Right to a Trial Within a Reasonable Time

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General Principles

The right to a trial within a reasonable time is guaranteed by s. 7 and 11(b) of the Charter.

Section 11(b) of the Canadian Charter entitles a "person charged with an offence ... the right ... to be tried within a reasonable time". Where there is a breach of this right, the available remedy to a court is a stay of proceedings.

Purpose

The objectives of both s. 7 and 11(b) of the Charter include ensuring "the fair and timely operation of the criminal justice system".[1]

Section 11(b) protects three individual rights:[2]

  • the accused's right to security of person by minimizing the anxiety and stigma of criminal proceedings;
  • the accused's right to liberty by minimizing the effect of pre-trial custody or restrictive bail conditions; and
  • the accused's right to a fair trial by ensuring that the proceedings occur while evidence is fresh and available.

It also protects two societal rights:[3]

  • the public's interest in having our laws enforced by having those who break the law tried quickly; and
  • the public's interest in having those accused of crime dealt with fairly.

The new framework is designed in part to "do away with prejudice as an express factor in assessing delay." It was considered "confusing, hard to prove, and highly subjective".[4] It does not, however, ignore the existence of prejudice, it simply creates a legal presumption of prejudice once the ceiling has been breached.[5]

  1. R v Dias, 2014 ABCA 402 (CanLII), per curiam
    R v Sapara, 2001 ABCA 59 (CanLII), per Russell JA
  2. R v Qureshi, 2004 CanLII 40657 (ON CA), per Laskin JA, at paras 8 to 10
  3. Qureshi, ibid., at paras 8 to 10
  4. R v KN, 2018 BCCA 246 (CanLII), per Fenlon JA, at para 35
  5. KN, ibid., at para 35
    Jordan, supra, at para 54

Jordan Presumptive Ceiling

The "Jordan" framework sets a presumptive acceptable period of delay between charge and conclusion of trial is 18 months for provincial court trials and 30 months for superior court trial.[1] The period is calculated from the time of charging until the actual or anticipated end of trial, minus defence delays.[2] Where the ceiling is exceeded there is a presumption of unreasonablness which will amount to a breach of s. 11(b) of the Charter.[3]

Compelling "case-specific factors" are still relevant considerations to reasonableness of the delay.[4]

There is some suggestion that for youth charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the presumptive ceiling should be set at 12 months.[5]

The 30 month ceiling is not affected by the Crown decision to circumvent a preliminary inquiry through the use of a direct indictment under s. 577 of the Code.[6]

Jordan does not represent a departure from the principle that "period of delay to be considered ... is not assumed equivalent to total delay".[7]

Rebutting the Presumptive Ceiling

The presumption can be rebutted where the Crown can show exceptional circumstances.[8]

  1. R v Jordan, 2016 SCC 27 (CanLII), per Moldaver, Karakatsanis and Brown JJ - Judgement was rendered on July 8, 2016
  2. Jordan, ibid. at paras 47 and 48
  3. Jordan, ibid., at para 68
  4. Jordan, ibid., at para 51
  5. R v JM, 2017 ONCJ 4 (CanLII), per Paciocco J, at para 136 to 138
  6. R v Wilson, 2017 ABQB 68 (CanLII), per Mahoney J, at para 71 to 78
  7. R v KN, 2018 BCCA 246 (CanLII), per Fenlon JA, at para 20
  8. Jordan, ibid. at para 47, 48, 69 to 81

Breach While Within the Presumptive Ceiling

A stay is still available while the period of time is within the ceiling, so long as the defence can establish:[1]

  1. "it took meaningful steps to demonstrate a sustained effort to expedite the proceedings", and
  2. "the case took markedly longer than it reasonably should have".

