BC Admin Law Directory (Alphabetical)
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A
Agricultural Land Commission
PROVINCIAL: An independent agency responsible for administering BC’s land use zone in favour of agriculture. Hears appeals from an official’s decision on land use.
TELEPHONE: (604) 660-7000
Agriculture and Agri-Food Review Tribunal
FEDERAL: Hears reviews of Board of Arbitration decisions and various Agencies’ notices of violations.
TELEPHONE: (613) 792-2087
Architectural Institute of BC
PROVINCIAL: The primary resource centre for British Columbians, members and others associated with architecture. Manages professional admissions to ensure members meet the requirements of the Architects Act, Bylaws, Council Rulings, and the BC Building Code. Through the publication and enforcement of health and safety standards, ensures that members comply with the Architects Act.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-667-0753; TELEPHONE: (604) 683-8588
Association of British Columbia Forest Professionals
PROVINCIAL: Responsible for registering and regulating British Columbia’s professional foresters and forest technologists. Administers and enforces the Foresters Act. Sets and enforces codes of conduct and standards of practice for members.
TELEPHONE: (604) 687-8027
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
PROVINCIAL: Regulates and governs the professions under the authority of the Engineers and Geoscientists Act. Sets and maintains academic, experience, and professional practice standards for all members. Individuals licensed by APEGBC are the only persons permitted by law to undertake, and assume responsibility for engineering and geo-science projects in the province of BC.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-430-8035; TELEPHONE: (604) 430-8035
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
FEDERAL: Responsible for most nuclear research and development in Canada, the AECL designs, sells, and services nuclear reactors. The AECL also has a public policy role to safely and securely support Canada’s nuclear energy supply and to manage the Canadian government’s nuclear wastes and legacy obligations.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-513-AECL (2325)
B
BC College of Chiropractors
PROVINCIAL: Monitors the licensing, conduct, and competence of all licensed chiropractors practicing in British Columbia. Addresses the concerns of British Columbians regarding any aspect of the examination and treatment process conducted by a licensed BC chiropractor, which may include issues of inappropriate billing or inappropriate practitioner behavior.
TELEPHONE: (604) 270-1332;
BC College of Psychologists
PROVINCIAL: The regulatory body for the profession of psychology in BC, which is regulated under the Health Professions Act (HPA), the Psychologists Regulation, the Bylaws, and the Code of Conduct. The College’s role is to protect the public interest by regulating the practice of psychology and monitoring the practice of psychology practitioners. The College’s role is to protect the public interest by regulating and monitoring the practice of psychology and psychology practitioners.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-665-0979; TELEPHONE: (604) 736-6164
BC College of Teachers
PROVINCIAL: The professional self-regulatory body for more than 70,000 licensed educators in British Columbia. The College sets and enforces standards for professional educators, assesses applicants to the profession, and issues teaching certificates.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-555-3684; TELEPHONE: (604) 731-8170
BC Institute of Agrologists
PROVINCIAL: Responsible for registering and regulating British Columbia’s professional agrologists. Administers and enforces the Agrologists Act. Sets and enforces codes of conduct and standards of practice for members.
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-855-9291; TELEPHONE: (250) 380-9292
BC Review Board
PROVINCIAL: Reviews decisions about people who have been charged with offences under the Criminal Code in respect of whom verdicts of “not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial on account of mental disorder”, have been rendered.
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-305-2277; TELEPHONE: (604) 660-8789
BC Securities Commission
PROVINCIAL: The independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating securities trading in BC through the administration of the Securities Act. Regulates to protect investors and market integrity: Imposes requirements, provides guidance, monitors compliance and demands corrective action, takes enforcement action, and educates market participants and investors.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-373-6393; TELEPHONE: (604) 899-6500
BC Utilities Commission
PROVINCIAL: An independent regulatory agency of the Provincial Government that operates under and administers the Utilities Commission Act. The Commission regulates BC’s natural gas and electricity utilities. The Commission also regulates intra-provincial pipelines and universal compulsory automobile insurance.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-1385; TELEPHONE: (604) 660-4700
BC Veterinary Medical Association
PROVINCIAL: The statutory body created to serve the interests of the public and animals through the regulation and advancement of the veterinary profession in BC. Creates, promotes and enforces a high standard of qualification, conduct and competence by practitioners of veterinary medicine in BC.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-463-5399; TELEPHONE: (604) 929-7090
Building Code Appeal Board
PROVINCIAL: The 2006 BC Building Code is based on the 2005 National Building Code of Canada, which establishes minimum standards for residential and commercial building construction. This tribunal is BC’s building code dispute resolution board.
