How to access Canadian court records by jurisdiction
Select a topic: Types of records | CanLII | Publication bans | Youth | Fees
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This guide was last updated on Jan. 15, 2026.
A cornerstone of Canadian democracy is our open court principle. This principle, which is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms under the right to freedom of expression, means that, generally speaking, the judicial system is supposed be accessible to the public. This is why regular people are allowed to attend criminal trials and access court records and documents in cases that don’t involve them. Open courts exist to keep the justice system honest, fair and accountable.
There are many reasons why a person might want to conduct a court record search. For example: before hiring a contractor, someone may want to see if they’ve been sued by former clients. Or a person may want to search a relative’s estate filings after a death. And yet, all too often, the judicial system can feel impenetrable when it comes to accessing basic records.
Similar to our freedom of information regime, every region has its own quirks. There’s also the added complication that there are many different layers and types of courts and court records across the country. (Visit here to read more about how the court system is organized, visit here to learn more about the difference between civil and criminal cases, and visit here to learn about the difference between the common law system and civil law system.) And while some jurisdictions have embraced technology, others are still paper-based.
This is why we’ve created our Guide to Canadian Court Records.
We sent the same set of questions to every Attorney General/Justice Department in the country to learn about how different types of records are stored and obtained. We asked about criminal cases, lawsuits, small claims files, divorce records, bankruptcies, and wills and estates. The level of detail included in the responses varies wildly depending on the jurisdiction, but hopefully, it will get you started.
But before we start, here is some general information about accessing court records in Canada.
Types of records
Court records can be a treasure trove of information. Here are some examples of the types of files you may expect to find inside a court file.
Docket: This is a bit confusing because “docket” can mean two things. A docket can refer to the list of all the cases or motions that a judge is going to hear on a given day. And it can also be the index of all the records associated with an individual file.
An Information: This is a document in criminal cases. It will outline a specific charge against a person and a brief synopsis of what they have been accused of doing.
Statement of Claim: If someone has initiated a lawsuit, this is the document you want to see first. It outlines all of the allegations by the plaintiff — the person who is doing the suing — against the defendant — the person who is being sued. Statements of Claim can also be “amended” — it should be labelled — so make sure you’re looking at the most recent one.
Statement of Defence: This is when the defendant gets a chance to respond to the allegations contained in the Statement of Claim and also to provide their version of events. Statements of Defence can also be “amended” — it should be labelled — so make sure you’re looking at the most recent one.
Counterclaim: A defendant may file a counterclaim — their own lawsuit — against the plaintiff.
Reply: If the Statement of Defence raises allegations that the plaintiff disputes, they may reply.
Affidavit of Service: This a sworn statement that the relevant documents — such as a Statement of Claim — have been given to the relevant party.
Affidavit: These can be really important pieces of information. They are statements that someone has sworn to be true.
Notice of Motion: One of the parties is going to ask the judge to make a decision on some type of issue — for example, the plaintiff may ask the judge for the defendant to release certain records.
Order: This is a where the judge has made a decision about something to do with the case and is ordering something be done, such as one party releasing records to another.
Exhibit: This is a piece of evidence — for example, a copy of a bank statement or a transcript of a text message exchange.
Book of Authorities: This is a collection of relevant legislation or other cases that deal with similar legal issues that the lawyers will rely on when making their arguments.
Judgment or Decision: This is a judge’s decision in the case.
Important note: Allegations contained in court files such as a Statement of Claim or Statement of Defence have not been proven.
CanLII
One of the best resources in the country is the not-profit website CanLII, which posts the majority of written court judgments and decisions from both criminal and civil proceedings, including from the Supreme Court of Canada, federal courts, and courts in all of Canada’s provinces and territories. CanLII also publishes decisions from many of the country’s administrative tribunals and commissions (and since this is Secret Canada, we’d be remiss not to mention that rulings from most of the information and privacy commissioners’ offices — which handle FOI appeals — are on CanLII). It’s also worth noting that court decisions are posted at the discretion of the judiciary. So while the judgment is public, it doesn’t mean it’s always easy to find. (Just a side note that oral decisions are not on CanLII.)
