Chief Justice of Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench Advocates Triple-Booking Trials to Alleviate Court Delays

In her inaugural year as Chief Justice of Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench, Mary Moreau has demonstrated remarkable adeptness in navigating the demands of her role. Addressing the persistent issue of court delays, Moreau has embarked on an ambitious agenda aimed at streamlining the judicial process. Concerned about lengthy trial wait times, especially in civil cases booked years in advance, she has pursued innovative solutions to expedite proceedings.

Acknowledging the urgency of meeting Supreme Court directives mandating criminal case resolution within 30 months, Moreau has advocated for proactive measures to ensure compliance. Recognizing the limitations of solely appointing new judges, she has championed the concept of double-booking trials, inspired by practices in the airline industry. By strategically managing trial calendars and deploying part-time judges for expedited hearings, she seeks to maximize courtroom efficiency and reduce backlog.

Moreover, Moreau has spearheaded initiatives to enhance dispute resolution mechanisms, such as the early intervention case conference, which has yielded promising outcomes, particularly in family court proceedings. Embracing a mindset of entrepreneurship and creativity, she aims to transform court operations for improved accessibility and efficacy. Despite structural challenges posed by the aging Law Courts building, including limited space for new judges, Moreau remains resolute in her commitment to innovation and progress within the judicial system.