To all Chairpersons and Members of Employment Insurance Boards of Referees

Subject: Update to the Getting Started Guide

The Getting Started Guide found under the heading “Working Tools” of your Board of Referees homepage has been updated and now includes an additional section on “Discussion Before the Hearing”.

Following recent questions concerning what Board Members’ can discuss prior to hearing a case, the Employment Insurance Appeals Division asked the Continuing Professional Education Institute (CPEI), who is responsible for members’ training, to clarify the issue. To that effect, CPEI has updated the Getting Started Guide to provide a clearer understanding of the issue and what is permissible prior to hearing a case.

This new section can be found under Preparation Tips: Discussion Before the Hearing of the Getting Started Guide.

We encourage you to read this update.