for the lawyer as published on the Law Society of Ontario’s website;

(b) providing the order through Case Center, if Case Center is being used for the hearing or conference; or

(c) making the order available for pickup at the court counter, at the person’s request or if e-mail or Case Center is not available. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40; O. Reg. 301/24, s. 1.

Procedure if Registrar not Satisfied

(5) If the registrar is not satisfied that the draft order meets requirements set out in subrule (3), the registrar shall provide notice using a method set out in subrule (4) to the person who filed the draft order that it does not comply with the requirements. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

(6) If the person receives a notice from the registrar under subrule (5), the person may,

(a) file a revised draft order and, if required by the registrar, file the approval of the parties to the order in that form; or

(b) obtain an appointment to have the order settled by the person who made the order, in which case notice of the appointment (Form 59D) shall be served on all parties who participated in the hearing or conference and filed, with proof of service, at least seven days before the appointment date. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

Appointment to Settle Where Form of Draft Order not Approved

(7) If approval of the draft order by the parties who participated in the hearing or conference is not received, the person may obtain an appointment to have the order settled by the registrar or, if the registrar considers it necessary, by the person who made the order, and notice of the appointment (Form 59D) shall be served on all other parties who participated in the hearing or conference and filed, with proof of service, at least seven days before the appointment date. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

Urgent Cases

(8) In a case of urgency, the order may be settled and signed by the person who made it without the approval of any of the parties who participated in the hearing or conference. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

Appointment to Settle Disputed Order

(9) If an objection is taken to the proposed form of the order in the course of its settlement before a registrar, the registrar shall settle the order in the form the registrar considers proper and the objecting party may obtain an appointment with the person who made the order to settle the part of the order to which objection has been taken, in which case the objecting party shall serve notice of the appointment (Form 59D) on all other parties who participated in the hearing or conference and file it, with proof of service, at least seven days before the appointment date. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

(10) If the order was made by a court that consisted of more than one judge, the appointment shall be with the judge who presided at the hearing or, where that judge is unavailable, any other judge who participated in the hearing. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

(11) The judge with whom an appointment is obtained under subrule (10) may refer the settling of the order to the full court that made the order. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

(12) If an appointment is not obtained under subrule (9) or (10) within seven days after the registrar settles the order, the person who filed the draft order or any party may require the registrar to issue the order as settled by the registrar. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

(13) After an order has been settled under subrule (9) by the person who made it, or under subrule (10) or (11), the registrar shall issue the order. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

Ceasing to Hold Office or Incapacity

(14) If a judge ceases to hold office or becomes incapacitated after making an order but before it is signed, another judge may settle and sign it. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

(15) If an associate judge ceases to hold office or becomes incapacitated after making an order but before it is signed, another associate judge or a judge may settle and sign it. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

Transition

(16) This rule, as it read immediately before the day section 40 of Ontario Regulation 689/20 came into force, continues to apply with respect to any orders that were issued before that day and any draft orders that were filed before that day. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 40.

Entering Orders

Order to be Entered and Filed

59.05 (1) On the issuance of an order, the registrar shall,

(a) enter the issued order in accordance with subrule (2) at the place where the proceeding was commenced or to which it has been transferred under rule 13.1.02; and

(b) file it in the court file. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 41; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 8 (1).

(2) The registrar shall enter the issued order by saving a copy of the order in electronic format in the court’s case tracking system and entering details about the order as required by the case tracking system. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 41.

(3) An order of the Court of Appeal shall be entered not only by the registrar referred to in subrule (1) but also by the Registrar of the Court of Appeal. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 41.

(4) The certificate of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada in respect of an order made on an appeal to that court shall be entered by the registrar in the office where the action or application was commenced, and all subsequent steps may be taken as if the order had been made in the court from which the appeal was taken. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 41; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 8 (2).

Transition

(5) This rule, as it read immediately before the day section 41 of Ontario Regulation 689/20 came into force, continues to apply with respect to any orders that were issued before that day. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 41.

Amending, Setting Aside or Varying Order

Amending

59.06 (1) An order that contains an error arising from an accidental slip or omission or requires amendment in any particular on which the court did not adjudicate may be amended on a motion in the proceeding.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 59.06 (1).

Setting Aside or Varying

(2) A party who seeks to,

(a) have an order set aside or varied on the ground of fraud or of facts arising or discovered after it was made;

(b) suspend the operation of an order;

(c) carry an order into operation; or

(d) obtain other relief than that originally awarded,

may make a motion in the proceeding for the relief claimed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 59.06 (2).

Satisfaction of Order

59.07 A party may acknowledge satisfaction of an order in a document signed by the party before a witness, and the document may be filed and entered in the court office where the order was entered.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 59.07.

Limited Scope Retainer

59.08 (1) Despite subrule 15.01.1 (2), if an order arises from a hearing at which a lawyer who is not a party’s lawyer of record appeared under a limited scope retainer for the party, that lawyer shall act in the place of the party for the purposes of this Rule. O. Reg. 231/13, s. 11.

(2) Subrule (1) does not apply if,

(a) the agreement governing the limited scope retainer provides otherwise; and

(b) the lawyer acting under the limited scope retainer provides written notice of the fact to the other parties and to the registrar. O. Reg. 231/13, s. 11.

RULE 60  ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS

Definitions

60.01 In rules 60.02 to 60.19,

“creditor” means a person who is entitled to enforce an order for the payment or recovery of money; (“créancier”)

“debtor” means a person against whom an order for the payment or recovery of money may be enforced. (“débiteur”)  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.01.

Enforcement of Order for Payment or Recovery of Money

General

60.02 (1) In addition to any other method of enforcement provided by law, an order for the payment or recovery of money may be enforced by,

(a) a writ of seizure and sale (Form 60A) under rule 60.07;

(b) garnishment under rule 60.08;

(c) a writ of sequestration (Form 60B) under rule 60.09; and

(d) the appointment of a receiver.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.02 (1).

Recovery of Costs without Order Awarding Costs

(2) Where under these rules a party is entitled to costs on the basis of a certificate of assessment of costs without an order awarding costs, and the costs are not paid within seven days after the certificate of assessment of costs is signed, the party may enforce payment of the costs by the means set out in subrule (1) on filing with the registrar an affidavit setting out the basis of entitlement to costs and attaching a copy of the certificate of assessment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.02 (2).

Electronic Filing of Declaration

(3) Where a party may enforce payment of costs under subrule (2), payment may be enforced under rule 60.07 by a writ of seizure and sale (Form 60A) by filing electronically a declaration setting out the basis of the entitlement to costs, subject to rule 60.20.  O. Reg. 288/99, s. 18; O. Reg. 43/14, s. 13; O. Reg. 487/16, s. 9.

Enforcement of Order for Possession of Land

60.03 An order for the recovery or delivery of the possession of land may be enforced by a writ of possession (Form 60C) under rule 60.10.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.03.

Enforcement of Order for Recovery of Personal Property

60.04 (1) An order for the recovery of possession of personal property other than money may be enforced by a writ of delivery (Form 60D), which may be obtained on filing with the registrar where the proceeding was commenced a requisition together with a copy of the order as entered.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.04 (1); O. Reg. 396/91, s. 11.

(2) Where the property is not delivered up under a writ of delivery, the order may be enforced by a writ of sequestration (Form 60B) under rule 60.09.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.04 (2).

Enforcement of Order to Do or Abstain from Doing any Act

60.05 An order requiring a person to do an act, other than the payment of money, or to abstain from doing an act, may be enforced against the person refusing or neglecting to obey the order by a contempt order under rule 60.11.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.05.

Enforcement by or against a Person not a Party

60.06 (1) An order that is made for the benefit of a person who is not a party may be enforced by that person in the same manner as if the person were a party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.06 (1).

(2) An order that may be enforced against a person who is not a party may be enforced against that person in the same manner as if the person were a party.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.06 (2).

Writ of Seizure and Sale

Where Available Without Leave

60.07 (1) Where an order may be enforced by a writ of seizure and sale, the creditor is entitled to the issue of one or more writs of seizure and sale (Form 60A), on filing with the registrar where the proceeding was commenced a requisition setting out,

(a) the date and amount of any payment received since the order was made; and

(b) the amount owing and the rate of postjudgment interest,

together with a copy of the order as entered and any other evidence necessary to establish the amount awarded and the creditor’s entitlement.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (1); O. Reg. 396/91, s. 12.

Electronic Issue of Writ

(1.1) Subject to rule 60.20, the creditor may file the requisition referred to in subrule (1) electronically, in which case,

(a) neither a copy of the order as entered nor any other evidence is required to be filed with the requisition; and

(b) the writ or writs of seizure and sale shall be issued electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (1); O. Reg. 487/16, s. 10 (1).

(1.2) If a Minister or body is entitled under an Act of Canada or Ontario to file a document in the Superior Court of Justice and have it entered and enforced as if it were an order of the court, the document may be enforced by one or more writs of seizure and sale without being filed with the court, by the electronic filing with the registrar of a requisition containing the information set out in clauses (1) (a) and (b). O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (1).

(1.3) On the filing of a requisition under subrule (1.2),

(a) the document is deemed to have been entered as an order of the Superior Court of Justice; and

(b) the writ or writs of seizure and sale shall be issued electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (1).

(1.4) Revoked: O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (1).

Where Leave is Required

(2) If six years or more have elapsed since the date of the order, or if its enforcement is subject to a condition, a writ of seizure and sale shall not be issued unless leave of the court is first obtained.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 14.

(3) An order granting leave to issue a writ of seizure and sale ceases to have effect if the writ is not issued within one year after the date of the order granting leave, but the court may grant leave again on a subsequent motion.  O. Reg. 770/92, s. 14.

