Email page
Print page |
 |
 |
 |
The Court of Appeal is the highest court in the province. It hears appeals from the Supreme Court, from the Provincial Court on some criminal matters, and reviews and appeals from some administrative boards and tribunals.
The Court of Appeal is constituted by the Court of Appeal Act, S.B.C. 2021, c. 6. The Court of Appeal Act provides for a Chief Justice and 14 other justices, as well as for supernumerary justices. Thus, the Court of Appeal actually has more than 15 judges. The Chief Justice of British Columbia heads the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal has a registrar who, in addition to other administrative duties, hears matters related to the settling of orders and bills of costs.
Quick Reference Guide
| Frequently Asked Questions | Resources |
How do I bring or respond to an appeal? |
|
What materials do I file? |
|
How do I file materials? |
|
How do I apply for no fees payable status? |
|
What else should I know about hearings and other processes? |
|
Where can I access court records? |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 21, 2025
STRATEGIC PLAN AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
In January 2025, the Court began a strategic planning process. The purpose was to better articulate the Court's institutional goals and objectives with a view to setting priorities and pursuing and allocating resources. The Court's new 2026-2028 Strategic Plan sets out goals in five key areas:
- access to justice;
- reconciliation;
- communications, public education and outreach;
- sustainability of the Court's resources; and
- workforce strength.
The Court is also pleased to announce the publication of its new Community Engagement Framework. Developed by the Communications, Public Education and Outreach Working Group, the Framework will guide the Court's communications activities. The Community Engagement Framework aims to support public confidence in the administration of justice through active community engagement and timely, accessible, and accurate information about the Court, the court system, the Court's people and our roles and responsibilities.
October 21, 2025
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS
There are three judicial clerkship information sessions taking place in early November.
- Nov 3 - Judicial Law Clerk Program Information Session - Indigenous Students (12:45 - 1:45, online, open registration for students at all law schools).
- Nov 4 - Thomson Rivers University Faculty of Law from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in OM3632 (in-person at TRU, contact career services for further information).
- Nov 6 - Judicial Law Clerk Program Information Session - LGBTQIA2S+ Students (12:45 - 1:45, online, open registration for students at all law schools).
Judges, former law clerks, and legal counsel for the Courts all look forward to meeting students at these sessions and connecting with them about the clerking experience in B.C.
Please email judiciallawclerkprogram@bccourts.ca if you have any further questions about the information sessions or the clerkship programs.
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.