Government of Canada announces appointment of additional Social Security Tribunal members

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, announced today the appointment of one full-time member and 22 part-time members to the Social Security Tribunal (SST).

Aidan B. Beresford was appointed as a full-time member.

Lan An, Ramon Andal, Barry David Barnes, Michael Beauchesne, Angela Ryan Bourgeois, Anne Clark, Judy Daniels, Verlyn F. Francis, Jason Glover, W. Jeff Honey, Shawnessy Johnson, Jackie Laidlaw, Leonard R. Lyn, Nicole Mondou, Catherine Patterson, Mathieu Picard, Adam T. Picotte, John F. L. Rose, Anna Truong, Pierre M. Vanderhout, Jane Wong and Nicole I. Zwiers were appointed as part-time members.

All appointees were selected from a pool of qualified candidates after passing a rigorous, merit-based selection process that includes a public notice of vacancy, pre-screening of applications, written assessments, interview with a panel and reference checks.

The SST began its operations on April 1, 2013.

For more information on the SST, visit canada.gc.ca/sst-tss.

Quick Facts

• The SST is a single decision-making body that consolidates the work previously done by four separate tribunals. It simplifies the appeal processes for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and Employment Insurance (EI) with a single point of contact, while providing greater value for Canadians.
  
  
• The SST 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 CPP and OAS appeals. The Appeal Division is the second level.

Quote

"The members and staff of the Social Security Tribunal are implementing simplified, efficient and effective appeal processes that will improve administrative justice for Canadians.These 23 new members bring a wide variety of professional experience, education and exemplary leadership skills, making them excellent additions to the Social Security Tribunal."
– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism

Related Product

• SST backgrounder (including new SST member biographies)

Associated Link

• Social Security Tribunal

Backgrounder

Social Security Tribunal

Announced in Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012, the new Social Security Tribunal (SST) replaces the four separate tribunals for social security appeals. It is an administrative tribunal with quasi-judicial powers and provides fair, credible, impartial and independent appeal processes for government decisions on Employment Insurance (EI), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS).

The new tribunal system simplifies and streamlines the process for appellants by providing them with a single decision-making body for EI, CPP and OAS appeals. The SST is led by a chairperson and three vice-chairpersons appointed by the Governor in Council. The SST comprises two levels of appeal. For the first level of appeal, a vice-chairperson heads each of the EI and Income Security (CPP and OAS) sections of the General Division. The third vice-chairperson heads the Appeal Division, which is the second level of appeal. The Appeal Division decides appeals of decisions made by the General Division.

On March 12, 2013, Ms. Murielle Brazeau was appointed to the role of Chairperson of the SST, and 72 full-time members and 22 part-time members have been appointed by the Governor in Council. Members have been appointed from all regions of the country to ensure fairness and regional distribution

Members of the SST are expected to maintain the public trust and avoid any conflicts of interest. These members are also supported by advisors with legal and medical expertise and have access to professional training.

For more information on the SST, visit canada.gc.ca/sst-tss.

NEWLY APPOINTED SOCIAL SECURITY TRIBUNAL MEMBERS

Lan An (Toronto, Ontario)
Ms. An holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Standing) with a double major in Asian Studies and Philosophy from the University of British Columbia. Ms. An was a law clerk at the Federal Court of Canada. She has worked as an Associate for Brownlee LLP and for Dunlap Law Professional Corporation. She has over six years of experience working for the Government of Canada and is currently a Legal Counsel at Justice Canada. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Ramon Andal (Mississauga, Ontario)
Mr. Andal holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario as well as a Bachelor of Laws (Civil Law) from the University of the Philippines. Mr. Andal is currently Sole Practitioner of Andal Law Office. His practice focusses on administrative law, human rights, employment law, health law and insurance litigation, among other areas. He has authored and been a contributing editor to various publications in the field of law. He has also presented at many lectures, seminars and workshops. His appointment came into effect on November 27, 2014. 

