OTTAWA, November 3, 2005 -- The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today announced the official appointment of Ms. Catherine Ebbs as Chair of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police External Review Committee (ERC), following her review by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.“Ms. Ebbs has a distinguished career of public service and I am pleased to confirm her appointment as chair of the External Review Committee,” said Minister McLellan. “I expect the Committee will continue to provide excellent advice on labour relations issues within the RCMP under her leadership.”Ms. Ebbs began her career with the ERC in July 2003. Prior to being appointed Acting Chair on April 4, 2005 , Ms. Ebbs served the Committee as Senior Legal Counsel and Executive Director. In addition to her duties as Acting Chair, Ms. Ebbs has been a valuable resource for the federal Tribunal Member Training Program. From 1987 to 2003, Ms. Ebbs was a member with the National Parole Board of Canada (NPB), and for ten years served as Vice-Chair of the NPB’s Appeal Division. A member of the Bar of Saskatchewan since 1984, Ms. Ebbs obtained her Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2004.The External Review Committee (ERC), established in 1988, is an independent agency reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Under its mandate, the ERC provides civilian oversight of labour relations issues within the RCMP. The Committee reviews grievances as well as appeals regarding formal disciplinary measures.For further information: Alex Swann Director of Communications Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness(613) 991-2863
