Achievements Report 2013-2016
It is with great pleasure that I present the Social Security Tribunal of Canada Achievements Report 2013-16. The Tribunal has made significant strides since its inception on April 1, 2013, and our accomplishments over the course of our first three years of operation are reflected in this report.
As 2016 comes to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight key achievements for each of the Tribunal’s 2016-17 priorities.
1. Quality and timely decisions
The Tribunal continues to ensure both the quality and timeliness of decisions by striving to meet its service standards, by reviewing member and operational performance, and by analyzing caseload statistics and trends.
In addition, since September 2016, the government appointed 22 new members and reappointed 11 experienced members. These appointments will help the Tribunal process appeals in an efficient, effective and timely manner.
2. Improving the Tribunal's efficiency
This past year, the Tribunal continued to enhance its case management system to provide accurate data, thus allowing the Tribunal to monitor and better manage caseloads and performance. To ensure consistency, the Tribunal continues to develop new practice directions, guidelines, directives and operational processes to guide parties, members and staff.
3. Transparency and Access to Justice
To increase transparency, the Tribunal continues to publish all Appeal Division decisions and a comprehensive selection of General Division decisions.
Following suggestions from stakeholders, the Tribunal simplified and reduced the number of forms required to appeal to the Tribunal. This year, it developed new Notice of Appeal forms for the General Division. In 2017, it will amend the Notice of Appeal form for the Appeal Division.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, the Tribunal will undertake other important initiatives, such as the launch of a fully revamped, user-friendly website. The Tribunal is currently preparing a survey to assess client satisfaction. The Tribunal will also continue developing its electronic vision for future technological improvements and will develop a quality control framework.
The Tribunal is also reviewing its activities to identify further efficiencies and confirm the appropriateness of its member performance expectations, client service standards and resource levels. The study is expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year.
The significant progress that the Tribunal has made this year and since its start in 2013 would not have been possible without the hard work and the exemplary dedication of the Vice-chairpersons, members and staff.
Furthermore, I would like to thank the parties to the appeals and the stakeholders who provided us with helpful and valuable feedback and suggestions: these suggestions help the Tribunal fulfil its mandate to provide a fair, impartial and efficient appeals process to Canadians.
On behalf of the Tribunal, I would like to wish you a happy holiday season and best wishes for 2017.