May 25, 2022

Victoria — New Court of Appeal rules will soon make the appeal procedures in civil matters easier to understand and more efficient for lawyers and people who represent themselves.

Effective July 18, 2022, the new rules will clarify existing procedures, simplify language and make the appeals process more efficient. These rules will help modernize the court system and improve access to justice for all British Columbians. Improvements also include new court forms that are more readable and include plain-language instructions.

Highlights of changes in the new rules:

• clarifying the requirements for applying for leave (or permission) to appeal;
• updating filing requirements;
• outlining the process for case management and the types of orders that can be made at case management; and
• simplifying ordinary costs to two scales and adjusting the tariff of costs.

These changes are based on recommendations from public consultations.

Quick Facts:

• The Court of Appeal is the highest court in British Columbia.
• The court hears appeals from the B.C. Supreme Court, the Provincial Court on some criminal matters, and reviews and appeals some administrative boards and tribunals.
• In 2019 and in 2021, Ministry of Attorney General staff conducted public consultation on proposed amendments to the Court of Appeal Act and Court of Appeal rules.
• The amended act was given royal assent in March 2021 and is anticipated to come into force at the same time as the new rules.