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About the Community and Social Support Appeal Panels

Learn about the vision, values and mandate that guide the appeal panels, along with their commitment to governance and accountability.

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Community and Social Support Appeals

About the appeal panels

Alberta’s social services appeal system is independent and committed to fair and unbiased decision-making.

Appeals are heard by independent panels made up of citizens and qualified professionals with the training to hear your appeal. Panels review the information provided by all parties and make decisions based on the legislation that applies to each case.

  • The Citizen's Appeal Panel (CAP) hears appeals across a range of social service programs. The decisions that can be appealed vary by program. For the full list of appealable programs, visit Community and Social Support Appeals.
  • The Medical Appeal Panel (MAP) hears appeals related to ADAP medical eligibility, including severe disability determinations and decisions to not refer applicants to the AISH Medical Review Panel.

Vision, core values and mandate

  • Vision

    The Community and Social Support Appeal Panels are independent and committed to fairness and the principles of natural justice in all decisions. 

  • Core values

    Appeal Panels are guided by the following core values:

    • Procedural Fairness: Processes and hearings are impartial, ensuring all parties are heard. Decisions are based on facts and legislation and are supported by clear reasoning.
    • Excellence: Members act with integrity, dedication and professionalism.
    • Competence: Members bring diverse skills and experiences and receive ongoing training on hearing procedures and administrative fairness. Independence: Appeal panels conduct their hearings and make their decisions independently and objectively, free from government or external influence. 
    • Transparency: Appeal panel policies and processes are accessible and easy to understand for the public.
    • Respect: Members treat all parties and one another with courtesy, openness and dignity.

  • Mandate

    The primary responsibilities of the appeal panels include:

    • hearing appeals and making decisions within its jurisdiction
    • managing impartial, unbiased and fair hearings
    • issuing written decisions that outline the findings of fact and the legal reasons behind each decision
    • ensuring all parties involved in the appeal process are treated fairly. Depending on the type of appeal and the panel hearing it, this may include opportunities to: 
      • present their case
      • review the information being considered
      • respond to that information

    How parties take part varies by program and panel. Some appeals include a hearing where parties present their case and respond to the information considered. Others, including MAP appeals, are decided through a document review unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Governance and accountability

The members of the appeal panels are identified through a competency-based recruitment process and appointed by the Minister through a Ministerial Order. Appointments are for up to a  3-year term, with the possibility of reappointment, allowing members to serve up to a maximum of 12 years.

While appeal panel members are appointed by the minister, it is important to note that they are not employees of the Government of Alberta, nor are they part of any government department. The appeal panels operate independently from the government to ensure impartiality and fairness in all processes.

Each appeal panel member is expected to adhere to a high standard of governance, following established practices and the Appeal Panel Code of Conduct. This code is designed to guide ethical behaviour and uphold the integrity of the appeal process, ensuring transparency and administrative fairness.

Appeal panel membership

Each appeal panel consists of a provincial chair, vice-chairs and regular members.

  • Provincial chair

    • Provides leadership to appeal panel members and ensures effective implementation of the appeal process, aligning with administrative fairness and natural justice principles.
    • Assigns members to appeal panels as required.
    • Assists with complex appeals, procedural issues and reviews panel decisions.
    • Guides training development and delivery for new and existing members.
    • Administers the Appeal Panel Code of Conduct.
    • Oversees the financial administration and monitoring of appeal panels.

  • Vice-chair

    • Provides leadership and supports the provincial chair.
    • Mentors members and provides training and orientation.
    • Assigns members to appeal panels.
    • Collaborates with the provincial chair on complex appeals and procedural issues.
    • Reviews panel decisions.
    • Participates in hearings and writing decisions.

  • Members

    • Conducts appeal hearings, including chairing.
    • Participates in panel deliberations, decision-making and writing.
    • Engages in orientation, training and appeal panel meetings.

Remuneration

Panel members receive honoraria for time spent on appeal panel business and reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with government policies and legislation.

Compensation disclosure

Public sector bodies are required to post online the names and compensation paid to:

This is a requirement under the Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act. 

Compensation disclosures are posted by June 30 each year and are maintained for 5 years.

Compensation disclosure file

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