All types of hearings (whether in person, virtual by videoconference, file hearing or a combination of these) will be available for individual proceedings. As before, parties to proceedings will have the opportunity to make submissions concerning their preferred type of hearing (i.e., in person or remotely). Parties will be asked to explain their preference. The Tribunal expects all parties to display flexibility vis-à-vis the perspective of others, especially in consideration of the importance of facilitating access to justice.
The Tribunal will consider the preferences of the parties and endeavour to accommodate those preferences, to the extent reasonably possible. Ultimately, the Tribunal retains its discretion to decide on the appropriate type of hearing in each case to provide for a more expeditious or informal process, as the circumstances and considerations of fairness permit.
September 13, 2023