Tribunals Ontario is composed of 13 tribunals that play a crucial role in resolving disputes and regulating various sectors of society. Each tribunal specializes in a specific area of law, offering accessible means for individuals and organizations to address their issues.
1. Animal Care Review Board (ACRB)
Applicable Laws: Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019
Role: The ACRB resolves disputes and conducts hearings regarding animal welfare, including hearing appeals of orders and decisions of the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector and other animal welfare inspectors.
2. Assessment Review Board (ARB)
Applicable Laws: Municipal Act, 2001; Assessment Act.
Role: The ARB hears appeals regarding property assessments and taxation. Property owners can challenge the assessed value of their property, affecting their property taxes.
3. Child and Family Services Review Board (CFSRB)
Applicable Laws: Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, Education Act, Intercountry Adoption Act
Role: The Child and Family Services Review Board (CFSRB) conducts reviews and hearings on a number of matters that affect children, youth and families in Ontario.
4. Custody Review Board (CRB)
Applicable Laws: Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Role: The Custody Review Board (CRB) hears applications and makes recommendations on the placement of young people in custody or detention.
5. Fire Safety Commission
Applicable Laws: Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Fire Code, Statutory Powers Procedure Act
Role: The FSC resolves disputes and conducts hearings regarding fire safety matters, including orders made by inspectors or the Fire Marshal for repairs, alterations or installations to a building, structure or premises.
6. Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO)
Applicable Laws: Ontario Human Rights Code.
Role: The HRTO resolves claims of discrimination and harassment brought under the Human Rights Code in a fair, just and timely way. The HRTO first offers parties the opportunity to settle the dispute through mediation. If the parties do not agree to mediation, or mediation does not resolve the application, the HRTO holds a hearing.
7. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
Applicable Laws: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
Role: The LTB resolves disputes between landlords and tenants regarding lease agreements, eviction notices, rent increases, and maintenance issues.
8. Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT)
Applicable Laws: Various statutes, including the Insurance Act.
Role: LAT adjudicates applications and resolves disputes concerning compensation claims and licensing activities regulated by the provincial government, including those activities of delegated administrative authorities.
9. Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC)
Applicable Laws: Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019
Role: The OCPC reviews police conduct and complaints, ensuring accountability and transparency within police services across Ontario.
10. Ontario Parole Board (OPB)
Applicable Laws: Corrections and Conditional Release Act, Prisons and Reformatories Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Ministry of Correctional Services Act
Role: The OPB makes parole decisions for applicants serving a sentence of less than two years in a provincial correctional institution. The OPB also decides applications for temporary absences from a correctional institution for greater than 72 hours.
11. Ontario Special Education Tribunal (OSET) - English
Applicable Laws: Education Act
Role: The OSET hears appeals related to the educational needs of children with disabilities, ensuring that they receive appropriate accommodations and support. The OSET- English hears appeals from decisions made by English Public and Catholic School Boards.
12. Ontario Special Education Tribunal (OSET) - French
Applicable Laws: Education Act
Role: The OSET hears appeals related to the educational needs of children with disabilities, ensuring that they receive appropriate accommodations and support. The OSET - French hears appeals from decisions made by French Public and Catholic School Boards.
13. Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT)
Applicable Laws: Ontario Works Act, 1997; Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997.
Role: The SBT reviews appeals regarding social assistance benefits, allowing individuals to challenge decisions made about their eligibility and benefit levels.
How Paralegals Can Help
Navigating the complexities of administrative tribunals can be daunting, but paralegals are equipped to assist you throughout the process. Here’s how they can advocate for your case:
Representation: Paralegals can represent you at hearings, presenting your case effectively and advocating for your rights.
Legal Advice: They offer guidance on your rights and responsibilities under applicable laws, helping you understand the nuances of your specific situation.
Document Preparation: Paralegals assist in drafting necessary documents, such as applications, appeals, and supporting materials, ensuring they meet the tribunal’s requirements.
Strategic Planning: They can help develop a strategy for your case, including evidence gathering and identifying key arguments to support your position.
Negotiation Skills: Many disputes can be resolved through negotiation. Paralegals are skilled negotiators who can facilitate discussions to achieve favorable outcomes without the need for a formal hearing.
Emotional Support: Dealing with legal issues can be stressful. Paralegals provide not only practical support but also emotional reassurance throughout the process.
Conclusion
Tribunals Ontario serve vital functions in addressing various legal matters, from human rights to child welfare and property assessments. Understanding the specific roles of these tribunals, along with the laws that govern them, is essential for anyone seeking justice. By engaging a paralegal, you can enhance your chances of success, navigate the complexities of the system, and ensure your voice is heard. Whether you’re dealing with housing disputes, social benefits, or educational needs, having the right support can make all the difference in achieving a favorable outcome.
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