Key Takeaways
- A proposal is not yet a decision, but it becomes one if you do not request a hearing in time.
- Most statutes give you 15 days, but they count from service, receipt or the date the notice was given.
- Under LAT statutes, your request usually goes to both the registrar and the Tribunal.
- Check whether an immediate or temporary suspension came with the proposal.
What the Notice Is
Licensing statutes such as the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002 require the registrar to notify you in writing before refusing or renewing a registration, suspending or revoking it, or applying conditions you have not agreed to (MVDA, s. 9(1)). The notice must give reasons and tell you that you are entitled to a hearing if you ask in time (s. 9(2)). If you do not request a hearing, the registrar may carry out the proposal (s. 9(4)). The same structure appears in the real estate, condo management, new-home and child care statutes, and in the mortgage and insurance Acts with the Financial Services Tribunal in place of the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
Your First Steps
- Work out your deadline. Note how and when the notice was served. Under the MVDA and TRESA, registered mail is deemed served on the third day after mailing (MVDA, s. 37(2); TRESA, s. 45(2)). Under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, mail is deemed served on the fifth day (s. 74(2)). Mortgage licensees count 15 days from receipt (MBLAA, s. 21(3)).
- Request the hearing in writing, to the right recipients. Under the LAT statutes, that is generally the registrar and the Tribunal. FSRA matters use the FST’s Form 1.
- Check for a suspension. A temporary suspension may already be in effect (e.g. MVDA, s. 10). If you request a hearing, it usually expires 15 days after the Tribunal receives your request unless the hearing has started and the Tribunal extends it.
- Gather your evidence. Answer each reason in the notice with documents.
What the Tribunal Can Do
After a hearing, the Tribunal can direct the regulator to carry out the proposal, substitute its own opinion, and attach conditions (e.g. MVDA, s. 9(5); MBLAA, s. 21(4)). Many proposals end with negotiated conditions rather than revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep working while I challenge the proposal?
Generally yes, unless a temporary or immediate suspension was also made. Under some statutes, a renewal you applied for on time also continues until the Tribunal decides (MVDA, s. 9(8)).
What if I missed the deadline?
The regulator may carry out the proposal. Act immediately and get advice about whether any option remains; do not assume an extension will be granted.
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002, ss. 9–10, 37 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002, ss. 14, 45 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, s. 74 — Checked November 10, 2026.
- Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006, s. 21 — Checked November 10, 2026.