25. Remuneration and allowances

What is a session?

A session means the convening of a Board of Referees for the purpose of considering several cases (usually five or six), hearing interested parties and witnesses, deliberating, and preparing and completing the written decisions. It also includes training sessions and information seminars convened by the Commission.

Remuneration of Board members

Board members are paid a rate of remuneration approved by Treasury Board. The terms and rate of payment can be changed only on the recommendation of the Commission and with the approval of Treasury Board.

The current rates and conditions are available from the Board Assistant at the Board Centre.

Cancelled sessions

In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to cancel an entire session. The chairperson and Board members should be given advance notice of at least one working day. For example, if a session is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Friday, then the Board of Referees should be notified by 8:30 a.m. Thursday. Similarly, if the session is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, then the Board of Referees should be notified by 8:30 a.m. Friday.

Where the chairperson or Board members are not given a 24-hour notice and would suffer financial loss, remuneration will be paid in full for the cancelled session.

Traveling expenses for the Board

Chairpersons and members are not reimbursed for expenses incurred in the course of conducting hearings at the Board Centre to which they have been appointed. However, when they are called on to attend a session at a centre other than their own, they are entitled to be reimbursed for travel and other expenses in accordance with Treasury Board guidelines.

Allowances for attending hearings

Persons requested in writing by the chairperson to attend a hearing should be compensated for loss of wages, provided the claim is supported by a voucher signed by their employer. They may also be paid traveling, living and other expenses according to Treasury Board guidelines.

Claims for remuneration and allowances

Chairpersons, members of the Board and people requested by the chairperson to attend Board hearings should complete and sign the required forms at the end of the session. The Board Assistant will collect the forms.