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In Flock Estate v. Flock, 2019 ABCA 194, the Alberta Court of Appeal (Mr. Justice Frans Slatter, Madam Justice Myra Bielby and Mr. Justice Thomas W. Wakeling) overturned the chambers justice’s decision to admit affidavit evidence referring to a related arbitration in respect of which the award was ultimately quashed and found to be a nullity. The Court found there was a distinction on the one hand between—the arbitrator’s opinion and ruling about what should happen in that case (which is not evidence of anything other than his personal opinion) and counsel’s submissions (which is not evidence but argument)—and on the other hand, actual evidence put before the arbitrator. The former held no probative value and was inadmissible. With respect to the latter, the Court held that the sworn testimony given by the parties during the arbitration ”might” be admissible, but that the related exhibits were presumptively inadmissible.

About Arbitration Matters

Arbitration Matters provides brief summaries of recent cases on commercial arbitration issues, as they are released, from across Canada. Therefore, the website is updated frequently. Each Case Note also provides commentary which helps put the case in context. As of Case Note #509 dated July 26, 2021, Lisa C. Munro, has continued the work done by the Honourable Justice Daniel Urbas before his judicial appointment to the Quebec Superior Court. She is assisted by a select group of other experienced arbitration practitioners, who also contribute regularly to the Case Notes.

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Alberta – Court finds that submissions of counsel and opinions and ruling of arbitrator in a quashed arbitration inadmissible – #516