Virtual bail hearings introduced to improve access to justice, reduce courtroom delays

Release

Department of Justice and Public Safety

March 27, 2026

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government has introduced centralized virtual bail hearings, with all parties appearing online, to improve timely access to justice, reduce delays in some of the province’s busiest courts, and use court resources more efficiently.

The official launch is April 9 for all bail hearings from Fredericton and Woodstock, with expansion to Moncton to follow.

“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. “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.”

The intention is to free up physical courtroom space for trials and other matters. By using virtual hearings where appropriate, the initiative will make more efficient use of courtrooms and help reduce pressure in regions with longer wait times.

The provincial court operates in Fredericton with three physical courtrooms and manages a high volume of charges. Bail matters currently occupy one courtroom, full-time, two days a week in this region.

The initiative supports two virtual bail courts operating five days per week. Once Fredericton, Woodstock and Moncton are operating virtually, Justice and Public Safety will collaborate with the chief judge of the provincial court about extending virtual bail hearings to other 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.”

There is no change to the process for people already in custody, as, in general, their bail hearings are already held by video.

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

Accommodations are available through Court Services for those who do not have access to the required technology.

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