To describe how Income Support handles situations where the Media is seeking to attend an Appeal Hearing.

POLICY

Prior to allowing media to attend an appeal hearing, the Department Representative must specify that:

• No cameras or recording devices are allowed, and
• Media may only attend the segment of the appeal hearing that relates directly to the individual who has requested media presence.
  
  

If an individual requests that media be allowed to attend the appeal hearing, in advance of the appeal hearing date, the Supervisor must contact Communications at 780-427-4801 prior to scheduling the hearing.

Communications:

• Advises whether an onsite media spokesperson is required;
• Provides a spokesperson to speak to the media on behalf of the Department, (if necessary);
• Decides which program and background materials (if any) may be provided to media representative(s); and
• Notifies the Minister as appropriate.
  
  

If an individual requests that media be allowed to attend the appeal hearing, at the time of the appeal hearing, the appeal panel holds a pre-hearing to advise the individual of the possible consequences of a media representative being in attendance. The individual is advised that:

• Media attendance at the hearing will not change the appeal panel’s ruling on the decision under appeal.
• Any information presented could become part of the media story, whether favorable or unfavorable to the individual and his/her family.
• No third party information can be presented or released to the media.
  
  Note
  Members of the appeal panel consult with the Appeals Secretariat regarding media presence at a hearing. The appeal panel has the authority to deny the request for media to attend the appeal hearing.
  
  

The Supervisor should request an adjournment to consult with Communications regarding media presence at an appeal panel hearing. If the Supervisor raises no objection after consulting with Communications (and the appeal panel does not object), the hearing will proceed with media present.

Regardless of media attendance, the appeal hearing process and the Department’s presentation do not change.