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What We Do

The primary function of the OCRT is to receive appeals on Reconsideration decisions made by the Department of HRSDC about CPP or OAS benefits. Three-person Review Tribunals decide the outcome of each appeal after a fair and impartial hearing and in each case provide detailed reasons for their decision.

The OCRT provides the operational and administrative support for the Review Tribunal appeal process by scheduling hearings and making related arrangements, distributing pre-hearing documentation, and issuing the Review Tribunals' decisions. In addition, the OCRT provides training and legal services for Panel Members and staff. The OCRT also has a role in policy and consultation activities relating to the CPP and OAS appeal process.

(See Review Tribunal Appeal Process Overview)

Responsibilities of the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals

• We ensure that the information received from all parties regarding your appeal is available to all parties and to the members of the Review Tribunal.
• The Commissioner selects a three-person Tribunal to hear and decide an appeal.
• We arrange a date, time and place in Canada for your hearing that is as close to your home as possible and is suitable to all parties.
• We call you to answer questions you may have before the hearing.
• We deliver the decision of the Review Tribunal to all the parties.

Fairness and Impartiality

In support of our mission statement, the OCRT makes special efforts to ensure that every Appellant or Added Party is treated equally, fairly, and with understanding, respect and dignity.

To this end, the OCRT provides Panel Members with guidelines, training and resources that help them carry out their duties. The goal is to ensure that all parties to an appeal receive equitable treatment no matter where in the country the hearing is held, or which particular Panel Members are hearing the case.

Panel Members are bound by:

• Code of Conduct for Review Tribunal Members,
• Principles of the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders