Social Security Tribunal of Canada

Intervener

An intervener is a person or organization who has expertise on an issue of public interest and whose point of view would help the Social Security Tribunal (SST) member when deciding the appeal. An intervener is different from someone who wants to be added as a party under the Rules of Procedure because they have a direct interest in the appeal.

Having an intervener in an SST appeal is not common, but it can happen. For example, an advocacy group may be an intervener in an appeal dealing with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

A person or organization must ask the SST whether they can take part in a hearing as an intervener. 

To participate as an intervener

Send us your request by email, mail or fax.

Make sure to include:

  • the appeal number or the names of the parties in the appeal
  • your name or, if you represent an organization, the name of the organization
  • contact information:
    • address
    • phone number
    • email address
  • if you have a representative, your representative’s:
    • name
    • address
    • phone number
    • email address
  • a statement telling us:
    • why you have a genuine interest in the appeal
    • how you want to participate in the appeal
    • how your participation would help the SST member decide a factual or legal issue
    • how your point of view on the issue is different than the parties

The SST member will review your request. They’ll decide whether you or your organization can participate as an intervener.

If the member accepts your request, we’ll send you:

  • the member’s directions about your role or your organization’s role as an intervener
  • the procedure to follow

You can read this SST decision about interveners for more information.

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