A stay within the presumptive ceiling should be considered "rare" and "limited to clear cases".[2]

  1. Jordan, ibid. at para 48, 82, 105
  2. Jordan, ibid., at paras 48, 69

Obligations on the Crown, Defence, and Judges

All parties, including the courts, have a "responsibility to ensure that criminal proceedings are carried out in a manner ... consistent with" the right under s. 11(d).[1]

Crown Role

The Crown has an obligation to bring an accused to trial[2] and is also obligated to ensure that "the trial proceedings, once engaged, are not unduly delayed."[3]

It is also observed that "each charge that should not have been laid or pursued, deprives other worthy litigants of timely access to the courts".[4]

Judge Role

Judges role include "changing courtroom culture".[5] This would include denying adjournments even where it may be defence-attributed delay.[6]

Judges should be active to encourage parties to improve efficiencies by means including recommending proceeding "on a documentary record alone".[7]

Screening Applications

Judges should screen application by requiring counsel to prove the merit of an application by written summary of the evidence to show that it has a "reasonable prospect of success". Otherwise the application should be dismissed.[8]

  1. R v Cody, 2017 SCC 31 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 1
  2. R v Heaslip (1983), 36 C.R. (3d) 309 (Ont. C.A.), 1983 CanLII 3519 (ON CA), per Martin JA at p. 321
    R v Adam et al, 2006 BCSC 350 (CanLII), per Romilly J The crown has an obligation to"bring the accused to trial within a reasonable time”
    R v Godin, 2009 SCC 26 (CanLII), per Cromwell J, at para 11
  3. see R v MacDougall, 1998 CanLII 763 (SCC), [1998] 3 SCR 45, per McLachlin J at para 49
  4. Jordan, supra, at para 43
  5. Cody, supra, at para 37
    Jordan, supra, at para 114
  6. Cody, supra, at para 37
  7. Cody, supra, at para 39
  8. Cody, supra, at para 38

Youth Prosecutions

There are no special rights to speedy trial different from those granted to adult accused.[1] However, some courts have recommended guidelines within 5 or 6 months of charge or up to 15 months from charge.[2]

The shorter time to trial is necessary so that:[3]

  1. the young person can better appreciate the connection between behaviour and consequences;
  2. the distorted perception of time by a young person compared to adults;
  3. the need to deal with dispositions speedily while youth is still in their formative years.
  1. R v GCM, 1991 CanLII 7057 (ON CA), [1991] OJ No 885 (C.A.), per Osborne JA, at para 45
    R v TR, 2005 CanLII 18709 (ON CA), [2005] OJ No 2150 (C.A.), per MacPherson JA
  2. GCM, supra, at para 45
    TR, supra
    R v JM, 2017 ONCJ 4 (CanLII), per Paciocco J - recommends 15 month ceiling
  3. CGM, supra
    TR, supra
    R v DS, 1991 CanLII 7055 (ON CA), [1991] OJ No 1220 (C.A.), per Galligan JA, rev'd on other grounds at 1992 CanLII 58 (SCC), per Sopinka J

Appeals

See also: Appeals Other Than Verdicts or Sentences#Crown Appeal of a Stay of Proceedings or Quashing of Charges

The standard of review of the analysis of the delay factors and allocation of time periods is reviewable on a standard of correctness.[1]

The characterization and allocation of time of periods of delay are reviewable on the standard of correctness.[2]

Findings of fact underlying the delay however are reviewed on a standard of palpable and overriding error.[3]

The ultimate decision to stay a proceeding as a remedy under s.24(1) of the Charter on finding of a breach is owed deference.[4] However, it is a question of law reviewable on a standard of correctness.[5]

