Student Financial Services Appeal Board

The object of the Appeal Board is to provide an independent review process for those dissatisfied with a decision of the PEI Student Financial Assistance Corporation.

What is the function of the Appeal Board?

The Student Financial Assistance Appeal Board shall review or re-examine all appeals of decisions made by the PEI Student Financial Assistance Corporation. The Appeal Board must adhere to the principles and criteria outlined in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Policy Manual and PEI’s Student Financial Assistance Corporation Act and Regulations in order to:

• Determine that the province has correctly applied the need assessment and review criteria, or
• Determine that the province had incorrectly applied the criteria and refer the case back to the province for further consideration.

Following an appeal, the Appeal Board shall, in writing and not more than 5 days after the hearing of an appeal, inform the appellant of its decision and the reason for that decision.

Primary Role:

• Adjudicative

Material Role:

• Advisory
• Managerial/Oversight

How many people are on the Appeal Board?

The Appeal Board shall consist of not fewer than five (5) and not more than nine (9) members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, of whom:

• two shall be qualifying students attending educational institutions in PEI
• one shall be a representative of the Department of Finance; and
• at least two shall be public representatives.

The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall also appoint one member of the Appeal Board to be the chair. Three members, of whom one is a member outlined above, constitutes a quorum.

What are the requirements of Appeal Board members?

Appeal Board members should have the ability to read and interpret policy and legislative documents in English. Experience in loan assessment, making decisions on appeals, serving on a board, council, or organization, and/or being bilingual (French/English) would be considered an asset.

Will I get paid?

As per the Treasury Board Policy and Procedures Section 9: Honoraria for Category C Boards:

• Chair: $113 per diem
• Members: $73 per diem

What is the time commitment of the Appeal Board?

One annual meeting is to be held in January every year (date determined by the Chair) as well as meetings as required to address appeals, which may occur at any time. A person who is aggrieved by a decision of the government of PEI may appeal the decision to the Appeal Board and may also appear and/or have legal or other representation at the hearing of an appeal. The Appeal Board shall, in writing and not more than 5 days after the hearing of an appeal, serve on the appellant notice of its decision and the reason for that decision. 

Appointments shall be for a maximum of one year for the appointed students, and for three years for all other appointments; members may be re-appointed but shall not serve more than two consecutive terms. 

How can I apply? 

If you would like to serve as a member of a provincial government agency, board, or commission (ABC) you can apply online through Engage PEI.

For further information about this committee, you may contact:

Nick Drake
Manager of Financial Services
902-368-5692
nickdrake@gov.pe.ca