Canada Federal Court of Appeal – Halifax, NS

Courts Administration Service (CAS) – Halifax Registry

The Halifax Registry Office serves as the regional access point for the Federal Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, and the Tax Court of Canada. Administered by the Courts Administration Service (CAS), this office is located in the 1801 Hollis Street building in downtown Halifax. It allows litigants, lawyers, and the public to file legal documents, pay court fees, and access court records for matters falling under federal jurisdiction, without needing to travel to the principal registry in Ottawa.

Jurisdiction and Services

Unlike the provincial Supreme Court located nearby on Upper Water Street, this registry deals exclusively with federal matters. These include:

• Immigration and Refugee: Applications for judicial review of decisions made by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
• Maritime Law: Disputes involving shipping, navigation, and admiralty law, which are common in the port city of Halifax.
• Intellectual Property: Cases involving patents, copyright, and trademarks.
• Tax Appeals: Filing appeals regarding income tax assessments and GST/HST disputes (Tax Court of Canada).
• Crown Liability: Civil claims against the Government of Canada.

Filing Procedures

The Registry accepts filings in person during business hours. Litigants can file specialized forms for Judicial Review, Statements of Claim, and Notices of Appeal. While staff can assist with the procedural requirements (such as which forms to use and the number of copies required), they cannot provide legal advice. Filing fees 💳 are payable by credit card, debit card, or cheque. Secure drop-boxes may be available for after-hours filings, though electronic filing (e-filing) is strongly encouraged for efficiency.

Visiting the Office

The office is situated on the 17th floor (Suite 1720) of the high-rise at 1801 Hollis Street. Visitors should be prepared for security screening similar to airport protocols. The location is fully wheelchair accessible ♿ and is conveniently located near major transit routes and paid parking garages in the downtown core.