  1. R v Khan, 2011 ONCA 173 (CanLII), per Karakatsanis JA, at para 18, appeal refused [2011] SCCA No 195
    R v Schertzer, 2009 ONCA 742 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 71, appeal refused [2010] SCCA No 3
    R v Williamson, 2014 ONCA 598 (CanLII), per Lauwers JA - the characterization of delay is the application of a legal principle to fact
    R v Komstantaskos, 2014 ONCA 21 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 5
    R v D(C), 2014 ABCA 333 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 5
    R v Vassell, 2015 ABCA 409 (CanLII), per curiam (2:1) at paras 5 or 7
    R v Widdifield, 2014 BCCA 170 (CanLII), per Frankel JA, at para 76
  2. R v Horner, 2012 BCCA 7 (CanLII), per Ryan JA, at para 70
    R v KN, 2018 BCCA 246 (CanLII), per Fenlon JA, par. 13
  3. Schertzer, supra, at para 71
    D(C), supra, at paras 5 to 6
    Horner, supra , at para 70
  4. R v Bellusci, [2012] 2 SCR 509, 2012 SCC 44 (CanLII), per Fish J
  5. R v Conway, 1989 canLII 66 (SCC), [1989] 1 SCR 1659, per L'Heureux‑Dubé J at p. 1676
    Widdifield, supra

Jordan Time Limit

There will be a presumptive breach of s. 11(b) of the Charter where the delay between the date of laying of charges and the conclusion of the trial is greater than the presumptive ceiling.[1]

The presumptive ceiling will depend on the level of court in which the matter will be heard. A trial before the provincial court will have a presumptive ceiling of 18 months. A trial before superior court will have a presumptive ceiling of 30 months.[2]

Three Step Framework

The first step requires the court to "calculat[e] the total delay from the charge to the actual or anticipated end of trial".[3] The second step is to subtract the delay attributable to the defence.[4] The "net delay" is then compared to the presumptive ceilings. The third step will depend on whether the net delay is above or below the ceiling.[5]

Delay Under the Presumptive Ceiling

Where the net delay is below the presumptive ceiling the matter can still be stayed for delay.[6]

The onus is upon the accused to show that the net delay that is under the presumptive ceiling was "unreasonable".[7] This requires that the accused show that:[8]

  1. it took meaningful steps that demonstrate a sustained effort to expedite the proceedings; and
  2. the case took markedly longer than it reasonably should have.
Delay Over the Presumptive Ceiling

Where the net delay exceeds the presumptive ceiling, the burden is upon the Crown to establish the "presence of exceptional circumstances" otherwise the proceedings must be stayed.[9]

Recommended Approach

A recommended approach to Jordan analysis involves the following:[10]

  1. Calculate the total time between charge to actual or anticipated conclusion of trial[11]
  2. subtract from the total time, the defence delay, resulting in the "net delay"[12]
  3. compare the net delay to the presumptive ceiling[13]
  4. If the Net Delay exceeds the presumptive ceiling, it is presumptively unreasonable. To rebut the presumption, the Crown must establish the presence of exceptional circumstances [14]. If it cannot rebut the presumption, a stay will follow[15]. In general, exceptional circumstances fall under two categories: discrete events and particularly complex cases [16].
  5. Subtract delay caused by discrete events from the Net Delay (leaving the "Remaining Delay") for the purpose of determining whether the presumptive ceiling has been reached[17].
  6. If the Remaining Delay exceeds the presumptive ceiling, the court must consider whether the case was particularly complex such that the time the case has taken is justified and the delay is reasonable[18].
  7. If the Remaining Delay falls below the presumptive ceiling, the onus is on the defence to show that the delay is unreasonable[19].
  8. The new framework, including the presumptive ceiling, applies to cases already in the system when Jordan was released (the "Transitional Cases")[20].
  1. R v Jordan, 2016 SCC 27 (CanLII), per Moldaver, Karakatsanis and Brown JJ
  2. Jordan, ibid.
  3. Jordan, ibid., at para 60
    R v Cody, 2017 SCC 31 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 21
  4. Jordan, supra, at para 60
    Cody, supra, at para 22
  5. Cody, supra, at para 22
    Jordan, supra, at para 67
  6. Jordan, supra, at para 48
    Cody, supra, at para 23
  7. Jordan, supra, at para 48
    Cody, supra, at para 23
  8. Jordan, supra, at para 48
    Cody, supra, at para 23
  9. Jordan, supra, at para 47
    Cody, supra, at para 24
  10. R v Coulter, 2016 ONCA 704 (CanLII), per Gillese JA, at paras 34 to 41
  11. Jordan, supra, at para 47
  12. Jordan, supra, at para 66
  13. Jordan, supra, at para 66
  14. Jordan, supra para. 47
  15. Jordan, supra para. 47
  16. Jordan, supra para. 71
  17. Jordan, supra para. 75
  18. Jordan, supra, at para 80
  19. Jordan, supra para. 48
  20. Jordan, supra para. 96