TELEPHONE: (250) 356-6633
Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority
PROVINCIAL: Responds to inquiries and complaints from BC consumers and businesses.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-564-9963; TELEPHONE: (604) 320-1667
C
Canada Border Services Agency
FEDERAL: Ensures the security and prosperity of Canada by managing the access of people and goods to and from Canada. The Agency is responsible for providing integrated border services that support national security and public safety priorities and facilitate the free flow of persons and goods, including animals and plants that meet all requirements under the program legislation.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-461-9999
Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation
FEDERAL: Monitors the health of banks, trust companies, loan companies and associations governed by the Cooperative Credit Associations Act that are CDIC members. Works with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), at the first sign of a problem in a member institution. CDIC insures Canadians’ savings in case their bank fails or goes bankrupt.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-461-2342
Canada Industrial Relations Board
FEDERAL: An independent, representational, quasi-judicial tribunal responsible for the interpretation and administration of Part I (Industrial Relations), and certain provisions of Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code. The CIRB decides federal labour relations issues.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-575-9696; TELEPHONE: (604) 666-8220
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
FEDERAL: A professional investment management organization whose purpose is to invest the assets of the Canada Pension Plan in a way that maximizes returns without undue risk of loss. Operates independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm’s length from the federal and provincial governments that are jointly responsible for the CPP.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-557-9510
Canada Revenue Agency
FEDERAL: Reviews disputes about assessments of income tax, excise tax, goods and services tax, and harmonized sales tax, as well as Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance rulings and assessments.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-267-6999
Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal
FEDERAL: Resolves disputes between artists’ associations and producers.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-263-2787
Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board
FEDERAL: Certifies cultural property for income tax purposes and determines value; reviews appeals of applications for export permits.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-999-2494
Canadian Dairy Commission
FEDERAL: Coordinates federal and provincial dairy policies and creates a control mechanism for milk production. Purchases, stores, processes, or sells dairy products on the domestic or export market, within World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments. Sets the support prices of butter and skim milk powder, which establish provincial prices for milk used to manufacture products such as butter, cheese, and ice cream.
TELEPHONE: (613) 792-2000
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
FEDERAL: The Agency is responsible for leading the federal environmental assessment process for most major natural resource projects. Administers the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and its accompanying regulations. Works to provide Canadians with high-quality environmental assessments that contribute to informed decision making, in support of sustainable development.
TELEPHONE: (613) 957-0700
Canadian Foods Inspection Agency
FEDERAL: Delivers inspection and quarantine programs related to foods, plants and animals in 18 regions and 160 field offices across Canada. It’s mandate is to safeguard Canada’s food supply and the plants and animals upon which safe and high-quality food depends.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-442-2342
Canadian Forces Grievance Board
FEDERAL: Reviews grievances of military personnel.
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-276-4193
Canadian Grain Commission
FEDERAL: The regulator of Canada’s grain handling industry. The agency that certifies the quality and quantity of Canadian grain shipments. The CGC protects the rights of Canadian grain producers when they deliver their grain to licensed grain handling companies and grain dealers.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-853-6705
Canadian Human Rights Commission
FEDERAL: Administers the Canadian Human Rights Act and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Employment Equity Act. Both laws ensure that the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination are followed in all areas of federal jurisdiction. Handles dispute resolution in cases of alleged discrimination in employment and delivery of federal services.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-214-1090
Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
FEDERAL: The Canadian Human Rights Act states that all Canadians have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment, and an environment free of discrimination. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) applies these principles to cases that are referred to it by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).
