Effective date: 31 March 2026
The Court is expanding access to virtual hearings and video appearances in civil and family proceedings. This is part of a larger strategy to modernize the civil justice system, make efficient use of judicial resources and improve affordability and increase access to justice. These reforms are also responsive to feedback gathered through the Court's chambers consultation. Chief Justice Skolrood has issued four practice directions relating to virtual hearings and video appearances.
Attendance by Video at CPCs and JMCs
Practice Direction 71 - Manner of Attendance for Case Planning Conferences and Judicial Management Conferences provides that effective May 4, 2026, the default manner of attendance at CPCs and JMCs is by video. Parties and counsel who have a CPC or JMC scheduled after May 4, 2026 will appear by video and must contact Supreme Court Scheduling to provide an email address. A party who would like to change the manner of attendance can seek the court's permission by filing a requisition.
Virtual Chambers Expands to New Westminster on June 1, 2026
Practice Direction 72 - Electronic Application Records (Associate Judges Chambers Pilot Project) and Practice Direction 73 - Virtual Chambers (Associate Judges Chamber Pilot Project) have been issued and replace Practice Direction 68 - Associate Judges Chambers Project.
Practice Direction 73 expands access to virtual chambers to include New Westminster. Under Practice Direction 73, parties may schedule short applications (30 minutes or less) before an associate judge in virtual chambers, except in proceedings filed in the Vancouver Registry. For proceedings in the New Westminster registry, applications may be heard in virtual chambers beginning on June 1, 2026.
A list of virtual chambers hearing dates is available here.
Some Applications in Foreclosure Proceedings May be Heard in Virtual Chambers
Practice Direction 66 - Foreclosure Proceedings has been updated to clarify that applications in foreclosure proceedings, except applications for approval of sale, may be scheduled in virtual chambers in accordance with Practice Direction 73.
Remote Attendance at Applications, TMCs and Hearings before the Registrar
Practice Direction 74 - Remote Attendance at Applications, Trial Management Conferences and Hearings and Pre-Hearing Conferences before the Registrar sets out factors the court will consider when determining an application for remote attendance. Practice Direction 74 requires parties and counsel who wish to appear remotely to provide the court with sufficient information to determine the request.
Ronald A. Skolrood
Chief Justice
Supreme Court of British Columbia