Discipline Hearings

If one or more allegations of unprofessional conduct are referred to the Discipline Tribunal Roster Chair, the Chair appoints a Discipline Tribunal to hear the matter. A Discipline Tribunal normally consists of two members of the Institute and one member of the public that has been appointed to the Public Member Roster by the Government.

The participants of a Discipline Tribunal have no prior knowledge of the case and must be free from bias on conflict.

The hearing is usually attended by the investigated party and legal counsel, counsel for the Complaints Inquiry Committee, the CIC Secretary, witnesses called by either side [of which the complainant may be one], a court reporter, and counsel to the Tribunal. Hearings before a Discipline Tribunal are open to the public. In rare circumstances, a tribunal may closed all or part of a hearing if the matter involves public security or if the need to protect the confidentiality of intimate financial, personal, commercial or other matters outweighs the desirability of an open hearing.

After hearing the evidence and arguments, the Discipline Tribunal makes its findings on each allegation. If a finding of unprofessional conduct is made the Discipline Tribunal orders appropriate sanctions. In making its determination, it considers the seriousness of the conduct, what is required to protect the public, whether rehabilitation is possible and what will deter the investigated party and other registrants.

The Discipline Tribunal must produce a written decision that includes reasons for its decision. The complainant is provided with a copy of the decision, but cannot appeal. Only the Investigated Party and the Complaints Inquiry Committee may appeal the decision and sanctions of a Discipline Tribunal.