Complaint Hearings

The Chair will introduce the panel members, and ask the parties to do the same. The Chair will outline the matters under complaint, as identified in the Notice of Complaint and agreed to in the Pre-Hearing Conference, and the statutory authority under which BCFIRB hears the complaint

The complainant (the person who filed the complaint) will be given a chance to make a brief opening statement describing their complaint to the panel and outlining the remedy sought from BCFIRB. The farmer will then be given a chance to make a similar opening statement. This is optional and the parties may choose not to present opening statements

The complainant and the farmer, in turn, present evidence (including calling witnesses). Witnesses are sworn or affirmed by the Chair. Following the testimony of each witness, the opposing party may cross examine, followed by questions from the panel. The party calling the witness will then be given an opportunity to ask questions arising from the cross examination, or arising from the panel’s questions

Following the presentation of evidence, the complainant and farmer present their closing arguments and again outline the remedies they are seeking from BCFIRB. The panel Chair will end the hearing

The panel will not usually render a decision on whether the complainant is aggrieved or the practices are normal farm practices at the hearing. The panel will meet privately after the hearing to discuss the case and prepare a written decision. The length of time it takes to prepare and issue a written decision will vary depending on the length and complexity of the case and other factors affecting the availability of panel members.

At any time before a panel decision is issued, the complainant and the farmer can settle their issues informally. However, if a BCFIRB decision is released before a settlement is reached, the decision is binding on the parties.

Once a complaint is filed, you may apply to have BCFIRB conduct an informal dispute resolution process to explore the potential for settlement of all or part of a complaint. Section 4 of the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act provides for a settlement process to resolve complaints.

It is up to the people involved to decide whether to engage in a settlement process and, with BCFIRB staff support, what that settlement process will be. A formal hearing always remains an option unless the complaint is withdrawn.

At any time during the complaint process, on its own initiative or at the request of a party, BCFIRB may require the parties to participate in a mandatory facilitated settlement to explore the potential for resolving one or more issues in dispute settlement of all or part of the complaint.

Depending on the circumstances, BCFIRB staff may

• Connect parties with appropriate experts
• Facilitate communication between parties, including other officials (for example, local government, Ministry of Agriculture)
• Draft a settlement agreement
• Provide a mediator