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What are legal tribunals and boards?

Tribunals and boards usually hear cases related to a specific area, such as:

• Tenant rights
• Immigration issues
• Employment insurance
• Human rights

Sometimes, a case must be heard by a tribunal or board rather than a court.

Administrative tribunals provide justice between citizens and the government.

According to the law, administrative tribunals must independent bodies, even if their staff are employees of the government.

Some examples of important administrative tribunals and boards are:

• Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) - Hears and makes decision on immigration and refugee cases and appeals
• Ombudsman of Ontario - Investigates complaints about services provided by the provincial government and its organizations
• Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) - Hears complaints about federally-regulated employers, unions or service providers
• Landlord and Tenant Board - Resolves disputes between most residential landlords and tenants
• Social Benefits Tribunal - Hears appeals of decisions about a person's eligibility for social benefits or the amount they should receive

The Federal Court of Canada hears appeals of decisions made by tribunals. This court is second in importance to the Supreme Court of Canada. Convention refugee claims are sometimes appealed before this Court.

For More Information

• Administrative Tribunals in Canada - Provides links to the websites of federal and provincial administrative tribunals.