GreatNorthCollective/greatnorth-canada-federal-laws-text huggingface dataset:
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 9
Contact information on file 9 (1) The Tribunal uses the contact information it has on file when it contacts a party or sends a document to a party. If the Tribunal cannot reach a party (2) The Tribunal may continue the appeal process even if it cannot reach a party using the contact information the party gave it. The Tribunal may do this without giving further notice to the party.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 10
Definition of accommodation 10 (1) In this section, accommodation means an arrangement to remove a barrier so a person can participate fully in the appeal process. An accommodation must relate to one of the grounds set out in section 3 of the Canadian Human Rights Act . If a participant needs an accommodation (2) A participant must notify the Tribunal as soon as possible if they need an accommodation.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 11
What Part 3 is about 11 This Part sets out the roles and responsibilities of participants and the Tribunal.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 12
Participants’ responsibilities 12 Participants must (a) be respectful and help maintain a safe environment; (b) be honest; and (c) not act in any way that goes against these Rules, the Social Security Tribunal Regulations, 2022 or the appeal process.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 13
How parties participate 13 (1) Parties are responsible for participating in the appeal process. This may include (a) preparing documents; (b) filing documents with the Tribunal; (c) presenting evidence or arguments; (d) attending a conference or a hearing; (e) questioning witnesses; and (f) responding to another party’s arguments. Following Rules and directions (2) Parties must follow these Rules and the Tribunal’s directions. This includes (a) communicating with the Tribunal and responding to its requests; and (b) meeting the deadlines the Tribunal sets out. Keeping contact information up to date (3) Parties must notify the Tribunal as soon as possible of any changes to their contact information.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 14
What a representative does 14 (1) If a party chooses to have a representative under section 63.1 of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act , the representative (a) acts on behalf of the party by presenting their position; (b) may represent the party for all or part of the appeal process; and (c) does not need to be a lawyer. How a representative participates (2) A representative is responsible for participating in the appeal process in the same way that a party participates as described in section 13 . Sharing information with a party (3) The Tribunal communicates directly with a representative. The representative must share information they receive from the Tribunal with the party they represent. Keeping a representative’s contact information up to date (4) A representative must notify the Tribunal as soon as possible of any changes to their contact information. If a representative stops representing a party (5) A representative must notify the Tribunal as soon as possible if they stop representing a party.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 15
Definition of support person 15 (1) In this section and in Part 1, support person means a person who helps a party at an oral hearing by (a) organizing their documents; (b) taking notes for the party; or (c) giving moral and emotional support. How a support person participates (2) A support person does not represent the party, but they may attend the oral hearing as an observer. Sharing information with a support person (3) The Tribunal does not communicate directly with a support person outside an oral hearing. A party is responsible for sharing information from the Tribunal with their support person if they want the support person to have the information.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 16
What a witness does 16 (1) A witness testifies at an oral hearing to give relevant evidence. How a witness participates (2) A witness may be questioned by a party, a representative or the Tribunal. A witness must answer all questions truthfully.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 17
What the Tribunal does 17 (1) The Tribunal hears appeals in a way that allows parties to participate fully in the appeal process. The Tribunal considers all of the parties’ evidence and arguments and gives a decision. How the Tribunal actively adjudicates (2) The Tribunal actively adjudicates appeals. Active adjudication may include (a) deciding what issues need to be addressed; (b) deciding what procedures are appropriate in the circumstances; (c) helping parties, representatives and witnesses understand the appeal process and these Rules; (d) providing information about the laws that apply to the appeal; (e) providing information about evidence; (f) deciding the order for parties to present evidence or arguments at an oral hearing; and (g) asking parties, representatives and witnesses questions at an oral hearing. SOR/2025-91, s. 6
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 18
What Part 4 is about 18 This Part sets out (a) how to file documents with the Tribunal and what the Tribunal does with them; (b) what the Tribunal can do with electronic documents; and (c) when the Tribunal considers that a party has received a document.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 19
How to file documents 19 (1) A party that needs to file a document with the Tribunal must file the document in one of the following ways: (a) by email, using the address set out on the Tribunal’s website; (b) by mail, using the address set out on the Tribunal’s website; or (c) electronically, using the electronic filing procedure set out on the Tribunal’s website. Filing documents in a specific form and manner (1.1) The Tribunal may require a party to file a document in a specific form and manner. When a document is filed (2) A document is considered filed on the date the Tribunal receives it. On each document, the Tribunal indicates the date it received the document. Extending a deadline that falls on a weekend or holiday (3) If a filing deadline set by the Tribunal or these Rules falls on a day that is not a business day, the deadline is extended to the next business day. SOR/2025-91, s. 7
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 20
Adding documents to the appeal record 20 (1) When a party files a document to support their position in an appeal, the Tribunal must add it to the appeal record. Sending copies to parties (2) When a party files a document to support their position in an appeal, the Tribunal must send a copy of it to the other parties as soon as possible. Accessing documents in the appeal record (3) The public may access the documents in the appeal record unless the Tribunal limits public access to them under section 3 of the Social Security Tribunal Regulations, 2022 .