Barry David Barnes, MA (Thornhill, Ontario)
Mr. Barnes has a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Education and Applied Social Science and a Master of Arts in Educational Technology. Mr. Barnes was most recently a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) and, as such, has adjudicated hundreds of refugee claims. Prior to joining the IRB, Mr. Barnes had a long career in a variety of sectors, including retail, manufacturing, consumer products, construction, banking, academia and consulting. He has worked with organizations such as the Business Development Bank of Canada, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, Imasco, Otis, Lafarge and his own consulting practice, The Crystalpines Group. His appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Michael Beauchesne, MBA (Bracebridge, Ontario)
Mr. Beauchesne obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario's Richard Ivey School of Business. He also has a certificate in adjudication for administrative agencies, boards and tribunals from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Mr. Beauchesne's experience as an adjudicator includes three years as a member of the Parole Board of Canada. His business experience includes senior management roles in corporate operations with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and as a director with the Canadian Automobile Association's largest Ontario club. Mr. Beauchesne, a past member of the Canadian Forces, is an active community volunteer and currently serves as President of the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka's Board of Directors. His appointment came into effect on October 9, 2014.

Aidan B. Beresford, Q.C. (Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador)
Mr. Beresford holds a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University in Halifax and has completed regular upgrading in Legal Education Courses offered by the Law Society. A member of the Canadian Bar Association since 1982, he currently acts as Commissioner for the Town of Gander. Mr. Beresford has worked as a Legal Member of the Review Tribunal, for which he has written the majority of decisions for hearings. He has also worked as an Adjudicator for the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador, as a lawyer in a private practice and as a sole practitioner for 13 years. His appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Angela Ryan Bourgeois (Amherst, Nova Scotia)
Ms. Bourgeois is currently a partner and lawyer with the law firm of Creighton Shatford. She is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of New Brunswick, Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. She donates her time as a member of the Zonta Club of Amherst Area and the Rotary Club of Amherst. Ms. Bourgeois has a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. She has also completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a concentration in Sociology and Anthropology from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Anne Clark (Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia)
Ms. Clark holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. For more than 20 years, Ms. Clark has worked as an advocate, decision maker and senior executive within the public service in Nova Scotia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. She is also a member in good standing of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society and volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross Disaster Management Team and the Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Judy (Jude) Daniels (Canmore, Alberta)
Ms. Daniels has over 17 years of experience working in the oil and gas sector and extensive experience with regulatory matters and the economic, social and environmental effects in Aboriginal communities. She is currently Sole Practitioner of Jude Daniels Law Office. Her practice focusses on negotiation of benefit agreements, child welfare, regulatory law matters and training of Aboriginal Relations and Land Department personnel. Ms. Daniels holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Social Welfare degree from the University of Calgary and a Social Services Worker diploma from Grant MacEwan Community College. Her appointment came into effect on October 9, 2014.

Verlyn F. Francis (Toronto, Ontario)
Ms. Francis holds a Certificate in Adjudication from the Society of Ontario Adjudicators and Regulators and is a certified mediator. She is currently a lawyer at the Law Office of Verlyn F. Francis, a mediator for the Francis Law Centre, an advisor for Environmental and Land Tribunals Ontario and a board member for the Ontario Arts Council. Ms. Francis holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University and is expected to receive a Master of Laws in 2015, specializing in Alternate Dispute Resolution, from the same institution. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Jason Glover (Toronto, Ontario)
Mr. Glover has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History and a minor in Political Science from the University of Toronto. He is currently employed at the Etobicoke Probation Office as a Probation & Parole Officer for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services in Toronto. Mr. Glover was also a Correctional Officer and Police Officer with the Peel Regional Police Service. Mr. Glover donates his time as a volunteer for multiple organizations, including the Ontario Public Service Ambassador Program, the Ontario Justice Education Network, the University of Guelph-Humber, JVS Toronto, the United Way, Federated Health and the Toronto Police Widow and Orphan Fund. His appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