Publication bans
In many court proceedings, some types of information may be subject to what’s called a Publication Ban, which prohibits the publication, broadcast or dissemination of certain types of information — even if the information is discussed in open court. For example: typically, a sexual assault complainant’s identity is protected by a publication ban. This doesn’t just concern the person’s name, it can also concern information that may lead to their identification. (In a hypothetical example, let’s say a complainant lived in a small town and had bright pink hair. By reporting on the hair colour, this could lead to others identifying the person.)
Publication bans also come into play during preliminary hearings and when a trial is being heard by a jury. The bottom line is you need to be very careful about disseminating information that is said in open court. Some records can also be subject to publication bans, even if you are able to obtain them from the court. It is the public and the media’s responsibility to understand what, if any, bans are in place and to comply with the bans. A court officer will know and often there are notices posted on the doors of courtrooms. (Some courts will not allow access to records that are under a pub ban even though they are in theory public documents — you are at the mercy of each court and how they interpret dissemination of records when under a pub ban.)
Youth
With rare exceptions, anyone under the age of 18 who is accused of committing a crime — and even if they have been found guilty of committing a crime — is entitled to additional protections under the law. Among those protections is a right to privacy. You will not be able to search criminal matters involving children and youth.
Fees
In many cases, there will be fees associated with accessing certain types of court records. If the files are connected to old cases, the costs can be significant if the court needs to pull them out of storage. (In Ontario, for example, retrieving records from off-site storage costs about $85.) You may also be charged photocopy fees if a staff person needs to duplicate the file for you. Many courts will now allow you to photograph records if you can attend in person, which can be a big cost saver. Finally, not all court cases end with a written judgment. Sometimes, judges only say their ruling in court. In these cases, you may need to obtain a transcript, which will likely cost hundreds of dollars. You may be able to listen to audio of the ruling and save on transcript fees, but you will likely need to visit the court in person.
Federal Court
How do individuals search cases?
The Federal Court — which hears cases that deal with national security law, intellectual property law, maritime law, aboriginal law and immigration law that fall under federal jurisdiction — allows you to search cases online using the Court Files link.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
Once you’ve identified a record using the Court Files page and identified which documents you would like, you must write to the Federal Court Registry at fc-copies-cf@cas-satj.gc.ca. In the e-mail, make the subject line the Court File Number and in the body of the e-mail, include the ID number (see ID column) and the Name of document (see Recorded Entry Summary column). In some cases, records may already be available for download. You can also request documents by attending the registry offices in person.
Note: Most Federal Court hearings are recorded using the Digital Audio Recording System (DARS). For more information, go to the “Access to Recordings” section in this guide.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
To check on ongoing matters, visit the Hearings List page. You can also check the Calendar of Hearings page if you know the specific date.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Federal Court decisions are published online here. If a decision can’t be found on the website or on CanLII, send a request to fc-copies-cf@cas-satj.gc.ca.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
Visit the Federal Court’s Frequently Asked Questions page or check out the court’s Consolidated General Practice Guidelines.
Federal Court of Appeal
How do individuals search cases?
For the Federal Court of Appeal, you can search cases online using this link. This tool will also give you an idea of what court records exist with a specific case.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
To obtain records, you must make a request to the Registry of the Federal Court of Appeal. A list of telephone numbers is available here. You can also visit in person at these locations.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Go to the Federal Court of Appeal website and click “Find a hearing,” which leads to Upcoming Hearings. To check the status of a proceeding, you can use the searchable online database or you can call the Registry and speak to a Registry Officer. A list of telephone numbers is available here. You can also visit in person at these locations.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
When the Court releases a final decision, the Registry takes steps to notify the parties and provide them with a copy. The Court also publishes reasons for final decisions on the Decisions page of its website.
There is a “Quick Link” labelled “Find a decision” on the home page of the Federal Court of Appeal website that leads to the Advanced Search for decisions.
The Federal Court of Appeal also has a Decisions mailing list, which informs subscribers about decisions of the Court. Individuals may subscribe to the mailing list on the Court’s “Electronic mailing lists” page.
