The commission has issued its own Practice Memorandum that contains the guidelines for an appeal to the commission. When an appeal is filed the officer whose decision is appealed must file the record of its decision with the commission. The commission has the power to issue subpoenas and hear new evidence and may confirm, vary or reverse the order appealed from or refer the matter back, with or without directions. Interim orders may be granted. Appeals are decided by three-member panels, after an oral hearing or upon written submissions.
Oral hearings are open to the public unless the commission orders otherwise.
While appeals are conducted less formally than court proceedings, the basic procedures are similar. Decisions of the commission may be appealed to the Court of Appeal with leave of a justice of the Court of Appeal. Although established and maintained by the provincial Ministry of the Attorney-General, the Commercial Appeals Commission operates independently of the government. It is asked to report to government only in respect of the number of appeals and hearing days held during the fiscal year. However, the chair of the commission may issue the Chair's Report as time and workload permit.