December 17, 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 the appointment of Ms. Ginette Brazeau as the new Chairperson of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). She has been appointed for a five-year term and replaces Ms. Elizabeth MacPherson, who had served as Chairperson since 2008.
Ms. Brazeau had served as the Executive Director and General Counsel for the CIRB since 2008. She also brings with her a wealth of management and policy experience from her previous roles as a Senior Director of Strategic Policy and a Director of legislation and research at the Labour Program. In these roles, she provided comprehensive intelligence, guidance and advice on legislation and a myriad of issues affecting labour relations matters in the federally regulated private sector.
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.
