The accused, charged with impaired driving, brought an application for a stay of proceedings under s. 11(b) of the Charter, arguing unreasonable delay.
The total delay from arrest to the anticipated end of trial was over 25 months.
The court deducted defence delay and a significant period of delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as an exceptional circumstance.
The remaining delay fell below the 18-month presumptive ceiling.
The court found the defence did not demonstrate a sustained effort to expedite the proceedings, and the application was dismissed.
