BC Supreme Court’s 2026–31 strategic plan focuses on modern facilities

The British Columbia Supreme Court will prioritize the following over the next five years: timely and effective access to justice, public confidence in the justice system through communications and outreach, modern and secure courthouse facilities and infrastructure, and a strong and resilient workforce. 

According to the announcement, the court’s recently published 2026–31 strategic plan aims to affirm its commitment to the rule of law, public confidence in the justice system, and the fulfillment of the changing needs of the individuals and communities the court serves. 

The court acknowledged that it may set more operational objectives and plan more initiatives in the future. The court intends to release annual reports updating on its progress toward the key priorities and the corresponding action plans laid out in the latest strategic plan. 

Access to justice

To deal with cases more efficiently and effectively, the court plans to: 

• Ensure that its rules and processes help advance timely access to justice 
• Pursue funding for more judges, associate judges, and registrars 
• Seek funding for additional legal counsel, law clerks, judicial administrative assistants, and other judicial support staff 
• Embrace technology and modernize processes for chambers, scheduling, case management, and other matters 
• Expand in terms of alternative dispute resolution and other pathways to early resolution 
• Identify and resolve access-to-justice issues with a user-focused and evidence-based approach 
• Advance truth and reconciliation efforts 

Communications and outreach

To promote public confidence in the justice system, the court may take the following steps: 

• Engage in community outreach and education sessions to spread awareness of its role and work 
• Ensure that users can access inclusive and plain-language materials in formats supporting diverse needs 
• Acknowledge the media’s role in public understanding of the court 
• Potentially consult with legal professionals, litigants, members of the public, and representatives from the media, Indigenous communities, and organizations on justice reforms 
• Update and grow communication channels for sharing engaging and accessible information 

Facilities and infrastructure

To ensure modern, secure, and reliable facilities, infrastructure, and systems, the court intends to collaborate with the BC government to: 

• Update its technological infrastructure, including Court Services Online, the Civil Electronic Information System, and JUSTIN 
• Modernize courtrooms to support virtual, hybrid, and in-person hearings with digital documents and evidence 
• Upgrade and expand courthouse facilities to ensure their safety and accessibility 

The court also plans to make courthouses and courtrooms more inclusive and welcoming for lawyers, litigants, and the public. 

Workforce

For stronger and more resilient workers, the court said it seeks to: 

• Prioritize continuous learning or leadership development for judicial officers and staff 
• Support the court and its judicial officers by appointing the appropriate people to roles 
• Foster inclusion and respect for diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds 
• Train staff to identify and tackle access-to-justice barriers 
• Promote cultural sensitivity for Indigenous people 

Supreme Court of British Columbia cases

Here are some recent decisions from the BC Supreme Court. 

On Sept. 9, the court did not find enough evidence of a medical, temporal, or other connection between an oral maxillofacial surgeon’s treatment and the new or aggravated symptoms associated with his patient’s obstructive sleep apnea to prove causation at common law. 

In a personal injury proceeding against the City of Victoria arising from a tripping incident, the court issued a Sept. 2 decision dismissing the injured plaintiff’s application for the production of adjuster reports found to be covered by litigation privilege. 

On Aug. 21, the court dismissed a claim alleging battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and Charter breaches against doctors and others involved in a patient’s certification as an involuntary patient under s. 22 of BC’s Mental Health Act, 1996. 

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