The federal government has appointed four new vice-chairpersons and reappointed two existing members to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, bolstering the tribunal’s capacity to handle workplace disputes in federally regulated sectors.
Employment and Social Development Canada announced the appointments Wednesday, all for five-year terms. The moves support implementation of new processes around maintenance of activities and the prohibition of replacement workers.
New appointments
The four new full-time vice-chairpersons are Lindsay Foley, Dominic Lemieux, Natalie Zawadowsky, and William Hlibchuk.
Louise Fecteau was reappointed as a full-time vice-chairperson, while Lynne Poirier was reappointed to a part-time role.
Board’s role
The Canada Industrial Relations Board is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that handles the interpretation and administration of Part I (Industrial Relations) and certain provisions of Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) and Part III (Labour Standards) of the Canada Labour Code.
The board also oversees Part II (Professional Relations) of the Status of the Artist Act and handles appeals under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act.
“Strong and effective labour industrial relations are essential to a fair, stable, and productive economy,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families. “These appointments and reappointments to the Canada Industrial Relations Board will support the Board’s important role in resolving workplace disputes and upholding the Canada Labour Code in federally regulated sectors.”
John Zerucelli, Secretary of State for Labour, said the appointments ensure the board has the capacity and expertise needed to carry out its mandate effectively.
