Government of Canada announces review of the Social Security Tribunal
News Release
March 7, 2017 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
To ensure it continues to fulfill its important role in the most efficient manner, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, today announced the Social Security Tribunal (SST) will undergo a review by the end of the year.
Four years after its establishment, it is timely to review how to improve the SST’s processes to ensure it meets the needs and expectations of Canadians. This review will also provide key opportunities to assess its fairness and transparency.
The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) recently recommended such a review in its report Exploring the Impact of Recent Changes to Employment Insurance and Ways to Improve Access to the Program. The federal Service Quality Review Panel that undertook the Employment Insurance (EI) Service Quality Review in 2016 also came to the same conclusion and supported the HUMA recommendation after engaging with Canadians and stakeholders from across the country on the EI program.
The SST is led by a Chairperson and three Vice-Chairpersons appointed by the Governor in Council. As of March 6, 2017, the SST will be comprised of 96 members: 71 full-time members, 22 part-time members, one Chairperson and two Vice-Chairpersons. Following an open, transparent and merit-based selection process, appointments and reappointments will continue to be made to the SST to ensure the on-going processing of appeals.
Quotes
“I have heard the key recommendations made over the last year to undertake a review of the Social Security Tribunal. This endeavour will be essential in ensuring we deliver quality, responsive and efficient services to Canadians as they expect we do.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Quick Facts
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The SST is an independent administrative body composed of a General Division and Appeal Division that makes administrative decisions on appeals related to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security Act (OAS) or the Employment Insurance Act (EI).
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The SST renders fair and impartial decisions on appeals regarding the CPP, OAS and EI claims for benefits.
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The SST began its operations on April 1, 2013.
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Contacts
Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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