The training program for EI Boards of Referees has four components.
The Orientation component is provided immediately following appointment and includes: reading material; a video presentation; the “Information Handbook for Employment Insurance Board of Referees”; a visit to a Service Canada Centre and a Board Centre; and a day or two observing Board of Referees’ hearings.
The Level 1 training is a 3.5 day classroom course which includes an introduction to the role of the Board of Referees and covers: the principles of natural justice; EI legislation and jurisprudence; hearing skills and decision writing; hands-on jurisprudence research; and the “Getting Started – A Guide for New Chairpersons and Members of Boards of Referees”. On completion of this training you will be called on to hear cases.
Between 4 to 6 months following your level 1 training, you will receive the Level 2 training. This 3.5 day classroom program expands on the Level 1 training and provides more in-depth training on hearing skills; evidence evaluation; conducting a hearing; and decision-writing.
Both Level 1 and 2 involve training by independent legal professionals.
The Annual Information Session is a one day event which continues your professional development and includes networking with your peers, updates on EI appeal initiatives, case reviews of recent Federal Court of Appeal decisions and discussion of local concerns. The Commissioners and/or representative from the Appeals Directorate may attend. The session uses a uniform national agenda.
2009-08-04