b'2 TRIBUNALACTIVITESMANDATORY CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCESTo ensure a fair, expeditious review process, theto have a joint hearing plan, a list of witnesses and Tribunal relies on implementing and following besta detailed list of all the admissible evidence. The practices. A cornerstone of this strategy is holdingprimary intent of this exercise is to ensure that the a mandatory case management conference (CMC)case progresses expeditiously. A joint hearing plan for every case that involves an oral hearing.also helps to establish a daily schedule, thereby ensuring the least costly process possible, and the Held between the presiding member, the parties,most efficient for parties. This approach ensures and their representatives, a CMC promotesbetter control over the hearing process and avoids effective management of the case. It familiarizescomplications likely to result in prejudice to the parties.the parties with the nature of the administrative monetary penalty system, the legal frameworkIn more complex cases, trends show that holding for the alleged violation, and the procedure to bemultiple CMCs is necessary to resolve preliminary followed during Tribunals hearing. Its establishmentmotions and to keep to the hearing timetable over the last four years has contributed to thepreviously determined by the presiding member.increase in the number of notices of violation withdrawn, waivers and settlement agreements. Holding a CMC is essential to achieve a fair, expeditious process at the lowest possible At the end of the CMC, the presiding membercost for the parties. It is a fundamental tool for usually issues an order reflecting the results ofmaintaining the presiding members impartiality the conference that outlines how the case willand discouraging frivolous claims or the abuseproceed. Through that order, parties are requiredof process. Results from the mandatory case management conferences2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022Mandatory case management conferences 15 13 11 17 26Orders11 21 24 13 20Notices of violation withdrawn 5 10 4 6 1Requests for review abandone d 16 11 5 0 110'