It is a court of general and inherent jurisdiction. Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Westminster, Yale, Cariboo, Kootenay and Prince Rupert. The Supreme Court hears both civil and criminal cases and also hears appeals from the Provincial Court. Another important distinction is that Supreme Court justices are appointed by the federal cabinet whereas Provincial Court judges, by the provincial government's Cabinet. The Supreme Court Act governs the structural aspects of the court's powers and jurisdiction.
Masters are a sort of junior justice.
Masters are required to be members of the Law Society at the time of appointment. Masters are paid the same salary as judges of the Provincial Court. In my experience, the role and quality of British Columbia masters is as good if not better than what we sometimes see on the Bench. Certain matters, such as defamation and malicious prosecution, regardless of the amount being claimed, must go to the Supreme Court for adjudication. For example, there is no monetary limit on the Supreme Court as there is for the Provincial Court.