Calculating Length of Time

Period of Consideration

The period that can be considered begins at the laying of the charge and extends until the end of trial.[1] Delay can also apply to the point of sentencing.[2] However, the interests implicated in a delay to sentencing are not exactly the same as those implicated to trial.[3]

One cannot usually take into account events occurring before the charges were laid.[4]

Start and End of Time

The period considered begins at the time the accused is charged and ends at the end of the trial.[5] The language of s. 11(b) provides the right to a "person charged with an offence", suggesting the right will normally apply to those who have been charged only.[6] The point of charge is the time when the laying of the information under oath.[7] There is exceptional circumstances where delay pre-charge may apply as well.[8]

The right against delay is extinguished upon a guilty plea as it constitutes a waiver of trial rights.[9] The waiver however does not affect the right to speedy sentencing.[10]

Anticipatory delay is generally not considered.[11]

Where a replacement information is laid charging effectively the same offence as an initial information, the time is still calculated from the time of the first information.[12]

Gap Time

Section 11(b) does not apply to delays arising from an appeal from conviction (ie. appellate delay).[13]

The time between the discharge of an information by a preliminary inquiry judge and the re-commencement of a charge by a direct indictment does not count as delay time.[14]

Time Rendering Judgement

The amount of delay caused by the court in rendering judgement should be deducted from the period of delay unless the amount of time needed is "shocking, inordinate, and unconscionable".[15]

  1. R v Kalanj, 1989 CanLII 63 (SCC), [1989] 1 SCR 1594, per McIntyre J
    R v Nguyen, 2013 ONCA 169 (CanLII), per Watt JA, at para 49
  2. R v MacDougall, 1998 CanLII 763 (SCC), (1998), 128 CCC (3d) 483 (SCC), per McLachlin J
    R v Gallant, 1998 CanLII 764 (SCC), [1998] 3 SCR 80, per McLachlin J
  3. R v DN, 1993 CarswellYukon 6, (1993) 27 C.R. (4th) 114 (YKTC)(*no CanLII links)
    Gallant, supra
  4. R v AK and AV (2005), 195 CCC (3d) 501 (Ont. C.A.), 2005 CanLII 11389, per curiam at 162
  5. see R v Sanghera, 2012 BCSC 711 (CanLII), per Holmes J, at para 39
    R v Carter, 1986 CanLII 18 (SCC), [1986] 1 SCR 981, per Lamer J, at paras 11, 13
    R v Kalanj, 1989 CanLII 63 (SCC), [1989] 1 SCR 1594, per McIntyre J, at para 17
    Morin, supra, at para 35
  6. R v Milani, 2014 ONCA 536 (CanLII), per van Rensburg JA, at para 25
  7. R v McHale, 2010 ONCA 361 (CanLII), per Watt JA, at para 70
  8. see below
  9. R v Naderi, 1996 CanLII 8168 (ON SC), (1996), 40 CRR (2d) 312 (Gen Div), per Marchand J
    R v Lachance, Lachance, 2002 CMAC 7 (CanLII), per Letourneau JA
  10. Lachance, ibid.
  11. R v Norman, 1988 CanLII 5407 (NL SCTD), per Noel J{{at|7} ("It was an error in law to accept the anticipated delay as a breach of the respondent's right to be tried within a reasonable time")
  12. R v Travassos, [2003] OJ 1877 (ONCJ)(*no CanLII links)
  13. R v Potvin, 1993 CanLII 113 (SCC), [1993] 2 SCR 880, per Sopinka J
  14. R v Milani, 2014 ONCA 536 (CanLII), per van Rensburg J
  15. R v Kehler, [2017] MJ No 148(*no CanLII links) , per Joyal CJ
    R v Zilney, 2017 ONCJ 610 (CanLII), per Cooper J, at para 18

