Answers to the most frequently asked questions about appeals.
1. When will I get my Appeals Commission decision?
We try to complete all decisions within six to eight weeks after the hearing date. However, some decisions are more complicated and take more time. If we need more time to make a decision, we will let you know in writing.
2. I have a decision letter from my case manager. Can I appeal this?
No, you must request a review of that decision by the Dispute Resolution and Decision Review Body (DRDRB) through the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB). Once you have a DRDRB decision, you may appeal to the Appeals Commission. If you do not currently have a decision from either of these bodies, you need to contact the WCB at
780-498-3999.
Read more about the Appeals Commission's jurisdiction.
3. Am I required to obtain a representative for my appeal at the Appeals Commission?
No. Anyone who appears before the Appeals Commission may proceed with their appeal without a representative.
Do I need a representative?
4. I have hired a representative, what do I do next?
In order to protect your privacy, we request that a copy of our
Notice of Representation form to be filled out by you and your representative.
5. I have sent in my notice of appeal, what happens next?
Your appeal will be reviewed by the Appeals Commission for any missing information, and assigned to an Appeals Officer who will communicate with you further. Please review After Your Appeal is Filed for more information or speak to your Appeals Officer.
6. I am a worker and received notice of an appeal – why?
If you are a worker and you receive a notice of an appeal, it means your date-of-accident employer has made an appeal on your claim. All parties in the appeal are notified so that they have the opportunity to participate and respond.
7. I am an employer and received notice of an appeal – why?
If you are an employer and you receive a notice of an appeal, it means an employee has made an appeal on their claim. All parties to the appeal are notified so that they have the opportunity to participate and respond.
8. Does my Appeals Officer represent me?
No. Your Appeals Officer does not represent or provide advice to appellants (people making an appeal). They are the point of contact for your appeal and assist in the case management of your appeal.
Do I need a representative?
9. Am I able to participate in an appeal if I have missed the 14-day deadline provided to me?
Yes. Please contact your Appeals Officer as soon as possible and provide them with a copy of a
Notice of Participation form.
10. What if I don't want my employer participating in my appeal?
All parties to an appeal have the right to participate, respond to and attend the hearing. In order to maintain a fair and just process, all parties may exercise this right.
11. What if I don't want the worker participating in my appeal?
All parties to an appeal have the right to participate, respond to and attend the hearing. In order to maintain a fair and just process, all parties may exercise this right.
12. What if I don't want the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) participating in my appeal?
All parties to an appeal have the right to participate, respond to and attend the hearing. In order to maintain a fair and just process, all parties may exercise this right. The WCB is a party to all appeals, but is only permitted to make submissions regarding the proper application of WCB legislation and policy if they inform the Appeals Commission in advance. However, the Appeals Commission may ask any party, including the WCB, for submissions before or after the hearing to help make a decision.
13. Is my hearing open to the public?
No. All hearings are closed to public due to the nature of the personal information that may be discussed.
14. Can I participate in the hearing by telephone?
Individuals who live too far away or are unable to travel to Edmonton or Calgary for their hearing may participate by telephone (teleconference) or videoconference. Please contact your Appeals Officer to make arrangements.
15. Can I bring someone to my hearing to provide moral support?
Yes. However, your support person will not be allowed to provide any comments or evidence during the appeal. Please contact your Appeals Officer to arrange.
16. Can I have an observer at my appeal?
A request must be made through your assigned Appeals Officer to the panel who is assigned to your hearing. All participating parties must be in agreement if an observer will be attending a hearing. Observers may not provide comments or evidence at a hearing.
17. The witness I want to attend my hearing refuses to – what do I do?
You may file a
Notice to Attend/Produce documents
to request the Appeals Commission to compel a witness to attend or to provide documents. You will be asked to provide evidence of your attempts to contact this witness or obtain the documents. You will also have to provide reasons why this witness should be present at your hearing.
18. Can I speak directly to the Commissioners before/after my hearing?
No. Your Appeals Officer is your point of contact at the Appeals Commission and any questions or issues must go through them.
19. What if I have to miss work to attend my hearing?
You may be eligible for reimbursement of lost wages. A wage loss form will be provided at the hearing or you can complete it beforehand.
20. Can I bring information on a USB stick/CD disc to my hearing?
Yes. The Appeals Commission is able to accept electronic evidence.
Read more about Digital Information and Appeals
(Practice Guideline #6).
21. Am I allowed to record the hearing on my own device?
No. The Appeals Commission uses professional recording equipment to record every in-person or teleconference hearing. All parties may request a copy of the hearing transcript at the cost of the requesting party. Request a copy of the hearing transcript.
22. What if I have an in-personal hearing scheduled?
Information about in-person hearings is updated regularly. Read more about in-person hearings.
