The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) regularly reviews and updates its procedural rules. On February 1, 2026, we updated both the CRT’s Standard Rules as well as the Intimate Image Protection Order (IIPO) Rules that deal only with intimate image protection orders and administrative penalties. See CRT Rules and Policies.
The CRT’s mandate requires that it be accessible, speedy, economical, informal, and flexible. Because of that, we want the rules to be as clear and easy to use as possible. We’ve used feedback from CRT participants and community contacts to review and update the Standard Rules several times since we started accepting claims in 2016. This is the first time we’ve made significant changes to the IIPO Rules since their launch in January 2024.
What were the results of the CRT Rules public consultation?
In August 2025, we asked for feedback on the proposed revisions to the Standard and IIPO Rules from the public, community contacts, and people who work for the CRT. We received a lot of helpful feedback and made further changes in response. For example, we heard that the rules use plain language and are organized well, and certain new rules explain parts of the CRT process well.
We also heard that some of the new rules were unclear, so we clarified them, removed unnecessary words, and broke long sentences into smaller chunks.
The rules are better because of your feedback. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on the draft rules!
What are the CRT’s Standard Rules?
Courts and tribunals usually have rules. The CRT’s Standard Rules are a bit like an instruction guide. They set out a fair, transparent, and consistent process for resolving claims. The Standard Rules apply to all CRT disputes, except for certain disputes about intimate images, discussed below.
What are the CRT’s IIPO Rules?
We introduced the Intimate Image Protection Order (IIPO) Rules in January 2024, when the CRT started resolving intimate images claims under the new Intimate Images Protection Act (IIPA). The IIPO Rules are similar to the Standard Rules, but they only apply to claims about intimate images protection orders or administrative monetary penalties under the IIPA.
The Standard Rules apply to damages claims under the IIPA, which means claims for financial compensation.
Learn more about intimate image claims.
What are the significant changes?
The Standard Rules:
- Limit the number of application fee waivers a person may receive in a year to 3, unless there are extraordinary circumstances [Standard Rule 1.6(5)]. This new rule’s purpose is to ensure the CRT can provide access to justice for all participants, by limiting potentially vexatious claims.
- Allow applicants to serve respondents by email, text, or another messaging platform, with the respondent’s acknowledgement of service [Standard Rules 2.4 and 2.5]. This gives participants greater flexibility while ensuring fairness, consistent with the CRT’s mandate.
- Clarify the basis where the CRT may hold an oral hearing [Standard Rule 10.1(5)]. This gives participants information about what factors the CRT will consider in an oral hearing request.
The Standard Rules and IIPO Rules:
- Clarify the process to withdraw claims [Standard Rule 7.1, IIPO Rule 9.1].
- Allow all participants in intimate images claims to have any kind of representative without needing the CRT’s permission [Standard Rule 1.16(4), IIPO Rules 2.2(2) and 2.4(1). This follows a trauma-informed approach and recognizes the sensitive nature of all types of IIPA claims.
- Deal with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by not allowing participants to:
- Include cases or legislation that don’t exist in their arguments [Standard Rule 8.3(8), IIPO Rule 10.3(4)]
- Submit fake evidence including evidence created or altered by an AI tool [Standard Rule 8.3(9), IIPO Rule 10.3(5)]
- This rule recognizes the negative impact on timely resolution when participants submit fake material.
Questions or feedback about the rules?
Please contact us. We’ll forward your feedback to our Rules team.