Defence Delay

The second step of the Jordan framework concerns deduction of time due to defence-caused delay.[1]This concerns any action or inaction that "solely or directly" caused the delay.[2]

Any delay that is the cause of the defence will not be used as time against the calculation of the presumptive ceiling.[3]

Defence delay takes one of two forms. Either it is a defence waiver or it is a delay caused by the conduct of the defence.[4]

The Court may consider both the defence's decision to take a particular step and the manner in which the particular step was taken to decide whether to attribute delay to defence.[5]

Courts can consider the timeliness of filing of defence applications.[6] As well as the number, strength, importance, and proximity to the Jordan ceiling.[7]

Inefficiencies in the defences approach to their applications will also be of possible attribution.[8]

Judges should not "second-guess" the steps taken by defence counsel in responding to the charges.[9]

Attributing Illegitimate Actions

Illegitimate action, inaction or omissions will be defence-attributable delay.[10] This includes a failure of engaging in their duty to "collaborat[e] with the Crown" and "us[e] court time efficiently".[11]

What constitutes "illegitimate" does not need to rise to the level of "professional or ethical misconduct".[12]

Unavailability of Defence Counsel

The dominant case law suggests that the unavailability of counsel when both court and Crown are available will be attributed to defence in most circumstances.[13]

Defence Delay That is Not to be Counted

The Jordan framework recognizes preparation as a necessary delay and does not go into the calculation.[14]

Any "actions legitimately taken to respond to the charges fall outside ... defence delay".[15]

It has been suggested that normally a 1.5 month benchmark should be sufficient time for defence to prepare for a summary conviction case when taking into account their other work.[16]

Appellate Review

Attribution of defence delay is "highly discretionary" and so should be accorded deference.[17]

  1. R v Cody, 2017 SCC 31 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 28
  2. Cody, ibid., at para 28
  3. R v Jordan, [2016] 1 SCR 631, 2016 SCC 27 (CanLII), per Moldaver, Karakatsanis and Brown JJ at para, 21 (“Accused persons may seek to avoid responsibility for their crimes by embracing delay, in the hope that the case against them will fall apart or they will obtain a stay of proceedings. This operates to the detriment of the public and of the system of justice as a whole. Section 11(b) was not intended to be a sword to frustrate the ends of justice.")
  4. R v Coulter, 2016 ONCA 704 (CanLII), per Gillese JA, at para 42
    Cody, supra at para 27, 30
  5. Cody, supra, at para 32
  6. Cody, supra, at para 32
  7. Cody, supra, at para 32
  8. Cody, supra, at para 32
  9. Cody, supra
    R v Mullen, 2018 ABQB 831 (CanLII), per Michalyshyn J, at para 47
  10. Cody, supra, at para 33
  11. Cody, supra, at para 33
    Jordan, supra, at para 138
  12. Cody, supra, at para 35
  13. R v Mullen, 2018 ABQB 831 (CanLII), per Michalyshyn J, at para 41
    R v RMP, 2018 ONSC 4117 (CanLII), per Bell J
    R v Mamouni, 2017 ABCA 347 (CanLII), per Watson JA
  14. Cody, supra, at para 29 ("this Court recognized that an accused person’s right to make full answer and defence requires that the defence be permitted time to prepare and present its case")
    Jordan, supra at para 65, also 53 and 83 ("defence actions legitimately taken to respond to the charges fall outside the ambit of defence delay.",
  15. Cody, supra, at para 29
    Jordan, supra, at para 65
  16. R v Zikhali, 2019 ONCJ 24 (CanLII), at para 33
  17. Cody, supra, at para 31

Defence Waiver of Delay

Any period of time that has been waived by the defence must be subtracted from the total time delayed.[1]

Burden

The burden is on the crown to prove there has been a waiver of any delay rights.

