After Questioning, it is common that parties will agree to proceed with a pre-trial settlement conference. This is obtained by a written joint request, which specifies the parties are ready for trial, they have engaged in settlement efforts, estimates the time required for the pre-trial conference and the trial itself, as well an estimate of the number of witnesses to be called.

This conference is presided over by a Queen's Bench Justice, who will not be the decision maker at trial. The function of this conference is two-fold. First, it allows the parties a further opportunity to settle the matter. Second, it certifies trial readiness, as parties must prepare and file briefs of law prior to the conference.