The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization has launched a pilot Hearings Assistance Program to support self-represented respondents in its disciplinary proceedings with independent help on procedural matters. The program, delivered in partnership with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project, is designed for respondents who would otherwise have to navigate CIRO proceedings on their own and will connect them with volunteer lawyers for procedural legal guidance and support. Under the pilot, the National Self-Represented Litigants Project will work with CIRO's Hearings Office to train volunteer lawyers, connect self-represented respondents with potential volunteers, administer the program and report on outcomes. CIRO said the program is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in disciplinary proceedings, reduce procedural errors and delays, and create professional development opportunities for volunteer lawyers. The support sits alongside CIRO's existing hearing framework, in which disciplinary cases are brought by Enforcement and decided by independent hearing panels, while the Hearings Office remains separate from both Enforcement and respondents.
Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization2026-06-26
Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization launches pilot Hearings Assistance Program for self-represented respondents across Canada
The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization launched a pilot Hearings Assistance Program with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project to provide self-represented respondents in its disciplinary proceedings with independent procedural legal support across Canada. Volunteer lawyers will be trained and coordinated through the partnership, which will also administer the program and report on outcomes. CIRO said the pilot aims to improve fairness and efficiency and reduce procedural errors and delays.