The applicant brought a 14B motion requesting leave for his counsel to attend an upcoming settlement conference virtually.
The applicant argued that his counsel practices in London, an hour away from the Sarnia courthouse, and in-person attendance would cause unnecessary expense.
The court dismissed the motion, noting the Chief Justice's directive that settlement conferences occur in person, the lack of evidence regarding how the applicant would participate and consult privately with counsel, and the fact that respondent's counsel was travelling from Toronto.
The court emphasized that in-person attendance was necessary for meaningful negotiations, especially given the age of the case and the applicant's prior non-compliance with disclosure orders.
