FSCO to launch eCalendar service to make arbitration more efficient

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) has announced the phased implementation of its arbitration electronic scheduling system, part of ongoing efforts to make dispute resolution services for auto insurance more efficient.

Arbitration eCalendar allows parties to receive legal notices of proceedings from FSCO electronically, book arbitration pre-hearings and settlement discussions and manage their files online, FSCO says.
The new step comes after the regulator implemented an eCalendar system for mediation, which it says was a success.
The arbitration initiative is being launched in three phases. Beginning now (in January), FSCO arbitration letters and notices to parties will be auto-generated and sent electronically to parties with email addresses registered with FSCO.
This month FSCO will also begin the process of registering users for the enhanced Dispute Resolution Case Directory (DRCD-2), the portal which will provide access to the Arbitration eCalendar.
Enhancements to the DRCD-2 include the ability for all parties, including insurers and legal representatives to report settlement or withdrawal of a file, update contact information, access case information and status in real time, and to access eCalendar to book pre-hearings and settlement discussions, FSCO says.
Participation is initially optional, but eCalendar use will become mandatory once all users are registered.
Once the eCalendar is fully implemented in April 2014, paper notices of proceedings currently sent by mail will be eliminated and notices will be sent electronically. Until that time parties will continue to receive both paper and electronic copies.

Source:  DAILY NEWS Jan 22, 2014 12:37 PM http://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/news/fsco-to-launch-ecalendar-service-to-make-arbitration-more-efficient/1002871649/