Order for Payment into Court

(4) Where an order is for the payment of money into court, the writ of seizure and sale shall contain a notice that all money realized by the sheriff under the writ is to be paid into court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (4).

Order for Payment at Future Time

(5) Where an order is for payment at or after a specified future time, the writ of seizure and sale shall not be issued until after the expiration of that time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (5).

Filing of Writ with Sheriff

(5.1) A writ of seizure and sale may be filed with a sheriff. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (2).

(5.2) Subject to rule 60.20, a writ of seizure and sale may be filed electronically, but a writ that is issued electronically shall be filed electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (2); O. Reg. 487/16, s. 10 (2).

Error in Writ Issued Electronically

(5.3) A creditor who discovers that a writ of seizure and sale that was issued electronically and filed with a sheriff contains an error may, no later than two business days after filing, correct the error by using the software that was used for the issuance of the writ. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (2).

Duration and Renewal

(6) A writ of seizure and sale remains in force for six years from the date of its issue and for a further six years from each renewal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (6).

(7) Revoked:  O. Reg. 452/98, s. 5 (2).

(8) A writ of seizure and sale that is filed with a sheriff may be renewed before its expiration by filing a request to renew (Form 60E) with the sheriff, who shall record the date of renewal.  O. Reg. 452/98, s. 5 (3).

(8.1) Subject to rule 60.20, a request to renew may be filed electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (3); O. Reg. 487/16, s. 10 (3).

(9) A writ of seizure and sale that is not filed with a sheriff may be renewed before its expiration by filing with the registrar who issued it a requisition to renew the writ, and the registrar shall renew the writ and record the date of renewal.  O. Reg. 452/98, s. 5 (3).

Change or Variation of Debtor’s Name

(10) Where a debtor named in a writ of seizure and sale,

(a) changes his, her or its name after the writ is issued;

(b) uses an alias; or

(c) uses a variation of spelling of the name,

the creditor may on motion made without notice seek a change or variation to the writ.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (10).

(11) On a motion referred to in subrule (10), the court may order the sheriff to,

(a) amend the writ by adding the words “now or also known as”, followed by the new name of the debtor, the alias or the spelling variation;

(b) amend the index of writs to show the new name, the alias or the spelling variation; and

(c) if a copy of the writ was sent to the land registrar for filing under the Land Titles Act, send a copy of the amended writ to the land registrar.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (11).

(11.1) If the court makes an order under subrule (11), the creditor may, subject to rule 60.20, file the amendments to the writ with the sheriff electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (4); O. Reg. 487/16, s. 10 (4).

Writ to Bear Creditor’s Address

(12) Every writ of seizure and sale shall bear the name and address of the creditor and the creditor’s lawyer, if any.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (12); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Change of Address

(12.1) If the address of the creditor or the creditor’s lawyer changes after the writ is issued and has been filed with the sheriff, the creditor shall file with the sheriff a requisition containing the new address and a request to change the address for the writ. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (5).

Assignment of Writ

(12.2) If a writ of seizure and sale is assigned to another creditor after the writ has been filed with the sheriff, the new creditor shall file with the sheriff a requisition containing the name and address of the new creditor and that of his or her lawyer, if any, and a request to change the creditor’s information for the writ due to an assignment. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (5).

Electronic Filing for Change of Address, Assignment

(12.3) Subject to rule 60.20, a requisition under subrule (12.1) or (12.2) may be filed electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (5); O. Reg. 487/16, s. 10 (5).

Confirmation of Assignment

(12.4) In order to confirm whether a request under subrule (12.2) is properly made, the sheriff may require the new creditor to provide to the sheriff, in the manner and within the time the sheriff specifies, a copy of the document providing for the assignment of the writ. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (5).

(12.5) If the creditor fails to comply with subrule (12.4), the sheriff may refuse the request to change the creditor’s information for the writ or may reverse the change, as the case may be. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (5).

Direction to Enforce

(13) Where an order may be enforced by a writ of seizure and sale, a creditor who has filed a writ of seizure and sale with a sheriff may file with the sheriff a copy of the order as entered, together with a direction to enforce (Form 60F) setting out,

(a) the date of the order and the amount awarded;

(b) the rate of postjudgment interest payable;

(c) the costs of enforcement to which the creditor is entitled under rule 60.19;

(d) the date and amount of any payment received since the order was made; and

(e) the amount owing, including postjudgment interest,

and directing the sheriff to enforce the writ for the amount owing, subsequent interest and the sheriff’s fees and expenses.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (13); O. Reg. 452/98, s. 5 (5).

(13.0.1) Subject to rule 60.20, the creditor may file the direction to enforce referred to in subrule (13) electronically, in which case a copy of the order as entered is not required to be filed with the direction to enforce. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (6); O. Reg. 487/16, s. 10 (6).

Sheriff may Decline to Enforce

(13.1) The sheriff may decline to enforce the writ of seizure and sale, and the creditor may make a motion to the court for directions, where the sheriff is uncertain whether the writ of seizure and sale has been properly issued or filed.  O. Reg. 288/99, s. 19 (2).

Confirmation of Writ Filed Electronically

(13.2) In order to confirm whether a writ of seizure and sale filed with a sheriff electronically has been properly issued or filed, the sheriff may require the creditor to provide to the sheriff, in the manner and within the time the sheriff specifies, a copy of the order being enforced by the writ. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (6).

(13.3) The sheriff may withdraw an electronically filed writ of seizure and sale if,

(a) the sheriff determines that the writ was improperly issued or filed; or

(b) the creditor fails to comply with subrule (13.2). O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (6).

(13.4) A writ may be withdrawn under subrule (13.3) at any time during its enforcement. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (6).

(13.5) If the sheriff makes a determination that a writ of seizure and sale filed with the sheriff electronically was properly issued or filed but contains an error or otherwise differs from the order to which the writ relates, the sheriff may correct the writ to make it consistent with the order. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (6).

(13.6) The sheriff shall give notice of a withdrawal under subrule (13.3) or a correction under subrule (13.5) to the creditor, by mail addressed to the creditor at the address indicated for the writ. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 14 (6).

Property in Hands of Receiver

(14) A writ of seizure and sale shall not be enforced against property in the hands of a receiver appointed by a court.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (14).

Seizure of Personal Property

(15) Where personal property is seized under a writ of seizure and sale, the sheriff shall, on request, deliver an inventory of the property seized to the debtor or the debtor’s agent or employee before or, where this is not practicable, within a reasonable time after the property is removed from the premises on which it was seized.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (15).

Sale of Personal Property

(16) Personal property seized under a writ of seizure and sale shall not be sold by the sheriff unless notice of the time and place of the sale has been,

(a) mailed to the creditor at the address shown on the writ or the creditor’s lawyer and to the debtor at the debtor’s last known address, at least ten days before the sale; and

(b) published in a newspaper of general circulation in the place where the property was seized.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (16); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Sale of Land

(17) A creditor may not take any step to sell land under a writ of seizure and sale until four months after the writ was filed with the sheriff or, where the writ has been withdrawn, four months after the writ was re-filed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (17).

(18) No sale of land under a writ of seizure and sale may be held until six months after the writ was filed with the sheriff or, where the writ has been withdrawn, six months after the writ was re-filed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (18).

(19) A sale of land shall not be held under a writ of seizure and sale unless notice of the time and place of sale has been,

(a) mailed to the creditor at the address shown on the writ or to the creditor’s lawyer and to the debtor at the debtor’s last known address, at least thirty days before the sale;

(b) published in The Ontario Gazette once at least thirty days before the sale and in a newspaper of general circulation in the place where the land is situate, once each week for two successive weeks, the last notice to be published not less than one week nor more than three weeks before the date of sale; and

(c) posted in a conspicuous place in the sheriff’s office for at least thirty days before the sale.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (19); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(20) The notice shall set out,

(a) a short description of the property to be sold;

(b) the short title of the proceeding;

(c) the time and place of the intended sale; and

(d) the name of the debtor whose interest is to be sold.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (20).

(21) The sheriff may adjourn a sale to a later date where the sheriff considers it necessary in order to realize the best price that can be obtained in all the circumstances, and where the sale is adjourned, it may be conducted on the later date with such further notice, if any, as the sheriff considers advisable.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (21).

(22) Where notice of a sale of land under a writ of seizure and sale is published in The Ontario Gazette before the writ expires, the sale may be completed by a sale and transfer of the land after the writ expires.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (22).

Abortive Sale

(23) Where personal property or land seized under a writ of seizure and sale remains unsold for want of buyers, the sheriff shall notify the creditor of the date and place of the attempted sale and of any other relevant circumstances.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (23).

(24) On receipt of a notice under subrule (23), the creditor may instruct the sheriff in writing to sell the personal property or land in such manner as the sheriff considers will realize the best price that can be obtained.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.07 (24).

Documents Issued, Filed Electronically

(25) Despite subrule 4.05 (8), the authorized software used for the electronic issuance or filing of documents under this rule may provide that a document issued or filed electronically outside of regular business hours was issued or filed on the actual day of issuance or filing. O. Reg. 487/16, s. 10 (7).

Documents Directed to Sheriff under an Act

Application of Rules

60.07.1 (1) These rules, other than subrule 60.07 (13), apply, with necessary modifications, to a warrant or other document that is issued by a Minister or body under an Act and directed to a sheriff, as if the document were a writ of seizure and sale. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 15.

Direction to Enforce

(2) If the Minister or body files the document with the sheriff, the Minister or body may have the document enforced by filing with the sheriff a direction to enforce, directing the sheriff to enforce the document for the amount owing, subsequent interest and the sheriff’s fees and expenses, and setting out,

(a) the amount owing under the document as issued and the date of issuance;

(b) the rate of interest payable;

(c) the date and amount of any payment received since the document was issued; and

(d) the amount owing under the document, including interest. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 15.

