Thank you, and thank you, honourable members of the finance committee, for the opportunity to appear before you once again.
I would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of this committee during this global catastrophe and to thank you on behalf of all Canadians.
I'm here today to discuss the looming crisis within our courthouses that is threatening our justice system and the democracy of our citizens.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every industry and sector like nothing in our history, and our courts and justice system are no exception. The closure of courthouses across the country as part of the emergency public health measures has created an enormous backlog of criminal cases, delaying trials and due process. Once regular court operations resume, there will be an unprecedented requirement for empanelling juries, and while appearing for a summons is mandatory, I feel many Canadians will be very reluctant to do so.
Recently, several Supreme Court justices raised concerns about the timeliness of trials—