GreatNorthCollective/greatnorth-canada-federal-laws-text huggingface dataset:
Federal Courts Rules — 12
Court registrars 12 (1) The Administrator shall arrange that there be in attendance at every sitting of the Court a duly qualified person to act as court registrar for the sitting, who shall, subject to the direction of the Court, (a) make all arrangements necessary to conduct the sitting in an orderly, efficient and dignified manner; (b) keep a record of every material event that transpires during the sitting; (c) keep and be responsible for all books and records of the Court used at the sitting; and (d) keep and be responsible for all exhibits filed during the sitting and mark them, record them and indicate by whom they were filed. Other officers of the Court (2) The Administrator shall arrange for the attendance at every sitting of the Court of all persons who are necessary for the proper conduct of the Court at the sitting. SOR/2002-417, s. 2
Federal Courts Rules — 13
Court seals 13 (1) The seal of each court — the Federal Court of Appeal and the Federal Court — shall be approved by its Chief Justice and shall be kept in the principal office. Facsimiles of seal (2) The Chief Justice of each court may authorize one or more facsimiles of the seal of their court to be kept at the Registry. SOR/2004-283, s. 5
Federal Courts Rules — 14
Registry functions 14 Registry functions may be performed by an officer of the Registry at any place and at any time.
Federal Courts Rules — 16
Recommendation boxes 16 To provide the public with an opportunity to make comments regarding the administration or rules of the Court, two small locked boxes — one for the Federal Court of Appeal and one for the Federal Court — shall be maintained in every office of the Registry, located and constructed so that members of the public can conveniently insert envelopes into them and identified by a sign indicating (a) “RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL” or “RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FEDERAL COURT”, as the case may be; (b) that recommendations are invited for amendments to the Federal Courts Rules and improvements in the administration of the Court; and (c) that every recommendation will be sent unopened directly to the Chief Justice of the court in question. SOR/2004-283, s. 6
Federal Courts Rules — 17
Principal office and local offices 17 The principal office is located in Ottawa and local offices are located in Calgary, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Fredericton, Halifax, Iqaluit, Montreal, Quebec City, Regina, Saint John, Saskatoon, St. John’s, Toronto, Vancouver, Whitehorse, Winnipeg and Yellowknife. SOR/2006-219, s. 1
Federal Courts Rules — 18
Requests and requisitions 18 A request or requisition to the Administrator under these Rules shall be made in Form 18.
Federal Courts Rules — 19
Registry fees 19 A party shall pay to the Registry for a service or procedure set out in Tariff A the fees set out in that Tariff.
Federal Courts Rules — 20
Sheriff’s fees 20 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a sheriff is entitled to the fees for service and disbursements set out in Tariff A. Modification by Court (2) On motion, the Court may increase or decrease the fee payable to a sheriff on execution.
Federal Courts Rules — 21
Records 21 The Administrator shall keep all records necessary for documenting the proceedings of the Court and enter in them all orders, directions, foreign judgments ordered to be registered, pleadings and other documents filed in a proceeding. SOR/2015-21, s. 2
Federal Courts Rules — 22
Caveat register 22 (1) The Administrator shall keep in the Registry a caveat register, in which all caveats, withdrawals of caveats and orders affecting caveats shall be entered. Entry of caveat (2) On the filing of a caveat under subsection 493(1), (2) or (3), the Administrator shall enter the caveat in the caveat register.
