Is Having a Claimant Support Officer just like having a lawyer?

No. There are several important things a Claimant Support Officer cannot do for claimants. For example:

• A Claimant Support Officer cannot provide claimants with legal advice. Only a lawyer can do this. Claimant Support Officers can only provide information about the IAP.
• A Claimant Support Officer cannot advise on which of the three options – standard, complex or court track – is best for dealing with your claim. A lawyer would be able to make this decision.
• A Claimant Support Officer cannot enter into negotiations with Canada to settle your claim without a hearing. A lawyer can.
• A Claimant Support Officer cannot attend hearings to provide advice or moral support. A lawyer will attend to provide advice and argue on a claimant’s behalf.
• A Claimant Support Officer cannot give legal advice to review a decision. A lawyer can.
• A Claimant Support Officer cannot provide counseling.

For all of these reasons, all the parties to the Settlement Agreement agree that IAP claimants should hire a lawyer.