Government of Canada announces appointments to the Social Security Tribunal

OTTAWA, May 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced the appointment of 19 members to the Social Security Tribunal. Among these are 9 new appointments along with 10 reappointments.

These appointments are part of the rigorous new approach to Governor in Council appointments. The approach uses open, transparent and merit-based selection processes, strives for gender parity and reflects Canada's diversity to support ministers in making appointment recommendations for positions within their portfolio. The Tribunal renders fair and impartial decisions on appeals regarding the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance (EI) claims for benefits.

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"I am very pleased to announce the reappointment of ten members to the Tribunal. They have proven themselves to be hard-working members serving the interest of Canadians. Joining them, nine diverse and talented members, in whom I have confidence, will deliver just outcomes for Canadians."
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Quick Facts

• The Social Security Tribunal is comprised of two levels of appeal. The General Division, the first level, includes two sections: an EI section for EI appeals and an Income Security section for Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security appeals. The Appeal Division is the second level.
  
  
• Breakdown of new appointments
• Five full-time members: three to the EI section and two to the Appeal Division.
• Four part-time members: one to the Income Security section, one to the EI section and two to the Appeal Division.
  
  
• Breakdown of reappointments
• Ten full-time members: six to the EI section and four to the Income Security section.
  
  
• The Tribunal began its operations on April 1, 2013.

Further Information

• Biographies of newly appointed and reappointed Social Security Tribunal members

Associated Links

• Learn more about Governor in Council appointments and the Social Security Tribunal.
• Visit the Governor in Council appointments website for current and ongoing opportunities.
• Read the announcement of the review of the Social Security Tribunal, April 2017.
• Read the Prime Minister's announcement of the new Governor in Council appointment process, February 2016.

Biographies

Maureen E. Baird – Vancouver, British Columbia

Maureen Baird has over 30 years of experience in legal practice and has been appointed to a number of Tribunals, most recently the British Columbia Civil Resolution tribunal. She is a former director of Access Pro Bono BC and presents regularly for the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia. She is a past president of the Administrative Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association. She holds both a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. She is a member of Mediate BC and completed a mediation certification program at Harvard Law School. She has authored many publications in Administrative Law and donates her time to various community organizations. She was appointed Queens Council in 2011. She is a partner at the law firm of Lunny, Atmore LLP.

Ms. Baird has been appointed as a part-time member of the Appeal Division. Her appointment will come into effect on May 29, 2017, for a term of two years.

Stephen L. Bergen – Beaumont, Alberta

Mr. Bergen has over 15 years of experience in administrative law. He currently works with the Alberta provincial government as a full-time member of the Surface Rights and Land Compensation Board. He has also worked in Alberta as a Tenancy Dispute Officer, with the Province of British Columbia as an advocate in workers compensation appeals, and in private practice as an Immigration lawyer and a general solicitor. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba.

Mr. Bergen has been appointed as a full-time member of the Appeal Division. His appointment will come into effect on August 8, 2017, for a term of three years.

Charline Bourque – Québec, Quebec

Charline Bourque has been a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. She previously worked for four years at Service Canada in Québec, where she assumed responsibilities in the area of customer service and as a team leader.

Ms. Bourque holds a Master's degree in International Relations from the Diplomatische Akademie in Vienna, Austria, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Université Laval.

Ms. Bourque has been reappointed for a term of three years. Her reappointment came into effect on May 11, 2017.

Lianne M. Byrne – Toronto, Ontario

Lianne Byrne has been a full-time member of the Income Security section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. She previously worked as senior corporate counsel at a global logistics and transportation company. She was also appointed twice as a legal member of the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor.

Mrs. Byrne has been reappointed for a term of three years. Her reappointment came into effect on May 11, 2017.

Gary Conrad – Sherwood Park, Alberta

Gary Conrad is currently sitting as a board member for the Human Services Appeal Panel and for the Strathcona County Assessment Review Board. He has knowledge of a quasi-judicial board's responsibilities and processes, and is experienced in conflict resolution, interpreting and applying legislation, and analyzing appeal hearing documentation. He studied at the University of Athabasca and completed a decisions writing course through the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals.

Mr. Conrad has been appointed as a part-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. His appointment will come into effect on May 29, 2017, for a term of two years.

Jane A. Galbraith – Burlington, Ontario

Jane A. Galbraith has been a full-time member of the Income Security section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. She is a health care professional with over 30 years of experience and has experience adjudicating appeals as a former medical member of the Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security Review Tribunals. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMaster University and is a member of the Professional Advisory Committee of Bereaved Families of Hamilton/Burlington.

Mrs. Galbraith has been appointed as a part-time member of the Income Security section for a term for two years. Her appointment came into effect on May 3, 2017.

Heather Hamilton – Vancouver, British Columbia

Heather Hamilton has been a full-time member of the General Division of the Social Security Tribunal since 2013, with experience in both the Employment Insurance and Income Security sections. She served as the Chairperson of the Employment Insurance Board of Referees for her area for almost seven years. She is a health care professional with 38 years of experience in dental hygiene who has also made substantial volunteer commitments in the greater Vancouver community and internationally in underdeveloped countries.

