Administrative Tribunals Act
The Administrative Tribunals Act, SBC 2004, (ATA) makes B.C.'s administrative justice system less formal, less costly and quicker to resolve matters than the courts.
The ATA:
- provides for merit-based, fixed term appointments, to ensure high quality, independent decision-making and clarifies the responsibilities of tribunal chairs. (the ATA replaces the provisions of the 2003 Administrative Tribunals Appointment and Administration Act for most tribunals.),
- provides a framework for consistent administrative tribunal practices, powers and authorities.
These provisions are selectively applied to the various tribunals, by the tribunal's own enabling legislation, reflecting the unique nature, roles and mandates of each tribunal, as appropriate.
The ATA addresses recommendations set out in the Administrative Justice Project's 2002 white paper, "On Balance: Guiding Principles for Administrative Justice Reform in British Columbia" and is the product of broad public consultation.
The ATA is the most significant legislative reform initiative to modernize British Columbia's administrative justice system to date.
For more information, about the Administrative Tribunals Act and to see which B.C. tribunals adopt Administrative Tribunals Act provisions, visit the Administrative Justice Office website.