TELEPHONE: (613) 995-1707
Canadian Intellectual Property Office
FEDERAL: An agency with Industry Canada, the Office is responsible for the administration and processing of intellectual property in Canada, including: patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial design, and integrated circuit topographies. Manages the Trade-marks Opposition Board, which is an administrative tribunal that acts on behalf of the Registrar of Trade-marks.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-997-1936
Canadian International Trade Tribunal
FEDERAL: Hears appeals from decisions of the President of the Canadian Border Services Agency under the Customs Act and Special Import Measures Act and the Minister under the Excise Tax Act.
TELEPHONE: (613) 990-2452
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
FEDERAL: Protects the health, safety and security of Canadians as well as the environment, and respects Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. CNSC’s tribunal reviews applications for licences according to regulatory requirements, makes recommendations to the Commission, and enforces compliance with the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, regulations, and any licence conditions imposed by the Commission.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-668-5284
Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission
FEDERAL: An independent agency responsible for regulating and supervising Canada’s broadcasting and telecommunications systems. Guided by the Broadcasting Act, the CRTC regulates over 2000 broadcasters. Guided by the Telecommunications Act, the CRTC also regulates over 80 telecommunications carriers.
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
Certified General Accountants Association of BC
PROVINCIAL: The governing and regulatory body responsible for the training and certification of BC’s more than 14,000 CGAs and CGA students. Responsible for training, certifying, and upholding the professional standards of its students and members. Guided by the Accountants Act.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-565-1211; TELEPHONE: (604) 732-1211
College of Applied Biology
PROVINCIAL: No one in BC can call themselves a Professional Biologist, a Registered Biology Technologist, or an Applied Biology Technician without registration in the College. The College of Applied Biology makes sure that a member practicing applied biology in British Columbia has the necessary knowledge and skills. The College addresses the behaviour, skill, and knowledge of members through a complaint driven process.
TELEPHONE: (250) 383-3306
College of Dental Surgeons of BC
PROVINCIAL: Registers, licenses, and regulates dentists and certified dental assistants (CDAs) in the public interest. Sets requirements to practice; establishes, monitors and enforces standards of conduct and care; and where necessary disciplines registrants; as well as monitors the continuing education of more than 3,170 dentists and over 6,500 CDAs working in BC.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-9169; (604) 736-3621
College of Dental Technicians of BC
PROVINCIAL: Regulates the profession of Dental Technology in BC. Establishes, monitors, and enforces standards of practice to enhance the quality of practice, according to the Health Professions Act and regulations and bylaws of the College.
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-666-TECH; TELEPHONE: (604) 278-8324
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC
PROVINCIAL: Establishes, monitors, and enforces standards of practice within the nursing profession in BC, according to the Practicing Nurse Act and the Health Professions Act.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-440-6900; TELEPHONE: (604) 660-5750
College of Occupational Therapists of BC
PROVINCIAL: Responsible for ensuring the safe, ethical, and competent practice of occupational therapy in BC. It operates under BC’s Health Professions Act and the Occupational Therapists Regulation. All occupational therapists who practice in BC must be registered members of the college.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-386-6822; TELEPHONE: (250) 386-6822
College of Opticians of BC
PROVINCIAL: Establishes qualifications for opticians and works to ensure opticians are providing competent and effective care. Guided by the Health Professions Act, the College of Opticians of British Columbia is the health regulatory college for all opticians in BC.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-771-6755; TELEPHONE: (604) 278-7510
College of Pharmacists of BC
PROVINCIAL: The regulatory body for pharmacy in BC. Responsible for registering pharmacists and licensing pharmacies throughout the province. The College’s mandate is to protect the public by ensuring pharmacists provide safe and effective care to help people achieve better health.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-1940; TELEPHONE: (604) 733-2440
College of Physical Therapists of BC
PROVINCIAL: Regulates the practice of physical therapists in BC, according to the Health Professions Act. Sets standards for entry into the profession, registers physical therapists, sets and enforces a set of rules that registrants must follow, and develops programs to promote the highest standards of physical therapy practice. The CPTBC also investigates complaints and disciplines physical therapists.
