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Although the current BC Small Claims Rules permit parties to make court appearances by telephone in specified situations, they are silent about proceedings being conducted using videoconferencing or audioconferencing and remote attendance in court using this technology.
BC Judicial Council’s 2020 Annual Report raises fascinating questions. Praised for their transparency, since 1999 the Council’s annual reports have included statistics and demographic information about applicants for appointment as Provincial Court judges and judicial justices.
While not without challenges, the Court’s use of technology during the last year to conduct some types of proceedings has increased access to justice for many people. Among other benefits, it has saved litigants and lawyers from travelling long distances for short court appearances.
About half a million violation tickets are issued every year in BC. The provincial government, in consultation with the Provincial Court, has developed a new online tool to help people in BC decide how to deal with their tickets.
On November 25th, 2020, in an online ceremony, the Honourable Steven Point (xwĕ lī qwĕl tĕl), former Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and retired Provincial Court Judge, was installed as Chancellor of the University of British Columbia. The virtual event incorporated elements of the traditional in-person ceremony, including an address by the new Chancellor.