FOREWORD
This work has been written to assist the initial and continuing training of chairpersons and members of boards of referees. Approximately one thousand citizens serve on these administrative tribunals, determining social and economic rights whose importance must not be underestimated. The administrative justice rendered by boards of referees must be of high quality and must reflect its particular characteristics.
This study of administrative law is intended for non-specialists, even though consulting it will require some effort. The aim of the work is to situate employment insurance procedure within the general framework of Canadian administrative law.
The study, like the case law bank, will be made available to claimants and their representatives. This access to broader information reflects the wishes expressed by a number of Federal Court judges. The work includes a table of contents, an index and, in an appendix, excerpts from case law covering the principal questions examined.
The authors act as independent experts with the Commission's Appeals Directorate, and the opinions they express are in no way binding upon the Commission or the Department.
Philippe Garant is a lawyer with a master's degree in political science. He has practised immigration law and administrative law, and currently works at the Régie de l'énergie du Québec in Montreal.
Professor Patrice Garant is a Doctor of Laws (Paris), holds a licence ès lettres, and is a member of the Royal Society of Canada. He has taught constitutional and administrative law at Laval University since 1966. He is the author of many books and articles, and has been a guest lecturer in Canada and abroad. From 1973 to 1983, he served as part-time member of the Public Service Staff Relations Board. Professor Garant has also been a consultant to many government departments and agencies.
The authors wish to thank Lionel Carrière, Director of the Appeals Directorate of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and his assistant Denis Bélanger for their technical support and warm welcome. They also thank all those who offered their comments, including Jean-Yves Brière, a Montreal lawyer, Jérôme Garant, a Quebec City lawyer, and many chairpersons and members of boards of referees.
Comments are welcome and can be forwarded to:
Sandra Mills
819-953-1092
sandra.mills@servicecanada.gc.ca
Patrice Garant
Philippe Garant