Federal Courts Rules — 23
Court file 23 (1) For each proceeding of the Court, the Administrator shall keep a file that is composed of the following documents, each marked with its date and time of filing, and that is organized by order of filing: (a) every document filed under these Rules, an order of the Court or an Act of Parliament, other than affidavits or other material filed in support of a motion or as evidence at trial; (b) all correspondence between a party and the Registry; (c) all orders; (d) copies of all writs issued in the proceeding; and (e) such other documents relating to the proceeding as the Court may direct. Annexes (2) The Administrator shall keep an annex to each Court file that is comprised of (a) all affidavits; (b) all exhibits; and (c) all other documents and material in the possession of the Court or the Registry that are not required by these Rules to be kept in the Court file. SOR/2015-21, s. 3
Federal Courts Rules — 23.1
Retention period 23.1 The Administrator shall retain all files, annexes — other than the exhibits — and records that are required by these Rules to be kept for the period of time specified in the retention schedule established by the Court. SOR/2015-21, s. 4
Federal Courts Rules — 24
Files for notices of motion 24 (1) Where, in respect of an action, application or appeal that has not yet been commenced, a notice of motion for an extension of time, for leave to appeal or for any other order under a statute, rule or other enactment is filed, the notice of motion, any affidavits filed in respect thereof and any order made pursuant to the motion shall be kept in Court files maintained for notices of motion of that category. Copies on file or annex (2) If the proceeding is subsequently commenced, a copy of the order and of the other documents related to the motion shall be added to the Court file or annex for the proceeding, as applicable. SOR/2015-21, s. 5
Federal Courts Rules — 25
Transmitting paper copies filed at local office 25 When a document is filed in paper copy at a local office, the Administrator shall (a) transmit that paper copy, without delay, to the principal office; (b) keep a certified copy of the document at the local office; and (c) transmit a copy of the document to any other local office where a copy is required for the business of the Court. SOR/2015-21, s. 6
Federal Courts Rules — 26
Inspection of files 26 (1) If the necessary facilities are available, a person may, with supervision and without interfering with the business of the Court, inspect a Court file or annex that is available to the public. Removal or deletion of documents (2) Nothing shall be removed or deleted from a Court file or annex except (a) under an order of the Court; (b) by an officer of the Registry acting in the course of his or her duties; or (c) in accordance with rule 26.1. Removal of files (3) Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, no Court file or annex to a Court file shall be removed from the Registry by any person other than (a) a judge, associate judge or referee; or (b) an officer of the Registry acting in the course of his or her duties. SOR/2002-417, s. 3; SOR/2015-21, s. 7 SOR/2025-232, s. 10
Federal Courts Rules — 26.1
Definition 26.1 (1) In this rule, appeal includes an appeal of an order of an associate judge, an application for leave to appeal and an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. Removal of exhibits from file (2) Subject to subsection (4), exhibits put into evidence shall remain part of the annex to the Court file either (a) until the time for an appeal has expired, if no appeal has been taken, or (b) until the appeal is disposed of, if an appeal has been taken. Return of exhibits (3) On the expiry of the time for appeal or on the disposition of the appeal, the Administrator shall return the exhibits to the respective solicitors or the parties who put the exhibits in evidence. Return on consent (4) At any time following judgment, on requisition by the solicitor or party who put an exhibit in evidence or the person who produced it and on the filing of the consent of all parties, the Administrator shall return the exhibit to the person making the requisition. SOR/2002-417, s. 4; SOR/2015-21, s. 8 SOR/2025-232, s. 10
Federal Courts Rules — 27
Directions 27 (1) If exhibits are not returnable to a party, solicitor or person or have not been claimed by a party, solicitor or person within one year after the expiry of the time for appeal or the disposition of the appeal referred to in subsection 26.1(3), the Administrator may seek directions from the Court as to their disposition. Disposal of exhibits (2) The Court may, at the request of the Administrator, order that any exhibits not claimed by, or returnable to, a party, solicitor or other person be vested in Her Majesty in right of Canada or be destroyed. SOR/2002-417, s. 5
Federal Courts Rules — 28
Sitting of Court 28 The Court may sit at any time and at any place.
Federal Courts Rules — 29
Public hearings 29 (1) Subject to subsection (2) and rule 30, hearings of the Court, other than pre-trial or dispute resolution conferences, shall be open and accessible to the public. Hearing in camera (2) On motion, the Court may direct that all or part of a proceeding be heard in camera if it is satisfied that the hearing should not be open to the public.
Federal Courts Rules — 30
Orders out of court 30 (1) A judge or associate judge who is not sitting in court may make an order on a motion if (a) the judge or associate judge is satisfied that all parties affected have consented thereto; (b) the motion was brought in accordance with rule 369 or 369.2; or (c) for any other reason the judge or associate judge considers that the order can be made without a hearing without prejudice to any party. Variance (2) On motion, the Court may set aside or vary an order made under paragraph (1)(a) on the ground that a party did not consent to it. SOR/2021-244, s. 5 SOR/2025-232, s. 10 SOR/2025-232, s. 11(E)
Federal Courts Rules — 31
Interpreter 31 A request by a party under the Official Languages Act for an interpreter at a hearing shall be made in writing and be sent to the Administrator as soon as is practicable before the hearing begins.
