About the BC Prosecution Service

The BC Prosecution Service contributes to the protection of society by conducting or supervising prosecutions and appeals in all levels of courts fairly, impartially, effectively and respectfully, on behalf of the whole community.

In Canada, the administration of justice, including prosecutions and appeals, is a provincial responsibility, although there are some offences prosecuted by federal prosecutors.

The BC Prosecution Service was formed in 1974. Provincial legislation governing the prosecution service, the Crown Counsel Act, was passed in June 1991.

There are approximately 460 Crown counsel throughout B.C. The prosecution service is divided into five regions – North, Interior, Fraser, Vancouver and Vancouver Island-Powell River. There are criminal appeals and special prosecutions offices in Vancouver and Victoria. Provincial headquarters is in Victoria.

The Assistant Deputy Attorney General is the head of the BC Prosecution Service.