Frequently Asked Questions

This page is intended to provide general information and is specific to the time when it is first issued. Please keep in mind that the FSC’s staff cannot provide you with legal advice.

If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult a person licensed by the Law Society of Ontario.

General

Who can file an appeal or application?
There are three types of appeals and applications to the Fire Safety Commission (FSC):
  1. Appeal from a decision and order of the Fire Marshal;
  2. Application by an inspector for authorization to complete work required under an order; and
  3. Appeal of an order to pay costs issued by the Fire Marshal, a Fire Chief or Assistant Fire Marshal.
How do I know if I have the right to appeal to the FSC?

Your right to appeal to the FSC should be clearly indicated in the Decision or Order that you will receive from the fire inspector, Fire Marshal or other fire official.

Appeal rights and other matters are set out in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

For more information, please see e-laws.

Who will hear my appeal/application?

Hearings are conducted by three members of the FSC.

FSC members are appointed by Order-in-Council.

Information about the appointment process and the FSC’s membership can be found on the Public Appointments Secretariat’s website.

What happens if I do not appear on the date set for the hearing and I do not notify the FSC?
It is important that you attend any proceedings on the date scheduled. If you do not appear on the date set for hearing, the FSC would take steps to contact you. If they are unable to reach you, the hearing might proceed in your absence, and you would not be entitled to any further notice in the proceeding. In some circumstances, the FSC may also dismiss an appeal.
Are hearings open to the public?
Hearings are open to the public unless ordered otherwise by the FSC. You can contact the FSC for a schedule of proceedings.
Are decisions publicly available?

Yes. FSC decisions from 2015 onwards are publicly available on the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) website.

CanLII is an online platform that offers free public access to tribunal and court decisions.

Will my name be published in the decision?
Yes. The names of the parties are included in the decisions unless publication is prohibited by any applicable laws or unless the Commission has made an order restricting access to the proceedings or limiting access to any documents or records.
When does the Commission’s decision take effect?
The decision takes effect on the date it is released to the parties unless stated otherwise in the decision.
What if I disagree with a decision?

A party can ask the Executive Chair of SLASTO to reconsider a decision. You can learn about the process and criteria for making a request for reconsideration here.

The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 also provides the right to appeal an order of the Fire Marshal or an order to pay costs to the Divisional Court. There is no appeal from a decision made in relation to an application for authorization to do work.

What if a decision is not clear or has an error?
The FSC may review and correct typographical, calculation and other minor errors to clarify an order or decision.