Electronic Filing

(3) The direction to enforce may be filed electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 15.

Garnishment

Where Available

60.08 (1) A creditor under an order for the payment or recovery of money may enforce it by garnishment of debts payable to the debtor by other persons.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (1).

Joint Debts Garnishable

(1.1) Where a debt is payable to the debtor and to one or more co-owners, one-half of the indebtedness or a greater or lesser amount specified in an order made under subrule (16) may be garnished.  O. Reg. 171/98, s. 21.

Where Leave Required

(2) If six years or more have elapsed since the date of the order, or if its enforcement is subject to a condition, a notice of garnishment shall not be issued unless leave of the court is first obtained.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (2).

(3) An order granting leave to issue a notice of garnishment ceases to have effect if the notice is not issued within one year after the date of the order granting leave, but the court may grant leave again on a subsequent motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (3).

Renewal

(3.1) A notice of renewal of garnishment may be issued under subrule (6.4) without leave of the court before the original notice of garnishment or any subsequent notice of renewal of garnishment expires.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 26; O. Reg. 186/10, s. 5.

Obtaining Notice of Garnishment

(4) A creditor under an order for the payment or recovery of money who seeks to enforce it by garnishment shall file with the registrar where the proceeding was commenced a requisition for garnishment (Form 60G) together with a copy of the order as entered, any other evidence necessary to establish the amount awarded and the creditor’s entitlement, and an affidavit stating,

(a) the date and amount of any payment received since the order was made;

(b) the amount owing, including postjudgment interest;

(c) details of how the amount owing and the postjudgment interest are calculated;

(c.1) the address of the debtor;

(d) the name and address of each person to whom a notice of garnishment is to be directed;

(e) that the creditor believes that those persons are or will become indebted to the debtor and the grounds for the belief;

(f) such particulars of the debts as are known to the creditor;

(g) where a person to whom a notice of garnishment is to be directed is not in Ontario, that the debtor is entitled to sue that person in Ontario to recover the debt, and the basis of entitlement to sue in Ontario; and

(h) where a person to whom a notice of garnishment is to be directed is not then indebted but will become indebted to the debtor, such particulars of the date on and the circumstances under which the debt will arise as are known to the creditor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (4), O. Reg. 535/92, s. 13.

(5) The affidavit required by subrule (4) may contain statements of the deponent’s information and belief, if the source of the information and the fact of the belief are specified in the affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (5).

(6) On the filing of the requisition and affidavit required by subrule (4), the registrar shall issue notices of garnishment (Form 60H) naming as garnishees the persons named in the affidavit and shall send a copy of each notice of garnishment to the sheriff of the county in which the debtor resides or, if the debtor resides outside Ontario, to the sheriff of the county in which the proceeding was commenced.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (6).

(6.1) A notice of garnishment issued under subrule (6) shall name one debtor and one garnishee.  O. Reg. 534/95, s. 2.

Duration and Renewal

(6.2) A notice of garnishment remains in force for six years from the date of its issue and for a further six years from each renewal.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 26.

(6.3) A notice of garnishment may be renewed before its expiration by filing with the registrar where the proceeding was commenced a requisition for renewal of garnishment (Form 60G.1) together with the affidavit required by subrule (4).  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 26.

(6.4) On the filing of the requisition and affidavit required by subrule (6.3), the registrar shall issue notices of renewal of garnishment (Form 60H.1) naming as garnishees the persons named in the affidavit and shall send a copy of each notice of renewal of garnishment to the sheriff of the county in which the debtor resides or, if the debtor resides outside Ontario, to the sheriff of the county in which the proceeding was commenced.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 26.

(6.5) The provisions of these rules that apply with respect to notices of garnishment also apply with respect to notices of renewal of garnishment.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 26.

Service of Notice of Garnishment

(7) The creditor shall serve the notice of garnishment,

(a) on the debtor, together with a copy of the affidavit required by subrule (4); and

(b) on the garnishee, with a blank garnishee’s statement (Form 60I) attached.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (7).

(8) The notice of garnishment shall be served by ordinary mail, or by personal service or an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (8).

(9) A notice of garnishment may be served outside Ontario if the debtor would be entitled to sue the garnishee in Ontario to recover the debt.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (9).

(10) If the garnishee is a financial institution, the notice of garnishment and all further notices required to be served under this rule shall be served at the branch at which the debt is payable.  O. Reg. 54/03, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 131/04, s. 16 (1).

(10.1) Revoked:  O. Reg. 131/04, s. 16 (2).

Garnishee Liable from Time of Service

(11) The garnishee is liable to pay to the sheriff any debt of the garnishee to the debtor, up to the amount shown in the notice of garnishment or supplementary notice of garnishment, less $10 for the cost of making each payment, within ten days after service on the garnishee or ten days after the debt becomes payable, whichever is later.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (11).

(12) For the purposes of subrule (11), a debt of the garnishee to the debtor includes,

(a) a debt payable at the time the notice of garnishment is served; and

(b) a debt payable (whether absolutely or on the fulfilment of a condition) after the notice is served and within six years after it is issued.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 23.

(13) For the purposes of subrule (11), a debt of the garnishee to the debtor does not include,

(a) if the garnishee is a financial institution, money in an account opened after the notice of garnishment is served;

(b) if the garnishee is an employer, a debt arising out of employment that commences after the notice is served; or

(c) if the garnishee is an insurer, a debt payable under an insurance policy that is entered into after the notice is served.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (13); O. Reg. 54/03, s. 1 (2).

Payment by Garnishee to Sheriff

(14) A garnishee who admits owing a debt to the debtor shall pay it to the sheriff in the manner prescribed by the notice of garnishment, subject to section 7 of the Wages Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (14).

When Garnishee Must Serve Statement

(15) A garnishee who wishes for any reason to dispute the garnishment or who pays to the sheriff less than the amount set out in the notice of garnishment because the debt is owed to the debtor and to one or more co-owners or for any other reason shall, within 10 days after service of the notice of garnishment, serve on the creditor and the debtor and file with the court a garnishee’s statement (Form 60I) setting out the particulars.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (2).

Notice to Co-owner of the Debt

(15.1) When a creditor is served with a garnishee’s statement that indicates that the debt is owed to the debtor and to one or more co-owners, the creditor shall forthwith serve the co-owners with a notice to co-owner of the debt (Form 60I.1) and a copy of the garnishee’s statement.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (2).

(15.2) The notice to co-owner of the debt and the copy of the garnishee’s statement shall be served by personal service or an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (2).

Garnishment Hearing

(16) On motion by a creditor, debtor, garnishee, co-owner of the debt or any other interested person, the court may,

(a) where it is alleged that the debt of the garnishee to the debtor has been assigned or encumbered, order the assignee or encumbrancer to appear and state the nature and particulars of the claim;

(b) determine the rights and liabilities of the garnishee, the debtor, any co-owner of the debt and any assignee or encumbrancer;

(c) vary or suspend periodic payments under a notice of garnishment; or

(d) determine any other matter in relation to a notice of garnishment,

and the court may proceed in a summary manner, but where the motion is made to an associate judge and raises a genuine issue of fact or of law, it shall be adjourned to be heard by a judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (16); O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (3); O. Reg. 711/20, s. 7; O. Reg. 383/21, s. 15.

(16.1) A copy of a notice of motion for a garnishment hearing shall be served on the sheriff by ordinary mail, or by personal service or an alternative to personal service under rule 16.03.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (4).

Time for Motion

(16.2) A person who has been served with a notice to co-owner is not entitled to dispute the enforcement of the creditor’s order for the payment or recovery of money or a payment made in accordance with the Creditors’ Relief Act, 2010 unless the person moves for a garnishment hearing within 30 days after being served with the notice.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (4); O. Reg. 55/12, s. 6.

Enforcement against Garnishee

(17) Where the garnishee does not pay to the sheriff the amount set out in the notice of garnishment as owing by the garnishee to the debtor and does not serve and file a garnishee’s statement, the creditor is entitled on motion to the court, on notice to the garnishee, to an order against the garnishee for payment of the amount that the court finds is payable to the debtor by the garnishee, or the amount set out in the notice, whichever is less.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (17).

Payment by Garnishee to Person other than Sheriff

(18) Where, after service of a notice of garnishment, the garnishee pays a debt attached by the notice to a person other than the sheriff, the garnishee remains liable to pay the debt in accordance with the notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (18).

Effect of Payment to Sheriff

(19) Payment of a debt by a garnishee in accordance with a notice of garnishment is a valid discharge of the debt, as between the garnishee and the debtor, and any co-owner of the debt, to the extent of the payment, including the amount deducted for the cost of making payment under subrule (11).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (19); O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (5).

Creditor to Give Notice when Order Satisfied

(20) When the amount owing under an order that is enforced by garnishment has been paid, the creditor shall forthwith serve a notice of termination of garnishment (Form 60J) on the garnishee and on the sheriff.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.08 (20).

Payment when Debt Jointly Owned

(21) Where a payment of a debt owed to the debtor and one or more co-owners has been made to the sheriff, no notice of motion for a garnishment hearing is delivered and the time for doing so has expired, the creditor may file with the sheriff, within 30 days thereafter,

(a) proof of service of the notice to co-owner; and

(b) an affidavit stating that the creditor believes that no co-owner of the debt is a person under disability and the grounds for the belief.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (6).

(22) The affidavit required by subrule (21) may contain statements of the deponent’s information and belief, if the source of the information and the fact of the belief are specified in the affidavit.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (6).

(23) Where the creditor does not file the material referred to in subrule (21), the sheriff shall return the money to the garnishee.  O. Reg. 536/96, s. 6 (6).