Requirements

A waiver must be clear, unequivocal and with full knowledge of the right being waived.[2] It does not have to be explicit, however.[3]

An agreement as to a date does not amount to a waiver where the agreement is a "mere acquiescence to the inevitable".[4] The absence of any evidence that the "consents amount to acquiescence in the inevitable, the consents constitut[e] wavier or, as actions of the accused, were attributable to him".[5]

  1. R v Sharma, [1992] 1 SCR 814, 1992 CanLII 90 (SCC), per Sopinka J at p. 191 (CCC)
    R v Morin, [1992] 1 SCR 771, 1992 CanLII 89 (SCC), per Sopinka J at p. 15
  2. R v White, 1998 CanLII 13319 (NL CA), (1998), 160 Nfld. & P.E.I.R. 309 (N.L.C.A.), per Cameron JA, at para 10
    R v Richard, 1996 CanLII 185 (SCC), [1996] 3 SCR 525, per La Forest J
  3. Coulter, supra, at para 43 ("Waiver can be explicit or implicit but, in either case, it must be clear and unequivocal. The accused must have full knowledge of his or her rights, as well as the effect waiver will have on those rights ")
    Jordan, supra, at para 61
  4. R v Askov, [1990] 2 SCR 1199, 1990 CanLII 45 (SCC), per Cory J at pp. 48l to 482 (CCC)
    Morin, supra at p. l5 (CCC)
    R v Pusic, 1996 CanLII 8215 (ON SC), (1996), 30 O.R. (3d) 692 (Ont. Ct. Gen. Div.) (*no CanLII links) at pp. 70l to 702
    R v Richards, 2012 SKCA 120 (CanLII), per Richards JA, at para 25
    R v Brassard, [1993] 4 SCR 287, 1993 CanLII 42 (SCC), per L'Heureux-Dube J, at p. 287, 288 (SCR) R v Nuosci, Nuosci, [1993] 4 SCR 283, 1993 CanLII 40 (SCC), per Sopkina J, at p. 284 (An “[a]greement to suggested dates cannot be characterized as acquiescing in the inevitable in the absence of evidence to that effect”)
  5. Brassard, ibid. at p. 287 (SCR)

Defence-Caused Delay

Delay attributable to the defence in a Jordan analysis includes all "unreasonable actions" on the part of the defence.[1]

Unreasonable actions include:

  • last‑minute changes in counsel[2]
  • adjournments flowing from a lack of diligence[3]

Courts may consider "the level of diligence displayed by the accused" as a relevant factor.[4]

Courts are directed to incentivize counsel to move matter forward in order to eliminate the "culture of complacency".[5]

Trial Readiness

Where the Crown and Court are ready to proceed but the defence is not will be a delay attributable to the defence.[6] This does not include necessary "preparation time" for the defence.[7]

Applications

Defence applications to seek out evidence to which the Crown had a McNeil duty to seek out would result in the time required to obtain the records would not be attributable to the defence.[8]

Frivolous Application

Any frivolous application will be delay attributable to the defence.[9]

  1. R v Jordan, 2016 SCC 27 (CanLII), per Moldaver, Karakatsanis and Brown JJ (5:4), at para 193
  2. Jordan, supra, at para 193
  3. Jordan, supra, at para 193
  4. Jordan, supra, at para 86
  5. Jordan, supra at paras 94 and 104
    R v Cody, 2017 SCC 31 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 1
  6. Jordan, supra, at para 64
    Coulter, supra, at para 44
  7. Jordan, supra, at para 65
  8. e.g. R v King (No. 5), 2017 CanLII 15296 (NL SCTD), per Marshall J, at para 53
  9. Coulter, supra, at para 44
    Jordan, supra, at para 63

Efforts to Bring the Matter to Trial

In transitional cases, courts may consider whether the defence have acted with diligence in bringing the matter to trial.[1] This would be with a view to:[2]