Federal Courts Rules — 32
Remote conferencing 32 The Court may order that a hearing be conducted in whole or in part by means of a telephone conference call, video-conference or any other form of electronic communication.
Federal Courts Rules — 33
Technological assistance 33 The Court may give directions to facilitate the conduct of a hearing by the use of any electronic or digital means of communication or storage or retrieval of information, or any other technology it considers appropriate.
Federal Courts Rules — 34
General Sittings of Trial Division 34 (1) General Sittings of the Federal Court for the hearing of motions shall be held, except during the seasonal or summer recess or on a holiday, (a) at Ottawa, every Wednesday and on any other day fixed by the Chief Justice of the Federal Court; (b) at Toronto and Vancouver, every Tuesday and on any other day fixed by the Chief Justice of the Federal Court; (c) in Quebec, (i) at Montreal, every Tuesday and on any other day fixed by the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, and (ii) on a day and at any other place fixed by the Chief Justice of the Federal Court; and (d) in every province other than Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, at least once per month, on a day and at a place fixed by the Chief Justice of the Federal Court. Cancellation (2) General Sittings may be cancelled by the Chief Justice of the Federal Court if no notice of a motion to be presented at the Sittings has been filed (a) in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, at least two days before the day of the Sittings; and (b) in any other place, at least one week before the day of the Sittings. Summer recess (3) General Sittings during the summer recess will be announced by the Chief Justice of the Federal Court before June 15 each year. SOR/2004-283, ss. 33, 34; SOR/2013-18, s. 2 SOR/2021-244, s. 6
Federal Courts Rules — 35
Hearing dates 35 (1) Subject to rule 298 and paragraph 385(1)(b), motions that can conveniently be heard at the General Sittings of the Federal Court may be made returnable accordingly. Special hearing dates (2) A request may be made informally to the Judicial Administrator of the Federal Court of Appeal or the Federal Court, as the case may be, for an appointment of a special time and place (a) for sittings of the Federal Court of Appeal or of a judge of that court to hear a motion; or (b) for sittings of a judge of the Federal Court or of an associate judge to hear a motion that is likely to exceed two hours or a motion that is to be heard other than at General Sittings. Motion record (3) The request shall be accompanied by a motion record. SOR/2004-283, ss. 7, 33 SOR/2021-151, s. 2 SOR/2025-232, s. 10
Federal Courts Rules — 36
Adjournment 36 (1) A hearing may be adjourned by the Court from time to time on such terms as the Court considers just. Adjournment to fixed day (2) Where a hearing is adjourned to a fixed day, a party who appeared at the hearing is deemed to have had notice of the adjournment. Notice dispensed with (3) Where a party has failed to appear at a hearing, that party need not be served with notice of an adjournment of the hearing.
Federal Courts Rules — 37
Failure to give notice 37 Where at a hearing the Court considers that any person to whom notice of the hearing has not been given ought to have had such notice, the Court may adjourn the hearing or dismiss the proceeding or motion.
Federal Courts Rules — 38
Absence of party 38 Where a party fails to appear at a hearing, the Court may proceed in the absence of the party if the Court is satisfied that notice of the hearing was given to that party in accordance with these Rules.
