Administrative Law and Tribunal Lawyers in Toronto

Challenging Government and Tribunal Decisions in Ontario

Administrative law governs the relationship between individuals and government bodies, tribunals, and regulatory agencies. Decisions by these authorities profoundly affect citizens' rights, livelihoods, and freedoms. When you believe an administrative decision is unfair or legally incorrect, judicial review and appellate remedies exist. Ken Wise & Associates brings extensive appellate and judicial review experience to challenge government and tribunal decisions.

Judicial Review Applications

Judicial review allows courts to examine whether administrative decision-makers acted within their jurisdiction and followed proper procedures. We represent clients in judicial review applications challenging decisions by government ministries, municipal bodies, and regulatory agencies. These applications require demonstrating errors of law, jurisdiction, or procedural fairness that warrant court intervention.

Appeals from Administrative Tribunals

Many administrative decisions can be appealed to higher tribunals or courts. The scope of appeal depends on whether the question involves law alone or mixed law and fact. We handle appeals from bodies including the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Accessibility Standards Customer Service Committee, and various professional regulatory tribunals.

Procedural Fairness and Natural Justice

All administrative decision-makers must respect procedural fairness and natural justice. This means decision-makers must be impartial, must give affected parties notice and an opportunity to be heard, and must give reasons for their decisions. Violations of these principles can render decisions invalid. We represent clients who have been denied fair process and pursue remedies in the courts.

Standards of Review and Analysis

Courts apply different standards when reviewing administrative decisions. Pure questions of law are reviewed for correctness, meaning the court substitutes its view for the tribunal's. Questions of fact or mixed law and fact are typically reviewed for reasonableness, a more deferential standard. Understanding which standard applies is crucial to case strategy. Our experienced team conducts thorough legal analysis to determine the appropriate standard and develop compelling arguments.

Municipal Boards and Professional Regulatory Bodies

Decisions by Ontario Municipal Boards, professional regulatory colleges, and licensing bodies significantly impact individuals. We represent clients challenging land use decisions, seeking professional license reinstatement, and appealing disciplinary decisions. These areas require detailed knowledge of both substantive law and procedural requirements.

Immigration Tribunals

Immigration appeals and judicial review applications before federal courts require particular experience. We represent clients challenging Immigration and Refugee Board decisions and pursuing remedies for procedural unfairness in immigration proceedings.

Administrative law matters are fact-intensive and procedurally complex. With over 40 years of experience including extensive appellate and judicial review work, Ken Wise brings substantial experience to challenging government and tribunal decisions. If you believe a government or tribunal decision is unfair or legally incorrect, contact us for a confidential consultation.

Speak With Ken Wise

Ken Wise has practised law in Ontario for more than 40 years and appears before all levels of court in the province, as well as before administrative tribunals. The firm acts for clients throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, and works remotely with clients across Ontario.

We offer a free introductory email consultation. Send a short summary of your situation to info@kenwiseandassociates.ca and Ken will tell you, at no charge, whether he can help. You can also call (647) 288-5531.

The information on this page is general information only and is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create a solicitor-client relationship.