Liberals order review of social security tribunal amid calls for overhaul
OTTAWA — The federal government is reviewing the operations and design of the social security tribunal, the subject of long-standing complaints about interminable delays and red tape since it was launched four years ago.
The tribunal, which allows people to appeal decisions about benefit payments, was plagued at its birth by staffing problems and a lack of resources that have snowballed into, in some cases, years-long waits for decisions.
Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, who has been fielding demands for action from a Commons committee and frustrated stakeholders, said the government has been hearing calls to make the system simpler, more transparent and more responsive to the needs of Canadians.
Duclos said the review will be complete by the end of the year and will look at a “broad spectrum of possible changes” to improve the tribunal’s work. Duclos wouldn’t say if the government is looking to scrap the tribunal.