Presenting at the Hearing
|
Q3.1 |
Who are the Parties to an appeal? |
| A3.1 |
The parties to an appeal are:
- You, the person making the appeal.
- The Minister of Social Development Canada, represented
by a person from SDC.
- A person who may be directly affected by your appeal,
such as a spouse, former spouse, common-law partner
or former common-law partner. This is called an "added
party".
|
Q3.2 |
Who will be at the hearing? |
| A3.2 |
The following people may attend the hearing:
- You.
- Your Representative if you have one.
- Your witnesses if you have any.
- The three Review Tribunal Panel Members.
- Any Added Party and their representative and witnesses.
- A person from Social Development Canada.
|
Q3.3 |
Do I have to go to the hearing?
Can the Review Tribunal make a decision if I'm not at
the hearing? |
| A3.3 |
No, you do not have to go to the hearing.
Yes, the Tribunal can make a decision without you.
But it is in your best interest to be there in case
the Tribunal members have questions or need more information.
You will also have the chance to present the facts of
your case in person for the first time and in the best
way possible |
Q3.4 |
Do I have to go to the hearing
alone? |
| A3.4 |
No, you do not have to go alone. You can bring someone
with you, such as a family member or a Representative.
Please let us know the name of your Representative well
in advance. If you plan to ask a Representative to come
to the hearing with you, we recommend that you do so
well before the hearing date so that your Representative
has plenty of time to prepare your case. |
Q3.5 |
I'm not ready for my hearing tomorrow.
Can we delay it? |
| A3.5 |
No. We cannot change a hearing date once you have
agreed to a date and the arrangements have been made.
If you do not go to the hearing, the Tribunal may decide
to go ahead without you. Call
your Client Service Officer to discuss your situation. |
Q3.6 |
How long will the hearing last? |
| A3.6 |
The hearing will last as long as the Review Tribunal
decides is necessary for everyone to be able to present
their case and have their say. Everyone will be asked
to deal only with the issue the Review Tribunal is considering.
Although some are shorter, most hearings last about
one hour. If the case is complicated, a hearing can
last longer. |
Q3.7 |
When and how do I get paid for
my expenses for my hearing? |
| A3.7 |
When we send you your Hearing File, we will also
send you a Travel Expense
Claim Form. After the hearing, complete the claim
form and send it to our office. If you need help to
complete the form, call
your Client Service Officer. You should receive
payment by mail about four weeks after we receive the
claim form in our office. |
Q3.8 |
Why does my Hearing File have to
be shared with the "added party"? |
| A3.8 |
The CPP legislation provides rules about what information
must be provided by Social Development Canada to
the
OCRT, and by the OCRT to all the parties and to the
members of the Review Tribunal who will hear and
decide
the appeal. The purpose of these rules is to ensure
that every party has a full and fair opportunity to
participate in the appeal. |
