Backgrounder - Michael Gottheil 

A committed justice sector leader, Michael Gottheil has over 35 years experience serving as a tribunal chair, mediator, lawyer, advocate, mentor and business leader. He is a strong believer in the public service and strives to work collaboratively across all sectors, upholding values such as dignity, respect and the active participation of all members of the Canadian society.

Mr. Gottheil’s experience extends beyond legal advocacy and dispute resolution. He has successfully led a number of adjudicative tribunals over the past 18 years. He played a key role in the implementation of major government policy initiatives, including the transformation of Ontario’s human rights system and the modernization and reform of Ontario’s administrative justice sector.

From 2018 until early 2022, Mr. Gottheil was the Chief of the Commission and Tribunals at the Alberta Human Rights Commission. From 2011 to 2018, he was the Executive Chair at the Social Justice Tribunals of Ontario. Between 2009 and 2011, he acted as the Executive Chair of the Environment and Land Tribunals of Ontario.  From 2005 to 2009, he was a Chair at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. From 1992 to 2005, he was a managing partner of an Ottawa law firm specializing in labour, employment and human rights.

Michael Gottheil is blind and has deep roots in the disability community.