Supreme Court Civil Rules of Contempt

Last updated on August 4, 2023

This Consultation closed on March 25, 2022.

British Columbia’s justice system depends on respect for and compliance with court orders. Those who fail to obey a court order may find themselves in contempt of the court.

B.C.’s Civil Rules of Contempt are set out in Rule 22-8 of the Supreme Court Civil Rules. This rule is arguably obsolete, as it does not provide the full range of remedies available to the court when court orders are not obeyed. Consultation: Civil Rules of Contempt 2022 (PDF) considers several options to improve the Rules.

The Supreme Court Civil & Family Rules Committee invites comments on these options from the bar, litigants and members of the public.