Glossary of CAT terms
This Glossary provides definitions for some of the most common words that Users will encounter during the CAT’s dispute resolution process.
Application:
An application is filed through the CAT-ODR system to commence a case before CAT. Applications are filed under section 1.36 or section 1.47 of the Condominium Act, 1998
Applicant:
The party that files an Application with the CAT. This could be a owner, purchaser or mortgagee of a condominium unit, or a condominium corporation.
CAT-ODR:
The Condominium Authority Tribunal’s Online Dispute Resolution system.
Case:
The CAT’s proceeding, conducted under section 1.36 or section 1.47 of the Condominium Act, 1998.
Consent Order:
An Order that the CAT makes with the agreement of all of the Parties. Consent Orders typically resolve all of the issues in dispute and will close the case.
Day:
Day means calendar day (unless otherwise specified).
Decision:
The reasons for a CAT Member’s judgement, usually provided along with an Order after a Case closes in Stage 3 – Tribunal Decision.
Document:
A written document, image, audio recording, or any other file containing information. Users can add documents during all three stages of the CAT’s dispute resolution process.
Evidence:
Anything that a User uses to support their argument or position. Evidence can include documents, witness testimony, or other facts or things that are relevant to the issues in dispute.
Hearing:
The process that occurs in Stage 3 – Tribunal Decision, during which the Users make arguments and present evidence to support their case to a CAT Member. The CAT Member will then consider the evidence and arguments of the Users and makes a legally binding decision.
Intervenor:
An Intervenor is a person or legal entity (including condo corporations) that have a right to participate in a CAT case, as set out under the CAT’s Rules of Practice.
Mediator:
A person that is assigned by the CAT to a case in Stage 2 – Mediation to help the parties explore ways to settle the dispute without a hearing.
Member:
A person that is assigned by the CAT to a case in Stage 3 – Tribunal Decision to conduct a hearing and issue an Order/Decision.
Order:
A legal direction or instruction given by a Mediator or Member that everyone must follow.
Owner:
A person or legal entity that owns a condominium unit (i.e., is listed as the owner of the property at an Ontario land registry office).
Party:
Applicants, Respondents, Intervenors who join CAT cases, or any other person or legal entity granted party status by a CAT Member.
Representative:
A person who acts on behalf of a party in a case.
Request:
A request is when a User asks the Mediator or Member to decide a case-specific issue or question. Users send requests to their Mediator or Member through the Questions and Requests tab in the CAT-ODR system. All Users can see Requests and the Member’s response.
Respondent:
The User(s) that the Applicant files their application against. Respondents may be unit owners, unit occupants, or a condominium corporation.
Question:
Users can send questions to CAT Staff through the Questions and Requests tab to ask for assistance or clarification. Questions and their responses can only be seen by the User who sent them, and cannot be seen by the Mediator, Member, or the other Users.
Settlement Agreement:
An agreement between the parties that resolves the issues in dispute and closes the case. Settlement Agreements are generated automatically when all parties agree to a Settlement Offer in Stage 1 – Negotiation, or can be issued by a Mediator or Member in Stage 2 – Mediation and Stage 3 – Tribunal Decision.
Settlement Offer:
A suggestion made by a party about how the case can be resolved. Parties can exchange settlement offers in Stage 1 – Negotiation and can update their settlement offer at any time.
Summons:
A legal document created by the CAT that requires a Witness to participate in the hearing or to provide evidence.
User:
The parties and their representatives are all Users.
Witness:
An individual who has information about the issues in dispute. Parties can propose to have witnesses provide evidence in Stage 3 – Tribunal Decision.