BC Supreme Court Online Booking Advances Timely Access to Justice

In January 2026, the Supreme Court of British Columbia expanded online booking for civil and family long chambers hearings to all locations across the province. This long-awaited move is a practical step forward for lawyers and litigants who’ve struggled with outdated booking systems and marks important progress towards a more modern, efficient judicial system in B.C.

Previously, parties and counsel competed for newly released hearing dates by telephone on a set date each month, with court time assigned on a first-to-call basis. This system was slow and ineffective, placing unnecessary burdens on lawyers and their staff teams, plus added stress and cost on their clients. Firms often directed multiple legal assistants to make calls with limited success of timely booking. Smaller firms, solo practices and self-represented litigants were at a disadvantage, often lacking the resources needed to compete for limited hearing slots—resulting in inequitable access to justice.

The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch raised these concerns with the government in a 2021 submission and our Agenda for Justice 2021, recommending an online court scheduling system to reduce barriers. CBABC welcomed the Court’s initial move to online booking in fall 2024 and called on the Province for sustained funding to implement a robust system—including testing and training—in Agenda for Justice 2025. In submissions to the provincial finance committee in June 2025, CBABC prioritized this funding request.

Now province-wide, the new system offers two online booking processes: a “booking window” for newly released hearing dates and an “on-demand” process for immediate scheduling. Some court locations will use both systems, while others will use only the on-demand process. The Court has released a notice outlining details about this expansion.

The shift from a first-to-call system to online booking makes securing court time more efficient and equitable, especially for smaller practices and self-represented litigants. Lawyers and legal assistants no longer need to redial repeatedly, freeing up their time to assist those seeking legal help. This change shows how technology can remove barriers and make justice more accessible.

The Supreme Court's move also marks a significant step toward broader modernization efforts across B.C.’s courts. CBABC continues to advocate for upgrades lawyers and judges notice every day, including better microphones, faster computers, smoother online filing and expanded Wi-Fi that actually works beyond the courtroom.

We urge the government to fund and accelerate the implementation of the Court Digital Transformation Strategy, the joint initiative across all levels of court and the Attorney General. This strategy aims to improve access to justice, support timely court processes and promote efficient use of resources through technology. Continued modernization will help ensure the court system meets the evolving needs of lawyers and the public across British Columbia.