TRIBUNALS

2021-06-10

TRIBUNALS

2021-06-10

Persons who appear before any tribunal have the right to fair and accessible dispute resolution.

Published by Paragon Legal Services on 07th June, 2021

A Tribunal is a court of justice of judicial assembly.  Derived from old French meaning ‘a judgement seat’ and Latin meaning ‘platform for the seat of magistrates’.

In Ontario Tribunals are extremely varied and address several types of disputes. There are fourteen (14) adjudicative tribunals which preside over these matters. Feel free to consult a qualified legal professional if you need help with a matter at any of the tribunals. Decisions by provincial tribunals are however subject to review by the Divisional Court branch of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to determine if they were fair, reasonable and lawful.

A tribunal or board refers to any persons or institution with authority to judge, adjudicate on, or determine claims or disputes. They are committed to providing quality dispute resolution across the cluster including ensuring that its procedures are transparent and understandable.


They are mandated to identify common method and values, and where suitable, consistent with said practices to improve access to justice, fostering consistency in the application of fundamental principles of fairness.

These rules apply to all cases and form part of the rules and procedures of each tribunal and include practice, directions, policies, guidelines and procedural directions.  The Statutory Powers Procedures Act (SPPA) sets out basic 'minimum standard' procedural rules for most - but not all of Ontario's tribunals.

The rules and procedures of the tribunal (according to their website) shall be liberally and purposively interpreted and applied to:

a.    promote the fair, just and expeditious resolution of disputes,

b.    allow parties to participate effectively in the process, whether or not they have a representative,

c.     ensure that procedures, orders and directions are proportionate to the importance and complexity of the issues in the proceeding.

The tribunal may exercise any of its powers at the request of a party, or on its own initiative, except where otherwise provided. They can vary or waive the application of any rule or procedure, on its own initiative or upon the request of a party, except where to do so is prohibited by legislation or a specific rule.


The tribunal may exercise any of its powers at the request of a party, or on its own initiative, except where otherwise provided. They can vary or waive the application of any rule or procedure, on its own initiative or upon the request of a party, except where to do so is prohibited by legislation or a specific rule.

Upon receiving documents relating to the commencement of a proceeding, a tribunal or its administrative staff may decide not to process the documents relating to the commencement of the proceeding for more than one reason including the documents are incomplete or the documents are received after the time required for commencing the proceeding has elapsed.

Avoid this problem by speaking with a legal representative about tribunals. According to the Statutory Powers Procedure Act you are entitled to representation before the Tribunal. Exercise your right by contacting our experienced expert at Paragon Legal Services for legal advice.