A disciplinary hearing for a judge accused of lying about his involvement in a Black activist organization has begun.

"COVID-19 has caused members of our society to reconsider many formalities that were previously of no moment," Donald wrote in his decision.

Colten Boushie's mother and cousin screened a documentary showcasing how, they say, the justice system failed them.

Ontario's Juries Act says people "engaged in the enforcement of law" are ineligible to be jurors. Ellies said the powers and duties of probation officers are similar to those of correctional officers and that the duties of a probation officer "include law enforcement."

Ontario launched its lawsuit against a dozen Canadian firms and their parent companies roughly a decade ago and the case was projected to go to trial late next year or in early 2021.

The Ontario government is appealing a court ruling that found the enforcement powers held by the province's private animal welfare agency were unconstitutional.

Justice Timothy Minnema said the provincial government was wrong to grant police powers to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals without also imposing accountability and transparency standards on the agency.

Superior Court Justice Patrick Smith has filed an application in Federal Court seeking a stay of the decision from the Canadian Judicial Council that could ultimately lead to his removal from the bench.

At his hearing last month, the judge said he meant to lighten the mood by wearing a baseball cap with the slogan "Make America Great Again."

An Ontario judge who wore a hat in court bearing a slogan used by U.S. President Donald Trump told a disciplinary hearing Wednesday he was shocked to discover that what he meant as a joke was viewed as a political statement.