Mrs. Hamilton has been reappointed for a term of three years. Her reappointment came into effect on May 11, 2017.

Peter Hourihan – Edmonton, Alberta

Peter Hourihan has a background in complex and diverse decision-making which he acquired in various roles within the public sector and at the provincial level. He has served as the Alberta Ombudsman and Alberta's first Public Interest Commissioner. He is also a former Deputy Commissioner commanding officer for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, where he worked for 35 years, and former international consultant. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Athabasca.

Mr. Hourihan has been appointed as a part-time member of the Appeal Division. His appointment will come into effect on May 29, 2017, for a term of two years.

Teresa (Terry) D. Jaenen – Brandon, Manitoba

Terry Jaenen has been a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. She is a former chairperson of the Employment Insurance Board of Referees for her area. She has extensive experience in the events and entertainment fields, having held positions in sales, marketing and client relations divisions of various Brandon-area event and convention coordinating companies.

Mrs. Jaenen has been reappointed for a term of three years. Her reappointment came into effect on May 11, 2017.

Solange Losier – Mississauga, Ontario

Solange Losier is a lawyer licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada. She is currently working as an adjudicator for the provincial Ministry of the Attorney General. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor's law school and an advanced level certificate in Public Administration and Governance from Ryerson University. She donates her time to various community organizations, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Peel Aboriginal Network and the University of Windsor, and has been recognized for her work in the community.

Ms. Losier has been appointed as a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. Her appointment will come into effect on May 29, 2017, for a term of three years.

Charlotte A. McQuade – Stouffville, Ontario

Charlotte A. McQuade has over 23 years of experience with law and recently taught a legal course at Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology. She has worked as a staff lawyer for the Community Legal Clinic of York Region and was also a board member of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994.

Ms. McQuade has been appointed as a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. Her appointment will come into effect on May 29, 2017, for a term of three years.

Normand Morin – Québec, Quebec

Normand Morin has been a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. He is a former chairperson for the Employment Insurance Board of Referees for his area and a former teacher with the Commission scolaire de la Capitale. He holds a Master's degree in Education Administration and Evaluation from Université Laval, where he also completed a specialized post-graduate diploma (D.E.S.) in School Management, preceded by a Bachelor's degree in Primary and Preschool Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Mr. Morin has been reappointed for a term of four years. His reappointment will come into effect on October 1, 2017.

Neil Nawaz – Toronto, Ontario

Neil Nawaz has been a full-time member of the Income Security section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. He is a former chairperson for the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal for his area and former sole practitioner. He has a background in law, accountancy and finance with experience in adjudication and litigation. He holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto and is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Law Society of Manitoba.

Mr. Nawaz has been appointed as a full-time member of the Appeal Division for a term of three years. His appointment will come into effect on October 1, 2017.

John Noonan – Goulds, Newfoundland and Labrador

John Noonan has been a member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. He served as the Chairperson of the Employment Insurance Board of Referees for his area. He is a former school teacher, the former Director of Adult Basic and International Education at BC's Northwest Community College and has worked in the field of event planning for both the governments of British Columbia and of Newfoundland and Labrador. He studied at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Mr. Noonan has been reappointed for a term of three years. His reappointment will come into effect on October 1, 2017.

Eleni Palantzas – Toronto, Ontario

Eleni Palantzas has been a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. She is a former chairperson for the Employment Insurance Board of Referees for her area, has spent a number of years in senior-level roles with the College of Midwives of Ontario, and has also worked in various capacities for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto.

Ms. Palantzas has been reappointed for a term of three years. Her reappointment will come into effect on October 1, 2017.

Amanda M. Pezzutto – Vancouver, British Columbia

Amanda Pezzutto has been a part-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2016. She has several years of experience working for the Government of Canada with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and with Service Canada, where she gained experience with the Employment Insurance file. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia. She is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation.

Ms. Pezzutto has been appointed as a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section for a term of three years. Her appointment came into effect on May 11, 2017.

Virginia Lee Saunders – Vancouver, British Columbia

Virginia Saunders has been a full-time member of the Income Security section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. She held a position as chairperson of the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal for her area. She is a former litigation lawyer for a private practice in Vancouver and legal researcher and writer for Charron Favell Anctil LLP. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Brunswick.

Ms. Saunders has been reappointed for a term of three years. Her reappointment will come into effect on October 1, 2017.

Kelley Sherwood – Ottawa, Ontario

Kelley Sherwood has been a full-time member of the Income Security section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2013. She held a member position with the Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security Review Tribunals for her area and has more than 14 years of experience in the health insurance/consulting industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University.

Ms. Sherwood has been reappointed for a terms of three years. Her reappointment will come into effect on October 1, 2017.

Kelly Jacqueline Temkin – Toronto, Ontario

Kelly Jacqueline Temkin has been a full-time member of the Income Security section of the Tribunal's General Division since 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws (Health) from Osgoode Hall Law School. Her graduate studies included dispute resolution training and a thesis focused on medical ethics. She has been a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada since 1992 and is a member of the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators.

Ms. Temkin has been reappointed for a term of three years. Her reappointment will come into effect on September 8, 2017.

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For media enquiries: Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]