What is the Civil Resolution Tribunal?

The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) is an online tribunal that can resolve certain legal disputes, including small claims up to $5,000, and replaces the need to go to court. With respect to strata matters, the CRT can be engaged by strata owners and strata corporations to resolve a number of dispute types.

Our Strata Corporation or Strata Council has received notification of a dispute filed with the CRT. What now?

Like any claim or dispute brought through a formal resolution forum, a process must be followed. That process includes requirements for responding to the dispute notice within a set period of time. Failure to respond within that time may result in a binding decision being made without your input.

Accordingly, it is important the process is followed closely.

Upon receiving a notice of a dispute filed with the CRT, the strata corporation should immediately request an extension for the time to respond. You should then contact your HUB representative or the HUB Claims Team ([email protected] or 604-269-1010) to report the matter. Note that the strata corporation’s request for an extension with the CRT should never delay reporting the matter to HUB. Potential claims should be reported to HUB as soon as possible.

Why would I apply for an extension to respond?

There may be coverage available under the strata corporation’s policy(ies) with respect to the matter in dispute. The insurers require time to review the dispute, gather additional information and assess the matter against the policy conditions. Sometimes the time required to complete this is greater than the time limit initially provided to respond to the dispute, which leaves the strata in a position where it risks failing to respond on time or filing an inadequate response. By filing for an extension immediately, the strata may be granted additional time by the CRT for its broker and insurer(s) to review the matter and provide advice and/or direction.

How do I apply for an extension?

If you have access to a computer, go to the CRT portal:
https://intake.civilresolutionbc.ca/response#entry

  • Enter the dispute number and five digit PIN (found in the dispute notice)
  • Once you log into the portal, you will see a button to “Submit a Time Extension”
  • Click the button for “Submit a Time Extension”
    • We suggest you enter the reason for submitting the request as “Submitting claim to insurance broker to assess the claim for coverage and provide direction regarding the next steps.”

The CRT will review and notify you within 3-5 business days as to whether or not the extensive has been approved or denied.

What if I don’t have a computer?

If you do not have access to a computer, you will need to contact the CRT by telephone at 1-844-322-2292. Explain to the CRT that you do not have a computer but would like to submit a request for a time extension. The CRT will advise as to the next steps, which will include submitting a handwritten note outlining the reason for the request. Note that this may delay the process. Accordingly, it is strongly recommended that the request for an extension be made online via the CRT portal.

The granting of an extension is not guaranteed. It is important that you monitor your communication channels for a response. Once the response is obtained, it is important this be communicated to HUB, and if they have been engaged, the appointed representative of the insurer(s).

Disclaimer: This bulletin is intended to provide readers with general information only. Readers are urged not to rely simply on the content of the bulletin, but to consult with appropriate professionals on a case- by-case basis.