New Brunswick, P.E.I. law societies shut their doors

By Terry Davidson

Law360 Canada (March 19, 2020, 12:41 PM EDT) -- The law societies of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have closed their doors in light of COVID-19.

Both Maritime regulatory bodies made their respective announcements earlier this week.   

The Law Society of New Brunswick sent notice to its members that in keeping with a work-from-home directive issued by its provincial government, it would shut its doors and have its employees work from home.

“Please continue to use your usual means of communications with the law society and its staff, bearing in mind that replies from staff may be delayed,” stated an e-mail to members.

All in-person events have been cancelled until the end of April and there will be attempts to have law society council and committee meetings held by teleconference.

All bar admission courses, discoveries, mediations and in-person events hosted by the law society have been cancelled until the end of April. Discipline hearings have also been cancelled unless they are done by teleconference or video conference.

“This evolving pandemic needs to be taken very seriously and if you haven’t yet turned your mind to how technology can be used to keep matters moving while preserving and protecting your health, the health of your staff and the health of your clients at this uncertain time, it would be very wise to do so,” stated the law society to members.

As of March 19, New Brunswick had two confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nine presumptive.  

Meanwhile, the Law Society of Prince Edward Island has taken similar steps, closing its offices and library until April 3.

“While our office is physically closed during this time, our staff is available remotely during our office hours … via [LAWSOCIETY@LSPEI.PE.CA] for assistance,” states an announcement on the law society’s website.

According to a provincial government webpage, P.E.I. has one confirmed case of COVID-19.