Writ of Sequestration

Leave Required

60.09 (1) A writ of sequestration (Form 60B), directing a sheriff to take possession of and hold the property of a person against whom an order has been made and to collect and hold any income from the property until the person complies with the order, may be issued only with leave of the court, obtained on motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.09 (1).

(2) The court may grant leave to issue a writ of sequestration only where it is satisfied that other enforcement measures are or are likely to be ineffective.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.09 (2).

(3) In granting leave to issue a writ of sequestration, the court may order that the writ be enforced against all or part of the person’s real and personal property.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.09 (3).

Variation or Discharge

(4) The court on motion may discharge or vary a writ of sequestration on such terms as are just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.09 (4).

Writ of Possession

Leave Required

60.10 (1) A writ of possession (Form 60C) may be issued only with leave of the court, obtained on motion without notice or at the time an order entitling a party to possession is made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.10 (1).

(2) The court may grant leave to issue a writ of possession only where it is satisfied that all persons in actual possession of any part of the land have received sufficient notice of the proceeding in which the order was obtained to have enabled them to apply to the court for relief.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.10 (2).

Duration

(3) A writ of possession remains in force for one year from the date of the order authorizing its issue, and may, before its expiry, be renewed by order for a period of one year from each renewal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.10 (3).

Contempt Order

Motion for Contempt Order

60.11 (1) A contempt order to enforce an order requiring a person to do an act, other than the payment of money, or to abstain from doing an act, may be obtained only on motion to a judge in the proceeding in which the order to be enforced was made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (1).

(2) The notice of motion shall be served personally on the person against whom a contempt order is sought, and not by an alternative to personal service, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (2).

(3) An affidavit in support of a motion for a contempt order may contain statements of the deponent’s information and belief only with respect to facts that are not contentious, and the source of the information and the fact of the belief shall be specified in the affidavit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (3).

Warrant for Arrest

(4) A judge may issue a warrant (Form 60K) for the arrest of the person against whom a contempt order is sought where the judge is of the opinion that the person’s attendance at the hearing is necessary in the interest of justice and it appears that the person is not likely to attend voluntarily.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (4).

Content of Order

(5) In disposing of a motion under subrule (1), the judge may make such order as is just, and where a finding of contempt is made, the judge may order that the person in contempt,

(a) be imprisoned for such period and on such terms as are just;

(b) be imprisoned if the person fails to comply with a term of the order;

(c) pay a fine;

(d) do or refrain from doing an act;

(e) pay such costs as are just; and

(f) comply with any other order that the judge considers necessary,

and may grant leave to issue a writ of sequestration under rule 60.09 against the person’s property.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (5).

Where Corporation is in Contempt

(6) Where a corporation is in contempt, the judge may also make an order under subrule (5) against any officer or director of the corporation and may grant leave to issue a writ of sequestration under rule 60.09 against his or her property.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (6).

Warrant of Committal

(7) An order under subrule (5) for imprisonment may be enforced by the issue of a warrant of committal (Form 60L).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (7).

Discharging or Setting Aside Contempt Order

(8) On motion, a judge may discharge, set aside, vary or give directions in respect of an order under subrule (5) or (6) and may grant such other relief and make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (8).

Order that Act be done by Another Person

(9) Where a person fails to comply with an order requiring the doing of an act, other than the payment of money, a judge on motion may, instead of or in addition to making a contempt order, order the act to be done, at the expense of the disobedient person, by the party enforcing the order or any other person appointed by the judge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (9).

(10) The party enforcing the order and any person appointed by the judge are entitled to the costs of the motion under subrule (9) and the expenses incurred in doing the act ordered to be done, fixed by the judge or assessed by an assessment officer in accordance with Rule 58.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.11 (10).

Failure to Comply with Interlocutory Order

60.12 Where a party fails to comply with an interlocutory order, the court may, in addition to any other sanction provided by these rules,

(a) stay the party’s proceeding;

(b) dismiss the party’s proceeding or strike out the party’s defence; or

(c) make such other order as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.12.

Dispute of Ownership of Property Seized by Sheriff

60.13 (1) A person who makes a claim in respect of property or the proceeds of property taken or intended to be taken by a sheriff in the execution of any enforcement process against another person shall give notice to the sheriff of the claim and the address for service of the person making the claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.13 (1); O. Reg. 248/21, s. 13.

(2) On receiving a claim, the sheriff shall forthwith give notice of claim (Form 60M) to every creditor of the debtor who has filed an enforcement process with the sheriff, by mail addressed to the creditor at the address shown on the enforcement process, and the creditor shall within seven days after receiving the notice give the sheriff notice in writing stating whether the creditor admits or disputes the claim.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.13 (2).

(3) Where the sheriff,

(a) receives a notice admitting the claim from every creditor; or

(b) receives a notice admitting the claim from the creditor at whose direction the sheriff took or intended to take the property and does not receive a notice disputing the claim from any other creditor,

he or she shall release the property in respect of which the claim is admitted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.13 (3).

Interpleader Proceedings

(4) Where the sheriff,

(a) does not receive a notice disputing the claim; or

(b) does not receive a notice disputing the claim from the creditor at whose direction the sheriff took or intended to take the property and receives a notice admitting the claim from every other creditor,

the sheriff shall give notice to every creditor who has filed an enforcement process with the sheriff, by mail addressed to the creditor at the address shown on the enforcement process that, unless the creditor seeks an interpleader order under Rule 43 within 60 days of the date of the notice, the sheriff will release the property.  O. Reg. 348/97, s. 5.

(5) Where the sheriff receives a notice disputing the claim, the sheriff shall give notice to the person making the claim by mail addressed to the person’s address for service that, unless the person seeks an interpleader order under Rule 43 within 60 days of the date of the notice, the sheriff shall proceed as if the claim had been abandoned.  O. Reg. 348/97, s. 5; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 9.

Sheriff’s Report on Execution of Writ

60.14 (1) A party or lawyer who has filed a writ with a sheriff may in writing require the sheriff to report the manner in which he or she has executed the writ and the sheriff shall do so forthwith by mailing to the party or lawyer a sheriff’s report (Form 60N).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.14 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

(2) Where the sheriff fails to comply with a request made under subrule (1) within a reasonable time, the party serving the request may move before a judge for an order directing the sheriff to comply with the request.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.14 (2).

Removal or Withdrawal of Writ from Sheriff’s File

Sheriff’s Procedure — Executed and Expired Writs

60.15 (1) When a writ has been fully executed or has expired, the sheriff shall so indicate in his or her file, and the writ shall be removed from the active file, transferred to a separate file of executed, expired and withdrawn writs and retained there.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 27.

Sheriff’s Procedure — Withdrawn Writs

(2) When a writ is withdrawn, the sheriff shall record the date and time of the withdrawal, and if the writ is withdrawn as against all the debtors named in it, it shall be removed from the active file, transferred to a separate file of executed, expired and withdrawn writs and retained there.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 27.

Withdrawal of Writ by Person who Filed It

(3) A person who has filed a writ with a sheriff may withdraw it as against one or more of the debtors named in it by,

(a) giving the sheriff written instructions to that effect; or

(b) subject to rule 60.20, filing a withdrawal of writ electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 16; O. Reg. 487/16, s. 11.

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 43/14, s. 16.

Withdrawal of Writ on Debtor’s Request

(5) When a judgment debt has been released by an order of discharge or by a certificate of full performance under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the debtor may request that the writ be withdrawn by giving the sheriff,

(a) a written request to withdraw the writ (Form 60O); and

(b) a certified copy of the order of discharge or a copy of the certificate of full performance.  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 12.

(6) On receiving the documents described in subrule (5), the sheriff shall forthwith send the creditor, by mail addressed to the creditor at the address shown on the writ, a copy of the documents and a notice that the writ will be withdrawn unless the creditor,

(a) makes a motion for an order under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) that the judgment debt is not released by the order of discharge or certificate of full performance; and

(b) within 30 days after the date of the sheriff’s notice, serves the sheriff with a copy of the notice of motion and a copy of all affidavits and other material served for use on the motion.  O. Reg. 260/05, s. 12.

(7) The sheriff shall withdraw the writ after the day that is 30 days after the date of the notice to the creditor, unless the creditor has taken the steps described in clause (6) (b).  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 27.

(8) If the creditor takes the steps described in clause (6) (b), the sheriff shall not withdraw the writ at the debtor’s request unless the court orders otherwise.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 27.

Duty of Person Filing Writ with Sheriff

60.16 (1) Where a writ of seizure and sale has been filed with a sheriff and any payment has been received by or on behalf of the creditor, the creditor shall forthwith give the sheriff notice of the payment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.16 (1); O. Reg. 259/14, s. 10.

(1.1) Subject to rule 60.20, notice under subrule (1) may be filed with the sheriff electronically. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 17; O. Reg. 487/16, s. 12.

(2) Where an order has been satisfied in full, the creditor shall withdraw all writs of execution relating to the order from the office of any sheriff with whom they have been filed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.16 (2).

(3) Where the creditor fails to withdraw a writ as required by subrule (2), the court on motion by the debtor may order that the writ be withdrawn.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.16 (3).

Motion for Directions

60.17 Where a question arises in relation to the measures to be taken by a sheriff in carrying out an order, writ of execution or notice of garnishment, the sheriff or any interested person may make a motion for directions,

(a) to the judge or officer who made the original order, at any place;

(b) to a judge or officer who had jurisdiction to make the original order, in the sheriff’s county, despite rule 37.03 (where motions to be brought); or

(c) where an appeal has been taken from the original order, to a judge of the court to which the appeal has been taken, at any place.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.17; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 42.

Examination in Aid of Execution

Definitions

60.18 (1) In subrules (2) to (6),

“creditor” includes a person entitled to obtain or enforce a writ of possession, delivery or sequestration; (“créancier”)

“debtor” includes a person against whom a writ of possession, delivery or sequestration may be or has been issued. (“débiteur”)  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.18 (1).