Information about decisions is also available on the Federal Court of Appeal’s Frequently Asked Questions page, in the section “After a hearing.”
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
For more information, visit the Federal Court of Appeal’s Consolidated Practice Direction, in section J.
Supreme Court of Canada
How do individuals search cases?
You can search Supreme Court of Canada cases here.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
If you are not able to find the relevant records through the case search function, you will need to submit a request.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
You can find Supreme Court of Canada decisions on the website by clicking on Judgements. You will notice there are two types of decisions. “Judgement on a leave application” is whether the court will hear the case or not, and “judgement on appeal” is the final decision when the court has heard an appeal.
Court Martial Appeal Court
How do individuals search cases?
The Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada, which deals with cases from military courts, can be searched online using the “Court File Information” page.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
You can access court records by making a request to the Registry of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada at cmac-information-cacm@cas-satj.gc.ca.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
On the appeal court’s website, visit the Hearing List link.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
The Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada posts decisions online at Court Decisions.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
Visit the court’s Frequently Asked Questions page. If a member of the public wants to watch a case remotely, you can register to receive a Zoom link using the Hearing List page.
Tax Court of Canada
How do individuals search cases?
You can search cases with the Tax Court of Canada online using this link.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
There are 17 registry offices across the country. To view court records, contact an office. You can also request records online here.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Tax Court of Canada hearings are posted on the Court’s public website’s calendar. The calendar shows cases that are scheduled for the current month and the next four months.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Decisions are posted on the court’s website.
Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy
How do individuals search cases?
Use the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Record Search to look for public records relating to bankruptcies involving companies and individuals. Fees will apply. You will need to register for a GCKey account. You can also contact the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy’s National Service Centre by phone at 1-877-376-9902 or e-mail osbservice-bsfservice@ised-isde.gc.ca. For tips on how to use the search, visit here.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
You will be able to access the record immediately once you’ve paid. If you’ve made the request by phone or e-mail, you should receive a reply within one to five business days after payment is received.
You might want to mention the value of the file vs just viewing the record on the OSB website. The record provides you basic info like name/aliases of the declarant, date of birth and residence at time of the proceeding as well as total asset and liability declared. The bankruptcy file includes all the forms submitted by the trustee, e.g. statement of affairs: list of creditors and amounts owing to each, list of assets, a statement declaring the reason for bankruptcy and other details. The statement of affairs is submitted for both individual and corporate bankruptcies.
Department of Justice Canada
The Department of Justice Canada, through Family Law Assistance Services, is responsible for the management and administration of the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings. Canadian courts are required to register divorce applications with the registry. They must also provide notice whenever a divorce is granted or a divorce proceeding is dismissed, discontinued or transferred to another court. The Registry documents this information in a database. In general, you will need the permission of an individual involved to access information in the database.
Note: You may be able to access specific divorce records relating to individuals by contacting the court where the case was dealt with.
British Columbia
How do individuals search cases?
You can search cases online in British Columbia using the Court Services Online tool. (Courthouse Libraries BC offers free access to the CSO search on public-access computers.) They can also be accessed in person, by visiting the court registry in the location where the proceeding was started.
Note: Court Services Online does not include Supreme Court criminal matters, family, Supreme adoption, any file subject to a judicial order restricting access, files prior to 1989 and Victoria Supreme Court files prior to 2002. Fees apply to view filed docs, but can pay by credit card.
Also, access is restricted if the case involves the following acts:
Divorce Act, RSC 1985, c. 3 (2nd Supp.)
Family Law Act, SBC 2011, c. 25
Child, Family and Community Service Act, RSBC 1996, c. 46
Family Maintenance Enforcement Act, RSBC 1996, c. 127
More information can be found online here.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
Many court documents can be downloaded immediately from the Court Services Online website. If a document isn’t available on the CSO website, know that each level of court in the province — Provincial Court, the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court — has a policy that governs requests to access court records: For Provincial Court, visit: Access to Court Records (ACC-2). For Court of Appeal, visit: Record and Courtroom Access Policy. For Supreme Court, visit: Policy on Access to the Court Record. If a document isn’t available on the CSO website, you will need to submit a “Court Records Request Form” with the relevant court. Review the access policy for more information. You can find location information for courts in the province here. To obtain a transcript, visit Ordering transcripts.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
Small claims files fall under the Provincial Court and can be searched online using the CSO or at the respective court registry. To access a record, refer to the provincial court’s access document: Access to Court Records policy (ACC-2).
