Update on the Civil Resolution Tribunal

By Shannon Salter, CRT Chair:

As Canada’s first online tribunal, the CRT will significantly increase access to justice for British Columbians by helping them to resolve strata property and small claims disputes fairly, quickly, and affordably, ideally from the comfort of their home computer or even their mobile phone.  The CRT will also empower and support citizens to use a variety of dispute resolution methods, including negotiation, facilitation, and if necessary, adjudication.

This will be especially important for strata members, because resolving disputes early and collaboratively is essential to cultivate the kind of positive and respectful environment which embodies strata living at its best.

As members of the strata community, I know that you have been waiting patiently for the CRT to open.  We are working hard to implement the CRT and I want to keep you up-to-date on our progress.

First, together with other tribunals, we have been designing the CRT’s dispute resolution technology platform.  This process is similar to drafting blueprints for the construction of a building, and is necessary for the technology partner to be able to create a solid, well-designed CRT platform.  We are in the final stages of selecting this technology partner, and the successful candidate will be expected to hit the ground running, to ensure that the CRT opens its virtual doors in 2015.

Second, this fall, the CRT will be hiring two staff members who will work hard to establish the myriad of systems and processes which help tribunals operate smoothly.  We will be hiring more staff in the New Year, as the CRT gets closer to opening.

Finally, in the next few weeks, I will be launching an implementation website for the CRT, which is intended to provide helpful information about how the CRT will work and keep you informed about our progress in implementing the CRT.  Equally important, the website will let you share your questions and comments with us.  We are committed to making the CRT as easy-to-use and accessible as possible, and we encourage you get in touch with us through the website.  I will be sure to pass along more information and a link to the CRT’s implementation website so that you can have a look.

This summer, I have enjoyed meeting with a number of representatives of the strata community, and I have been impressed with their knowledge, enthusiasm, and support for the CRT.  I would like to thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to working closely with you to implement the CRT in the coming months.

Share this
This entry was posted in Blog, Government Resources. Bookmark the permalink.