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 21
An electronic copy is an original 21 (1) An electronic copy of a document is considered the original version of the document. Making electronic copies (2) The Tribunal may make an electronic copy of any document filed. Providing an electronic copy (3) The Tribunal may provide an electronic copy of any document filed. Certifying an electronic copy as a true copy (4) The Tribunal may certify an electronic copy as a true copy.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 22
When a party receives a document by regular mail 22 (1) When the Tribunal sends a document to a party by regular mail, the document is considered received 10 days after the day it was sent. When a party receives a document by registered mail or courier (2) When the Tribunal sends a document to a party by registered mail or courier, the document is considered received on the date of the delivery confirmation receipt. When a party receives a document electronically (3) When the Tribunal sends a document to a party by email or another electronic method, the document is considered received on the next business day. Exception (4) The Tribunal applies sections 22 (1) to (3) unless a party shows why the Tribunal should not apply them.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 23
What Part 5 is about 23 This Part sets out (a) how to appeal and what information to provide; (b) how the Tribunal handles late appeals; (c) what language the appeal can be in; and (d) how the Tribunal adds parties.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 24
How to appeal a reconsideration decision to the General Division 24 (1) To appeal a reconsideration decision in an Income Security appeal, an appellant must file a notice of appeal with the Tribunal’s General Division. The notice must include (a) the appellant’s full name; (b) the appellant’s contact information; (c) the appellant’s reasons for appealing; and (d) a copy of the reconsideration decision or the date of the reconsideration decision. (e) [Repealed, SOR/2025-91, s. 8] Identifying number (2) The Tribunal may ask an appellant to include a social insurance number, a Canada Revenue Agency business number or any other identifying number with their notice of appeal. The appellant must provide the number that the Tribunal asks for. When to file the notice of appeal (3) The appellant must file the notice of appeal by the deadline set out in section 52 of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act . Confirming the notice of appeal was received (4) The Tribunal notifies the appellant when it receives their notice of appeal. SOR/2025-91, s. 8 SOR/2026-45, s. 5
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 26
How to appeal a General Division decision to the Appeal Division 26 (1) To appeal a General Division decision, an appellant must file an application for permission to appeal with the Tribunal’s Appeal Division. The application must include (a) the appellant’s full name; (b) the appellant’s contact information; (c) the appellant’s reasons for appealing; and (d) a copy of the General Division decision, the date of the General Division decision or the General Division file number. When to file the application for permission to appeal (2) The appellant must file the application for permission to appeal by the deadline set out in section 57(1.1) of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act . Getting permission to appeal (3) To be granted permission to appeal, the appellant must show that at least one of the criteria set out in section 58.1 of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act is met. Confirming the application was received (4) The Tribunal notifies the appellant when it receives their application for permission to appeal. SOR/2026-45, s. 7
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 26.1
How to appeal a Board of Appeal decision to the Appeal Division 26.1 (1) To appeal a Board of Appeal decision, an appellant must file a notice of appeal with the Tribunal’s Appeal Division. The notice must include (a) the appellant’s full name; (b) the appellant’s contact information; (c) the appellant’s reasons for appealing; (d) a copy of the Board of Appeal decision; and (e) contact information, if known, for any other person, other than the Commission, who was a party at the Board of Appeal. Identifying number (2) The Tribunal may ask an appellant to include a social insurance number, a Canada Revenue Agency business number or any other identifying number with their notice of appeal. The appellant must provide the number that the Tribunal asks for. When to file the notice of appeal (3) The appellant must file the notice of appeal by the deadline set out in section 54.2(1) of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act . Confirming the notice of appeal was received (4) The Tribunal notifies the appellant when it receives their notice of appeal. Receiving a Board of Appeal decision (5) A Board of Appeal decision is considered received by the appellant (a) 10 days after the day it was sent, if the decision is sent by regular mail; (b) on the date of the delivery confirmation receipt, if the decision is sent by registered mail or courier; or (c) on the next business day, if the decision is sent by email or another electronic method. Exception (6) The Tribunal applies section 26.1(5) unless the appellant shows why the Tribunal should not do so. SOR/2026-45, s. 8
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 26.2
