Professional Notices

There are two main purposes behind these pre-trial conferences. The first is to reduce the number of files being set for trial by helping to ensure that only those requiring a trial are actually set for hearing. The second purpose is to manage those files that are to be set for trial to ensure that accurate time estimates have been determined prior to dates being set and ensure hearings complete on time as scheduled.

On November 1, 2024, the Court will be expanding the Court Online Booking System (COBS).

Effective September 9, 2024 the Supreme Court Civil Rules regarding affidavits, which also impact the Small Claims Rules, were amended to allow for the acceptance of affidavits commissioned by video technology and to remove the requirement that remote commissioning only occur where it is not medically safe to attend physically before a commissioner.

Effective September 9, 2024, the Supreme Court Civil Rules and the Supreme Court Family Rules were amended pursuant to OIC No. 378/2024.

Purpose: The purpose of this practice direction is to set out the form counsel may submit for the Court to consider if counsel has advised their client of their language rights under section 530 of the Criminal Code.

This practice direction is to improve the clarity of publication bans made in criminal proceedings, and the accuracy of court records documenting them. It will also make information about the terms and the duration of bans more accessible to parties and other interested people while the proceedings are taking place in the Court, as well as later when there is a reason to consult the court record.

Purpose: To set out guidelines regarding the length, format, and content of Affidavits and Exhibits in family proceedings.

This practice direction applies to all court registries in the Province.

Purpose: The purpose of this practice direction is to set out the default methods of attendance for court appearances under the Provincial Court (Child, Family and Community Service Act) Rules, B.C. Reg. 533/95 (“CFCSA Rules”) and the and the Provincial Court (Snuw’uy’ulhtst tu Quw’utsun Mustimuhw u’ tu Shhw’a’luqwa’a’ i’ Smun’eem) [Laws of the Cowichan People for Families and Children] Rules (“Cowichan Rules”).

The Court remains committed to using technology in appropriate cases to better serve court users and improve access to justice. Remote attendance options provide the flexibility to support greater access to justice, including for those living in remote communities and vulnerable people served by the Court.