Labour Board Chair, Vice-Chair Named

On June 13, Douglas Ruck will be the first chair of Nova Scotia's new Labour Board and Peter Darby will be appointed as a vice-chair, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Marilyn More announced today, May 31.

The Labour Board hears disputes between employers and the unions that represent their employees. It was formed earlier this year through the merger of four boards that dealt with labour relation issues. The Labour Standards Tribunal and the Occupational Health and Safety Appeal Panel will join the Labour Board this summer.

"The Labour Board will streamline many of the processes that we use to help employers, employees and unions resolve workplace disputes," said Ms. More. "These gentlemen are key to a successful transition to the new organization."

Mr. Ruck is coming home to Nova Scotia after a distinguished legal career in Ontario. He is a former Nova Scotia ombudsman, chair of the Labour Standards Tribunal, vice-chair of the Labour Relations Board, and has chaired many Human Rights boards of inquiry. He is one of the first African Nova Scotians to serve on adjudicative boards and is highly regarded at the Canadian Industrial Relations Board.

"I began my professional career in Nova Scotia and I see this as an opportunity to give back to the community that was a springboard to what has been, and still is, a challenging and rewarding endeavour," said Mr. Ruck.

Mr. Darby was a member of the former labour relations board since 1972, and chaired it on a part-time basis since 1991.

"As a full-time chair, Mr. Ruck will provide leadership to the new board and promote continued improvement in decision-making and board procedures," said Labour Board chief executive officer Mary-Lou Stewart. "Mr. Darby's experience and knowledge will truly be of value to the board members and staff, particularly during the transition phase."

Mr. Ruck's appointment is for five years. Mr. Darby's is for one year.

A recruitment committee -- Rick Clarke, Dennis Grant, Noella Martin and Robert Patzelt -- screened and interviewed the candidates. They were assisted by Wilson's Executive Recruitment.