Frequently Asked Questions
GETTING STARTED
Who can take part?
Anyone. Island residents, organizations, community groups, and people with relevant experience or insight are all welcome. You don't need to be an expert or have dealt with IRAC personally.
What's the easiest way to contribute?
A written submission. It can be as short as a few sentences, in whatever format suits you, and you can submit it any time before July 31st
Can I send a submission and present in person?
Yes. Many people will do both. A submission lets you put your thoughts on the record, and presenting gives you time to speak directly with the IRAC Review Commissioner and staff.
Can I take part in French?
Yes. You may submit or present in English or French. One public session will offer simultaneous French and English translation, so you can present in French if you prefer.
Are accessibility accommodations available?
Yes. The Independent Review is committed to making participation accessible to everyone. If you need an accommodation to take part in a public meeting, please contact us at Commission@IRACReview.ca and we will work with you to make the necessary arrangements. We welcome requests as early as possible, so we have time to prepare.
What should I talk about?
Your experience, observations, or ideas about any of the areas the Independent Review is looking at: energy and utilities, appeals, land ownership and the Lands Protection Act, or how IRAC is governed and organized. Speak to what matters to you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What happens with what I share?
It's read and considered by The Independent Review to support its findings and recommendations.
All submissions made to the Independent Review may be made public at its discretion. By submitting information to the Independent Review, you acknowledge and consent that your submission may be published to advance the Review's objectives.
What is a presentation like?
You'll have a maximum of 12 minutes to present, followed by a few minutes for a brief exchange with the Commissioner and staff. Sessions are open to the public, including media, and your presentation time will be confirmed with you in advance.
KNOWING WHERE TO GO
I have a rent question, a rent increase concern, or a tenancy dispute. Where should I go?
The Residential Rental Office. It's a separate body that handles rentals day-to-day, resolving landlord and tenant disputes, setting the annual allowable rent increase, and holding first-level hearings. This review doesn't cover the Rental Office's processes. The Independent Review does look at IRAC's role in hearing appeals of rental decisions, so if you have a view on how those appeals work, you're welcome to share it.
I'd like a decision that affected me reviewed. Can the Review Commission do that?
The Independent Review isn't a court of appeal, so it can't change an individual decision. What it can do is consider your experience as insight into how IRAC's processes work overall, which is the kind of input that helps shape its recommendations.
Is this where I make a complaint about IRAC?
Complaints about a specific decision or service go through IRAC's existing channels or the appropriate body. The Independent Review’s focus is broader: it wants your views on how IRAC's processes work as a whole, and that perspective is useful to its review.
Is the Independent Review investigating individuals?
No. This is a review of structure, process, and policy, how IRAC is built and how it works, rather than an inquiry into any individual’s conduct.
Still have a question?
Contact The Independent Review at Commission@IRACReview.ca and we'll be glad to help.