What a tribunal is
An administrative tribunal is a decision-making body created by a statute to resolve disputes in a specific area. Tribunals are usually faster and less formal than courts, but they are not informal: they have their own rules of procedure, deadlines, forms, evidence requirements and powers. A tribunal can only decide what its statute allows it to decide.
Many Ontario tribunals are grouped under Tribunals Ontario. Most tribunal hearings follow the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, which sets basic fairness rules such as notice of the hearing, the right to present evidence and the right to representation.
Common tribunals and their deadlines
| Tribunal | What it decides | Key time limit (general rule) | Ghasedak status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) | Residential tenancy disputes under the RTA. | Varies by application; review requests 15 days. | Core service |
| Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) | Discrimination and harassment under the Human Rights Code in employment, housing, services and more. | 1 year from the incident, or from the last of a series of similar incidents. A late application may be accepted if the delay was in good faith. | After review |
| Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) | Statutory accident benefits disputes and many licensing and regulatory appeals. | Accident benefits: 2 years after receiving the insurer's written denial. | After review |
| Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT) | Ontario Works and ODSP decisions. | Request an internal review within 30 days of the original decision; appeal within 30 days of receiving the internal review decision. | After review |
| Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) | Labour relations and review of Employment Standards orders. | Employment standards review: 30 days after the order (or refusal) is served. | After review |
| Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) | Final appeals from WSIB decisions. | 6 months from the date of the final WSIB decision. | After review |
| Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) | Certain condominium disputes, such as records, noise, pets and parking. | Depends on the dispute; online process. | After review |
| Social Security Tribunal and EI Board of Appeal (federal) | CPP, OAS and Employment Insurance appeals. | CPP disability: 90 days after the reconsideration decision. EI: reconsideration decisions now go to the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal; a further appeal to the Social Security Tribunal's Appeal Division is due within 30 days. | After review |
Time limits are summarized here for orientation only. Each statute has its own rules about when the clock starts, extensions and exceptions. Missing a tribunal deadline can end the case.
Four checks before accepting a tribunal file
- JurisdictionDoes this tribunal, rather than a court, a ministry, an internal appeal body or another agency, have authority over the dispute and the remedy you want?
- Route and deadlineIdentify the statute, the type of application or appeal, the limitation period, and any mandatory reconsideration or internal review that must come first.
- RulesRead the tribunal's current rules on representatives, filing, service, disclosure, mediation and hearing format.
- Representation and competenceConfirm that a P1 paralegal may appear, that the matter is within the paralegal's competence, and that there is no conflict of interest.
How a tribunal case usually runs
Application or appeal
Filed on the tribunal's form with the decision under challenge, the grounds and the remedy sought.
Response
The other party, an insurer, employer, landlord or government body, files its position.
Case conference or mediation
Many tribunals hold a case conference or mediation to narrow issues and explore settlement.
Disclosure
Documents, witness lists and expert reports exchanged by the tribunal's deadlines.
Hearing
In writing, by video or in person. Evidence is given, witnesses questioned and submissions made.
Decision and review
A written decision, followed where available by reconsideration, appeal or judicial review.
Building the record
Tribunals decide on the record in front of them. A strong file usually includes a clear chronology; the decision being challenged; correspondence with the other party; medical, employment or financial records where relevant; witness statements; and, where permitted, expert evidence. Documents in Persian should be translated, with a translator's affidavit.
After the decision
Options after a tribunal decision depend on the statute: reconsideration by the same tribunal, an appeal where the statute allows one, or judicial review in the Divisional Court. Appeals and judicial review in the Divisional Court are outside a paralegal's licence and require a lawyer; deadlines are short, so act immediately.
Why the answer is always case-specific
By-Law 4 of the Law Society of Ontario permits a P1 paralegal to provide legal services in proceedings before tribunals established under Ontario or federal legislation. That permission does not create jurisdiction, extend a deadline, guarantee a right of representation or establish competence in every tribunal. Ghasedak confirms the exact forum and service before entering a retainer, and refers matters to another legal professional when that serves the client better.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tribunal decision binding?
Yes. A tribunal order is legally binding and many can be filed with the court and enforced like a court order.
Can I bring a support person or interpreter?
Most tribunals allow a support person. Interpreter rules differ: some tribunals arrange interpreters on request, while others, including the LTB, generally expect parties to bring their own interpreter for languages other than English and French. Check the tribunal's rules and ask early.
I missed the deadline. Is it over?
Some statutes allow an extension for a good reason; others do not. Apply as soon as possible with a clear explanation of the delay.
Official sources
- Tribunals Ontario
- Statutory Powers Procedure Act
- Law Society of Ontario: By-Law 4
- HRTO: Application and hearing process
- LAT: Accident benefits application process
- SBT: Appeal and hearing process
- WSIAT: Starting an appeal
- Social Security Tribunal: CPP disability appeals
This guide is general legal information about Ontario law as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Laws, forms and fees change; check the official sources before you act.