s.5.3 — Pre-hearing conferences

5.3 (1) If the tribunal’s rules made under section 25.1 deal with pre-hearing conferences, the tribunal may direct the parties to participate in a pre-hearing conference to consider, (a)  the settlement of any or all of the issues; (b)  the simplification of the issues; (c)  facts or evidence that may be agreed upon; (d)  the dates by which any steps in the proceeding are to be taken or begun; (e)  the estimated duration of the hearing; and (f)  any other matter that may assist in the just and most expeditious disposition of the proceeding.  ; (1.1) The tribunal’s power to direct the parties to participate in a pre-hearing conference is subject to any other Act or regulation that applies to the proceeding. (2) The chair of the tribunal may designate a member of the tribunal or any other person to preside at the pre-hearing conference. (3) A member who presides at a pre-hearing conference may make such orders as he or she considers necessary or advisable with respect to the conduct of the proceeding, including adding parties. (4) A member who presides at a pre-hearing conference at which the parties attempt to settle issues shall not preside at the hearing of the proceeding unless the parties consent. (5) Section 5.2 applies to a pre-hearing conference, with necessary modifications.