Examination of Debtor

(2) A creditor may examine the debtor in relation to,

(a) the reason for nonpayment or nonperformance of the order;

(b) the debtor’s income and property;

(c) the debts owed to and by the debtor;

(d) the disposal the debtor has made of any property either before or after the making of the order;

(e) the debtor’s present, past and future means to satisfy the order;

(f) whether the debtor intends to obey the order or has any reason for not doing so; and

(g) any other matter pertinent to the enforcement of the order.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.18 (2).

(3) An officer or director of a corporate debtor, or, in the case of a debtor that is a partnership or sole proprietorship, a partner or sole proprietor against whom the order may be enforced, may be examined on behalf of the debtor in relation to the matters set out in subrule (2).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.18 (3).

(4) Only one examination under subrule (2) or (3) may be held in a twelve month period in respect of a debtor in the same proceeding, unless the court orders otherwise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.18 (4).

(5) Where it appears from an examination under subrules (2) to (4) that a debtor has concealed or made away with property to defeat or defraud creditors, a judge may make a contempt order against the debtor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.18 (5).

Examination of Person other than Debtor

(6) Where any difficulty arises concerning the enforcement of an order, the court may,

(a) make an order for the examination of any person who the court is satisfied may have knowledge of the matters set out in subrule (2); and

(b) make such order for the examination of any other person as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.18 (6).

Service on Debtor

(7) Despite clause 34.04 (1) (a) (service on lawyer), a party who is to be examined in aid of execution shall be served with a notice of examination personally or by an alternative to personal service.  O. Reg. 377/95, s. 5; O. Reg. 575/07, s. 1.

Costs of Enforcement

60.19 (1) A party who is entitled to enforce an order is entitled to the costs of the following steps on a partial indemnity scale, unless the court on motion orders otherwise:

1. An examination in aid of execution.

2. The issuing, service, filing, enforcement and renewal of a writ of execution and notice of garnishment.

3. Any other procedure authorized by these rules for enforcing the order.  O. Reg. 206/02, s. 12 (1).

(1.1) For greater certainty, subrule (1) includes costs associated with the electronic filing or issuance under these rules of a writ of seizure and sale or any documents relating to the issuance or enforcement of a writ of seizure and sale. O. Reg. 43/14, s. 18.

(2) A party entitled to costs under subrule (1) may include in or collect under a writ of execution or notice of garnishment,

(a) $50 for the preparation of documents in connection with issuing, renewing and filing with the sheriff the writ of execution or notice of garnishment;

(b) disbursements paid to a sheriff, registrar, official examiner, authorized court transcriptionist or other public officer and to which the party is entitled under subrule (1), on filing with the sheriff or registrar a copy of a receipt for each disbursement;

(c) an amount determined in accordance with Tariff A for conducting an examination in aid of execution, on filing with the sheriff or registrar an affidavit stating that the examination was conducted; and

(d) any other costs to which the party is entitled under subrule (1), on filing with the sheriff or registrar a certificate of assessment of the costs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 60.19 (2); O. Reg. 206/02, s. 12 (2, 3); O. Reg. 168/05, s. 2 (1); O. Reg. 260/05, s. 13; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 19.

(3) A sheriff or registrar may fix costs under clause (2) (c),

(a) if all the parties consent; or

(b) if the lawyer’s fee does not exceed $2,000, exclusive of harmonized sales tax (HST).  O. Reg. 168/05, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 55/12, s. 7.

(4) Under clause (3) (b), the sheriff or registrar shall fix costs of $750 plus disbursements.  O. Reg. 168/05, s. 2 (2).

(5) When costs are to be fixed by the sheriff or registrar under subrule (3), the party who is entitled to costs shall file a bill of costs with the sheriff or registrar.  O. Reg. 168/05, s. 2 (2).

Limit on Electronic Filing, Issuance

60.20 Only the following persons may have documents issued electronically or may file documents electronically under Rule 60:

1. A lawyer or a person licensed under the Law Society Act to provide legal services in Ontario.

2. A person who has filed a requisition with the registrar to provide for the electronic issuance and filing of documents in relation to the enforcement of an order.

3. A Minister or body acting under the authority of an Act of Canada or Ontario. O. Reg. 487/16, s. 13.

APPEALS

RULE 61  APPEALS TO AN APPELLATE COURT

Application of the Rule

61.01 Rules 61.02 to 61.16 apply to all appeals to an appellate court except as provided in clause 62.01 (1) (b) or rule 62.02 and, with necessary modifications, to proceedings in an appellate court by way of,

(a) stated case under a statute;

(b) special case under rule 22.03, subject to any directions given under subrule 22.03 (2); and

(c) reference under section 8 of the Courts of Justice Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.01; O. Reg. 536/96, s. 7; O. Reg. 14/04, s. 28.

Definition

61.02 In rules 61.03 to 61.16,

“Registrar” means,

(a) in the Court of Appeal, the Registrar of the Court of Appeal, or

(b) in the Divisional Court, the registrar in the regional centre of the region where the appeal is to be heard in accordance with subsection 20 (1) of the Courts of Justice Act.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.02.

Motion for Leave to Appeal to Divisional Court

Notice of Motion for Leave

61.03 (1) Where an appeal to the Divisional Court requires the leave of that court, the notice of motion for leave shall,

(a) state that the motion will be heard on a date to be fixed by the Registrar;

(b) be served within 15 days after the making of the order or decision from which leave to appeal is sought, unless a statute provides otherwise; and

(c) be filed with proof of service in the office of the Registrar, within five days after service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.03 (1); O. Reg. 61/96, s. 5 (2); O. Reg. 14/04, s. 29 (1).

Motion Record, Factum and Transcripts

(2) On a motion for leave to appeal to the Divisional Court, the moving party shall serve,

(a) a motion record containing, in consecutively numbered pages arranged in the following order,

(i) a table of contents describing each document, including each exhibit, by its nature and date and, in the case of an exhibit, by exhibit number or letter,

(ii) a copy of the notice of motion,

(iii) a copy of the order or decision from which leave to appeal is sought, as issued and entered,

(iv) a copy of the reasons of the court or tribunal from which leave to appeal is sought with a further typed or printed copy if the reasons are handwritten,

(iv.1) a copy of any order or decision that was the subject of the hearing before the court or tribunal from which leave to appeal is sought,

(iv.2) a copy of any reasons for the order or decision referred to in subclause (iv.1), with a further typed or printed copy if the reasons are handwritten,

(v) a copy of all affidavits and other material used before the court or tribunal from which leave to appeal is sought,

(vi) a list of all relevant transcripts of evidence in chronological order, but not necessarily the transcripts themselves, and

(vii) a copy of any other material in the court file that is necessary for the hearing of the motion;

(b) a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the moving party and the certificate referred to in subrule 61.16 (4.1); and

Note: On September 1, 2024, clause 61.03 (2) (b) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the moving party” at the beginning and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 12 (1))

(c) relevant transcripts of evidence, if they are not included in the motion record,

and shall file three copies of the motion record, factum and transcripts, if any, with proof of service, within thirty days after the filing of the notice of motion for leave to appeal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.03 (2); O. Reg. 61/96, s. 5 (3); O. Reg. 206/02, s. 13 (1); O. Reg. 82/17, s. 6 (1); O. Reg. 12/24, s. 10.

(2.1) Despite subrule (2), only one copy of a motion record, factum or transcript needs to be filed if the filing is done electronically. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 43.

(3) On a motion for leave to appeal to the Divisional Court, the responding party may, where he or she is of the opinion that the moving party’s motion record is incomplete, serve a motion record containing, in consecutively numbered pages arranged in the following order,

(a) a table of contents describing each document, including each exhibit, by its nature and date and, in the case of an exhibit, by exhibit number or letter; and

(b) a copy of any material to be used by the responding party on the motion and not included in the motion record,

and may serve a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the responding party and the certificate referred to in subrule 61.16 (4.1), and shall file three copies of the responding party’s motion record and factum, if any, with proof of service, within fifteen days after service of the moving party’s motion record, factum and transcripts, if any.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.03 (3); O. Reg. 61/96, s. 5 (4); O. Reg. 206/02, s. 13 (2); O. Reg. 82/17, s. 6 (2).

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 61.03 (3) of the Regulation is amended by striking out “a factum consisting of a concise argument stating the facts and law relied on by the responding party” in the portion after clause (b) and substituting “a factum that meets the requirements of rule 4.06.1”. (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 12 (2))

(3.1) Despite subrule (3), only one copy of a motion record or factum needs to be filed if the filing is done electronically. O. Reg. 689/20, s. 43.

Notice and Factum to State Questions on Appeal

(4) The moving party’s notice of motion and factum shall, where practicable, set out the specific questions that it is proposed the Divisional Court should answer if leave to appeal is granted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.03 (4); O. Reg. 61/96, s. 5 (5).

Date for Hearing

(5) The Registrar shall fix a date for the hearing of the motion which shall not, except with the responding party’s consent, be earlier than fifteen days after the filing of the moving party’s motion record, factum and transcripts, if any.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.03 (5).

Time for Delivering Notice of Appeal

(6) Where leave is granted, the notice of appeal shall be delivered within seven days after the granting of leave.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.03 (6).

Costs Appeal Joined with Appeal as of Right

(7) Where a party seeks to join an appeal under clause 133 (b) of the Courts of Justice Act with an appeal as of right,

(a) the request for leave to appeal shall be included in the notice of appeal or in a supplementary notice of appeal as part of the relief sought;

(b) leave to appeal shall be sought from the panel of the Divisional Court hearing the appeal as of right; and

(c) where leave is granted, the panel may then hear the appeal.  O. Reg. 534/95, s. 3; O. Reg. 175/96, s. 1 (1); O. Reg. 14/04, s. 29 (2); O. Reg. 82/17, s. 18, 19.