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
You can search criminal case information using the name of the individual using the CSO Criminal Search (Provincial Court only). You can ask for access to information or indictments in person at the court registry; or by mail or fax to the court registry.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
For civil and criminal proceedings, British Columbia uses a Daily Court Lists, which is posted on Court Services Online. The lists are updated daily by 6 a.m. (civil) and 6:30 a.m. (criminal). For past schedules, contact the court registry. For family matters, contact the relevant registry: Court locations and schedules. People can also check the Supreme Court’s Hearing Lists, the Court of Appeal’s Weekly Hearing List, and the Court of Appeal’s daily Chambers List.
Daily court lists are also posted in the applicable courthouse.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Written judgments can be found here: Provincial Court recent judgments, Supreme Court judgments and Court of Appeal judgments.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
Court transcripts in B.C. can be accessed upon request and for a fee. To learn about ordering transcripts, click the link. Additionally, the province offers what are called listening stations, which give the public access to digital audio recordings of court proceedings. These can be accessed by appointment. The following courthouses are equipped for listening to audio recordings of court proceedings at the court registry: Duncan, Prince George, Kamloops, Vancouver Law Courts, Kelowna, Vernon, New Westminster and Victoria.
Alberta
How do individuals search cases? Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
In Alberta, you need to request court staff to look for records. The process is easy, but there are fees. These are the links for the respective courts: Court of King’s Bench (Superior), Alberta Court of Justice and King’s Bench criminal matters. (Criminal files from the Alberta Court of Justice can only be searched in person.) The Court of King’s Bench civil search includes civil, family, divorce, bankruptcy and appeals cases, among others. For the Court of Justice in Edmonton and Calgary only, use this link.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
The process for searching small claims is the same as above. For civil cases, use this link.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
This is the same process as above.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Alberta has no centralized public docket website. However, individual courthouses have digital docket displays and search request portals.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Alberta sends its court decisions to CanLII.
Saskatchewan
How do individuals search civil cases?
You can’t search court cases online in Saskatchewan. Requests need to be directed to the respective court level – the Court of Appeal, the Court of King’s Bench or the Provincial Court — and the respective individual courthouse. If you want to search the whole province at a particular level, you need to submit a separate form to each office . Each court has their own practices for storing records and the steps to conduct civil searches depend on the level of the court.
For Provincial Court, complete this Access To Court Records Form. From there, each form must be submitted with each Provincial Court office in Saskatchewan being searched. For the Court of King’s Bench, you must file a written request (by e-mail, fax, mail) to the appropriate court registry office, outlining the names of the parties you want searched. You will be charged $20 per party searched. For the Court of Appeal, you must file a written request (by e-mail, fax, mail) to the Court of Appeal Registry Office outlining the names of the parties you want searched. You will be charged a $20 fee per name searched.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
For Provincial Court, some documents can be provided electronically via e-mail. If there are too many to be sent via e-mail, you will need to visit the courthouse. For the Court of King’s Bench, typically you will need to visit the respective Registry Office to view documents. For the Court of Appeal, you will need to complete an Access To Court Records Form, which can be submitted via e-mail, fax or in person. When possible, documents are available via e-mail or if there are too many files, the court may provide a USB.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
Small claims files ($50,000 or less) are handled by the Provincial Court. Use the process from question 1 and 2.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
Criminal files are maintained by each individual court location, so requests need to be sent to the respective court. To request court records, follow the process outlined in the Public Access To Court Records in Saskatchewan. For Court of King’s Bench criminal matters, refer to King’s Bench Criminal Practice Directive 12. For basic information — such as appearance dates, custody status, general nature of charges or sentencing — court staff are allowed to share this over the phone or via e-mail.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Every day, courthouses will publicly post dockets in their buildings. For the Provincial Court, criminal case documents are typically available in the lobbies, and always by request in the court office. For the Court of King’s Bench, the daily schedule is available at the local Registry Office. This includes criminal matters, civil matters and divorce trials. In many locations, the daily docket is also provided electronically on television screens in main hallways of the courthouses. For the Court of Appeal, a schedule is posted online. The courthouse also displays the daily schedule electronically on television screens.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Saskatchewan send its court decisions to CanLII.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
The Courts of Saskatchewan has a dedicated website to help the public access court records. Specifically look for Public Access To Court Records in Saskatchewan – Guidelines for the Media and Public and King’s Bench Criminal Practice Directive 12 – Access To Criminal Court Records and Criminal Proceeding Exhibits.
