Feds to start overhaul of social security tribunal after latest review
OTTAWA — Canada’s problematic social security tribunal is in for an overhaul, with a renewed focus on serving the people who challenge federal benefit decisions instead of making them jump through administrative hoops.
In the coming weeks, the federal government says it will implement the first — and easiest — of dozens of recommendations contained in a newly released review of the much-maligned appeals body.
The recommendations include using simpler language in decisions, as well as giving those who use the tribunal the ability to decide how they want their case heard — in person, over the phone or via videoconference.
There are also calls for the tribunal and Employment and Social Development Canada, the department responsible for employment insurance and Canada Pension Plan decisions, to more easily share information so that appellants aren’t repeatedly asked to supply information the government already has in their case file.