Hearing Process

• Hearing Committee selection and information:
  • The hearing committee consists of at least three Council members. The Chair of the Committee must be a voting Council member and the other members may be voting or non-voting Council members.
  • Hearings are usually held at the offices of the Insurance Council in Vancouver; however, they may be conducted elsewhere in the province or virtually at the discretion of the Insurance Council.
  • Insurance Council publishes a notice of hearing on the website approximately 14 days prior to the hearing, including information about what is being considered at the hearing.
• At the hearing:
  • A court reporter is present.
  • Council is represented by legal counsel.
  • The licensee, former licensee or applicant may have legal representation.
  • The licensee, former licensee or applicant will have an opportunity to introduce evidence to support their case.
• After the hearing:
  • The Hearing Committee will deliberate to make findings based on facts and the law  to reach a decision on the presented issue at the hearing.
  • The Hearing Committee’ reports its findings and determinations in writing via a report titled Reasons for Decision of the Hearing Committe. The decision is provided in writing to the licensee, former licensee or applicant.
• Hearing Committee decision:
  • The Hearing Committee's decision on disciplinary action can include, but is not limited to, a licence suspension, a licence termination, a fine, education, and/or investigation and hearing costs.
  • The Hearing Committee’s decision on disciplinary action may result in higher or lower fines and discipline than the original intended decision.
  • The Hearing Committee may decide that no action should be taken.
  • In the case of hearings requested by applicants, the Hearing Committee may decide to decline the applicant's application, issue a full licence to the applicant or issue a licence with conditions to the applicant.

If you have additional questions or concerns about the complaint process or disciplinary process for insurance licensees, please contact us.