I've practised in the civil context for the last 10 years and it's only anecdotal evidence on my part but back home in Niagara I've seen an increase in the time frame for civil matters—and I hear from my family law colleagues as well—to get to trial at the superior court level. Anecdotally it's because of increases to get to trial on criminal matters as they take precedence and priority because of charter issues and whatnot.
Is there any evidence or have you heard of any study of whether mandatory minimums are leading to less access to justice on the family or civil side of our justice system?