Notices to Counsel | Changes to Hearing Logistics for Represented Claimants

Effective immediately, the minimum timeframe between the date a hearing is set and the date a hearing is held will be reduced for most IAP claims. The minimum timeframe for scheduling is now as follows:

• For claims proceeding in the Accelerated Hearing Process, the hearing date will be set at least six (6) weeks prior to the hearing.
• For hearings to be held in a correctional facility, the hearing date will be set at least eight (8) weeks prior to the hearing. (No change)
• For claims without either of these requirements the hearing date can be set four (4) weeks prior to the hearing.

This change was implemented for self-represented claimants on January 1, 2016 and is now being expanded to include represented claimants. It will help IRSAS meet the deadline of completing all first claimant hearings by Spring 2016.

To accommodate this change, IRSAS will now request logistic requirements from claimant counsel prior to the hearing date being set. Your prompt response to these requests will allow IRSAS to book travel arrangements in a timely manner.

Given this change in policy, hearing participants including claimant counsel, Canada's representatives, church representatives, Resolution Health Support Workers, and Adjudicators need to be prepared to travel on shorter notice than has been the norm in the past.

Please note that this change does not affect the postponement policy. After a hearing is scheduled, any party may request a postponement in accordance with the postponement policy (Guidance Paper 7R1).