Engagement Summary

The Ministry of Attorney General is proposing amendments to the Court of Appeal Act (“Act”) and the Court of Appeal Rules (“Rules”). The most recent revision of the Act and Rules occurred in 1996 and, as a result, modernization of the Act and Rules is needed. The proposed changes are intended to clarify and create efficiencies by simplifying procedures and improving access to justice for litigants in the B.C. Court of Appeal.

Over the years, amendments have been made to the Act and Rules. New provisions have been added, some existing provisions have been repealed and replaced, many practice directives and practice notes have been issued, and modifications have been made to some civil court forms. These changes have affected the organization of the Act and the Rules. This is an opportunity to ensure that the Act and Rules are clarified for litigants in the court.

Citizens were asked to consult the White Paper and review the proposed new Act and Rules for further information prior to submitting written feedback. A sample package of the redesigned forms was also available for viewing.

 
Engagement Timeframe:

October 25, 2019 to December 6, 2019

 
Input Received

• Feedback on the proposed new Act and Rules were accepted by email until Friday, December 6, 2019.
• 12 emails were received.

 
Input leads to action
The Ministry will consider feedback from the public engagement prior to finalizing the amendments to the Court of Appeal Act and Court of Appeal Rules.