TORONTO —The Ontario government is investing $166 million to deliver more legal services online, replacing outdated paper-based procedures with a digital platform that will support access to the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice.
“Ontario is one step closer to a digital justice system that helps people resolve legal matters easier and faster,” said Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario. “Today marks a significant new chapter in our government’s plan to build a more modern, accessible and effective justice system now and into the future.”
Thomson Reuters has been awarded the contract to deliver the new digital justice platform which will allow court users to:
file documents quickly and easily online
digitally access court case information online
pay fees online
connect virtually to hearings
manage court appearances online
receive decisions electronically
The Courts Digital Transformation initiative was first announced in November 2021 and is a major part of the province’s Justice Accelerated Strategy, a multi-year plan to harness new and existing technology to break down barriers in the justice system and speed up access to services – remotely, in-person and online.
Quick Facts
Ontario’s Justice Accelerated Strategy was first announced in March 2021.
In February 2022, the Ontario government announced an investment of $65 million over five years to ensure more courtrooms across the province are equipped with technology to enable people to access hearings through video or audio.
As of June 2023, court users can electronically submit over 700 different types of court documents for family, civil, divisional and small claims court matters.
Quotes
"We applaud the government’s investment and support towards the modernization of court processes, procedures and technology. The Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice remain committed partners in this critical modernization project and to collaborating with our justice partners to replace several antiquated technology programs with a more seamless and streamlined system to support both courts and across business lines."
- Geoffrey Morawetz and Sharon Nicklas
Chief Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Chief Justice, Ontario Court of Justice
"Together, Ontario and Thomson Reuters will transform Ontario’s courts into one of the most modern and accessible justice systems in North America. As a Canadian company, we are proud that our technology will help improve access to justice in our home province"
- David Wong Chief Product Officer, Thomson Reuters
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