Conferences in Ontario’s Civil Rules Reform: What Changes to Expect and Why They Matter

Ontario is moving to a more court‑managed civil process. The proposal creates short, targeted conferences to keep cases on track, reduce delay, and cut the cost of interlocutory fights. Two key conference types will do most of the heavy lifting: Scheduling Conferences for quick calendar issues, and Directions Conferences for shaping procedure and resolving many disputes without full motions. Here is what’s changing and how this affects day‑to‑day litigation.  

Scheduling Conferences 

Scheduling Conferences are designed to be brief, practical touchpoints with the Court—typically 15 minutes or less—focused strictly on timing and logistics. Think of them as a fast, reliable way to secure dates and tidy up the timetable so the case keeps moving.  

• What they are for: Pure scheduling issues (e.g., locking in dates, adjusting interim steps) so parties avoid long waits and formal motions just to fix the calendar. 

• How often: The aim is to run these lists at least twice per week in each judicial region, reducing bottlenecks and giving counsel predictable access.  

• Why this matters: Quick access to scheduling support keeps cases on track, supports fixed hearing dates, and frees up resources for substantive steps that actually advance the case. 

Directions Conferences 

Directions Conferences are where most procedural substance gets managed. They replace many formal motions by giving the presiding judge (the “DC Judge”) broad powers to direct efficient, proportionate steps and, where appropriate, decide issues summarily on the spot.  

• Purpose and scope: To set the framework for how the case proceeds—timetables, limits on evidence, transfers between tracks, and proportionate procedures tailored to the case.  

• Process control: The DC Judge can 

  • decide appropriate interlocutory issues summarily if fair and just  

  • set motion parameters (including evidence type, page limits, and timelines) where a formal motion is still needed 

  • schedule interlocutory and dispositive hearings early  

  • amend timetables and place matters on the Inactive List where appropriate 

  • transfer cases between the Summary and Trial Tracks 

  • give effect to pre‑litigation protocols  

  • award costs for conference conduct or breaches of prior directions.  

• Why this matters: Moving from an “open motions market” to managed conferencing shortens timelines, reduces costs, and aligns process with the case’s real needs. It also increases predictability: counsel know sooner what steps need to be taken and when, and when the matter will be heard.