Questioning of the parties normally occurs at the close of each person's testimony. Witnesses give oral testimony and are present only during the time they testify. The Committee of Inquiry may order recesses. The parties may request a recess to allow consultation or to review any new information or documentation introduced during the hearing. The intent of the Committee of Inquiry process is to provide an in-house dispute resolution mechanism.
Litigation serves to elevate issues in dispute to a legal forum.
At a Committee of Inquiry hearing, the parties are not entitled to be accompanied by legal counsel. This does not preclude either party from con sulting a lawyer for advice. A resource person does not actively participate in the hearing process and may be present at the formal hearing at the discretion of the Committee. The Secretariat does not actively participate in the hearing process, but ensures that a record of the proceedings is kept, and provides procedural guidance to the Chair, including assistance in drafting the Committee's report to the Provost. Report of the Committee of Inquiry.