Law360 Canada (May 13, 2026, 4:45 PM EDT) -- Case planning conferences and judicial management conferences in civil and family proceedings in British Columbia will now, by default, be held by videoconference, according to a May 13 release.

“Letting people join routine court matters by video means fewer long drives, fewer days off work and one less reason to scramble for child care,” B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said in the release.

People participating in these cases will receive a Microsoft Teams link before their hearing. Parties can ask to attend such case conferences in person or by phone if videoconferencing does not suit them, at the court’s discretion.

B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for gender equity noted that getting to court can be “costly, intimidating and sometimes even traumatizing” for families and individuals navigating family law matters.

“The option to attend court by video can reduce fear, as well as avoid unnecessary contact and retraumatization. Expanding virtual access is about reducing barriers and making the justice system more responsive to people’s real-life circumstances,” she said in the release.

The province noted that the changes are part of an ongoing effort to modernize court processes in B.C.

In February, B.C. also announced the province-wide rollout of a virtual counter service through which people can connect with court registry staff by videoconference or phone for free assistance with provincial court and Supreme Court processes.

If you have any information, story ideas or news tips for Law360 Canada on business-related law and litigation, including class actions, please contact Karunjit Singh at karunjit.singh@lexisnexis.ca or 905-415-5859.