Administrative Law

Navigating Government Tribunals with Northpoint Legal

Administrative law governs the interaction between individuals or businesses and government agencies or regulatory bodies. If you’ve been denied benefits, penalized by a tribunal, or need to appeal a government decision, the lawyers at Northpoint Legal can help. We represent clients in Vancouver and across British Columbia in disputes involving administrative bodies like WorkSafeBC, the Residential Tenancy Branch, and the BC Human Rights Tribunal.

Our firm provides knowledgeable, strategic legal representation before a wide range of administrative tribunals and regulatory agencies in BC.

Types of Administrative Law Matters

Administrative decisions can significantly affect your livelihood, housing, reputation, or access to public services. Northpoint Legal assists clients in addressing and appealing decisions from the following key bodies:

Workers' Compensation & Employment Matters

• WorkSafeBC (WCB): Denied claims, benefits disputes, and return-to-work issues
• Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT): Appeals of WCB decisions requiring legal submissions and medical evidence
• Employment Standards Branch: Recovery of unpaid wages, vacation pay, and termination disputes
• Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal: Appeals regarding income assistance or disability support eligibility

Housing, Tenancy, and Civil Disputes

• Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB): Disputes between landlords and tenants, including evictions, rent increases, and repairs
• Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT): Strata disputes, small claims under $5,000, and MVA injury disputes under $50,000

Human Rights and Discrimination

• BC Human Rights Tribunal: Claims involving discrimination in employment, services, or housing

Regulatory and Specialized Tribunals

• BC Utilities Commission: Regulatory compliance for energy, water, and gas providers
• PharmaCare Audit and Appeals Board (PAAB) & PharmaNet Review Panel (PARP): Audits, reimbursements, and reviews affecting pharmacists and pharmacies
• Victim Injuries Compensation Program: Compensation for victims of violent crime

Transportation & Transit Enforcement

• TransLink Fare Infraction Tribunal: Fare evasion ticket appeals and transit dispute hearings

Who Can Benefit from Administrative Law Representation?

Individuals Seeking Benefits or Fair Treatment

If you've been denied support, penalized unfairly, or experienced discrimination, you may be entitled to appeal the decision or seek compensation. Northpoint Legal helps individuals:

• Challenge denied injury or disability benefits
• Appeal employment-related sanctions
• File human rights complaints
• Contest tenancy or public housing decisions

Businesses and Professionals Regulated by Government Bodies

Regulatory investigations or penalties can jeopardize your business and reputation. We help business clients:

• Respond to audits or reviews (e.g., PAAB, PARP, CFIA)
• Contest regulatory penalties
• Navigate licensing or compliance disputes

Legal Framework for Administrative Law Cases

Administrative decisions must be fair, reasonable, and within the bounds of the law. Legal recourse may be available if a decision was:

1. Unreasonable or Incorrect in Law
   Tribunals must apply relevant laws correctly and interpret evidence fairly.
2. Procedurally Unfair
   If you weren’t given a fair opportunity to present your case, appeal rights may apply.
3. Inconsistent with Charter Rights or Human Rights Law
   Decisions that violate equality, dignity, or procedural protections may be challengeable under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or Human Rights Code.
4. Subject to Judicial Review
   Decisions made outside the tribunal’s jurisdiction or in bad faith can be reviewed by the BC Supreme Court.

Steps to Take if You’re Involved in an Administrative Dispute

1. Review the Decision Letter – Identify the reasons for the decision and the available appeal options.
2. Note Deadlines – Most administrative tribunals have short appeal windows (often 7–30 days).
3. Gather Supporting Evidence – Documents, witness statements, and medical records may be required.
4. Contact a Lawyer – Legal advice can help you assess your appeal rights and prepare persuasive submissions.