TELEPHONE: (604) 730-9193
College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC
PROVINCIAL: The licensing and regulatory body for all physicians and surgeons in BC. Protects the public by establishing and endorsing high standards of medical practice by licensed physicians. Establishes licensing standards and codes of professional conduct. Ensures medical facilities like clinics and labs meet established standards. Hears public complaints and when necessary, disciplines physicians.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-461-3008; TELEPHONE: (604) 733-7758
College of Registered Nurses of BC
PROVINCIAL: Protects the public through the regulation of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and licensed graduate nurses, according to the Health Professions Act. Establishes standards for education, registration and professional practice. Hears and investigates public complaints regarding the actions of nurses in BC.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-565-6505; TELEPHONE: (604) 736-7331
College of Traditional Chinese Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC
PROVINCIAL: Regulate the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in BC. The official professional licensing authority, guided by the Health Professions Act.
TELEPHONE: 604-738-7100
Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP
FEDERAL: An independent agency, established to receive and review complaints about the conduct of RCMP members in the performance of their duties. The CPC acts as a third party and is not part of the RCMP. Complaints are examined fairly and impartially. Unbiased findings and recommendations are made, aimed at identifying, correcting and preventing problems in policing.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-665-6878; TELEPHONE: (604) 501-4095
Community Care and Assisted Living Appeal Board
PROVINCIAL: A tribunal created under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act to hear appeals from licencing, registration, and certification decisions about community care facilities and assisted living residences.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-7867; TELEPHONE: (250) 387-3464
Competition Bureau
FEDERAL: Headed by the Commissioner of Competition, the Competition Bureau is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act, and the Precious Metals Marking Act. It is an independent agency that protects and promotes competitive markets.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-348-5358; TELEPHONE: (819) 997-4282
Copyright Board of Canada
FEDERAL: An economic regulatory body empowered to establish the royalties to be paid for the use of copyrighted works, when the administration of such copyright is entrusted to a collective-administration society. The Board also has the right to supervise agreements between users and licensing bodies and issues licences when the copyright owner cannot be located.
TELEPHONE: (613) 952.8621
E
Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal
PROVINCIAL: Hears appeals of the Ministry of Housing and Social Development decisions that refuse, reduce or discontinue income, disability assistance or a supplement under the Employment and Assistance Act and the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act, and Ministry of Children and Family Development decisions that refuse, reduce or discontinue a subsidy under the Child Care Subsidy Act.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-557-0035; TELEPHONE: (250) 356-6374
Employment Standards Tribunal
PROVINCIAL: An administrative tribunal established under the Employment Standards Act with a mandate to conduct appeals of decisions made by staff in the Employment Standards Branch.
TELEPHONE: (604) 775-3512
Environmental Appeal Board
PROVINCIAL: Hears appeals from decisions of government officials on environmental issues (e.g., water licenses, contamination site remediation orders, and pesticide permits).
TELEPHONE: (250) 387-3464
F
Farm Industry Review Board
PROVINCIAL: General supervision of marketing boards and commissions; hears appeals from decisions under the Natural Products Marketing (BC) Act, Agricultural Produce Grading Act, and Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-7867; TELEPHONE: (604) 660-2421
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
FEDERAL: Ensures compliance with federal consumer protection laws that apply to banks and federally incorporated trust, loan, and insurance companies.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-461-FCAC (3222)
Financial Institutions Commission
PROVINCIAL: A regulatory agency of the provincial Ministry of Finance, FICOM is responsible for administering 10 statutes that regulate the pension, financial services and real estate sectors in British Columbia.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866 206-3030; TELEPHONE: (604) 953-5200
Financial Services Tribunal
PROVINCIAL: Appeals contesting enforcement decisions made by the Insurance Council of British Columbia, Real Estate Council of British Columbia, Superintendent of Real Estate, Superintendent of Pensions, Registrar of Mortgage Brokers, and Superintendent of Financial Institutions.
