New Brunswick introducing virtual bail hearings in Fredericton, Woodstock

The New Brunswick government is introducing virtual bail hearings.

To use court resources efficiently and reduce delays, the government says all parties will appear online for bail hearings from Fredericton and Woodstock. The initiative will begin on April 9, with plans to expand to Moncton in the future.

“This initiative is about improving timely access, but it’s also about doing things differently, so our justice system works better for New Brunswickers,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Robert McKee in a news release from the provincial government. “While the format is new, the law is not. The same legal tests, judicial oversight and protections for accused persons and public safety apply in a virtual bail hearing, just as they do in person.”

In Fredericton, where the provincial court operates with three physical courtrooms, one courtroom is currently dedicated to bail matters two days a week.

By freeing up physical courtroom space for trials and other matters, the government says it will help reduce pressure in regions with longer wait times. The plan is to have two virtual bail courts operating five days per week for Fredericton, Woodstock and Moncton, with the goal of extending to additional regions.

“This is part of a broader shift in how we deliver justice in New Brunswick,” said McKee. “We need to make better use of our time, our courtrooms and our people. Moving bail hearings online is a practical, transformational step that will reduce delays, free up space for trials and help build a more modern, efficient justice system for New Brunswickers.”

The links to each of the virtual bail rooms will be publicly available on the provincial court and government websites.

“All matters heard in virtual bail hearings will be accessible to the public through the Microsoft Teams platform each Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.,” reads the release.

For those who don’t have access to the required technology accommodations can be made through Court Services. The province says the change won’t impact those currently in custody, as their bail hearings are already done by video.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.