JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024

September 24, 2024
PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING SEPTEMBER 30, NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

The Court of Appeal for British Columbia will be closed on Monday September 30th to observe the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day 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.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process that is part of pursuing a justice system that is inclusive and respectful to all. This day, and every day, the Court understands its responsibility to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed right of everyone to have their disputes heard and decided in a fair way, based on the law and the evidence, and free from other influences. As part of this responsibility the Court is committed to working toward reconciliation.

September 9, 2024
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC REGARDING AFFIDAVITS FOR USE IN CIVIL AND FAMILY PROCEEDINGS - RESCINDED

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and the Provincial Court of British Columbia made accommodations for the commissioning of affidavits in circumstances where it was not possible or medically unsafe for the deponent to attend before a commissioner. These accommodations were made in consultation with the Law Society of British Columbia, which sets requirements for the commissioning of affidavits in the Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia.

In July 2024, section 1 of Appendix A of the Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia was amended to allow for the execution of affidavits using electronic and video technology. Additionally, the Court of Appeal Rules do not require a hand written signature on documents filed in the court registry, or otherwise submitted to the court. See Rule 79(4).

Accordingly, the COVID-19 Notice to the Public Regarding Affidavits for Use in Civil and Family Proceedings is rescinded effective immediately.

September 3, 2024
JUDICIAL RETIREMENT - THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE SUNNI STROMBERG-STEIN

The Honourable Justice Sunni Stromberg-Stein has retired from the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon, effective September 1, 2024. Justice Stromberg-Stein was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2013. Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable judicial career that has spanned nearly 35 years. The Court of Appeal extends its deepest gratitude for Justice Stromberg-Stein’s contributions and wishes her the best for retirement.

August 29, 2024
JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

The British Columbia Court of Appeal welcomes the appointments of the Honourable Justice Sheri A. Donegan and the Honourable Justice W. Paul Riley to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon. The appointments are effective immediately. For further information, please see the announcement from the Department of Justice.

August 26, 2024
WELCOMING CEREMONY - THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE MARGOT L. FLEMING AND THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE NITYA IYER

The Honourable Chief Justice Marchand is pleased to advise that there will be a formal ceremony to welcome the Honourable Justice Margot L. Fleming and the Honourable Justice Nitya Iyer to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon.

The welcoming ceremony will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 4:15 p.m. in Courtroom 60 of the Vancouver Law Courts.

August 13, 2024
THE HONOURABLE MADAM JUSTICE MARY SAUNDERS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM THE COURT OF APPEAL

The Honourable Madam Justice Mary Saunders has announced retirement from the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon, effective August 11, 2024. Justice Saunders was appointed to the BC Supreme Court in 1991 and to the Court of Appeal in 1999.

July 29, 2024
THE HONOURABLE JOHN E.D. SAVAGE

The Court recognizes the passing of the Honourable John E.D. Savage, former Justice of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia between 2014 and 2019. Justice Savage passed away on July 18, 2024. The Court expresses its condolences to his family and friends. John Edward Douglas Savage | Obituary | Sharing Memories (arbormemorial.ca).