Labour Board - Members
The Chair, Vice-Chairs, and members of the Labour Board are appointed by the Governor in Council. The Chair is a full time position and the Vice-Chairs and members serve on a part-time basis. While members have generally gained their knowledge and experience from backgrounds in either labour or management, they swear to deal with the matters before them with utmost impartiality as part of their oath of office.
Chair/Vice-Chairs
Jasmine Walsh – ChairJasmine 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.
Leigh Davis owns the law firm Davis Reierson and joined MDW Law currently practicing family law and as 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 client, researching and writing, collective bargaining and labour arbitrations. Her current appointment runs until August 30, 2025.
Julien Matte is owner of the law firm North End Law. He is a Roster Member of Certitude Workplace Investigations. Julien Matte is an Adjudicator for Nova Scotia Small Claims Court and worked for the federal Department of Justice from 2008-2017. Julien Matte is fluent in both English and French. Mr. Matte’s appointment runs until February 2027.
Augustus (Gus) Richardson has been an Adjudicator of the Nova Scotia Small Claims Court since 2001, a member of the Federal Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board since 2018 after having also served from 2010 – 2015. He has operated Ad+Rem ADR Services since 2006 which focuses on arbitration, mediation and appellate work. Gus Richardson previously worked from Ritch Williams Richards Barristers and Solicitor from 1990 -2006 and Lilly Blott Barristers and Solicitors in Toronto from 1985 to 1990. He also served as a law clerk for the Supreme Court in Ontario from 1984 – 1985. Mr. Richardson is active in the Nova Scotia Bar Society, and guest lectures at Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law. Mr. Richardson has been a member of the Labour Board and its predecessor Labour Relations Board since 2006. His current appointment runs until February 2027.
Eric Slone is a labour arbitrator and adjudicator, having extensive experience as a neutral in labour matters, serving as an adjudicator with the Small Claims Court of Nova Scotia. Eric Slone co-taught Administration of the Collective Agreement course at law school from 1992 – 2010. Eric Slone has served on the Labour Board for over 10 years. His current appointment runs until August 30, 2025.
Employee Members
Jean CandyJean 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 Industrial Accident Victims’ Group of Ontario from 2000 to 2005. Robert held various offices including President and Vice-President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union – Local 512 between 993 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.
Troy Colburn has worked as Organizing Coordinator (Atlantic Region) since 2008 and Indigenous Relations Representative since 2017 for Labourer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 615 and is also currently serves as Vice President for LiUNA Local 615 Executive Board. Troy Colburn has taken the Labour Studies Training Program from George Meany Centre for Labour Studies and the Collective Bargaining Practices Training Course from Dalhousie University. MS Colburn’s appointment runs until February 2027.
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.
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 February 2027.
Ginette Jalbert was appointed to the Labour Board as an employee member in February 2021. Ms. Jalbert was formally Vice-President of her union’s 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 2027.
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 2027.
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 (Jack) 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 has served as a member of the Arbitration Advisory Committee. Mr. Wark’s present appointment runs until February 2026.
Peter Zwicker has worked for Bacalao Photography in Lunenburg since 2013. Peter Zwicker was a Planning and Development Officer for Annapolis Valley District Health Authority from 2009-2012 before retiring. Prior to that Peter Zwicker was a Planning and Development Officer for the Nova Scotia Department of health and Wellness from 2004-2009 and was a Program Administration Officer for the Labour Standards Branch of the former Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour between 1988 and 2004. Peter Zwicker was elected a Municipal Coordinator for the Town of Lunenburg in 2004 and re-elected in 2008 and 2012. Mr. Zwicker’s appointment runs until February 2026.
Employer Members
Robin ClarkRobin 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 February 2027.
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, w. 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.
Buddy Lawrence worked for CKF Incorporated from 1981 – 2019, most recently as Vice President Supply Chain. Buddy Lawrence served as chief spokesperson for negotiations between CKF Inc. and its unionized workforce. Buddy Lawrence is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources and has earned certifications in Managing Human Resources and Industrial Relations. Mr. Lawrence’s appointment runs until February 2026.
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.
Calum MacLeod earned a law degree from the University of New Brunswick in 2008 and a B.A. in History from Dalhousie University in 2005. Calum MacLeod has been a Labour Relations Officer with the Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association since 2011. Calum was a Legal Research Associate with the Health Association of Nova Scotia from 2010 – 2011. Ms. MacLeod’s appointment runs until February 2027.
Adrian Morrison was appointed to the Labour Board in November 2017. Mr. Morrison was 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 was the President of the Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association Limited until his retirement. He serves as a board member on several 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