The B.C. government is moving ahead with a plan to unclog courts with niggling strata disputes and small claims court actions with an online tribunal.
The B.C. government has appointed Cheryl Vickers as chairwoman of the new Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT). Over the next six months, she will work towards getting the tribunal up and running.
Citizens and businesses that have to go to small claims court over things like unpaid contracts or strata disputes would no longer have to spend time waiting in court for their cases to be heard.
The CRT would provide online tools, “available 24/7,” to citizens and business resolve common strata and small civil claims.
“The independent tribunal will provide families, small business owners, the strata community, and others with a convenient, speedy and cost-effective alternative to going to court,” said the Ministry of Justice.
Tony Gioventu, executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association, said, “The CRT and the appointment of the acting chair is a positive step forward in providing fair and accessible justice for people living in strata corporations throughout British Columbia.
“The CRT will provide consumers with a new tool for resolving disputes, and we look forward to working with government, for there is still much work to be done in setting up the tribunal.”
