Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization, NSRLP partner for new Hearings Assistance Program
In collaboration with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP), the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has announced the establishment of a pilot Hearings Assistance Program (HAP) for the benefit of self-represented respondents (SRRs) in CIRO proceedings.
In a media release, CIRO explained that the new program seeks to connect SRRs in CIRO matters with third-party, independent legal counsel who have volunteered to assist these SRRs with procedural matters. These volunteer lawyers will provide such SRRs with procedural legal guidance and support.
“The Hearings Assistance Program for self-represented respondents is an important development in strengthening the integrity of CIRO’s disciplinary process because it will provide external and independent support to these respondents, helping them navigate the complexities of CIRO’s disciplinary proceedings,” said Tatsiana Okun, CIRO’s associate general counsel.
CIRO shared that the program aims to help SRRs in CIRO cases navigate the procedural facets of such proceedings and receive access to justice.
“This is a meaningful commitment by CIRO to strengthen procedural fairness and provide individuals with access to justice through independent, external support on a national scale,” said Jennifer Leitch, the NSRLP’s director, in the media release.
CIRO noted that the program also aims to improve fairness and efficiency in CIRO disciplinary matters, decrease the number of procedural errors and delays, and increase professional development opportunities for volunteer lawyers.
CIRO’s and NSRLP’s partnership
Through their collaboration, CIRO’s Hearings Office and the NSRLP will work to:
- Link up SRRs in CIRO proceedings with volunteer lawyers
- Train volunteer lawyers to assist SRRs with CIRO matters
- Administer the new HAP
- Report on the program’s results
“We are pleased to support self-represented respondents in CIRO’s proceedings, facilitating support for these individuals and ensuring assistance with procedural matters,” Leitch said in CIRO’s media release.
The NSRLP’s efforts encompass resources, research, and advocacy that strive for a more responsive and inclusive legal environment and systemic change within Canada’s justice system to help meet the needs of self-represented litigants across various courts and administrative tribunals in the country.
CIRO noted that SRRs in CIRO cases frequently encounter difficulties in dealing with complex legal matters. CIRO added that SRRs’ doubts about tackling CIRO proceedings on their own can affect their ability to advocate sufficiently for themselves.
