LSLAP's Use of This Chapter (8:XVI)

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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on August 1, 2023.



A. What LSLAP Can Do

The following is a summary of what LSLAP students can help with:

  • Assist a client with an initial application;
  • Assist a client with an application for training benefits or write-off of debt;
  • Assist a client with an application for reconsideration;
  • Appeal any unfavourable decision by the Commission;
  • Write a Notice of Appeal;
  • Prepare for an appeal to the General Division;
  • Appear at a hearing before the General Division;
  • Assist a client with an appeal to the Minister of National Revenue;
  • Appeal unfavourable decisions by the General Division to the Appeal Division; and
  • Help clients cut off from EI benefits write a letter of complaint to their MP.

B. What LSLAP Cannot Do

LSLAP cannot represent clients seeking judicial review of decisions made by the Appeal Division, because these are argued in the Federal Court of Appeal (and then, in the event of a further appeal, the Supreme Court of Canada). LSLAP students cannot appear before these courts. Clients can be referred to the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS), as qualified legal counsel will be required.

C. Authorization for Representatives

If a student plans to act for a claimant, or obtain information from the Commission on their behalf, the student should have the claimant sign an authorization form:

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE COMMISSION:

I, __________________________, SIN# ____ ____ ____, hereby authorize you to release any and all information required by ___________________________, or the (University of British Columbia) Law Students' Legal Advice Program, which they may request of you.

DATE:

In addition, the claimant should complete a Personal Information Request Form (available from LSLAP’s office) to obtain all documents, memos, notes, e-mail messages, and other records pertaining to the EI claim. An electronic copy of the form is also available online.


© Copyright 2023, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.