367. An appellate judge may, at any time, on the judge’s own initiative or on request, convene the parties to confer with them on the advisability of adopting appeal management measures in order to define the issues really in dispute and determine possible ways of simplifying and shortening the proceedings.
After giving the parties the opportunity to make representations, the judge may suggest that they take part in a settlement conference and may determine or limit the pleadings and the documents to be filed, setting the time limit for doing so. As well, the judge may decide, despite the rules otherwise applicable, that it is best to proceed by way of briefs or memorandums or may, if necessary, modify time limits prescribed by this Code. The judge may also set the date, time and duration of the hearing and, if required by the circumstances, refer the matter to the Court so that appropriate measures, including dismissal of the appeal, may be taken.
The appeal management conference is held without formality and requires no prior documents. Any appropriate means of communication may be used.
Appeal management decisions are binding on the parties.