Application judge failed to consider prejudice caused to alleged contemnor

Federal appeal | Courts

STAY OF PROCEEDINGS

Application judge failed to consider prejudice caused to alleged contemnor

Both appellant and respondent sought same relief, namely that stay imposed by application judge be set aside and that matter be returned to him for decision based on record before him. While judge has inherent jurisdiction to control process before him, and inherent jurisdiction to adjourn or stay proceeding, that discretion must be exercised judicially, with regard to potential prejudice caused by adjournment or stay. Here, application judge failed to consider prejudice caused to alleged contemnor, which was entitled to prompt resolution of allegations against it, based on evidence parties chose to put before court. Appeal was allowed. Stay imposed by application judge was set aside and matter ordered returned to him for decision on basis of record before him.

Bremsak v. P.I.P.S.C.
(Sep. 20, 2011, F.C.A., Dawson, Pelletier and Noel JJ.A., File No. A-160-11) 207 A.C.W.S. (3d) 262 (4 pp.).

Free newsletter

Our newsletter is FREE and keeps you up to date on all the developments in the Ontario legal community. Please enter your email address below to subscribe.

Recent articles & video

Extension would harm the public interest by delaying environmental enforcement: Ont. Court of Appeal

Ont. Superior Court overturns default judgment, finds arguable defence in a vehicle collision case

Kelley McKinnon and Patricia Olasker appointed to Ontario Securities Commission board of directors

Court of Appeal overturns convictions finding Crown breached accused’s confidential informant status

Federation of Ontario Law Associations urges federal government to address judicial vacancy crisis

Ontario Superior Court upholds BMW's right to redact documents in class action lawsuit

Most Read Articles

Appeal court confirms doctors liable in medical malpractice case concerning law of informed consent

Queen’s Taylor Swift course 'Law (Taylor’s Version)' uses singer as entertainment law case study

Court of Appeal overturns convictions finding Crown breached accused’s confidential informant status

Ontario Superior Court upholds BMW's right to redact documents in class action lawsuit