How to appeal a General Division decision to the Appeal Division 26.2 (1) To appeal a General Division decision in an Employment Insurance appeal, an appellant must file a notice of appeal with the Tribunal’s Appeal Division. The notice must include (a) the appellant’s full name; (b) the appellant’s contact information; (c) the appellant’s reasons for appealing; and (d) a copy of the General Division decision, the date of the General Division decision or the General Division file number. When to file the notice of appeal (2) The appellant must file the notice of appeal by the deadline set out in section 57(1) of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act . Confirming the notice of appeal was received (3) The Tribunal notifies the appellant when it receives their notice of appeal. SOR/2026-45, s. 8
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 27
How to ask for more time 27 (1) An appellant who files a notice of appeal or an application for permission to appeal after the deadline must explain why they are late. They must file the explanation with the Tribunal. Deciding to give more time to appeal (2) The Tribunal gives more time to appeal if the appellant has a reasonable explanation for why they are late. The Tribunal decides whether to give more time without asking the other parties for arguments.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 28
Choosing English or French 28 A party may choose whether they want the appeal to be in English or French. This rule does not apply to the Minister or the Commission.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 29
Documents not in English or French 29 A party who wants to file a document that is not in English or French must (a) get the document translated into English or French; and (b) file the translation with the document.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 30
Asking for a translation of an English or French document filed by the Minister or Commission 30 (1) A party may ask the Tribunal for a translation of a document into their chosen language for the appeal if the document (a) was filed by the Minister or the Commission; (b) is in English or French; and (c) did not come from the party. Filing the translation (2) If a party asks for a translation of a document that meets the conditions set out in section 30 (1), the Minister or the Commission must file the translation with the Tribunal. SOR/2025-91, s. 9
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 31
What to include with translated documents 31 If a party files a translation with the Tribunal, the party must include the following information: (a) the translator’s full name; (b) the translator’s contact information; and (c) a statement from the translator that the translation is accurate.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 32
If a party needs an interpreter 32 (1) A party must notify the Tribunal as soon as possible if they or any other participant need an interpreter to translate what people say at an oral hearing or conference. Tribunal will provide an interpreter (2) The Tribunal provides an interpreter if a party asks for one.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 33
When the Tribunal automatically adds a party 33 (1) The Tribunal must add a person as a party to an appeal in the following situations: (a) when the Minister notifies the Tribunal of that person under section 65 of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act ; and (b) when an employer is appealing a reconsideration decision about that person’s entitlement to benefits under the Employment Insurance Act . Other situations when the Tribunal could add a party (2) The Tribunal may decide to add a person as a party to an appeal if the person has a direct interest in the decision. How to ask to be added as a party (3) A person who wants to be added as a party to an appeal must file a request with the Tribunal. The request must include (a) their full name; (b) their contact information; and (c) an explanation of how they have a direct interest in the decision. Deciding without arguments from other parties (4) The Tribunal decides whether to add a person without asking the other parties for arguments.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 34
What Part 6 is about 34 This Part sets out various procedures that may apply in the appeal process.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 35
When the Tribunal may join appeals 35 The Tribunal may deal with two or more appeals together if (a) the appeals raise a common question; and (b) joining the appeals is not unfair to the parties.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 36
If a party wants to limit public access 36 (1) A party may ask the Tribunal to limit public access to an oral hearing or the appeal record. To do this, the party must file a request with the Tribunal. What information to include with the request (2) The party’s request must set out (a) the serious risk described in section 3 of the Social Security Tribunal Regulations, 2022 that is leading the party to ask the Tribunal to limit public access; (b) the information or documents they want to limit public access to; and (c) the reasons why reasonable alternative measures cannot adequately reduce the serious risk.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 37
What a conference may cover 37 (1) The Tribunal may hold a conference with the parties to talk about the appeal. A conference may include discussions about any matter, such as (a) the step the appeal is at and the next steps in the appeal process; (b) the issues in the appeal; (c) the Tribunal’s authority to do or decide something; (d) the deadlines for filing documents; and (e) ways to settle the appeal without a hearing. How a conference takes place (2) A conference may take place (a) by phone; (b) by video or other type of telecommunication; or (c) in person.
