Government of Canada announces appointment of Social Security Tribunal members

OTTAWA, Sept. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Children, Families and Social Development, today announced the appointment of six new members to the Social Security Tribunal.

Ms. Leila Handanovic and Mr. Christopher Pike were appointed as full-time members, while Mr. Paul Dusome, Ms. Kirsten Goodwin, Ms. Maria Marchese and Ms. Amanda Pezzutto were appointed as part-time members of the Employment Insurance (EI) section of the Tribunal's General Division.

These appointments are part of the rigorous new approach to Governor in Council appointments—one where an open, transparent and merit-based selection process supports ministers in making appointment recommendations for positions within their portfolio. The Tribunal renders fair and impartial decisions on appeals regarding the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and EI claims for benefits.

Quote

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of these new members to the Tribunal. They are diverse and talented candidates who will work hard to serve the public interest."
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Quick Facts

  • Full-time members are appointed for terms up to five years and part-time members for up to two years.
  • As an administrative tribunal with quasi-judicial powers, the Social Security Tribunal of Canada has the responsibility of making decisions on appeals from Employment and Social Development Canada relating to the CPP, OAS and decisions of the Canada Employment Insurance Commission on EI matters.
  • The Tribunal comprises 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 and hears appeals from both sections of the General Division.

Further Information

  • Biographies of newly appointed Social Security Tribunal members

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Biographies

Paul W. Dusome – Barrie, Ontario

Mr. Dusome is a Deputy Judge for the Small Claims Court of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, responsible for conducting settlement conferences, motions, trials and judgement-debtor examinations. In addition, Mr. Dusome is a sole practitioner in family, criminal, residential tenancy and wills and estates law. Mr. Dusome holds a Master of Laws in criminal law and procedure from the Osgoode Hall Law School and has been a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada since 1979.

Mr. Dusome will become a part-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. His appointment came into effect on September 12, 2016.

Kirsten M. Goodwin – Gatineau, Quebec

Ms. Goodwin has practiced trade law in the public and private sectors for over 20 years. She is currently an international trade and regulatory affairs consultant and sole practitioner in international trade law. Ms. Goodwin holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia. She has been a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada since 2004 and was previously a member of the Law Society of British Columbia from 1993 to 2004.  

Ms. Goodwin will become a part-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. Her appointment came into effect on September 12, 2016.

Leila Handanovic – Hamilton, Ontario

Ms. Handanovic is highly effective and skillful in conflict resolution. Before being appointed to the SST, Ms. Handanovic worked as a Labour Affairs Officer for the Labour Program within Employment and Social Development Canada. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Ms. Handanovic will become a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. Her appointment will come into effect on October 11, 2016.

Maria Marchese – Woodbridge, Ontario

Ms. Marchese is an elected Trustee with the York Catholic District School Board and is also the Director for the Workplace Safety and Compensation Policy for Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association. She also served as a member on the Employment Insurance Board of Referees for over seven years. She is a member of the Law Commission of Ontario's Community Council and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto.

Ms. Marchese will become a part-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. Her appointment came into effect on September 12, 2016.

Amanda M. Pezzutto – Vancouver, British Columbia

Ms. Pezzutto has several years of experience working for the Government of Canada with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as well as with Service Canada, where she gained experience with the Employment Insurance file. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia. She is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation and volunteers with the Urban Native Youth Association in Vancouver.

Ms. Pezzutto will become a part-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. Her appointment came into effect on September 12, 2016.

Christopher D.G. Pike – St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Pike has over 25 years of experience in law and is currently working for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as a Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Review Commissioner. Over the years, Mr. Pike has been a committee member for the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Bar Association. He has received many awards and honours for his contributions and achievements within the community and has authored several publications. Mr. Pike holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick.

Mr. Pike will become a full-time member of the Employment Insurance section of the Tribunal's General Division. His appointment will come into effect on October 11, 2016.

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

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