Costs Cross-Appeal Joined with Appeal or Cross-Appeal as of Right

(8) Where a party seeks to join a cross-appeal under a statute that requires leave for an appeal with an appeal or cross-appeal as of right,

(a) the request for leave to appeal shall be included in the notice of appeal or cross-appeal or in a supplementary notice of appeal or cross-appeal as part of the relief sought;

(b) leave to appeal shall be sought from the panel of the Divisional Court hearing the appeal or cross-appeal as of right; and

(c) where leave is granted, the panel may then hear the appeal.  O. Reg. 534/95, s. 3; O. Reg. 175/96, s. 1 (2); O. Reg. 206/02, s. 13 (3); O. Reg. 14/04, s. 29 (3); O. Reg. 394/09, s. 24; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 18, 19.

Application of Rules

(9) Subrules (1) to (6) do not apply where subrules (7) and (8) apply.  O. Reg. 175/96, s. 1 (3).

Motion for Leave to Appeal to Court of Appeal

Motion in Writing

61.03.1 (1) Where an appeal to the Court of Appeal requires the leave of that court, the motion for leave shall be heard in writing, without the attendance of parties or lawyers.  O. Reg. 333/96, s. 2 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, s. 4.

Notice of Motion

(2) The notice of motion for leave to appeal shall state that the motion will be heard on a date to be fixed by the Registrar. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 7 (1).

(3) The notice of motion,

(a) shall be served within 15 days after the making of the order or decision from which leave to appeal is sought, unless a statute provides otherwise; and

(b) shall be filed with proof of service in the office of the Registrar within five days after service.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6; O. Reg. 14/04, s. 30 (1).

Moving Party’s Motion Record, Factum and Transcripts

(4) The moving party shall serve a motion record and transcripts of evidence, if any, as provided in subrule 61.03 (2), and a factum consisting of the following elements:

1. Part I, containing a statement identifying the moving party and the court from which it is proposed to appeal, and stating the result in that court.

2. Part II, containing a concise summary of the facts relevant to the issues on the proposed appeal, with such reference to the evidence by page and line as is necessary.

3. Part III, containing the specific questions that it is proposed the court should answer if leave to appeal is granted.

4. Part IV, containing a statement of each issue raised, immediately followed by a concise statement of the law and authorities relating to that issue.

5. Schedule A, containing a list of the authorities referred to.

6. Schedule B, containing the text of all relevant provisions of statutes, regulations and by-laws.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6; O. Reg. 333/96, s. 2 (2).

(5) Parts I to IV shall be arranged in paragraphs numbered consecutively throughout the factum.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6.

(6) The moving party shall file three printed copies of the motion record, factum and transcripts, if any, and an electronic version of the factum, and may file three copies of a book of authorities, if any, with proof of service, within 30 days after the filing of the notice of motion for leave to appeal.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 7 (2).

Responding Party’s Motion Record and Factum

(7) The responding party may, if of the opinion that the moving party’s motion record is incomplete, serve a motion record as provided in subrule 61.03 (3).  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6; O. Reg. 333/96, s. 2 (3).

(8) The responding party shall serve a factum consisting of the following elements:

1. Part I, containing a statement of the facts in the moving party’s summary of relevant facts that the responding party accepts as correct and those facts with which the responding party disagrees and a concise summary of any additional facts relied on, with such reference to the evidence by page and line as is necessary.

2. Part II, containing the responding party’s position with respect to each issue raised by the moving party, immediately followed by a concise statement of the law and authorities relating to it.

3. Part III, containing a statement of any additional issues raised by the responding party, the statement of each issue to be followed by a concise statement of the law and authorities relating to it.

4. Schedule A, containing a list of the authorities referred to.

5. Schedule B, containing the text of all relevant provisions of statutes, regulations and by-laws.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6.

(9) Parts I to III shall be arranged in paragraphs numbered consecutively throughout the factum.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6.

(10) The responding party shall file three printed copies of the factum, and of the motion record, if any, and an electronic version of the factum, with proof of service, within 25 days after service of the moving party’s motion record and other documents.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 7 (3).

Moving Party’s Reply Factum

(11) If the responding party’s factum raises an issue on which the moving party has not taken a position in the moving party’s factum, that party may serve a reply factum.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6.

(12) The reply factum shall contain consecutively numbered paragraphs setting out the moving party’s position on the issue, followed by a concise statement of the law and authorities relating to it.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6.

(13) The moving party shall file three copies of the reply factum with proof of service within 10 days after service of the responding party’s factum.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6.

Date for Hearing

(14) The Registrar shall fix a date for the hearing of the motion, which shall not be before the earlier of the filing of the moving party’s reply factum, if any, and the expiry of the time for filing the moving party’s reply factum. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 7 (4).

Oral Hearing

(15) If, on considering the written materials, the court determines that an oral hearing is warranted, the court shall, despite subrule (1), order an oral hearing to determine the motion, and the Registrar shall fix a date for it. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 7 (4).

Time for Delivering Notice of Appeal

(16) Where leave is granted, the notice of appeal shall be delivered within seven days after the granting of leave.  O. Reg. 61/96, s. 6.

Costs Appeal Joined with Appeal as of Right

(17) Where a party seeks to join an appeal under clause 133 (b) of the Courts of Justice Act with an appeal as of right,

(a) the request for leave to appeal shall be included in the notice of appeal or in a supplementary notice of appeal as part of the relief sought;

(b) leave to appeal shall be sought from the panel of the Court of Appeal hearing the appeal as of right;

(c) where leave is granted, the panel may then hear the appeal.  O. Reg. 175/96, s. 2; O. Reg. 14/04, s. 30 (2); O. Reg. 82/17, s. 18, 19.

Costs Cross-Appeal Joined with Appeal or Cross-Appeal as of Right

(18) Where a party seeks to join a cross-appeal under a statute that requires leave for an appeal with an appeal or cross-appeal as of right,

(a) the request for leave to appeal shall be included in the notice of appeal or cross-appeal or in a supplementary notice of appeal or cross-appeal as part of the relief sought;

(b) leave to appeal shall be sought from the panel of the Court of Appeal hearing the appeal or cross-appeal as of right;

(c) where leave is granted, the panel may then hear the appeal.  O. Reg. 175/96, s. 2; O. Reg. 206/02, s. 14; O. Reg. 14/04, s. 30 (3); O. Reg. 394/09, s. 25; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 18, 19.

Application of Rules

(19) Subrules (1) to (16) do not apply where subrules (17) and (18) apply.  O. Reg. 175/96, s. 2.

Commencement of Appeals

Time for Appeal and Service of Notice

61.04 (1) An appeal to an appellate court shall be commenced by serving a notice of appeal (Form 61A or 61A.1) together with the certificate required by subrule 61.05 (1), within 30 days after the making of the order appealed from, unless a statute or these rules provide otherwise,

(a) on every party whose interest may be affected by the appeal, subject to subrule (1.1); and

(b) on any person entitled by statute to be heard on the appeal. O. Reg. 14/04, s. 31; O. Reg. 536/18, s. 2 (1).

(1.1) The notice of appeal and certificate need not be served on,

(a) a defendant who was noted in default; or

(b) a respondent who has not delivered a notice of appearance, unless the respondent was heard at the hearing with leave.  O. Reg. 14/04, s. 31.

Title of Proceeding

(2) The title of the proceeding in an appeal shall be in accordance with Form 61B.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.04 (2).

Notice of Appeal

(3) The notice of appeal (Form 61A or 61A.1) shall state,

(a) the relief sought;

(b) the grounds of appeal; and

(c) the basis for the appellate court’s jurisdiction, including references to,

(i) any provision of a statute or regulation establishing jurisdiction,

(ii) whether the order appealed from is final or interlocutory,

(iii) whether leave to appeal is necessary and if so whether it has been granted, and

(iv) any other facts relevant to establishing jurisdiction. O. Reg. 19/03, s. 11; O. Reg. 536/18, s. 2 (2).

(4) The notice of appeal, with proof of service, shall be filed in accordance with subrule 4.05 (4) (leaving in or mailing to court office) in the Registrar’s office within ten days after service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.04 (4).

Certificate or Agreement Respecting Evidence

Appellant’s Certificate Respecting Evidence

61.05 (1) In order to minimize the number of documents and the length of the transcript required for an appeal, the appellant shall serve and file, with proof of service, with the notice of appeal an appellant’s certificate respecting evidence (Form 61C) setting out only the portions of the evidence that, in the appellant’s opinion, are required for the appeal.  O. Reg. 570/98, s. 5; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 8 (1).

Respondent’s Certificate Respecting Evidence

(2) Within fifteen days after service of the appellant’s certificate, the respondent shall serve on the appellant, and file with proof of service, a respondent’s certificate respecting evidence (Form 61D), confirming the appellant’s certificate or setting out any additions to or deletions from it.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.05 (2); O. Reg. 82/17, s. 8 (2).

(3) A respondent who fails to serve and file a respondent’s certificate within the prescribed time shall be deemed to have confirmed the appellant’s certificate.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.05 (3); O. Reg. 82/17, s. 8 (3).

Agreement Respecting Evidence

(4) Instead of complying with subrules (1) to (3), the parties may, within thirty days after service of the notice of appeal, make an agreement respecting the documents to be included in the appeal book and compendium and the transcript required for the appeal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.05 (4); O. Reg. 19/03, s. 12.

Ordering Transcripts

(5) The appellant shall within thirty days after filing the notice of appeal file proof that the appellant has ordered a transcript of all oral evidence that the parties have not agreed to omit, subject to any direction under subrule 61.09 (4) (relief from compliance).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.05 (5).

