Labour Board - Members

Jasmine Walsh has been engaged with the labour and employment sectors in Nova Scotia for two decades, as a lawyer specializing in labour, employment and pension law, as a labour relations specialist and in an executive role responsible for a wide scope of Human Resources as well as equity and accessibility functions at Dalhousie University. With leadership experience in dispute resolution, labour relationships, and equity diversity inclusiveness and accessibility, Jasmine is deeply committed to fairness at work.

Jasmine Walsh is a graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland (BA, 1998) and Dalhousie University (LLB, 2003) and a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Index.

Susan Ashley has practiced alternative dispute resolution, specializing in labour and employment arbitration and mediation, since 1993. Ms. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University. Her extensive arbitration experience has included acting as a Selector in the Final Offer Selection Process which ended the 2001 Nova Scotia healthcare professionals strike, and acting as a federal arbitrator imposing the final package for workers affected by the closure of the Cape Breton Development Corporation. Her extensive arbitration experience includes labour relations, occupational health and safety, human rights and employment matters.

Ms. Ashley has been a Vice-Chair (1993-1995) and Chair (1995-2003) of the former Labour Standards Tribunal, and a Vice-Chair (1996-1999 & 2006-2011) of the former Labour Relations Board/Construction Industry Panel. She was the Chair of the former Highway Workers Employee Relations Board and a former Associate Dean of the Dalhousie Law School. Ms. Ashley’s present appointment runs until February 2024.

Leigh Davis owns the law firm Davis Reierson, currently practices family law and is an Adjudicator for the Small Claims Court of Nova Scotia. Leigh began her legal career in the area of labour law, and has extensive experience in providing advice to clients, research and writing, collective bargaining, and labour arbitrations. The appointment runs until August 2025.

Fluently bilingual, Lynne J. Poirier graduated from L’Université de Moncton Law School in 1997. Living in Hammonds Plains, NS, she has been practicing as a dispute resolution neutral since 2015, operating under the business name of Poirier ADR Inc. Her focus is the mediation and arbitration of labour and employment disputes, and the investigation of workplace misconduct. Before launching Poirier ADR Inc., Ms. Poirier practiced law in-house in Halifax, Ottawa and Toronto. She also has extensive labour and employment law experience practicing in national and boutique firms in Ottawa and Toronto.

Ms. Poirier is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada (1999), the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (2011), the Canadian Bar Association, as well as the ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution) Institute of Canada. She is a Member of the Board of ADR Atlantic Institute, and holds the professional designations of Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) and Qualified Arbitrator (Q. Arb) from the ADR Institute of Canada. She also is a roster adjudicator for the Professional Institute of Public Service of Canada’s disciplinary appeal panels under its Dispute Resolution and Discipline Policy. Ms. Poirier’s appointment runs until April 2023.

Gus Richardson was a Vice-Chair of the former Labour Relations Board since 2006. Mr. Richardson holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts from Essex University. He has conducted an active arbitration and mediation practice since 2003, and has served as an Adjudicator of the Nova Scotia Small Claims Court since 2001. His extensive arbitration experience includes labour relations, occupational health and safety and employment law matters. He is a member of both the Ontario (1984) and Nova Scotia bars (1990).

Mr. Richardson has taught business law at Saint Mary’s University, and has been a guest lecturer on costs at the Dalhousie Law School. He is consulted frequently on motor vehicle, professional liability and product liability issues. He has published a number of papers on a variety of legal issues. Mr. Richardson’s present appointment runs until February 2024.

Eric Slone is a labour arbitrator and adjudicator, having extensive experience as a neutral in labour matters, and is an Adjudicator with the Small Claims Court of Nova Scotia. Eric Slone co-taught a law school course on the Administration of the Collective Agreement from 1992 to 2010. Eric Slone has previously served on the Labour Board as a vice chair member for a period of 9 years ending in 2016. The appointment runs until August 2025.