TELEPHONE: (604) 953-5300
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
FEDERAL: Provides information to support the investigation or prosecution of money laundering offences, detection, and deterrence of terrorist activity financing.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-346-8722
Forest Appeals Commission
PROVINCIAL: Hears appeals from decisions made by government officials related to forests and the environment.
TELEPHONE: (250) 387-3464
Forest Practices Board
PROVINCIAL: Considers complaints related to issues such as planning, forest practices, range plans and practices, protection of resources, industry compliance, and government enforcement of the legislation; makes recommendations for improved practices.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-994-5899; TELEPHONE: (250) 387-7964
Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation
FEDERAL: The buyer, processor, and marketer of freshwater fish from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories, and part of Northwestern Ontario. Markets freshwater fish inter-provincially and internationally. Internationally and Inter-provincially markets freshwater fish.
TELEPHONE: (204) 983-6601
G
Great Lakes Pilotage Authority
FEDERAL: Establishes, operates, maintains, and administers in the interest of safety, an efficient pilotage service within the Great Lakes region for commercial vessels. The Authority prescribes tariffs of pilotage charges that are fair, reasonable, and consistent with providing revenues sufficient to permit the Authority to operate on a self-sustaining financial basis.
TELEPHONE: (613) 933-2991
H
Hazardous Materials Information Commission
FEDERAL: An arm’s length administrative agency that helps safeguard both workers and trade secrets in Canada’s chemical industry. Registers claims for trade secret exemptions and issues registry numbers. Resolves complaints and disputes through statutory or alternate means. Complaints and disputes are resolved through statutory or alternate means.
TELEPHONE: (613) 993-4331
Health Professions Review Board
PROVINCIAL: Reviews registration and complaint disposition decisions made by any of the designated self-regulated health professions colleges.
TELEPHONE: (250) 953-4956; FAX: (250) 953-3195
Hospital Appeal Board
PROVINCIAL: An independent, quasi-judicial appeal tribunal that reviews determinations regarding permits to practice in a hospital. Provides medical practitioners with an avenue of appeal from hospital board decisions affecting hospital privileges.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-7867; TELEPHONE: (250) 387-3464
Human Rights Tribunal
PROVINCIAL: An independent, quasi-judicial body created by the BC Human Rights Code. The Tribunal is responsible for accepting, screening, mediating, and adjudicating human rights complaints. The Tribunal offers parties the opportunity to try to resolve the complaint through mediation. If the parties don’t resolve the complaint, the Tribunal holds a hearing.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-440-8844; TELEPHONE: (604) 775-2000;
I
Immigration and Refugee Board
FEDERAL: Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal. Its mission is to resolve immigration and refugee cases efficiently, fairly, and in accordance with the law. Hears appeals of sponsorship applications, appeals of removal orders, appeals of residency matters, and appeals of refugee protection applications.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-787-7472; TELEPHONE: (604) 666-5946
Industry Training Appeal Board
PROVINCIAL: Hears appeals on decisions of Industry Training Appeal Board on refusing suspension or cancellation of industry training credential or industry training recognition credential; a refusal to register or cancellation of registration of an individual as a trainee; revocation of, or cancellation of the registration of, an industry training agreement.
TELEPHONE: (778) 328-8700
Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC
PROVINCIAL: Builds public confidence in the chartered accountant profession by providing education, regulation, and member services for chartered accountants. Guided by the Accountants Act, the Institute licenses all public practice CA firms and reviews these firms to ensure ongoing compliance with standards and regulations. Hears inquiries and complaints about the conduct of chartered accountants in BC.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-2677; TELEPHONE: (604) 681-3264
L
Labour Relations Board
PROVINCIAL: An independent, administrative tribunal with the mandate to mediate and adjudicate employment and labour relations matters related to unionized workplaces in BC. Decisions are guided by the Labour Relations Code, which regulates all aspects of collective bargaining amongst provincially-regulated employers and employees.