Federal Courts Rules — 39
Inability to continue 39 If a judge or referee of the Federal Court of Appeal or a Judge, associate judge or referee of the Federal Court is for any reason unable to continue in a proceeding or to render a judgment that has been reserved, the Chief Justice of the court in question may order that the proceeding be reheard or retried, on any terms that the Chief Justice considers just. SOR/2004-283, s. 8 SOR/2025-232, s. 10
Federal Courts Rules — 40
Rota of Judges for Vancouver 40 (1) On or before July 1 in each year, the Chief Justice of the Federal Court shall, in consultation with the other judges of that court, establish a rota of judges for Vancouver for the twelve months commencing on September 1 of that year, excluding the seasonal recess. Powers of Chief Justice of the Federal Court (2) The Chief Justice of the Federal Court may make changes to the Vancouver rota, including the substitution of one judge for another during all or part of the judge’s period of assignment. Responsibilities of judges (3) A judge assigned to Vancouver shall reside in Vancouver for the period of the assignment and hold sittings and otherwise transact the judicial business of the Federal Court in Vancouver and in such other places as may be required. Assignment period (4) Except with a judge’s consent, the Chief Justice of the Federal Court shall not (a) assign the judge to Vancouver for a period exceeding two months; or (b) reassign the judge to Vancouver for a second assignment within two months after the end of the first. SOR/2004-283, ss. 9, 33, 34 SOR/2021-244, s. 7
Federal Courts Rules — 41
Subpoena for witness 41 (1) Subject to subsection (4), on receipt of a written request, the Administrator shall issue, in Form 41, a subpoena for the attendance of a witness or the production of a document or other material in a proceeding. Issuance in blank (2) A subpoena may be issued in blank and completed by a solicitor or party. Multiple names (3) Any number of names may be included in one subpoena . Where leave required (4) No subpoena shall be issued without leave of the Court (a) for the production of an original record or of an original document, if the record or document may be proven by a copy in accordance with an Act of Parliament or of the legislature of a province; (b) to compel the appearance of a witness who resides more than 800 km from the place where the witness will be required to attend under the subpoena ; or (c) to compel the attendance of a witness at a hearing other than a trial or a reference under rule 153. Ex parte motion (5) Leave may be granted under subsection (4) on an ex parte motion.
Federal Courts Rules — 42
Personal service of subpoena 42 No witness is required to attend under a subpoena unless the subpoena has been personally served on the witness in accordance with paragraph 128(1)(a) and witness fees and travel expenses have been paid or tendered to the witness in the amount set out in Tariff A. SOR/2002-417, s. 6
Federal Courts Rules — 43
Witness fees 43 Where a witness is required under these Rules to attend a proceeding other than pursuant to a subpoena , the witness is entitled to witness fees and travel expenses in the amount set out in Tariff A.
Federal Courts Rules — 45
Compelling attendance of detainee 45 On motion, the Court may make an order in Form 45 requiring that any person who is in the custody of a prison or penitentiary be brought before the Court.
Federal Courts Rules — 46
Failure to obey 46 Where a witness who is required to attend at a hearing fails to do so, on motion, the Court may, by a warrant in Form 46, order that the witness be apprehended anywhere in Canada, brought before the Court and (a) detained in custody until the witness’s presence is no longer required; or (b) released on a recognizance, with or without sureties, on condition that the witness attend to give evidence.
Federal Courts Rules — 47
Discretionary powers 47 (1) Unless otherwise provided by these Rules, if these Rules grant a discretionary power to the Court, a judge or associate judge has jurisdiction to exercise that power on his or her own initiative or on motion. Exercise of powers on motion (2) Where these Rules provide that powers of the Court are to be exercised on motion, they may be exercised only on the bringing of a motion. SOR/2007-130, s. 1 SOR/2025-232, s. 10
Federal Courts Rules — 49
Transfer of proceedings 49 If a proceeding has been commenced in the Federal Court of Appeal or the Federal Court, a judge of that court may order that the proceeding be transferred to the other court. SOR/2004-283, s. 10
Federal Courts Rules — 50
