Ray Ivany Chair of Workers' Compensation Board

Ray Ivany, a key leader in the expansion of the Nova Scotia Community College, has been appointed chair of the Workers' Compensation Board.

Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour, said today, May 15, the appointment followed a great deal of work by a search committee with representatives from the board and employer and employee stakeholders.

"Mr. Ivany is a dynamic, experienced leader and I know he will make a tremendous contribution to the Workers' Compensation Board and everyone it serves," said Mr. Parent.

Mr. Ivany is well-known for his seven years (1998-2005) as president and CEO of Nova Scotia Community College.

In that period, the college undertook a significant transformation in academic programming, enrolment growth and infrastructure through a $123-million capital investment by the provincial government

Mr. Parent said the new chair's experience in occupational safety fits well with the board's accident-prevention mandate.

Mr. Ivany's extensive academic background includes a master's degree in environmental health and industrial hygiene, and he was the director of the Centre for Occupational Health and Safety at the University College of Cape Breton from 1986 to 1988.

He was also executive vice president of UCCB, now Cape Breton University, from 1994 to 1998.

The appointment takes effect May 16.

Mr. Ivany will receive a $20,000 honorarium per year, plus $300 per day to a maximum of $50,000.

With $1.1 billion in assets, the Workers' Compensation Board supports injured workers and their employers by providing compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses and medical and rehabilitative support.