A move back towards virtual hearings: RSJ Council has resolved to schedule two virtual sittings

Chief Justice Morawetz sent the following Memorandum today:
 

The Superior Court of Justice Regional Senior Judges Council ("RSJ Council") is commencing an initiative to address the backlog of civil trials that developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to provide timely access to justice in civil cases, RSJ Council has resolved to schedule two, four-week long virtual trial sittings for civil, non-jury cases. Judicial resources from across the province will be pooled to provide pre-trial and trial dates.

The first sitting will target cases in Southwest Region. Cases will be selected based on age and likelihood of being scheduled for trial within a reasonable amount of time. During the second sitting, cases from all regions will be considered for inclusion based on the same criteria.

Key points:
Two, four-week long trial sittings will be held on the following dates:
November 14, 2023 to December 8, 2023
April 1, 2024 to April 26, 2024
Civil, non-jury trials will be scheduled
Both pre-trial conferences and trials will be held virtually
Use of CaseLines will be mandatory
 

In the coming weeks, parties will begin receiving pre-trial and trial dates. In cases selected, counsel and witnesses must make themselves available all day, every weekday during the sitting to ensure the efficient use of the Court's time.

The Chief Justices Office would like to receive feedback from lawyers who have experience with the first sitting to ensure the second is as effective as possible. Please provide any feedback on the experience with the first sitting.

So what are your thoughts of this development?