WELCOME
Swearing in Ceremony, (Ottawa) June 14, 2013
Credit: Andrew Balfour
The Federal Court is Canada's national trial court which hears and decides legal disputes arising in the federal domain, including claims against the Government of Canada, civil suits in federally-regulated areas and challenges to the decisions of federal tribunals. Its authority derives primarily from the Federal Courts Act.
The Federal Court was created in 1971 under the authority of s. 101 of the Constitution Act, 1867 for the "better administration of the laws of Canada". It is a successor to the Exchequer Court of Canada, established in 1875.
According to the Federal Courts Act, the Court consists of a Chief Justice and 36 other judges. At present, there are 35 full-time judges, along with five supernumerary judges and six prothonotaries.
Until 2003, the Federal Court of Canada consisted of two divisions: an Appeal and a Trial Division. With amendments to the Federal Courts Act coming into force on July 2, 2003, these divisions became two separate courts: the Federal Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.
Important!
There have been reports of a scam involving the Federal Court and the Tax Court of Canada. Victims have reported receiving telephone calls from persons claiming to be representatives of the “Federal Tax Court” and are being told that they are under investigation and owe money. In some instances, scammers are using Courts Administration Service phone numbers to disguise their calls. If you receive a call of this nature, do not comply with their demands and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. If you believe that you have fallen victim to such fraud, call your local police as soon as possible.
For more information regarding tax scams, visit the Canada Revenue Agency fraud prevention web page.
For information regarding other fraud and scams, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website.
