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
September 23, 2026
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and Provincial Court of British Columbia will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the lasting impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous Peoples, families and communities and broader relationships within Canadian society. We honour residential school Survivors and remember the children who never returned home. It is also a time to reflect on the courts' commitment to advancing reconciliation. The Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and Provincial Court recognize that reconciliation is part of the ongoing work of pursuing a justice system that is inclusive and respectful to all. While each court has an independent role within the justice system, all three courts are committed to advancing reconciliation through their respective work.
Court of AppealSince publishing its Reconciliation Framework and Action Plan in 2025, the Court of Appeal has continued to advance reconciliation through education, relationship-building and improving access to justice. This has included ongoing education for judges and staff on truth and reconciliation, as well as learning and relationship-building with First Nations communities and Indigenous justice organizations. The Court also published a practice directive addressing Indigenous practices and ceremonies in the courtroom. More information about the Court of Appeal's engagement with truth and reconciliation is available in the Court of Appeal's Annual Report.
Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court is actively considering its role in advancing reconciliation. In 2024, the Court established a Reconciliation Working Group (RWG). To date, the RWG has focused on (1) obtaining input from Indigenous Peoples and organizations, the bar and the public on how the Court can advance reconciliation; and (2) judicial education. In 2025, the RWG sought input from Indigenous organizations, bar associations and members of the public on ways the Court could advance reconciliation and further access to justice for Indigenous Peoples. In 2026, the RWG is developing (and will be engaging on) a framework for taking appropriate steps to advance the objectives of truth and reconciliation, consistent with the Supreme Court's Strategic Plan.
Provincial CourtThe Provincial Court is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. In 2025, it adopted a Reconciliation Framework that focuses on learning, building relationships, and improving access to justice. Judges receive ongoing education about Indigenous matters. The Court also works closely with Indigenous communities through restorative justice programs, ten Indigenous sentencing courts, and the Aboriginal Family Healing Court Conference. In addition, the Court holds circuit court in Indigenous and remote communities and meets with Indigenous organizations and community members to improve access to justice. More information is available on the Court's Reconciliation webpage, and in the Court's Reconciliation Framework.
September 23, 2026
PRACTICE DIRECTIVE - INDIGENOUS PRACTICES AND CEREMONIES
The Court of Appeal has issued a new practice directive on Indigenous Practices and Ceremonies.
The Practice Directive establishes a process for Indigenous parties and participants to request Indigenous practices and ceremonies before the commencement of an appeal hearing. Requests should be made by completing the Form: Indigenous Practices and Ceremonies and submitting it to the Registry at least ten business days before an appeal hearing date.
The Practice Directive reflects the Court of Appeal's commitment to advancing reconciliation and supporting access to justice. Please see the Practice Directive for more information:
Indigenous Practices and Ceremonies (PDF)
September 8, 2026
JUDICIAL RETIREMENT - MR. JUSTICE G. BRUCE BUTLER
The Honourable Mr. Justice G. Bruce Butler retired from the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon on September 8, 2026, after more than 19 years on the bench and over 45 years in the legal profession. Justice Butler was a deeply respected mentor, known for taking the time to cultivate the talents of those around him. The Court will miss his thoughtful leadership, kindness, and dedication to others, and wishes him and his family much joy and fulfillment in retirement.
August 24, 2026
PRACTICE DIRECTIVE - CITATION OF AUTHORITIES
In an effort to advance access to justice, the Court of Appeal has adopted the Canadian Open Access Legal Citation Guide (“COAL”) as its preferred method for legal citation.
Parties preparing factums, written arguments, memoranda of law, or any written submissions to the Court of Appeal are requested to comply with the guidance in COAL for all forms of legal citation. The guide is open access and available for free online (2024 CanLIIDocs 830). Please see the Practice Directive for more information: