What are the factors to consider in an application to amend a pleading?

The factors to be considered with respect to an application to amend pleadings were discussed in Chouinard v. O’Connor, 2011 BCCA 161, citing with approval the trial judge’s statement of factors at para. 11: The factors to be considered in all amendment applications are applicable in this case as well. General principles are these: 1. amendments should be permitted as necessary to determine the real question and issues between the parties; 2. the party is not required to [adduce] evidence in support of a pleading before trial; 3. on an application to amend, the facts alleged are taken as established; and 4. the discretion is to be exercised judicially in accordance with the evidence adduced and the guidelines of the authorities.