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.
Court of Appeal Act and Rules (Quick Links)
Effective 18 July 2022
- Court of Appeal Act, S.B.C. 2021, c. 6
- Court of Appeal Rules, BC Reg. 120/2022 | Amendments to Rules OIC 631/2023 (27 Nov 2023)
- How to file materials | Registrar's Filing Directive
- Forms, Completion Instructions, and Templates
- Practice Directives
- Remote Appearances - Practice Directive
- Request to Appear Remotely
- Chambers Applications - Practice Directive
- Process Overview Charts (Appellant | Respondent)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 9, 2024
SURVEY - COURT OF APPEAL ACT AND RULES
The Court of Appeal is seeking feedback from all court users on their experience using the Court of Appeal Act and Court of Appeal Rules since it came into force on July 18, 2022. Court users (including but not limited to lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants, self-represented litigants, and legal organizations) are encouraged to share their views by completing a brief survey.
Survey: https://forms.gle/5XFUqc8xgYUpe9bt8
May 6, 2024
JUDICIAL RETIREMENT - THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE ANNE W. MACKENZIE
The Honourable Justice Anne W. MacKenzie retired from the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon on May 6, 2024. Over the past 34 years, Justice MacKenzie has served as a judge at every level of court in B.C. Throughout her career, she has been a trailblazer, particularly for women in the judiciary. She was the first woman to be appointed Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court — inspiring many. The Court of Appeal extends its deepest gratitude for Justice MacKenzie's commitment and humility and wishes her the best for her retirement.
May 3, 2024
NEW AND UPDATED PRACTICE DIRECTIVES
The Chief Justice has issued two new practice directives, effective today. The first is an update to Chambers Applications, a civil and criminal practice directive. The only modification is to introduce the online booking of chambers applications. The second is a new directive, Registrar’s Powers, which gives the Registrar certain additional case management powers under s. 37(2) of the Court of Appeal Act in civil matters.
April 30, 2024
JUDICIAL RETIREMENT - THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE GREGORY J. FITCH
The Honourable Mr. Justice Gregory J. Fitch retired from the Court of Appeal for British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon on April 30, 2024. Justice Fitch was appointed to the Court of Appeal on September 1, 2015, after a four-year tenure on the Supreme Court of British Columbia. His remarkable contributions to the jurisprudence of this Court, particularly in the areas of criminal law, are recognized nationally as fair, deliberate and clearly communicated statements of law. On his retirement, the Court of Appeal extends its deepest gratitude for Justice Fitch’s dedication and guidance and wishes him the best for his retirement.