The Board has identified types of hearings which will proceed in-person as noted below. All other hearings will proceed virtually by videoconference.

The following categories of cases will generally be scheduled for in-person hearings (the location of an in-person hearing is normally based on the filing party’s work location):

• Cases scheduled for more than two days of hearing in British Columbia, Alberta, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories
• Termination cases, complex discipline cases and cases involving multiple parties
• Cases scheduled for a total of 4 or more hearing days
• Public Interest Commissions and Interest Arbitrations
• Cases with national security considerations

Special consideration will also be given to cases requiring simultaneous interpretation. Please note that requests for simultaneous interpretation should normally be received no later than 60 days before the scheduled hearing.

Requests from the parties to change the hearing mode should normally be received no later than 75 days before the scheduled hearing, to allow adequate time to secure alternative arrangements. The Board member assigned to the case will determine if the request will be granted. The proposal, if granted, may result in a postponement.

Requests from the parties to add a “hybrid” component to an in-person hearing (i.e., the receipt of evidence through remote technology) should also normally be received no later than 75 days before the scheduled hearing and should outline the basis of the request.

Requests to add a hybrid component to an in-person hearing for reasons other than an accommodation requirement pursuant to the Canadian Human Rights Act or the efficiency of the hearing process may result in the requesting party bearing the responsibility for making the hybrid arrangements, and/or assuming the costs of those arrangements, in the event that the Board member grants the request.