News and Announcements

The Court of Appeal is continuing its efforts to encourage early resolution of appeal matters by, in part, expanding the existing Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR) program. The Court’s JDRs are governed by Rules 14.60 and 14.61, and Part D of the Consolidated Practice Directions (CPD).

On August 31, 2020, the Court of Appeal of Alberta will launch the public portal of its e-filing system called CAMS. The Court of Appeal Management System (CAMS) is a comprehensive case and document management system and an electronic filing system that provides registered users the ability to electronically initiate an appeal, file materials, pay applicable fees and more.

Counsel and self-represented litigants are now required to complete and submit a Confidentiality or Privacy Concerns Form prior to electronic hearings. A fillable e-form and instructions are included in this notice.

This notice provides an update on attendance at electronic hearings, now open to counsel and self-represented litigants, media and the wider public in accordance with the process set forth in this Notice. Also, a reminder of electronic resources available.

The suspension on appellate judicial dispute resolution has been lifted. However, until further notice, appellate JDR, as well as bar admissions, will be conducted through online video conference only.

The Court of Queen’s Bench and Provincial Court are scheduled to increase in-person hearings July 6, 2020. Accordingly, to enhance safe access to Alberta courthouses, effective that day, all persons entering a courthouse in Alberta shall be required to wear a face mask while in any public area of the courthouse subject to the exceptions outline in this notice.

The Court of Appeal is pleased to announce that it will launch the public portal of its e-­filing system called CAMS on August 31, 2020.

On May 21, Chief Justice Catherine A. Fraser and the Advocates’ Society had a fireside chat to discuss how the Court of Appeal has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, including moving to virtual hearings, and the ongoing work to “digitize” Alberta’s top court.

Canadian Lawyer has surveyed a number of chief justices of courts across Canada on how they are handling the COVID-19 crisis. Here, in the second of the series, Catherine Fraser, Chief Justice of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, answers Canadian Lawyer’s questions about COVID-19’s impact on the Court of Appeal of Alberta.

Update to the Canadian Bar Association and Law Society from Alberta's three courts on the steps being taken to return to more regular sittings for the trial courts in response to the provincial government’s recent relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions.

Update to the Canadian Bar Association and Law Society of Alberta from Alberta's three courts on the measures being taken to assure the delivery of justice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notice to the Profession - 2021 Sitting Dates

This notice provides procedural information for participants of electronic hearings, which are being used for all matters as part of the court’s pandemic response plan.

Effective April 1, 2020, the Court of Appeal has adopted the Court of Queen's Bench practice regarding remote commissioning of affidavits.

This notice describes restrictions on access to all courthouses in Alberta due to COVID-19.

The Edmonton Law Courts West Entrance will be temporarily closed until further notice, starting on Monday, March 23. The East Entrance on 97 Street and the Pedway Entrance will both remain open. We apologize for any inconvenience.

This notice outlines the alterations to Alberta court operations due to the Premier’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency.

The Court of Appeal continues to hear appeals, applications and motions but as of March 23, 2020, these are not in person. Details are set out in this notice.

This notice provides emergency practice directions about COVID-19 prevention and protection, communications, attendance at the court, filing deadlines and communicating with the court, and how matters will proceed in the Court of Appeal.

The Court's Opinion in the Reference re Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was filed on February 24, 2020.