Key Takeaways
- Hearings are generally public.
- Panels can order publication bans or close parts of a hearing in sensitive cases (e.g. CNO; OCT).
- RCDSO says it requests publication bans on complainants’ names.
- Broadcasting or recording a hearing without permission can be an offence (as CNO notes).
The Default Is Openness
Regulators describe discipline hearings as generally open to the public. CNO hearings are usually virtual and observable on a private livestream, and the OCT says its hearings are typically held publicly and online.
Exceptions
Panels can order publication bans or close a hearing in sensitive matters. CNO notes that sharing information protected by a ban, or recording a hearing without permission, can be an offence. The OCT says the Discipline Committee may direct that the public be excluded in some instances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask for my name to be withheld?
Bans usually protect complainants and witnesses. Requests to protect a member’s identity are harder. Get advice.
Are decisions published?
Generally yes, on the regulator’s website, the register, or CanLII.
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- CNO, “Discipline Hearings” — Checked November 10, 2026.
- OCT, “Discipline Committee” — Checked November 10, 2026.
- RCDSO, “Discipline Process” — Checked November 10, 2026.