JULY - SEPTEMBER 2025

September 30, 2025
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the painful history of residential schools and the continuing intergenerational trauma caused by the residential school system. It is also a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous people and communities and to deepen our engagement with the work of reconciliation.

As the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada recognized, for reconciliation to become a reality there has to be awareness of the past, acknowledgment of the harm inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.

The BC Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and Provincial Court recognize reconciliation as an ongoing process that is part of pursuing a justice system that is inclusive and respectful to all. While each level of court performs an independent role within the justice system, all three courts are committed to working towards reconciliation.

With the input of several Indigenous judges, the courts have chosen National Truth and Reconciliation Day as an appropriate date to provide information about their reconciliation efforts. Additional information and updates will be provided on an ongoing basis through the three courts' Annual Reports and other avenues.

In 2024 the Court of Appeal adopted a Reconciliation Framework. The Reconciliation Framework commits the Court to advancing reconciliation in all its work, including through education, relationship-building, and improving access to justice for Indigenous peoples. The Reconciliation Framework is available here.

The Supreme Court struck a Reconciliation Working Group in 2024 and is currently considering feedback following a period of public consultation.

The Provincial Court adopted a Reconciliation Framework in 2025. More information is available here.

September 26, 2025
THE HONOURABLE MARY FRANCES SOUTHIN

The Court recognizes the passing of the Honourable Mary Southin who served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia (1988-2006) and the Supreme Court of British Columbia (1985-1988). She was a trailblazer who, among other things, was the first woman to argue a case at the Supreme Court of Canada. Justice Southin passed away on September 24, 2025. The Court extends its condolences to her family and friends.

September 24, 2025
THE HONOURABLE BRYAN WILLIAMS

The Court recognizes the passing of the Honourable Bryan Williams, former Justice of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia (1995-1996) and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia (1996-2000). Justice Williams passed away on September 4, 2025. The Court expresses its sympathies to his family and friends.

September 4, 2025
NEW PRACTICE DIRECTIVE - PRONOUNCEMENT OF RESERVED JUDGMENTS

The Court of Appeal has a new practice directive on the Pronouncement of Reserved Judgments.

Effective September 15, 2025, the Court will pronounce reserved judgments by publishing reasons for judgment on the Court of Appeal's website on the date of release at the time specified on the upcoming judgments list. Pronouncements of reserved judgments by a justice in open court may take place in special circumstances.

For more details, please read the new Practice Directive here.

September 4, 2025
UPDATED REGISTRAR'S FILING DIRECTIVE

Effective September 4, 2025, the Registrar's Filing Directive has been updated to allow chambers records longer than 300 pages to be e-filed using Court Services Online.

For more details, please read the Filing Directive here.

September 2, 2025
JUDICIAL RETIREMENT - MADAM JUSTICE ELIZABETH A. BENNETT

On September 1, 2025, the Honourable Madam Justice Elizabeth A. Bennett retired from the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon. Justice Bennett was appointed to the BC Supreme Court in 1997, the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada in 1999, and the BC Court of Appeal in 2009, making her one of the few BC judges to serve simultaneously on three appellate courts. Prior to her judicial appointment, Justice Bennett worked in the Criminal Appeals and Special Prosecutions office, eventually serving as its Deputy Director. Since becoming a judge, she has mentored lawyers, judges and law clerks, sharing her loyalty and compassion. The Court wishes her the very best in her retirement.