The pre-trial, which allows Crown and defence attorneys to seek the judge's input on issues related to the case, is set for Feb. 17 in Haileybury, Ont.

A lawyer for the Hedley frontman made a brief appearance virtually on Thursday before a Haileybury, Ont., court.

Three Ontario families have launched lawsuits against a U.S.-based sperm bank and its Canadian distributor, alleging they were misled about their sperm donor's medical and social history.