W. Jeff Honey (Mono, Ontario)
Mr. Honey holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School, following undergraduate studies in Psychology from York University. Mr. Honey has been a Sole Practitioner for over 25 years and currently specializes in criminal defence work for both private and legally aided clients. He is also a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada as well as the York Region and Simcoe County Law Associations. His appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Shawnessy Johnson (Toronto, Ontario)
Ms. Johnson has 17 years of professional experience, including business consulting and participation, as a community member on a key Canadian quasi-judicial tribunal. As such, she was responsible for reading, analyzing and evaluating arguments and applying sound judgement to written Reasons for Decision. Ms. Johnson holds a Master of Arts degree in History from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Carleton University in Ottawa. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Jackie Laidlaw (Toronto, Ontario)
Ms. Laidlaw is currently a mediator for the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. She is also a coach for certified dispute resolution courses at York University. Ms. Laidlaw has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario. She has also obtained a certificate in Private Investigation with Honours and completed the Administrative Tribunals course from Humber College. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Leonard R. Lyn, B.A., J.D. (Mississauga, Ontario)
Mr. Lyn has a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Philosophy and Crime & Deviance and a minor in Sociology from the University of Toronto. He has also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, where he completed the Intensive Program in Poverty Law. Mr. Lyn is currently a partner at Singh Lyn LLP, Barristers & Solicitors. He also donates his time to many organizations, including as Chair of the Mississauga Appeal Tribunal. His appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Nicole Mondou (Ottawa, Ontario)
Ms. Mondou holds a Master's degree in Taxation from the Université de Sherbrooke and a Civil Law degree from the Université de Montréal. She has also completed courses in common law at the University of Ottawa and the Université de Moncton. A member of the Quebec Bar since 1981, Ms. Mondou has mostly practised in the private sector and is currently on a sabbatical to conduct tax research. She also donates her time as Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee of Optimistic International, East-Ontario District. Her appointment came into effect on October 9, 2014.

Catherine Patterson (London, Ontario)
Ms. Patterson is a partner at Ferguson Patterson Professional Corporation, where she has appeared before numerous tribunals and at all levels of the Ontario Courts. Ms. Patterson has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia. She is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Advocate's Society and the Middlesex Law Association. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Mathieu Picard (Dieppe, New Brunswick)
Mr. Picard has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance and a Juris Doctor degree from the Université de Moncton. He is currently a lawyer for Fidelis Law Droit, where he represents clients in legal proceedings in both official languages. Mr. Picard is a practising insured member of the New Brunswick Law Society, a member of the Atlantic Provinces Trials Lawyers Association and a member of the Association of French-Speaking Jurists of New Brunswick. Mr. Picard is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association. His appointment came into effect on October 9, 2014.

Adam T. Picotte (Richmond, British Columbia) 
Mr. Picotte holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and a Bachelor of Arts - Honours from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. He is currently employed as a WCB advocate for the Health Sciences Association of British Columbia, where he provides advice, assistance and representation to injured workers. In addition, he is a member of the British Columbia Law Society, involved in the Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Branch and a legal volunteer to CHIMO Crisis Services in Richmond. His appointment came into effect on October 9, 2014.

John F. L. Rose, B.Ph.Ed., LL.B. (Port McNicoll, Ontario)
Called to the bar in 1996, Mr. Rose has been a Sole Practitioner for over 10 years. His practice focuses on employment, labour, civil and family law. He has appeared in all levels of Ontario courts and many employment and labour law tribunals and was appointed a small claims court deputy judge in 2008. Mr. Rose has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Physical Education from Brock University. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Deputy Judges Association and Simcoe County Family Law Lawyers Association. His appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Anna Truong (Hamilton, Ontario)
Ms. Truong holds a Juris Doctor of Law from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies with a specialization in Finance and Administration from the University of Western Ontario. She is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and speaks fluent Vietnamese. Ms. Truong is currently employed as a lawyer at a personal injury law firm in Hamilton, Ontario, and previously worked for a boutique medical malpractice firm in London, Ontario. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

Pierre M. Vanderhout (Kingston, Ontario)
Mr. Vanderhout has over 15 years' experience in law. He worked most recently as a Senior Legal Counsel at the Empire Life Insurance Company in Kingston and previously worked as an associate lawyer at the law firm of Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP. Mr. Vanderhout holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics) and Bachelor of Commerce, all from Queen's University in Kingston. His appointment came into effect on October 9, 2014.

Jane Wong (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Ms. Wong has over 20 years of health care experience spanning clinical pharmacy, health care management and health human resources planning and development. She is currently self-employed working as a pharmacy consultant and relief pharmacist. Ms. Wong holds a Bachelor of Laws from and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, both from the University of British Columbia. Among other professional memberships, she is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and a non-practising member of the Law Society of British Columbia. Her appointment came into effect on October 9, 2014.

Nicole I. Zwiers (Whitby, Ontario)
Ms. Zwiers is a full-time law professor with Durham College currently teaching law and ethics and with experience teaching various law courses including administrative law, contract and tort law, business law, marketing law and advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Queen's University Law School in Kingston and a Bachelor in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario. She is also member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Her appointment came into effect on October 30, 2014.

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada