The Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) has issued a Practice Notice about its gradual return to business. The easing of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic means that the RAD can start to resume operations at Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) offices.
Resuming operations at the RAD will mean that the Division is working with less capacity at the physical work site and with continued reliance on staff working remotely and electronically. It also means that the RAD will use epost Connect and email to conduct its business.
As a general principle, the RAD will process the oldest appeals first, while ensuring appeals of detainees, unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable persons are prioritized.
Beginning the week of June 15, 2020, the RAD will inform counsel, designated representatives, and minister’s counsel who have pending appeals in the following three categories:
- Appeals where the RAD has substituted a favourable decision (not applicable to Minister’s appeals)
- Appeals where the RAD Member is requesting specific submissions
- Appeals currently assigned to RAD Members
Counsel, unrepresented appellants, designated representatives and Minister’s counsel should refer to the Practice Notice for more information.
The health and safety of IRB employees and those who appear before the Board is paramount. The Board will move carefully and deliberately as it gradually increases access to work sites.