(6) A party who has previously ordered a transcript of oral evidence shall forthwith modify the order in writing to comply with the certificates or agreement.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.05 (6).

(7) When the evidence has been transcribed, the authorized court transcriptionist shall forthwith give written notice to all parties and the Registrar.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.05 (7); O. Reg. 170/14, s. 20.

Costs Sanctions for Unnecessary Evidence

(8) The court may impose costs sanctions where evidence is transcribed or exhibits are reproduced unnecessarily.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.05 (8).

Security for Costs of Appeal

61.06 (1) In an appeal where it appears that,

(a) there is good reason to believe that the appeal is frivolous and vexatious and that the appellant has insufficient assets in Ontario to pay the costs of the appeal;

(b) an order for security for costs could be made against the appellant under rule 56.01; or

(c) for other good reason, security for costs should be ordered,

a judge of the appellate court, on motion by the respondent, may make such order for security for costs of the proceeding and of the appeal as is just.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.06 (1); O. Reg. 465/93, s. 6.

(1.1) If an order is made under subrule (1), rules 56.04, 56.05, 56.07 and 56.08 apply, with necessary modifications.  O. Reg. 288/99, s. 21.

(2) If an appellant fails to comply with an order under subrule (1), a judge of the appellate court on motion may dismiss the appeal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.06 (2).

Cross-Appeals

61.07 (1) A respondent who,

(a) seeks to set aside or vary the order appealed from; or

(b) will seek, if the appeal is allowed in whole or in part, other relief or a different disposition than the order appealed from,

shall, within fifteen days after service of the notice of appeal, serve a notice of cross-appeal (Form 61E) on all parties whose interests may be affected by the cross-appeal and on any person entitled by statute to be heard on the appeal, stating the relief sought and the grounds of the cross-appeal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.07 (1).

(1.1) A respondent may, subject to subrule (1.2), serve a notice of cross-appeal without obtaining leave to appeal for the cross-appeal if,

(a) there is an appeal as of right; or

(b) leave to appeal has been granted.  O. Reg. 206/02, s. 15.

(1.2) The respondent shall obtain leave to appeal in the manner provided by subrule 61.03 (8) or 61.03.1 (18), as the case may be, if the cross-appeal is taken under a statute that requires leave for an appeal.  O. Reg. 394/09, s. 26.

(2) The notice of cross-appeal, with proof of service, shall be filed in the office of the Registrar within ten days after service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.07 (2).

(3) Where a respondent has not delivered a notice of cross-appeal, no cross-appeal may be heard except with leave of the court hearing the appeal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.07 (3).

Amendment of Notice of Appeal or Cross-Appeal

Supplementary Notice to be Served and Filed

61.08 (1) The notice of appeal or cross-appeal may be amended without leave, before the appeal is perfected, by serving on each of the parties on whom the notice was served a supplementary notice of appeal or cross-appeal (Form 61F) and filing it with proof of service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.08 (1).

Argument Limited to Grounds Stated

(2) No grounds other than those stated in the notice of appeal or cross-appeal or supplementary notice may be relied on at the hearing, except with leave of the court hearing the appeal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.08 (2).

Relief Limited

(3) No relief other than that sought in the notice of appeal or cross-appeal or supplementary notice may be sought at the hearing, except with the leave of the court hearing the appeal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.08 (3).

Perfecting Appeals

Time for Perfecting

61.09 (1) The appellant shall perfect the appeal by complying with subrules (2) and (3),

(a) where no transcript of evidence is required for the appeal, within thirty days after filing the notice of appeal; or

(b) where a transcript of evidence is required for the appeal, within 60 days after receiving notice that the evidence has been transcribed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.09 (1); O. Reg. 570/98, s. 6 (1).

Record and Exhibits Only If Required

(2) If the appellant or the respondent believes that a part of the record or the original exhibits from the court or tribunal from which the appeal is taken is required for the proper hearing of the appeal, the appellant or respondent may move before a judge of the appellate court for an order that they be sent to the Registrar.  O. Reg. 24/00, s. 8; O. Reg. 653/00, s. 5.

Material to be Served and Filed

(3) The appellant shall,

(a) serve on every other party to the appeal and any other person entitled by statute or an order under rule 13.03 (intervention in appeal) to be heard on the appeal,

(i) the appeal book and compendium referred to in rule 61.10,

(ii) the exhibit book referred to in rule 61.10.1,

(iii) in the case of a proceeding in the Court of Appeal or if ordered by the court, a typed or printed copy of the transcript of evidence,

(iv) an electronic version of the transcript of evidence, and

(v) a typed or printed copy of the appellant’s factum referred to in rule 61.11;

(b) file with the Registrar, with proof of service,

(i) three copies of the appeal book and compendium, and where the appeal is to be heard by five judges, two additional copies,

(ii) one copy of the exhibit book,

(iii) in the case of a proceeding in the Court of Appeal or if ordered by the court, a typed or printed copy of the transcript of evidence,

(iv) an electronic version of the transcript of evidence,

(v) three typed or printed copies of the appellant’s factum, and where the appeal is to be heard by five judges, two additional copies, and

(vi) an electronic version of the appellant’s factum; and

(c) serve on every person served under clause (a), and file with the Registrar, a certificate of perfection,

(i) stating that the appeal book and compendium, exhibit book, transcripts, if any, and appellant’s factum have been filed, and

(ii) setting out, with respect to every party to the appeal and any other person entitled by statute or by an order under rule 13.03 (intervention in appeal) to be heard on the appeal,

(A) the name, address and telephone number of the party’s or other person’s lawyer, or

(B) the name, address for service and telephone number of the party or other person, if acting in person.  O. Reg. 570/98, s. 6 (2); O. Reg. 19/03, s. 13 (1-3); O. Reg. 260/05, s. 14; O. Reg. 170/14, s. 21; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 9; O. Reg. 689/20, s. 44; O. Reg. 248/21, s. 13.

Relief from Compliance

(4) If it is necessary to do so in the interest of justice, a judge of the appellate court may give special directions and vary the rules governing the appeal book and compendium, the exhibit book, the transcript of evidence and the appellant’s factum.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 13 (4).

Notice of Listing for Hearing

(5) When an appeal is perfected, the Registrar shall place it on the list of cases to be heard at the appropriate place of hearing and shall mail a notice of listing for hearing (Form 61G) to every person listed in the certificate of perfection.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.09 (5).

Appeal Book and Compendium

61.10 (1) The appeal book and compendium shall contain, in consecutively numbered pages with numbered tabs arranged in the following order,

(a) a table of contents describing each document by its nature and date;

(b) a copy of the notice of appeal and of any notice of cross-appeal or supplementary notice of appeal or cross-appeal;

(c) a copy of the order or decision appealed from as issued and entered;

(d) a copy of the reasons of the court or tribunal appealed from, with a further typed or printed copy if the reasons are handwritten;

(e) if an earlier order or decision was the subject of the hearing before the court or tribunal appealed from, a copy of the order or decision, as issued and entered, and a copy of any reasons for it, with a further typed or printed copy if the reasons are handwritten;

(f) a copy of the pleadings or notice of application or of any other document that initiated the proceeding or defines the issues in it;

(g) a copy of any excerpts from a transcript of evidence that are referred to in the appellant’s factum;

(h) a copy of any exhibits that are referred to in the appellant’s factum;

(i) a copy of any other documents relevant to the hearing of the appeal that are referred to in the appellant’s factum;

(j) a copy of the certificates or agreement respecting evidence referred to in rule 61.05;

(k) a copy of any order made in respect of the conduct of the appeal; and

(l) a certificate (Form 61H) signed by the appellant’s lawyer, or on the lawyer’s behalf by someone he or she has specifically authorized, stating that the contents of the appeal book and compendium are complete and legible.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 14; O. Reg. 12/24, s. 10.

Note: On September 1, 2024, rule 61.10 of the Regulation is amended by adding the following subrule: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 13)

(1.1) If the appeal book and compendium is filed electronically in the Divisional Court, each document listed in the table of contents shall be hyperlinked in accordance with paragraph 3 of subrule 4.05.3 (7), with necessary modifications. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 13.

(2) The Registrar may refuse to accept an appeal book and compendium if it does not comply with these rules or is not legible.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 14.

Exhibit Book

61.10.1 The exhibit book shall contain, in consecutively numbered pages with numbered tabs arranged in the following order,

(a) a table of contents describing each exhibit by its nature, date and exhibit number or letter;

(b) any affidavit evidence, including exhibits, that the parties have not agreed to omit;

(c) transcripts of evidence used on a motion or application that the parties have not agreed to omit; and

(d) a copy of each exhibit filed at a hearing or marked on an examination that the parties have not agreed to omit, arranged in order by date (or, if there are documents with common characteristics, grouped accordingly in order by date) and not by exhibit number.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 15.