Manitoba
How do individuals search cases?
It is possible to look up many court cases in Manitoba online for both the Court of King’s Bench and Court of Appeal using the online registry. These cases include civil, family, criminal, probate and small claim files within those courts.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
For King’s Bench civil cases, contact the specific courthouse in person, via phone or e-mail. While some requests can be fulfilled through a phone call or e-mail, most requests will require you to go to a courthouse and complete a service request form. For Court of Appeal files, you will need to go to the registry office in person.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
Use the process from question 1 and 2.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
You will need to go to the court house to obtain this information.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Courthouses post hard copies of dockets each day in Provincial Court and Court of King’s Bench and the Court of Appeal. You can search many types of upcoming hearings online here.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
The Manitoba Court of Appeal posts all recent written judgments online. The Court of King’s Bench posts recent written judgments (with no publication ban in place) on adult criminal and civil matters — visit here. Provincial court decisions are sent to CanLII and transcripts of oral decisions can be ordered per the instructions here.
Ontario
How do individuals search civil cases?
You can search cases online in Ontario, although as of this writing — late 2025 — the province is in the middle of a transition. Right now, you can search Toronto civil cases using the Ontario Courts Public Portal (OCPP). The province has also prepared a number of how-to-videos explaining how the site works. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Search for Records.” In most cases, “Single Party Search” is what you need if you’re looking up lawsuits. In other regions, you will need to use the old portal Justice Services Online. And, as of now, Toronto criminal cases are still appearing on JSO, not OCPP.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
The OCPP has a tab that lets you “Request Case Access” — although as of this writing, it isn’t working well. You will often need to contact the respective court to get access to the files, which can often be sent via e-mail. A listing of court addresses can be found here.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
Use the process from question 1 and 2. Additionally, files are with individual courts and a list of Small Claims Court locations can be found on the court’s website.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
This is the same process as above.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Because of the platform shift in Ontario, this information is also in transition. Check the Daily Court Lists for current and next day dockets, as well as the Ontario Courts Public Portal.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Ontario Court of Appeal decisions are posted online here. If you wish to obtain a court transcript, the process is laid out here.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
The province has a guide for accessing court records here.
Quebec
The Globe sent the Ministère de la justice in Quebec the same set of questions as every other province and territory. The province provided a lengthy response with general information about the courts in Quebec.
Here is what can be said: Quebec has a very good online court look-up system called the Société Québécoise d'information juridique (SOQUIJ), which includes a range of cases, including civil and criminal records. However, accessing records from SOQUIJ often comes with fees. The province does have free options: Quebec courthouses have records on site. Judicial archived records are with the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec.
To request a copy of a document filed with the court registry, you must complete the Request for Copies form (SJ-1079) or the Request for Removal of Documents or Issuance of a Certificate form (SJ-1078).
Court schedules can be found at this link. This includes criminal and civil proceedings for the Superior Court of Quebec, the Court of Quebec and the Small Claims Division.
New Brunswick
How do individuals search civil cases?
You can search civil cases in New Brunswick using the NB Courts - Public Self-Serve Website. Searches can also be conducted at individual courthouses.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
The province has a guide on how to access court records. In many cases, you may need to fill out a form. In general, records are kept at individual court houses.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
These records can be found on the NB Courts - Public Self-Serve Website. To apply for access, visit Access To Court Records.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
To search for this type of information or view a file, you will need to go to the courthouse where the matter is being heard. For search warrants, you can send a complete access form to CWRO-BCDM@gnb.ca. For more information, check Access To Court Records will provide instruction on how to access information.
