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
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.
March 28, 2024
BC COURT OF APPEAL ANNUAL REPORT 2023
The Annual Report of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia covering the activities of the Court for 2023 is now available.