Key Takeaways
- Dealers, real estate, condo managers, builders, child care, liquor and cannabis go to the LAT.
- Mortgage and insurance licensees go to the FST.
- Both can confirm, change or replace the regulator’s proposal.
- Appeal rights to the Divisional Court depend on the statute, and liquor and cannabis appeals are limited to questions of law.
Side by Side
| Feature | Licence Appeal Tribunal | Financial Services Tribunal |
|---|---|---|
| Regulators | OMVIC, RECO, CMRAO, HCRA, Ministry of Education (child care), AGCO | FSRA (CEO) |
| Typical deadline | 15 days after service (e.g. MVDA s. 9(2)) | 15 days after receipt (MBLAA s. 21(3)) or after the notice is given (Insurance Act s. 407.1(3)) |
| How to start | Written request to the registrar and the Tribunal | FST Form 1 (Request for Hearing) |
| Powers | Direct, change or substitute; attach conditions | Direct, change or substitute; impose conditions; interim orders (FST Act s. 9) |
| Further appeal | Divisional Court for listed Acts; law only for liquor and cannabis (LAT Act s. 11) | Divisional Court (MBLAA s. 21(5); Insurance Act s. 407.1(5)) |
| Effect during appeal | Order takes effect immediately; stays possible (e.g. MVDA s. 9(9)) | Order takes effect immediately; FST may stay (MBLAA s. 21(6)) |
Practical Differences
The biggest practical difference is how the 15 days are counted, so keep proof of when and how you received the notice. The second is the scope of any later appeal. Where an appeal is limited to questions of law, the tribunal hearing is effectively your only chance to contest the facts, so prepare your evidence as if no second chance exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these tribunals part of the regulator?
No. Both are independent adjudicators. The regulator is a party before them, as you are.
Do I need a lawyer?
You are not required to have one, but both tribunals hold formal hearings with evidence, and the outcome affects your ability to work.
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- Licence Appeal Tribunal Act, 1999, ss. 5.1, 11 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Financial Services Tribunal Act, 2017, s. 9 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, s. 9 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006, s. 21 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Insurance Act, s. 407.1 — Checked November 10, 2026.