Office of the Premier
The Province has moved four tribunal offices to a new, single location to improve operating efficiencies and to reduce costs.
The Civil Resolution Tribunal, the Property Assessment Appeal Board, the Surface Rights Board, and the Mental Health Review Board are now co-located at 605 Robson St. in Vancouver. This location was already home to the Human Rights Tribunal and the British Columbia Review Board.
These moves will save $600,000 a year in leasing costs.
The co-location is part of the government’s ongoing Tribunal Transformation Initiative, which continuously refines tribunal processes to ensure they are cost effective and meet users’ needs. B.C.’s tribunals allow provincial residents to quickly and inexpensively resolve disputes that would otherwise need to be decided by the courts. Tribunals hear disputes and make decisions about issues that fall within their distinct areas of expertise.
Quick Facts:
- Tribunals in British Columbia provide an efficient, accessible alternative to courts, increasing access to justice for citizens.
- Tribunals are established by legislation and funded through the provincial Treasury Board. They have independent decision-making authority but must adhere to financial reporting and administrative standards set by government.
- Currently, 19 of the 29 tribunals in British Columbia are actively involved with the Tribunal Transformation Initiative.
A backgrounder follows.