TELEPHONE: (604) 660-1300
Law Society of BC
PROVINCIAL: The regulatory body for the BC legal profession. Guided by the Legal Profession Act, the Society licenses individuals to practice law in BC, hears complaints regarding the conduct of lawyers and administers discipline, when appropriate.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-903-5300; TELEPHONE: (604) 669-2533
M
Mediation and Arbitration Board
PROVINCIAL: Resolves conflicts between land owners (holders of surface rights) and companies or individuals (holders of subsurface rights) seeking access to land to explore for, and develop, subsurface resources including oil and natural gas, minerals, coal, and geothermal resources.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-775-1740
Mental Health Review Board
PROVINCIAL: Conducts hearings under the BC Mental Health Act.
TELEPHONE: (604) 524-7220
Military Police Complaints Commission
FEDERAL: An independent, quasi-judicial body that hears complaints concerning the Military Police.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-632-0566; TELEPHONE: (613) 947-5625
N
NAFTA Secretariat
FEDERAL: Resolves trade disputes between national industries and/or governments.
TELEPHONE: (613) 992-9388
National Energy Board
FEDERAL: Regulates international and interprovincial aspects of the oil, gas, and electric utility industries.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-899-1265; TELEPHONE: (403) 292-4800
National Farm Products Council
FEDERAL: Promotes efficient, competitive Canadian agriculture and helps to improve farm-product marketing between Canadian provinces and territories and internationally. The Council supervises national marketing, promotion, and research agencies established under the Farm Products Agencies Act.
TELEPHONE: (613) 995-6752
National Parole Board
FEDERAL: Makes decisions on parole and pardons, and makes clemency recommendations. The Board contributes to the protection of society by facilitating as appropriate, the timely reintegration of offenders as law-abiding citizens.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-874-2652; TELEPHONE: (604) 870-2468
O
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
FEDERAL: Enforces compliance with electoral legislation.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-463-6868
Office of the Commissioner CPP/OAS Review Tribunals
FEDERAL: Hears appeals from decisions regarding the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Social Security Agreements, and claims that the legislation is discriminatory under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-363-0076
Office of the Commissioner of the Official Languages for Canada
FEDERAL: Ensures that federal institutions and other organizations subject to the Official Languages Act administer their affairs according to the spirit and the letter of the Act. Investigates complaints and recommends appropriate corrective measures for issues brought against federal institutions and other organizations.
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-996-6368; TELEPHONE: (604) 666-5802
Office of the Correctional Investigator of Canada
FEDERAL: Investigates and brings resolution to individual offender complaints. Reviews and makes recommendations on the Correctional Service’s policies and procedures associated with the areas of individual complaints.
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-885-8848
Office of the Information Commissioner
FEDERAL: Investigates complaints from people who believe they have been denied rights under the Access to Information Act - Canada’s freedom of information legislation. The Information Commissioner has strong investigative powers and mediates between dissatisfied applicants and government institutions.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-267-0441; TELEPHONE: (613) 995-2410
Office of the Privacy Commissioner
FEDERAL: Protects and promotes the privacy rights of individuals. Oversees compliance with both the Privacy Act, which covers the personal information-handling practices of federal government departments and agencies, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada’s private sector privacy law.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-282-1376
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions
FEDERAL: Administers regulatory framework for institutions and pension plans to ensure they are in sound financial condition.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-385-8647; TELEPHONE: (604) 666-5335
P
Passenger Transportation Board
PROVINCIAL: Regulates passenger directed vehicles, such as taxis, buses, limousines, and shuttle buses.
TELEPHONE: (250) 953-3777
Patented Medicine Prices Review Board
FEDERAL: Protects consumers by ensuring prices charges prices charged by manufacturers for patented medicines are not excessive.
