Casasanta v. Canada (Minister of Human Resources Development), 2002 FCA 495

Date: 20021212

Docket: A-355-01

Neutral citation: 2002 FCA 495

CORAM:        STONE J.A.

SHARLOW J.A.

MALONE J.A.

BETWEEN:

                          GAETANO CASASANTA

Applicant

- and -

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

Respondent

                              Heard at Toronto, Ontario, on Wednesday, December 11^th, 2002.

                                      Judgment delivered from the Bench at Toronto, Ontario,

                                                    on Wednesday, December 11^th, 2002.

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE COURT BY:                                              MALONE, J.A.

                                                                                                                                            Date: 20021212

                                                                                                                                        Docket: A-355-01

                                                                                                                Neutral citation: 2002 FCA 495

CORAM:        STONE J.A.

SHARLOW J.A.

MALONE J.A.

BETWEEN:

                                                               GAETANO CASASANTA

Applicant

- and -

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

Respondent

                                       REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

                                              (Delivered from the Bench at Toronto, Ontario,

                                                   on Wednesday, December 11^th, 2002.)

MALONE, J.A.

[1]                 The applicant seeks judicial review of a negative decision of the Pension Appeals Board (the Board) rendered on May 2, 2001 relating to a disability pension. The uncontradicted evidence of the applicant, as set out in his affidavit in support of his application for judicial review, is that on the date of the hearing before the Board, he was affected by pain medications to the extent that he was unable to follow the proceedings. He also has difficulty with English, his first language being Italian, was self represented and thus was unfamiliar with the procedures.

[2]                 There is no reason to believe that the Board was aware of any these difficulties. He did not advise the Board of these problems, nor did he ask for an adjournment. However, we are all of the view that in these highly unusual circumstances, and without ascribing any fault to the Board, the applicant cannot be said to have had a fair hearing.

[3]                 For that reason, we will allow this application for judicial review with costs, set aside the decision of the Board, and refer the matter back to the Board for redetermination by a newly constituted panel. The new panel is directed to consider whether an interpreter will be required.

                                                                                                                                                   "B. Malone"                        

                                                                                                                                                                  J.A.                          

FEDERAL COURT OF CANADA

APPEAL DIVISION

Names of Counsel and Solicitors of Record

DOCKET:                                                           A-355-01

STYLE OF CAUSE:                           GAETANO CASASANTA

Applicant

- AND -

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES

DEVELOPMENT

Respondent

DATE OF HEARING:                                     WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2002

PLACE OF HEARING:                                   TORONTO, ONTARIO

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT

OF THE COURT BY:                                      MALONE, J.A.                        

DATED:                                                              THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2002

JUDGMENT DELIVERED FROM THE BENCH ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2002.

APPEARANCES BY:                          Mr. Gaetano Casasanta

For the Applicant on his own behalf

Ms. Mary Tobin Oates

For the Respondent

SOLICITORS OF RECORD:           Mr. Gaetano Casasanta

For the Applicant on his own behalf

Morris Rosenberg

Deputy Attorney General of Canada

For the Respondent