December 5, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced two new appointments to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB).
Ms. Allison Smith has been appointed to a five-year term as a full-time Vice-Chairperson, effective January 5, 2015. Ms. Smith is a skilled labour and employment lawyer with a mix of private and public practice experience that will provide a balanced perspective to the CIRB.
Ms. Annie Geneviève Berthiaume has also been appointed to a five-year term as a full-time Vice-Chairperson, effective January 26, 2015. Ms. Berthiaume is an expert labour and employment lawyer with extensive experience in providing strategic advice and guidance to management, which will be invaluable in her new role.
Andrew McGrath
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
819-953-5646
andrew.mcgrath@labour-travail.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) is an independent, representational, quasi-judicial tribunal responsible for the interpretation and administration of Part I (Industrial Relations) of the Canada Labour Code, certain provisions of Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code and Part II (Professional Relations) of the Status of the Artist Act. The Board’s expertise and composition allow it to deal effectively with the complexities of labour relations issues, to determine the underlying causes of disputes and to facilitate agreement among the parties.
The Board’s mandate is to contribute to and promote a harmonious industrial relations climate in the federally regulated sector through the impartial, effective and appropriate administration of the rules of conduct that govern labour and management in their representational and bargaining activities.
The CIRB undertakes a wide range of industrial relations activities in matters related to federal jurisdiction industries. These activities include certifying trade unions, investigating complaints of unfair labour practice, issuing cease and desist orders in cases of unlawful strikes and lockouts, rendering decisions on jurisdictional issues and dealing with complex situations arising from a sale of business. It does so with a commitment to process, hear and determine applications and complaints fairly, expeditiously and economically. Before adjudication, it plays an active role in helping parties to resolve their disputes through mediation and alternative dispute resolution approaches.
The Board engages in consultation with its clients and ensures open lines of communication with the industrial relations community. It also fulfills a vital function in recognizing and protecting the rights of employees and employers and in constructively resolving conflicts.
