Effective June 3, 2024, the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada (the “Rules”) were amended pursuant to subsection 97(1) of the Supreme Court Act. Amendments were made to rules governing definitions, filing, motions, appearances, condensed books, fees and disbursements, and forms.
The Guidelines For Preparing Documents to be Filed with the Supreme Court of Canada are also updated to reflect the above noted amendments. For a more detailed breakdown of these changes to the Rules, read the Government of Canada’s notice here. For a condensed summary of the amendments, view the table below.
Table: Summary of Amendments to the Rules[1]
| Rule | Amendment |
| 2 – Definitions |
|
| 19 – Electronic Filing Portal/Filing of Documents | Supreme Court of Canada Electronic Filing Portal has been added to the list of methods for filing documents with the registrar. |
| 20 – Service of Documents | Clarification that service of documents by email can be proven by an affidavit that attaches the email, a read or delivery receipt or confirmation from the party served. |
| 45 – Condensed Books | A condensed book must contain an outline of the oral argument. Previously, the outline was optional. |
| 47 – Motions | The requirement to file a draft order with a notice of motion is repealed. |
| 71 – Appearances | Counsel presenting argument must give their names to the Registrar four weeks before the hearing. Previously, it was two weeks. |
| Tariff of Fees and Disbursements — Schedule A and Schedule B |
|
| Forms | Various forms affected by the amendments have been amended accordingly. |
[1] https://www.scc-csc.ca/ar-lr/amend-modif2024-06-03-eng.aspx