Associate judges 50 (1) An associate judge may hear, and make any necessary orders relating to, any motion under these Rules other than a motion (a) in respect of which these Rules or an Act of Parliament has expressly conferred jurisdiction on a judge; (b) in the Federal Court of Appeal; (c) for summary judgment or summary trial other than (i) in an action referred to in subsection (2), or (ii) in respect of a claim referred to in subsection (3); (d) to hold a person in contempt at a hearing referred to in paragraph 467(1)(a); (e) for an injunction; (f) relating to the liberty of a person; (g) to stay, set aside or vary an order of a judge, other than an order made under paragraph 385(a), (b) or (c); (h) to stay execution of an order of a judge; (i) to appoint a receiver; (j) for an interim order under section 18.2 of the Act; (k) to appeal the findings of a referee under rule 163; or (l) for the certification of an action or an application as a class proceeding. Actions not over $100,000 (2) An associate judge may hear an action exclusively for monetary relief, or an action in rem claiming monetary relief, in which no amount claimed by a party exceeds $100,000 exclusive of interest and costs. Class proceedings (3) An associate judge may hear a claim in respect of one or more individual questions in a class proceeding in which the amount claimed by a class member does not exceed $100,000 exclusive of interest and costs. Foreign judgment or arbitral award (4) An associate judge may hear an application made under rule 327 for registration of a foreign judgment or recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award. Matters on consent (5) Despite paragraphs (1)(c) and (k), an associate judge may render any final judgment that could be rendered by a judge of the Federal Court, except in a proceeding in respect of which an Act of Parliament expressly confers jurisdiction on a judge, if the associate judge is satisfied that all of the parties that will be affected by the judgment have given their consent. SOR/2002-417, s. 8; SOR/2004-283, s. 32; SOR/2007-130, s. 2; SOR/2007-301, s. 2; SOR/2009-331, s. 1 SOR/2021-150, s. 1 SOR/2021-245, s. 1 SOR/2025-232, s. 10
Federal Courts Rules — 51
Appeal 51 (1) An order of an associate judge may be appealed by a motion to a judge of the Federal Court. Service of appeal (2) Notice of the motion shall be served and filed within 10 days after the day on which the order under appeal was made and at least four days before the day fixed for the hearing of the motion. SOR/2004-283, s. 33; SOR/2007-130, s. 3 SOR/2025-232, s. 10
Federal Courts Rules — 52
Role of assessor 52 (1) The Court may call on an assessor (a) to assist the Court in understanding technical evidence; or (b) to provide a written opinion in a proceeding. Fees and disbursements (2) An order made under subsection (1) shall provide for payment of the fees and disbursements of the assessor. Communications with assessor (3) All communications between the Court and an assessor shall be in open court. Form and content of question (4) Before requesting a written opinion from an assessor, the Court shall allow the parties to make submissions in respect of the form and content of the question to be asked. Answer by assessor (5) Before judgment is rendered, the Court shall provide the parties with the questions asked of, and any opinion given by, an assessor and give them an opportunity to make submissions thereon. (6) [Repealed, SOR/2010-176, s. 1] SOR/2010-176, s. 1
Federal Courts Rules — 52.1
Right to name expert 52.1 (1) A party to a proceeding may name an expert witness whether or not an assessor has been called on under rule 52. Expert named jointly (2) Two or more of the parties may jointly name an expert witness. SOR/2010-176, s. 2
Federal Courts Rules — 52.2
Expert’s affidavit or statement 52.2 (1) An affidavit or statement of an expert witness shall (a) set out in full the proposed evidence of the expert; (b) set out the expert’s qualifications and the areas in respect of which it is proposed that he or she be qualified as an expert; (c) be accompanied by a certificate in Form 52.2 signed by the expert acknowledging that the expert has read the Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses set out in the schedule and agrees to be bound by it; and (d) in the case of a statement, be in writing, signed by the expert and accompanied by a solicitor’s certificate. Failure to comply (2) If an expert fails to comply with the Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses, the Court may exclude some or all of the expert’s affidavit or statement. SOR/2010-176, s. 2
Federal Courts Rules — 52.3
Exception for certain medical professionals 52.3 The rules governing expert witnesses do not apply to a medical professional who has given or is giving medical treatment or advice to a person if the evidence in relation to the person is limited to one or more of the following subjects: (a) the results of an examination; (b) a description of the treatment or advice; (c) the reason the treatment or advice was or is being given; and (d) the results of the treatment or advice. SOR/2010-176, s. 2
Federal Courts Rules — 52.4
Limit on number of experts 52.4 (1) A party intending to call more than five expert witnesses in a proceeding shall seek leave of the Court in accordance with section 7 of the Canada Evidence Act . Leave considerations (2) In deciding whether to grant leave, the Court shall consider all relevant matters, including (a) the nature of the litigation, its public significance and any need to clarify the law; (b) the number, complexity or technical nature of the issues in dispute; and (c) the likely expense involved in calling the expert witnesses in relation to the amount in dispute in the proceeding. SOR/2010-176, s. 2