Principles of Administrative Justice

Administrative Justice:

The following guiding principles relate to all Administrative Tribunals, their Adjudicators and Staff, affiliated with CCAT and operating in any Canadian jurisdiction.

1. Requires that Tribunals be independent in matters of governance and that adjudicators be independent in decision-making;
2. Requires that Tribunals, adjudicators and staff be impartial and free from improper influence and interference;
3. Requires that Tribunals, adjudicators and staff be without conflicts of interest and act in a manner which precludes any conflict of interest;
4. Requires that adjudicators and staff be qualified in their subject matter and administrative justice processes;
5. Requires that adjudicators and all participants treat each other with dignity, respect and courtesy.
6. Should ensure that the dispute resolution process is accessible, affordable, understandable and proportionate to the abilities and sensibilities of users;
7. Should be transparent and accountable;
8. Should apply the rules of natural justice;
9. Should be expeditious both in process and in rendering decisions, with reasons to be given where appropriate;
10. Should where possible, provide an opportunity for informal dispute resolution;
11. Should minimize any disadvantages to unrepresented parties;
12. Should provide consistency in procedure and adjudicative outcomes.