Commissioners

Who are the Decision-Makers?

Appeals commissioners are the decision-makers in appeal hearings at the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation. These commissioners are appointed by an order-in-council (provincial government).

Hearing Panels

Appeal hearings at the Appeals Commission are heard by a "hearing panel," which is a group of no less than two commissioners (usually three) who hear and decide on appeals.

Appeals Commissioners

All members of a hearing panel are appeals commissioners. There are currently 15 part-time and 13 full-time commissioners at the Appeals Commission. Commissioners are appointed to their positions by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Their renewable terms are from one to three years.

Hearing Chairs

Some of the commissioners act as hearing chairs. Hearing chairs preside over hearings as a member of a hearing panel.

Commissioners vs. Hearing Chairs

Commissioners usually sit on hearing panels as "side panel members" while hearing chairs conduct the hearings. Although hearing chairs may sit as side panel members on hearing panels, they are the panel members who regularly conduct the appeal hearings. Commissioners can also chair appeal hearings.