To search for this type of information or view a file, you will need to go to the courthouse where the matter is being heard. For search warrants, you can send a complete access form to CWRO-BCDM@gnb.ca. For more information, check Access To Court Records for instruction on how to access information.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
You can search scheduled court appearances online at Court Dockets. For the Court of Appeal, visit this List of Cases - NB Court of Appeal.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
The NB Court of Appeal posts its decisions here: Decisions - NB Court of Appeal.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
New Brunswick’s Access To Court Records website includes additional information.
Nova Scotia
How do individuals search cases? Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
You can’t search cases online in Nova Scotia. You must go to a physical courthouse and use the Civil Index System. Each court’s administration office has files and documentation related to a case. Some courts will require you to fill out a form. If you are unable to go to a courthouse — or if you are located outside the province — you can contact the judiciary’s communications director and they can conduct a basic search for you. If there is a file, court documents can be scanned and sent to you via e-mail for a small fee.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
This is the same process. Small claims files are listed in the Civil Index System.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
You will have to request this at the courthouse where the case is being heard.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Court dockets for the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, Bankruptcy Court and Night Court are posted online. Dockets for Provincial Court, Supreme Court Chambers, Crownside and Court of Appeal Chambers are sent out daily via e-mail. You can add yourself to the list here.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Nova Scotia maintains a database of published court decisions here. You can sign up to receive daily updates on new decisions here. For oral rulings, you will need to request a copy of the audio. Visit the Media Page to start this process. You will need to fill out a form and sign an undertaking that the court audio will not be broadcast or widely copied and distributed. Any publication bans related to the case also apply to these audio recordings. Forms should be submitted to the court’s administration office or, for those who are out of province or too far from a courthouse, sent to the communications director for the judiciary.
Prince Edward Island
How do individuals search cases?
The Courts of PEI has three levels: Provincial Court, which hears criminal cases and offences in Summerside, Charlottetown and Georgetown, Supreme Court, which deals with civil and criminal matters, and the Court of Appeal (the highest level of court). You can search civil actions in Supreme Court online at Netlegal.ca, although it requires a bit of legwork. You will need to sign up for an account and then get in touch with the company — support@netlegal.ca — to enable the search function. There is a small fee for each search. This service is typically used by law firms, but is open to the general public.
You can also conduct a civil case search in person at the court registry in Charlottetown and at the Access PEI office in Summerside with a computer terminal.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
You will need to fill out a form for access to a court record. It is available in the appendices of the Access to Court Records Guide. This form can be sent by e-mail or mail although the file itself must be viewed in person. Files may be accessed in person at the respective court registry.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
This is the same process as outlined above.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
This is the same process as outlined above.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
For the Court of Appeal, hearing notices are posted to the court’s website. The Supreme Court publishes monthly dockets on its website and weekly dockets are available at the courthouse. For Provincial Court, daily dockets are available at the court.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
PEI sends its written decisions to CanLII. The original is also maintained in the court file.
Newfoundland and Labrador
How do individuals search cases?
It is not possible to search civil actions in Newfoundland online. For the Supreme Court, you must complete a Requisition for Search/Copy Form. This request can be submitted through e-mail (to searchandcopyrequest@supreme.court.nl.ca), by mail or in person. There is a $20 fee to complete a search. The province does have an online look-up portal for Estate Files.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
Request Forms can be sent via e-mail (to searchandcopyrequest@supreme.court.nl.ca), by mail or in person. The court registry can send out basic documents via e-mail, but you can also view the files at the courthouse.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
The Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador handles small claims. For more information, visit here.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
This can be requested by e-mailing searchandcopyrequest@supreme.court.nl.ca, through mail or by visiting any Supreme Court courthouse in person.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Supreme Court dockets are posted online.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Written decisions in the province are sent to CanLII. The originals are maintained at individual courthouses.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
For more information, visit The Guide to Accessing Court Proceedings and Records for the Public and Media.