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 38
If a conference is a settlement conference 38 (1) If a conference is a settlement conference, documents related to the conference and discussions at the conference must not be disclosed. The documents are not part of the appeal record. Exception (2) If all parties agree, the documents and discussions may be disclosed and the documents may be included in the appeal record. If there is a hearing after a settlement conference (3) The Tribunal member who holds a settlement conference must not hear the appeal unless all parties agree. SOR/2025-91, s. 10(F)
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 39
If the parties reach an agreement 39 (1) A party may ask the Tribunal to make a decision based on an agreement that the parties have reached and signed. To do this, the party must file a request and the agreement with the Tribunal. Exception (2) The party does not need to file a request or an agreement if they reach the agreement at a settlement conference. SOR/2025-91, s. 11
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 40
Having a witness at an oral hearing 40 A party may have a witness testify at an oral hearing in the following types of appeals: (a) an Employment Insurance appeal at the General Division; (b) an Income Security appeal at the General Division; (c) an Income Security appeal at the Appeal Division; and (d) an Employment Insurance appeal at the Appeal Division, if the appeal is from a Board of Appeal decision and is about a question of constitutional law. SOR/2026-45, s. 11
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 41
How to notify the Tribunal about a witness 41 (1) If a party wants to have a witness testify in an Income Security appeal or in an Employment Insurance appeal that is about a question of constitutional law, the party must file a notice with the Tribunal by the filing deadline. The notice must include the following information: (a) the witness’s full name; (b) the relationship between the party and the witness; and (c) the language the witness will use to testify. Other information to include about certain witnesses (2) If a witness is testifying as a professional, the notice must also include the following: (a) the witness’s résumé; and (b) a list of the documents filed with the Tribunal that the witness will testify about or a summary of what the witness will testify about. Exception (3) Section 41 (2) does not apply to a witness who is a health care professional who treated the party seeking benefits. Admitting evidence from a professional (4) The Tribunal does not qualify any witness as an expert before admitting the witness’s evidence. Exception (5) If a party wants to testify, they do not need to file a notice. SOR/2026-45, s. 12
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 42
If a party files evidence or written arguments after a deadline 42 (1) The Tribunal must not consider any evidence or written argument that a party files after a filing deadline set by the Tribunal or these Rules unless it gives the party permission to use that evidence or written argument. What factors the Tribunal considers (2) When deciding whether to give a party permission, the Tribunal must consider any relevant factor. For example, the Tribunal considers whether (a) the evidence or argument is relevant; (b) the evidence or argument is new; (c) the party could have filed the evidence or argument earlier; (d) giving permission would be unfair to a party; and (e) giving permission would cause delays. Deciding without arguments from other parties (3) The Tribunal decides whether to give permission without asking the other parties for arguments unless fairness requires the Tribunal to ask. SOR/2025-91, s. 13
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 43
Asking to reschedule a hearing 43 (1) A party may ask the Tribunal to reschedule a hearing. The Tribunal must reschedule the party’s hearing when (a) they are asking for the first time; (b) the original hearing was not scheduled according to their availability or their representative’s availability; (c) they ask at least five business days before the original hearing date; and (d) they are available for a hearing within two weeks before or after the original hearing date. Explaining why the hearing needs to be rescheduled (2) If a party wants to reschedule a hearing but does not meet the conditions set out in section 43 (1), the party must file a request with the Tribunal. The request must explain why they want the hearing rescheduled. Rescheduling for fairness reasons (3) The Tribunal may reschedule the hearing only if it is necessary for a fair hearing. The Tribunal decides whether to reschedule without asking the other parties for arguments unless fairness requires the Tribunal to ask. SOR/2025-91, s. 14
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 44
How to withdraw an appeal 44 An appellant may withdraw their appeal. They may do this by notifying the Tribunal anytime (a) before the hearing ends, when there is an oral hearing; or (b) before the Tribunal gives its decision, when there is a hearing in writing. SOR/2025-91, s. 15(F)
Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure — 45
What Part 7 is about 45 This Part sets out specific rules for Income Security appeals at the General Division and Appeal Division.