Sealing a Court File

Last revised April 02, 2024

BC Supreme Court Practice Direction PD-58: Sealing Orders in Civil and Family Proceedings sets out the procedure for applying for an order sealing all or part of the court file in a civil or family law case.

PD-58 took effect on February 10, 2020 and updated August 1, 2023.

See:

• Andrews, M.D. & Cameron, G.  "The Implied Undertaking of Confidentiality—Theory and Practice; and a Brief Look at Confidentiality and Sealing Orders". CLE's Privilege and Confidential Information, 2011, pages 8.1.16 to 8.1.17.
  •     Contains a discussion of how to obtain a sealing order.  Includes a sample sealing order.
• Hordo, R.J. Randall. "Pre-Trial Document Disclosure and Confidentiality in a Commercial Case". CLE's Advocacy Conference, 2001, volume 1, pages 2.1.7 to 2.1.8.
  •     Contains a discussion regarding the circumstances under which the court will seal a file. 
• Sandford, Marilyn E. "Recent Case Authorities Regarding Publication Bans, Sealing Orders, Access To Exhibits, And Anonymity Orders". CLE's Lawyers and the Media, 2011, pages 4.2.10 to 4.2.13.
  •     Contains a discussion of sealing orders and ban issues in divorce proceedings.