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-861-2350; TELEPHONE: (613) 952-7360
Pension Appeals Board
FEDERAL: An administrative tribunal that is the third level of appeal for Canada Pension Plan Applicants. The Pension Appeals Board is responsible for hearing appeals that arise from the decisions of the Review Tribunals of the Office of the Commissioner.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-640-8001; TELEPHONE: (613) 995-0612
Property Assessment Appeal Board
PROVINCIAL: Hears appeals from the Property Assessment Review Panel.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-775-1740; TELEPHONE: (604) 775-1740
Property Assessment Review Panels
PROVINCIAL: Provides property owners with an independent, accessible, and equitable forum for review and consideration of Property Assessment. Guided by the Assessment Act, PARPs investigate and adjudicate property assessments.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-7867; TELEPHONE: (604) 660-2421
Public Service Commission
FEDERAL: Oversees integrity of staffing in the Public Service and the political impartiality of public servants.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-645-5605
Public Service Integrity Canada
FEDERAL: Provides an external review for disclosures of wrong-doing in the public sector. Guided by the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-941-6400; TELEPHONE: (613) 941-6400
Public Service Labour Relations Board
FEDERAL: Administers collective bargaining and grievance adjudication systems in federal public service and Parliament.
TOLL-FREE: 1-866-931-3454; TELEPHONE: (613) 990-1800
R
RCMP External Review Committee
FEDERAL: Decides labour relations matters concerning the RCMP; reviews grievances and appeals from formal disciplinary hearings.
TELEPHONE: (613) 998-2134
Real Estate Council of BC
PROVINCIAL: The Real Estate Council of British Columbia is a regulatory agency established by the provincial government. Its mandate is to protect the public interest by enforcing the licensing and licensee conduct requirements of the Real Estate Services Act. The Council is responsible for licensing individuals and brokerages engaged in real estate sales, rental and strata property management. The Council also enforces entry qualifications, investigates complaints against licensees and imposes disciplinary sanctions under the Act.
TELEPHONE: (604) 683-7702
Residential Tenancy Office
PROVINCIAL: Dispute resolution between residential landlords and tenants, guided by the BC’s Residential Tenancy Act and Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-665-8779; TELEPHONE: (604) 660-1020
S
Safety Standards Appeal Board
PROVINCIAL: An adjudicative tribunal that hears appeals from decisions under the Safety Standards Act and the Homeowner Protection Act.
TELEPHONE: (250) 387-4021
Security Intelligence and Review Committee
FEDERAL: Hears complaints about the Canadian Security Intelligence Service made by individuals and groups.
TELEPHONE: (613) 990-8441
The Society of Notaries Public of BC
PROVINCIAL: Establishes and regulates professional and ethical standards for notaries in BC. Hears public complaints and disciplines its members, when appropriate.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-0343; TELEPHONE: (604) 681-4516
T
Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
FEDERAL: Reviews notices of an administrative or enforcement action taken by the Minister of Transport, railway safety inspectors or the Canadian Transportation Agency under various federal transportation Acts.
TELEPHONE: (613) 990-6906
V
Veterans Appeal and Review Board
FEDERAL: Hears appeals regarding veterans, Canadian Forces personnel, Royal Canadian Mounted Police members, certain civilians, and/or their respective dependants receiving the disability pensions and benefits to which they are entitled. Hears appeals from the decisions of the Minister of Veterans Affairs; provides two levels of appeal on disability pension applications and the final level of appeal on allowance decisions.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-450-8006
W
Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal
PROVINCIAL: Final level of appeal in the workers’ compensation system, hearing appeals brought by workers and employers from decisions of WorkSafeBC. WCAT receives compensation, assessment, and prevention appeals from decisions of the Review Division. Receives appeals from WorkSafeBC decisions regarding applications for reopening of compensation claims, complaints regarding discriminatory actions, and applications for certificates to the court.
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-663-2782; TELEPHONE: (604) 664-7800
WorkSafe BC – Review Division
PROVINCIAL: Makes decisions on claims, assessments, and the enforcement of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Reviews or appeals go to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal.
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-WORKERS (967-5377)