Yukon
How do individuals search cases?
You cannot search cases online in Yukon. To obtain civil files with the Supreme Court of Yukon and the Territorial Court of Yukon, you need to visit the court registry located at 2134 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse. You can also fax your request to 1-867-393-6212 or e-mail your request to courtservices@yukon.ca. You must include the name of the individual, entity or business that you want searched. If you know the court file number, include it. There are also designated computers at the Yukon Public Law Library located next to the court registry where you can conduct a search.
For civil files with the Court of Appeal of Yukon, send an e-mail to the Registrar of the Court of Appeal at courtofappeal@yukon.ca or call 1-867-456-3821.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
Typically, you must go to the court registry in person at 2134 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse to request access to the file. The territory recommends contacting the registry first — call 1-867-667-5441 or e-mail courtservices@yukon.ca — to make sure the record is on site. However, for a fee, the court registry can scan and e-mail documents to you.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
This process is the same as outlined above.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
To obtain criminal information for adults in the Supreme or Territorial Court, contact a court clerk at 1-867-667-5629 or by e-mail to courtservices@yukon.ca. For the Court of Appeal, contact courtofappeal@yukon.ca or call 1-867-456-3821. For search warrants, e-mail the Territorial Court trial coordinator at tc.trialcoordinator@yukoncourts.ca with a written request. Search warrant release requires judicial approval.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
Daily dockets are posted at the Law Courts at 2134 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse, at the Yukon Public Law Library and in the court registry. You can also call the court registry at 1-867-667-5441 to request docket information. For the Supreme Court, you can find civil dockets here. On a case-by-case basis, the court may allow a person to access criminal docket information online, although this requires approval from both the Supreme and Territorial Courts. To request docket access, e-mail the trial coordinator at tc.trialcoordinator@yukoncourts.ca. For the Court of Appeal, visit this website.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Written judgments are posted online on the Yukon Courts website. Select “Judgments” at the top.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
You can sign up for the Yukon Courts’ e-mail list to receive a notification whenever new documents are posted. As of December, 2025, Yukon Courts was in the process of transitioning to a digital civil case management system, which will change how court records are filed, maintained, managed and accessed. Stay tuned for updates.
Northwest Territories
How do individuals search cases? Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
You cannot search NWT court records online. To conduct a search of civil cases, you will need to use a search terminal at one of the territory’s court registry offices — there is one in Yellowknife, Hay River and Inuvik. If you cannot physically attend the courthouse, you will need to hire an agent or business in the community to conduct the search on your behalf. For basic information, you can also try e-mailing a court registry at territorialcourt@gov.nt.ca (Yellowknife Territorial Court Registry), territorialcourthr@gov.nt.ca (Hay River Court Registry), or supremecourt@gov.nt.ca (Yellowknife Supreme Court Registry).
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
This is the same process as outlined above.
How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge? For example, how would you obtain the “Informations” for an accused person?
This is the same process as outlined above.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
There is a link to scheduled matters available on the NWT Courts website.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Written court decisions in the Northwest Territories are posted online. For oral decisions, you will need to request a transcript.
Nunavut
How do individuals search civil cases? How do people access court files connected to another individual’s criminal charge?
You can search for civil cases online by visiting the Nunavut Courts website, selecting “COURT DOCKETS ONLINE”, and then “Name/Court File Search.” You can also search criminal files this way.
Once a case is identified, how does a person go about accessing the file?
You will need to complete a Request to Access a Court Record [Form A] and submit it by e-mail to ncjrecords@gov.nu.ca or in person at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit.
How do individuals search small claims files in this jurisdiction?
This is the same process as outlined above.
How can people check on the scheduling of ongoing matters before the courts?
The COURT DOCKETS ONLINE portal includes scheduling information.
Besides CanLII, does this jurisdiction post decisions anywhere publicly?
Nunavut sends its written decisions to CanLII. For oral decisions, you will need to request a transcript through a form available here.
Is there anything else you can tell me about accessing court records in this jurisdiction that might be helpful to the public?
Nunavut’s Access to Court Records policy guide provides additional information.
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