What is the proper format of a hearing at the BC SPCA for a personal injury claim?

7. The tribunal has discretion to decide the format of the hearing, including by writing, telephone, videoconferencing, email, or a combination of these. In this dispute, both parties question the other’s credibility and accuse the other of attempting to mislead the tribunal. Credibility of witnesses, particularly where there is conflict, cannot be determined solely by the test of whose personal demeanour in a courtroom or tribunal proceeding appears to be the most truthful. In Yas v. Pope, 2018 BCSC 282, the court recognized that oral hearings are not necessarily required where credibility is in issue. In the circumstances of this dispute, I find that I am properly able to assess and weigh the evidence and submissions before me. Bearing in mind the tribunal’s mandate that includes proportionality and a prompt resolution of disputes, I decided to hear this dispute through written submissions.