  • whether counsel raised the issue of delay;
  • whether counsel took active steps to move the matter forwards expeditiously by inquiring on early trial dates;
  • whether counsel met in advance of hearings to streamline the process;
  • the seriousness of the charges
  • the prejudice they delay had on the evidence
  1. R v Summerfield, 2016 MBQB 241 (CanLII), per Edmond J
    R v Amyot and Emslie, 2016 MBQB 186(*no CanLII links)
  2. Summerfield, supra, at para 38

Extraordinary Circumstances

Pre-Charge Delay

As a general rule, pre-charge time is not part of the analysis of s. 11(b).[1] Rather, it can only become an issue where the delay has an impact on the "principles of fundamental justice" under s. 7 of the Charter.[2] Section 7 violations are generally considered only in exceptional circumstances.[3]

The accused must present "actual evidence" of "psychological trauma" from pre-trial delay.[4]

It has been suggested that pre-charge delay should only be considered where it affects the right to full answer and defence or otherwise impacts trial fairness.[5]

For s. 11(b) analysis the clock is not running during the period of "withdrawing of a charge and the laying of a new information".[6]

Pre-Charge Delay Causes Lost Evidence

Where the accused alleges missing or lost evidence arising from pre-charge delay, the accused must establish that the lost evidence (e.g. memories) caused "actual prejudice" by impeding the ability to adequately cross-examine witnesses or call defence witnesses.[7]

Pre-charge delay in the range of 40 years can breach the right to full answer and defence where it is established that there was a "material loss of opportunity to garner evidence" due to key witnesses being dead.[8]

Complex Cases

Significant delays for swearing of the information can be justified where the matter involves complex investigations.[9]

Large commercial fraud allegations in jurisdictions where such offences are rare are expected to be slow in investigation since there cannot be a "standing army of expert investigators at the ready to attend" to the investigation.[10]

Delay in Appeals

Delays of appeals can only be considered as a s. 7 violation.[11]

  1. R v Kalanj, 1989 CanLII 63 (SCC), [1989] 1 SCR 1594, per McIntyre J
  2. R v Stymiest, 1993 CanLII 6881 (BC CA), (1993), 79 CCC (3d) 408, per Legg JA
  3. R v Young, 1984 CanLII 2145 (ON CA), (1984) 13 CCC (3d) 1 (ONCA), per Dubin JA
  4. R v G(AD), 2001 NSCA 28 (CanLII), per Saunders JA
  5. R v Finn (1996) 106 CCC (3d) 43, 1996 CanLII 6632 (NL CA), per Marshall JA
    e.g. R v National Steel Car Ltd., 2003 CanLII 30223 (ON CA), per Weiler JA
  6. R v R(GW), 1996 CanLII 427 (ON CA), (1996), 112 CCC (3d) 179 (ONCA), per Osborne J
  7. R(GW), ibid.
  8. R v Grandjambe, 1996 CanLII 10578 (AB QB), (1996), 108 CCC (3d) 338, per McMahon J
  9. R v Kalanj, 1989 CanLII 63 (SCC), [1989] 1 SCR 1594, per McIntyre J: 8 months delay for complicated conspiracy charges
  10. R v Hunt, 2016 NLCA 61 (CanLII), per Welsh JA (2:1) at para 114, per Hoegg JA, in dissent, but adopted in 2017 SCC 25 (CanLII), per Abella J
  11. R v Potvin, 1993 CanLII 113 (SCC), [1993] 2 SCR 880, per Sopinka J

Re-trials

The 18/30 month presumptive ceiling does not apply when a matter is returned for re-trial after a successful appeal. The matter should be brought to trial even sooner.[1]

  1. R v MacIsaac, 2018 ONCA 650 (CanLII), per Hushcroft JA

Application to Pre-Jordan Cases / Transitional Exception

See also: Morin Framework (Pre-Jordan 2016)

The "Jordan" framework came into effect on July 8, 2016. It should be applied "contextually and flexibly for cases currently in the system".[1]

Where the administrative guidelines are exceeded it is only a factor to consider and does not automatically compel a breach of s. 11(b) of the Charter.[2]

