Canada Evidence Act ( R.S.C. , 1985, c. C-5)

31.1 Any person seeking to admit an electronic document as evidence has the burden of proving its authenticity by evidence capable of supporting a finding that the electronic document is that which it is purported to be.

• 2000, c. 5, s. 56

Marginal note: Application of best evidence rule — electronic documents

• 31.2 (1) The best evidence rule in respect of an electronic document is satisfied
  • (a) on proof of the integrity of the electronic documents system by or in which the electronic document was recorded or stored; or
  • (b) if an evidentiary presumption established under section 31.4 applies.
  • 2000, c. 5, s. 56

  Marginal note: Presumption of integrity

  31.3 For the purposes of subsection 31.2(1), in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the integrity of an electronic documents system by or in which an electronic document is recorded or stored is proven

  • (a) by evidence capable of supporting a finding that at all material times the computer system or other similar device used by the electronic documents system was operating properly or, if it was not, the fact of its not operating properly did not affect the integrity of the electronic document and there are no other reasonable grounds to doubt the integrity of the electronic documents system;
  • (b) if it is established that the electronic document was recorded or stored by a party who is adverse in interest to the party seeking to introduce it; or
  • (c) if it is established that the electronic document was recorded or stored in the usual and ordinary course of business by a person who is not a party and who did not record or store it under the control of the party seeking to introduce it.
  • 2000, c. 5, s. 56

  Marginal note: Presumptions regarding secure electronic signatures

  31.4 The Governor in Council may make regulations establishing evidentiary presumptions in relation to electronic documents signed with secure electronic signatures, including regulations respecting

  • (a) the association of secure electronic signatures with persons; and
  • (b) the integrity of information contained in electronic documents signed with secure electronic signatures.
  • 2000, c. 5, s. 56

  Marginal note: Standards may be considered

  31.5 For the purpose of determining under any rule of law whether an electronic document is admissible, evidence may be presented in respect of any standard, procedure, usage or practice concerning the manner in which electronic documents are to be recorded or stored, having regard to the type of business, enterprise or endeavour that used, recorded or stored the electronic document and the nature and purpose of the electronic document.

  • 2000, c. 5, s. 56

  Marginal note: Proof by affidavit

  • 31.6 (1) The matters referred to in subsection 31.2(2) and sections 31.3 and 31.5 and in regulations made under section 31.4 may be established by affidavit.
  • Marginal note: Cross-examination (2) A party may cross-examine a deponent of an affidavit referred to in subsection (1) that has been introduced in evidence
    • (a) as of right, if the deponent is an adverse party or is under the control of an adverse party; and
    • (b) with leave of the court, in the case of any other deponent.
    • 2000, c. 5, s. 56

    Marginal note: Application

    31.7 Sections 31.1 to 31.4 do not affect any rule of law relating to the admissibility of evidence, except the rules relating to authentication and best evidence.

    • 2000, c. 5, s. 56

    Marginal note: Definitions

    31.8 The definitions in this section apply in sections 31.1 to 31.6.

    means a device that, or a group of interconnected or related devices one or more of which,

    • (a) contains computer programs or other data; and
    • (b) pursuant to computer programs, performs logic and control, and may perform any other function. ( système informatique )

    means representations of information or of concepts, in any form. ( données )

    means data that is recorded or stored on any medium in or by a computer system or other similar device and that can be read or perceived by a person or a computer system or other similar device. It includes a display, printout or other output of that data. ( document électronique )

    includes a computer system or other similar device by or in which data is recorded or stored and any procedures related to the recording or storage of electronic documents. ( système d’archivage électronique )

    means a secure electronic signature as defined in subsection 31(1) of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act . ( signature électronique sécurisée )

    • 2000, c. 5, s. 56