Jean Candy was appointed to the Labour Board in November 2019. Ms. Candy was employed by the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union for 20 + years. She served as a Labour Relations representative for the Union from 1996 to 2006, and the Executive Director from 2006 until 2019. She has significant knowledge and experience with grievances, arbitrations, occupational health and safety issues, and matters before the Labour Board. Ms. Candy’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Robert Champagne was Legal Counsel for United Steelworkers from 2002 until 2020. Robert is a member of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers and the Law Society of Ontario. Robert was a member of the Board of Directors of the Industrial Accident Victims' Group of Ontario from 2000 to 2005. Prior to his law career, Robert held various union offices including President and Vice-President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union – Local 512 between 1993 and 2000. Robert’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Brittany Colburn is an Indigenous Relations Representative for the Laborers' International Union of North America. Brittany sits on the Laborers' International Union of North America Women's Caucus Steering Committee. Brittany is a member of the Construction Safety Nova Scotia Board of Directors. Brittany is a member of the Nova Scotia Inclusive Employment Collaborator Network (NSIEC). Brittany's present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Cordell Cole was a member of the former Labour Relations Board (Construction Industry Panel) since November 2007. Mr. Cole is an interprovincial journeyman electrician with over 20 years’ experience in the electrical industry. He is the President of the Mainland Nova Scotia Building and Construction Trades Council, and has been the Business Manager/Financial Secretary of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 625 since 2002. Mr. Cole’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Paul Cormier was appointed to the Labour Board as an Employee member in February 2021. Mr. Cormier is certified as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional and is Owner/Senior Safety Consultant, CC Safety & Compliance Services Inc. He was formerly an OHS officer with Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, a safety specialist with NS Power and OHS officer with NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education. Mr. Cormier’s present appointment runs until February 2024.

Tom Griffiths was first appointed to the Labour Board in November 2017. Mr. Griffiths is an Assistant Business Manager with IBEW, Local 625. Prior to this position, he was responsible for union recruitment and community relations as the Membership Development Officer. Mr. Griffiths has been a delegate of the Building Trades for over 10 years. Mr. Griffiths has significant knowledge and experience in Labour Relations. Mr. Griffith’s present appointment runs until November 2023.

Ginette Jalbert was appointed to the Labour Board as an employee member in February 2021. Ms Jalbert was formally Vice-President of Local, at the Canadian Human Rights Commission. She has had the opportunity to work in all areas related to labour relations in the Federal government and Directly Chartered Locals. She was part of the Union bargaining committee at Radio Québec Ms. Jalbert’s present appointment runs until February 2024.

Brad Long was appointed to the Labour Board as an employee member in February 2021. Mr. Long has held numerous positions of leadership in industry, academia and organized labour. He is a university instructor at St. Francis Xavier University in the field of management with specialization in ethics, leadership, and human resource management. Mr. Long’s present appointment runs until February 2024.

Martin MacPhee was appointed to the Labour Board November 2019. Mr. MacPhee was employed by Nova Scotia Power as a Chemical Engineering Technologist (1974-2015) and a Safety Specialist (2017). During this period, he served on the employer negotiation committee, Labour and Management Relations and was co-chair of the JOHS Committee. He also served as the facilitator for the annual Labour Pool Safety Training. Mr. MacPhee was Shop Stewart with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1928 for 40 years. During this period, he served as Unit Chairman and was a member of the Executive Board of Local 1928. Mr. MacPhee was also a member of the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council for 7 years. As a member of the Council, he sat on various sub-committees including Administrative Penalties legislation, Violence in the Workplace regulations and Phase 1 & 2 of the new Workplace Health and Safety regulations under the Occupational Safety General Regulations. Mr. MacPhee’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2025.

Andrew MacFarlane was a President of Local Lodge 1963 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers from 2002 to 2020.  Andrew became a General Chairperson of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in 2020.  Andrew was Co-Chairperson of the National Negotiating Committee negotiating collective agreements with Air Canada.  Andrew has 35 years of work experience with Air Canada.  Andrew's present appointment runs until January 24, 2025.

Tom Patterson was a member of the former Labour Relations Board since August 2004. Mr. Patterson’s labour relations career spans over 30 years. For much of his career, he served as the Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Nurses Union. Mr. Patterson has significant knowledge and experience in occupational health and safety, employment and labour relations matters, including administering and negotiating collective agreements and conducting labour relations educational programs. Mr. Patterson’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2025.

Deborah Ryan was a member of the former Occupational Health and Safety Appeal Panel since February 1997. Ms. Ryan is a director on the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and a former Employee Relations Officer for Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union. She has extensive knowledge of labour relations including contract interpretation and negotiation; and has experience with labour standards matters. She is a member of the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council and was an Occupational Health and Safety instructor for provincial employees. Ms. Ryan’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Jameal Wall was appointed to the Labour Board November 2019. Mr. Wall is the President of the Cape Breton Island Building & Construction Trades Council. He has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, He has been the Business Manager/Financial Secretary of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 56 since 2005. Mr. Wall has served on numerous negotiation committees and settled many contracts with different trades during his career. He is Vice President of the Canadian Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers; and past President and Vice President of the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council. He is a member representing the Construction Sector of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Board until May 28, 2021. Mr. Wall's present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Larry Wark was a member of the former Labour Relations Board since November 2010. Mr. Wark is a former Area Director of the Canadian Auto Workers’ Union (CAW Canada). He has over 40 years representing unionized employees where he gained experience and knowledge in occupational health and safety matters. Mr. Wark has extensive labour relations experience including union organizing campaigns, collective bargaining, and representation at arbitration proceedings. Mr. Wark is on the Advisory Committee to the Non-Binding Arbitration Program (formerly known as the Labour Management Forum) and is a member of the Arbitration Advisory Committee. Mr. Wark’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Rick Anderson was appointed to the Labour Board in September 2015. Mr. Anderson has over 40 years of broad Human Resources and Labour Relations experience gained in the Municipal and Provincial sectors. During his career, he has worked as a negotiator, mediator, Senior Administrator, presented at Interest arbitration and on occasion sat as an arbitration board member. Immediately prior to retirement in 2013 he served 12 years as Senior Director, Health Sector Labour Relations for the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. His present appointment runs until January 24, 2024.

Kenneth Chisholm was appointed to the Labour Board in November 2017. Mr. Chisholm is an Atlantic Regional Rep with the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. He represents over 100 members in the Atlantic Canada Steel Industry, focusing on the promotion of steel in the construction industry. Mr. Chisholm has served as Project Manager and Labour Relations Advisor for several major contractors across Canada since 2008. Prior to this, he was a Business Representative with the Carpenters Union for 9 years. Mr. Chisholm was a member of the Board of Directors with the Construction Association of Nova Scotia (2015 – 2010); and Past Chairman, Executive, Board of Directors with the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (1998 – 2015). Mr. Chisholm's present appointment runs until February 2024.

Robin D. Clark was appointed to the Labour Board in March 2014 as an Employee Member and as an Employer Member in 2020. Mr. Clark has over forty years of experience in public safety and occupational health and safety. He is trained in labour relations, negotiation and conflict resolution, and public and police sector management. He holds several occupational health and safety designations and works as an occupational health and safety consultant. Mr. Clark’s appointment runs until May 2023.

Paul Dubé is President of the MERIT Contractors Association of Nova Scotia. Paul was Chief Executive Officer of the MERIT Contractors Association of Newfoundland and Labrador from 2011 to 2019. Paul is Director of the Office of Employer Advisor Nova Scotia. Paul is Director of the Canadian Society of Association Executives – Atlantic Council. Paul's present appointment runs until January 24, 2025.

George Fox has been an Employer Member of the former Labour Relations Board and current Labour Board since October 2006, with his present appointment running until November 2022. He has held a variety of senior executive positions within the Nova Scotia Provincial Government, including Deputy Minister of the Departments of Labour and Environment; Chair of the Skills NS Task Force and Deputy Ministers Steering Committee on Restructuring; as well as Director of Corporate Services and Staff Relations with the NS Department of Human Resources (now the NS Public Service Commission), including 10 years as the Province’s Chief Negotiator in collective bargaining; Chief Executive Officer, NS Public Sector Compensation Restraint Board; and Chair, Board of Trustees, NS Public Service Long Term Disability Plan Trust Fund. As Deputy Minister of the Department of Labour, he was accountable for ensuring employment and labour relations policy and practice within the Province of Nova Scotia were administered in a fair and consistent manner within the broad legislative framework of Labour Standards Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Trade Union Act, and oversaw the department’s provision of neutral third party conciliation, mediation and dispute resolution between labour and management in unionized private and public sector collective bargaining. During 10 years as the Province’s Chief Negotiator, he led collective bargaining with the NS Government and General Employees Union under the legislative umbrella of the Civil Service Collective Bargaining Act, as well advising during labour negotiations under the Corrections Act, the Highway Workers’ Collective Bargaining Act, and the Teachers’ Collective Bargaining Act.With his present appointment running until January 24, 2025.

Carl Gannon was appointed to the Labour Board as an employer member in February 2021. Mr. Gannon is Human Resources Manager for Commissionaires Nova Scotia. He held previous positions at DND where he advised and interpreted collective agreements, legislation, policies, and procedures. He has participated in mediations, tribunals adjudication/arbitrations and Federal Court hearings as management rep. Mr. Gannon’s present appointment runs until February 2024.

Gordon MacLean has more than 40 years’ experience in human resources management and labour relations. He held various senior positions in the Cape Breton coal industry with Devco including Vice President of Human Resources. He was Director of Human Resources at Cape Breton University for 5 years and was subsequently employed by the Province of Nova Scotia for 13 years where he held the position of Executive Director, Employee Relations & Compensation. He has negotiated many collective agreements and is very familiar with all forms of labour relations activities. Currently retired, he serves on the Board for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Pension Plan, as well as the Labour Board. Mr. MacLean’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2025.

J Harris McNamara was appointed to the Labour Board in November 2017.  Mr. McNamara is the Health and Safety and Security Director on the Maritime Link project for Emera.  His responsibilities include liaising with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board for health and safety issues, and working with unions to improve health and safety standards on construction sites both provincially and nationally.  Mr. McNamara held various positions of increasing health, safety and security responsibilities with Emera over his 32-year career, including Director – Emera Safety, and NSP Safety Manager and Safety Specialist.  He has significant knowledge and experience in the construction industry.  Mr. McNamara is Co-Chair of the OHS Advisory Council; is member of the Board of Directors for the Construction Association of Nova Scotia; and, Chairperson for the Canadian Electricity Association.   Mr. McNamara’s present appointment runs until February 2024.

Adrian Morrison was appointed to the Labour Board in November 2017. Mr. Morrison is a Regional Vice President of Black & McDonald Limited, responsible for Atlantic Canada and Bermuda. Mr. Morrison has significant knowledge and experience in the construction industry. Mr. Morrison chaired the CANS-IWK Capital Campaign in 2014 – 15 which raised over $1.5M to help renovate and modernize the NICU. He is a champion of Techsploration, an organization providing young women with opportunities to explore science, trades and technology occupations. He served for many years as a Director of the Millwrights Trade Classification with CLRA. Mr. Morrison’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Connie Nolan was appointed to the Labour Board in November of 2018. Ms. Nolan is the Chief Administrative Officer with the Municipality of East Hants. In her role, she has developed a thorough knowledge of both the Labour Standards Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Ms. Nolan has, and continues to make contributions to the community in both professional and voluntary capacities. She is a Board Member of the Property Valuation Services Corporation. She is Past President of the Association of Municipal Administrators, and was a Volunteer/Trainer, International Aid Program in Guyana, SA through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Ms. Nolan’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Susan Power was appointed to the Labour Board in November 2019. Ms. Power is Owner and CEO of Power HR Inc., offering leadership to business transformation through leadership development coaching, human resources consulting, organizational change management, HR policy analysis and training and project management. Ms. Power’s present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.

Allan Stapleton was a member of the former Labour Relations Board since 2009. Mr. Stapleton is the President of the Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association Limited. He serves as a board member on a number of construction-related committees and has over 35 years of experience in the unionized construction sector. Mr. Stapleton's present appointment runs until January 24, 2026.