What happens if my complaint is referred to a Hearing Tribunal?

Your complaint may be referred to a Hearing Tribunal for a hearing. Hearings at the College are much like proceedings in a court of law. If the Complaints Director refers your complaint to the Hearing Tribunal, the College will present evidence before a panel consisting of regulated members and members of the public whose role is like that of a jury. They will hear the evidence presented by both parties and make a ruling based on that evidence.

You may be asked to testify at the hearing and you are encouraged to bring someone with you for support. If you must testify, you may be questioned by the legal representatives for the College and the regulated member.

If the Hearing Tribunal finds allegations of sexual abuse are proven, the regulated member’s registration will be cancelled, and they will not be allowed to practice for life. If the Hearing Tribunal finds allegations of sexual misconduct proven, the regulated member’s registration will be suspended, and timelines imposed will depend on the circumstances of the case.

The decisions of the Hearing Tribunal are subject to an appeal process whereby the investigated person or the complaints director, on behalf of the college, may appeal the hearing tribunal’s decision.

Hearings are open to the public and the media may attend unless the hearing tribunal orders the hearing be held in private or an application is submitted for the hearing to be held in private.  The media can publish the name of the regulated member, but in cases involving misconduct of a sexual nature, the Hearing Tribunal is required, by law, to order a publication ban on information that could identify you if you request such an order.