Access Restrictions
Access to and use of government records at the BC Archives are subject to statutory restrictions, particularly those imposed by the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) (RSBC 1996, c. 165), the BC Adoption Act (RSBC 1996, c. 5) and the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act (SC 2002, c. 1). Access to court records is not governed by FOIPPA but can be restricted by BC court rules. If records are restricted, the Information and Privacy Manager must be contacted. Depending on the nature and extent of the records, it may take several weeks before access can be arranged. Access to some records may be withheld.
Access to and use of private records may be subject to donor restrictions and the federal Copyright Act. Donor restrictions are often detailed in the record descriptions. In some cases prior written permission must be obtained to view or copy the records.
Restrictions may also be imposed on the use of fragile records and the use of microfilm or photocopies may be required.
If you have identified records of interest
contact us for information about their access status.
Notice to researchers about the Research Agreement (downloadable Adobe Acrobat PDF file):
This copy of the research agreement application form is provided on our website for convenience only. It may be downloaded and printed for review, but must be completed with a pen, signed and submitted as a hardcopy original, with all required supporting documentation, in order to be considered for approval by BC Archives. It may not be completed and/or submitted electronically.
Any alterations to the wording or format of the application form will render it null and void.