Adjudication for disputes about federal transportation

What is adjudication?

A structured process where each party presents arguments and evidence to a Panel of one or more Agency Members.

Type of disputes Possible outcome

A Panel of one or more Agency Members issues a decision that is legally binding on the parties and made public.

Air travel complaints
On September 30, 2023, the CTA launched a new resolution process for air travel complaints. The process applies to all air travel complaints alleging that an air carrier has failed to apply a fare, rate, charge or term or condition of carriage that is set out in its tariff, including active complaints that have already been submitted.

Adjudication is used to resolve disputes on the air tariff matters indicated above.

Read more about the new air travel complaint process.

How adjudication works

After an application is filed, Agency staff will review it to make sure it is complete.

One or more Members will be assigned to the case – they’re referred to as the Panel. Members are Governor-in-Council appointees who act like judges. At the end of the process, the Panel will make a decision that’s final and binding, just like a decision from a court.

Each party is given an opportunity to present their case to the Panel. Most cases are resolved through written submissions. In some cases, the Agency may hold an oral hearing. This allows the Panel to cross-examine the parties and hear expert evidence. Hearings are normally open to the public.

If others are interested in a current case, they can file a position statement or a request to intervene. The Agency will consider the input from position statements and interventions in its decision-making process.

The Panel will consider the arguments of the parties, the evidence that’s been filed, as well as the legislation, regulations and legal principles that apply to the matter. Sometimes the Agency may require additional information before it makes its final decision.

Learn more about how adjudication works.

Compensation to a person with a disability

In some cases, the Agency may grant compensation to a person with a disability for

  • any expense incurred by the person arising out of the barrier, including costs of obtaining alternative goods, services or accommodation;
  • compensation for wages that the person was deprived of as a result of the barrier;
  • compensation for pain and suffering experienced as a result of the barrier; and
  • compensation if the barrier was the result of wilful or reckless practice.

If you wish to request such a compensation, you have to:

  • Specify the amount(s) of your claim(s) for compensation of expenses, wages, and pain and suffering;
  • Explain the nature of the pain and suffering you experienced;
  • Specify the amount of your claim for compensation if you submit that the barrier was the result of wilful or reckless practice;
  • Explain the reasons for which you submit that the barrier was the result of wilful or reckless practice;
  • Provide supporting documentation for these claims (e.g., receipts, invoices, work attendance and salary records, medical documentation, correspondence with the respondent, etc.).

Learn more about the remedies for accessibility-related complaints.

How to submit an application

The application is an important step in the adjudication process – it’s one of your main opportunities to set out your arguments and provide evidence. It’s your responsibility to include sufficiently persuasive evidence to prove your case. To learn more about filing an application, see section 18 of the Dispute Adjudication Rules.

Before you submit an application

Air carrier tariff

If your dispute is related :

please submit an application using the Adjudication: Application (Form 5).

or

Submit an application

Note: If you want to file an application in a different format, you are responsible for providing all the information set out in Schedule 5 and following all filing requirements set out in the Dispute Adjudication Rules.

Date modified: