Government Makes UARB Appointments

Government has appointed two full-time members to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

Richard Melanson and Steven Murphy have been appointed to the board. Mr. Melanson of Halifax is a lawyer. Mr. Murphy, also of Halifax, has a professional engineering background, a requirement for that appointment.

The independent, quasi-judicial board has been granted a number of powers under the Utility and Review Board Act and other legislation. For example, it sets electricity rates, water rates, gasoline and diesel prices and rates movies.

The appointments result from a rigorous selection process similar to that used for provincial judicial appointments.

The board consists of up to 10 full-time members appointed by the Governor in Council. Each full-time member holds office on good behaviour until the age of 70.