The applicant sought a 60-day extension to serve his hearing materials and an adjournment of his hearing and review of an IIROC decision to September 2020.
He cited his counsel's health issues, the unavailability of one of his lawyers, and difficulties accessing physical files due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Staff of IIROC and the OSC opposed the request.
The Commission found that while COVID-19 restrictions and the need to await a decision on a summons did not justify the delay, the combination of lead counsel's health issues, the departure of co-counsel, and the applicant's inability to retain new counsel constituted exceptional circumstances.
The Commission granted the 60-day extension for materials and adjourned the hearing to July 2020, balancing the applicant's right to participate with the public interest in timely proceedings.