Appellant’s Factum

61.11 (1) The appellant’s factum shall be signed by the appellant’s lawyer, or on the lawyer’s behalf by someone he or she has specifically authorized, and shall consist of,

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 61.11 (1) of the Regulation is amended by striking out the portion before clause (a) and substituting the following: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 14)

Appellant’s Factum

(1) The appellant’s factum shall meet the requirements of rule 4.06.1, be signed by the appellant’s lawyer, or on the lawyer’s behalf by someone the lawyer has specifically authorized, and consist of,

(a) Part I, containing a statement identifying the appellant and the court or tribunal appealed from and stating the result in that court or tribunal;

(b) Part II, containing a concise overview statement describing the nature of the case and of the issues;

(c) Part III, containing a concise summary of the facts relevant to the issues on the appeal, with such reference to the transcript of evidence and the exhibits as is necessary;

(d) Part IV, containing a statement of each issue raised, immediately followed by a concise argument with reference to the law and authorities relating to that issue;

(d.1) Part V, containing a statement of the order that the appellate court will be asked to make, including any order for costs;

(e) a certificate stating,

(i) that an order under subrule 61.09 (2) (original record and exhibits) has been obtained or is not required,

(ii) how much time (expressed in hours or fractions of an hour) the lawyer estimates will be required for the lawyer’s oral argument, not including reply,

(iii) that the factum complies with subrule (3) or, if applicable, with an order referred to in that subrule,

(iv) the number of words contained in Parts I to V, and

(v) that the person signing the certificate is satisfied as to the authenticity of every authority listed in Schedule A;

(f) Schedule A, containing a list of the authorities referred to; and

(g) Schedule B, containing the text of all relevant provisions of statutes, regulations and by-laws.  O. Reg. 534/95, s. 4; O. Reg. 570/98, s. 9 (1); O. Reg. 24/00, s. 9; O. Reg. 19/03, s. 16 (1); O. Reg. 575/07, ss. 4, 27; O. Reg. 383/23, s. 2 (1).

(1.1) References to the transcript of evidence shall be by tab, page number and line in the appeal book and compendium, and references to exhibits shall be by page number in the exhibit book and by tab and page number in the appeal book and compendium.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 16 (2).

(2) Parts I to V shall be arranged in paragraphs numbered consecutively throughout the factum.  O. Reg. 534/95, s. 4; O. Reg. 570/98, s. 9 (2).

(3) Parts I to V shall not exceed 9,200 words and 40 pages, except with leave of the court. O. Reg. 383/23, s. 2 (2).

(4) In counting words for the purposes of subclause (1) (e) (iv) and subrule (3), every word used in Parts I to V of the factum shall be counted regardless of where it is used, including, for greater certainty, words used in citations, footnotes, headings or charts, diagrams or other visual aids. O. Reg. 383/23, s. 2 (2).

(5) An authority that is published on a government website or otherwise by a government printer, on the Canadian Legal Information Institute website (CanLII), on a court’s website or by a commercial publisher of court decisions is presumed to be authentic for the purposes of subclause (1) (e) (v), absent evidence to the contrary. O. Reg. 383/23, s. 2 (2).

Respondent’s Factum and Compendium

Filing and Service

61.12 (1) Every respondent shall,

(a) serve on every other party to the appeal,

(i) a typed or printed copy of the respondent’s factum, and

(ii) the respondent’s compendium;

(b) file with the Registrar, with proof of service,

(i) three typed or printed copies of the respondent’s factum, and where the appeal is to be heard by five judges, two additional copies, and

(ii) three copies of the respondent’s compendium, and where the appeal is to be heard by five judges, two additional copies; and

(c) file with the Registrar an electronic version of the respondent’s factum.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 17.

Time for Delivery

(2) The respondent’s factum and compendium shall be delivered within 60 days after service of the appeal book and compendium, exhibit book, transcript of evidence, if any, and appellant’s factum.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 17.

Contents of Respondent’s Factum

(3) The respondent’s factum shall be signed by the respondent’s lawyer, or on the lawyer’s behalf by someone he or she has specifically authorized, and shall consist of,

Note: On September 1, 2024, subrule 61.12 (3) of the Regulation is amended by striking out the portion before clause (a) and substituting the following: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 15 (1))

Contents of Respondent’s Factum

(3) The respondent’s factum shall meet the requirements of rule 4.06.1, be signed by the respondent’s lawyer, or on the lawyer’s behalf by someone the lawyer has specifically authorized, and consist of,

(a) Part I, containing a concise overview statement describing the nature of the case and of the issues;

(b) Part II, containing a statement of the facts in the appellant’s summary of relevant facts that the respondent accepts as correct and those facts with which the respondent disagrees, and a concise summary of any additional facts relied on, with such reference to the transcript of evidence and the exhibits as is necessary;

(c) Part III, containing the position of the respondent with respect to each issue raised by the appellant, immediately followed by a concise argument with reference to the law and authorities relating to that issue;

(d) Part IV, containing a statement of any additional issues raised by the respondent, the statement of each issue to be followed by a concise argument with reference to the law and authorities relating to that issue;

(e) Part V, containing a statement of the order that the appellate court will be asked to make, including any order for costs;

(f) a certificate stating,

(i) that an order under subrule 61.09 (2) (original record and exhibits) has been obtained or is not required,

(ii) how much time (expressed in hours or fractions of an hour) the lawyer estimates will be required for the lawyer’s oral argument, not including reply,

(iii) that the factum complies with subrule (5.1) or, if applicable, with an order referred to in that subrule,

(iv) the number of words contained in Parts I to V, and

(v) that the person signing the certificate is satisfied as to the authenticity of every authority listed in Schedule A;

(g) Schedule A, containing a list of the authorities referred to; and

(h) Schedule B, containing the text of all relevant provisions of statutes, regulations and by-laws that are not included in Schedule B to the appellant’s factum.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 17; O. Reg. 575/07, ss. 4, 28; O. Reg. 383/23, s. 3 (1).

(4) References to the transcript of evidence shall be by tab, page number and line in the respondent’s compendium, and references to exhibits shall be by page number in the exhibit book and by tab and page number in the respondent’s compendium.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 17.

(5) Parts I to V shall be arranged in paragraphs numbered consecutively throughout the factum.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 17.

(5.1) Parts I to V shall not exceed 9,200 words and 40 pages, except with leave of the court. O. Reg. 383/23, s. 3 (2).

(5.2) In counting words for the purposes of subclause (3) (f) (iv) and subrule (5.1), every word used in Parts I to V of the factum shall be counted regardless of where it is used, including, for greater certainty, words used in citations, footnotes, headings or charts, diagrams or other visual aids. O. Reg. 383/23, s. 3 (2).

(5.3) An authority that is published on a government website or otherwise by a government printer, on the Canadian Legal Information Institute website (CanLII), on a court’s website or by a commercial publisher of court decisions is presumed to be authentic for the purposes of subclause (3) (f) (v), absent evidence to the contrary. O. Reg. 383/23, s. 3 (2).

Cross-Appeal

(6) Where a respondent has served a notice of cross-appeal under rule 61.07,

(a) the respondent shall prepare a factum as an appellant by cross-appeal and deliver it with or incorporate it in the respondent’s factum; and

(b) the appellant shall deliver a factum as a respondent to the cross-appeal within 10 days after service of the respondent’s factum.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 17.

Contents of Respondent’s Compendium

(7) The respondent’s compendium shall contain, in consecutively numbered pages with numbered tabs arranged in the following order,

(a) a table of contents describing each document by its nature and date;

(b) a copy of any excerpts from a transcript of evidence that are referred to in the respondent’s factum;

(c) a copy of any exhibits that are referred to in the respondent’s factum; and

(d) a copy of any other documents relevant to the hearing of the appeal that are referred to in the respondent’s factum.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 17.

Note: On September 1, 2024, rule 61.12 of the Regulation is amended by adding the following subrule: (See: O. Reg. 300/24, s. 15 (2))

(7.1) If the respondent’s compendium is filed electronically in the Divisional Court, each document listed in the table of contents shall be hyperlinked in accordance with paragraph 3 of subrule 4.05.3 (7), with necessary modifications. O. Reg. 300/24, s. 15 (2).

Relief from Compliance

(8) If it is necessary to do so in the interest of justice, a judge of the appellate court may give special directions and vary the rules governing the respondent’s factum and the respondent’s compendium.  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 17.

61.12.1 Revoked:  O. Reg. 19/03, s. 18.

Dismissal for Delay

Motion by Respondent

61.13 (1) Where an appellant has not,

(a) filed proof that a transcript of evidence that the parties have not agreed to omit was ordered within the time prescribed by subrule 61.05 (5); or

(b) perfected the appeal within the time prescribed by subrule 61.09 (1),

the respondent may make a motion to the Registrar, on ten days notice to the appellant, to have the appeal dismissed for delay.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.13 (1); O. Reg. 351/94, s. 5; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 10 (1).

Notice by Registrar

(2) Where the appellant has not,

(a) filed a transcript of evidence within 60 days after the Registrar received notice that the evidence has been transcribed; or

(b) perfected the appeal within one year after filing the notice of appeal,

the Registrar may serve notice on the appellant that the appeal will be dismissed for delay unless it is perfected within ten days after service of the notice.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.13 (2); O. Reg. 570/98, s. 12 (1).

(2.1) Where no transcript of evidence is required for the appeal and the appellant has not perfected it within the time prescribed by subrule 61.09 (1), the Registrar may serve notice on the appellant that the appeal will be dismissed for delay unless it is perfected within 10 days after service of the notice.  O. Reg. 554/96, s. 1; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 10 (2).

Registrar to Dismiss where Default not Cured

(3) Where the appellant does not cure the default,

(a) in the case of a motion under subrule (1), before the hearing of the motion; or

(b) in the case of a notice under subrule (2) or (2.1), within ten days after service of the notice,

or within such longer period as a judge of the appellate court allows, the Registrar shall make an order in (Form 61I) dismissing the appeal for delay, with costs fixed at $750, despite rule 58.13 and shall serve the order on the parties.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194, r. 61.13 (3); O. Reg. 534/95, s. 6 (2); O. Reg. 168/05, s. 3; O. Reg. 82/17, s. 10 (3).

Registrar to Dismiss where Time Prescribed by Court

(3.1) Where an appellant has not perfected the appeal within the time prescribed by an order of the appellate court or a judge of that court, the Registrar shall make an order in (Form 61I) dismissing the appeal for delay, with costs fixed at $750, despite rule 58.13 and shall serve the order on the parties. O. Reg. 82/17, s. 10 (4).

Cross-Appeals

(4) Whe