Courts cannot ignore the delay jurisprudence pre-existing Jordan. Jordan was a revisiting of the framework.[3]

The new framework does not apply strictly to traditional cases since "the analysis must be contextually sensitive to the law and the legal culture that exists at the relevant time".[4]

Burden

The burden is upon the Crown to show that the transitional exception applies.[5]

Standard

The Crown must show that the net time is justifiable on the basis of "reasonable reliance on the law as it previously existed".[6] This includes reliance on the acceptability of the speed of the case under the old rules in light of the old factors such as seriousness of the offence and prejudice to the accused.[7]

  1. R v Jordan, 2016 SCC 27 (CanLII), per Moldaver, Karakatsanis and Brown JJ, at para 94
  2. R v Swaminathan, 2016 ONSC 4913 (CanLII), per O'Marra J, at para 13
  3. R v KN, 2018 BCCA 246 (CanLII), per Fenlon JA, at para 20
  4. R v Porter, 2016 ONSC 7173 (CanLII), per Pomerance J, at para 7
    R v Cabrera, 2016 ABQB 707 (CanLII), per Poelman J, at para 42
  5. Cabrera, ibid., at para 43
  6. Cabrera, ibid., at para 43
  7. R v Cody, 2017 SCC 31 (CanLII), per curiam, at para 68

Remedy on Breach

Where a delay is unreasonable under s. 11(b) of the Charter, the only available remedy is a stay of proceedings.[1]

The standard for a stay in only the "clearest of cases" does not apply to s. 11(b) as a stay is the only available remedy.[2]

Where the breach is insufficient to warrant a stay of proceedings, the delay can still be a mitigating factor on sentence in limited circumstances.[3]

Postponement of a sentencing hearing can in some circumstances result in mitigation of sentence.[4]

  1. R v Mills, [1986] 1 SCR 863, 1986 CanLII 17 (SCC), per McIntyre J
  2. R v Thomson, 2009 ONCA 771 (CanLII), (2009), 248 CCC (3d) 477 (Ont. C.A.), per curiam
  3. see Sentencing Factors Relating to the Offender
  4. R v Patterson, 2000 CanLII 16873 (ON CA), per MacPherson JA
    R v KN, [1999] OJ 4572 (ONSC)(*no CanLII links)

Procedure

Judge Cannot Raise Delay

The judge should generally not raise a Charter delay issue on behalf of the accused.[1]

Evidence

The applicant must establish an evidentiary foundation for their application.[2]

Often counsel can draft an agreed statement of fact on the history of proceedings.[3]

The applicant should also file a transcript of the previous proceedings.[4]

Notice

The applicant must give sufficient notice to the Crown to allow them to respond with evidence.[5]

Timing

The trial process should generally be permitted to "run its carefully laid course" before a court should engage in an application under s. 11(b) of the Charter to stay proceedings.[6]

  1. R v Foisy, 2000 CanLII 16959 (ON CA), per Finlayson J
  2. R v GCM, 1991 CanLII 7057 (ON CA), per Osborne J ("Generally, s.11(b) applications are matters for the trial court. For it to succeed, there must be an evidentiary foundation for the application. Absent evidence, the alleged violation cannot be found."
  3. GCM, ibid. ("In many cases, the history of the proceedings will best be dealt with by an agreed statement of fact.")
  4. R v Silveira, [1998] OJ No 1622 (S.C.J.)(*no CanLII links)
  5. R v Firth, 1992 CanLII 2585 (NS CA), per Hallett JA
    GCM, supra ("Notice should be given to the Crown. I do not think rigid rules should be established by this court concerning the amount of notice required. It should at least be reasonable - that is, sufficient to give the Crown an opportunity to respond.")
  6. R v Fast, 2016 ONSC 6426 (CanLII), per Leach J at para 21 and 22
    R v Spears, 2017 NSPC 17 (CanLII), per Derrick J, at para 21
    R v Colpitts, 2017 NSSC 22 (CanLII), per Coady J

Morin Framework (Pre-Jordan, 2016 SCC 27)

See Also