Home Newsroom 2006 News releases 2006-05-29: New Chairperson of the National Parole Board

Stockwell Day announces appointment of new Chairperson of the National Parole Board

OTTAWA, May 29, 2006 -- The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today announced the appointment of Mario Dion as Chairperson of the National Parole Board for a period of three years effective May 29, 2006.

Mr. Dion of Ottawa, Ontario, has held a number of senior positions in the federal public service, most recently as Executive Director and Deputy Head of the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolutions of Canada and Associate Deputy Minister of Justice. He brings to his new position a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area of the law, having previously spent a number of years with the Correctional Service of Canada and the National Parole Board.

The National Parole Board is an independent tribunal which makes decisions on the timing and conditions of release of offenders on parole. As part of the criminal justice system, the Board contributes to the protection of society through the timely re-integration of offenders into the community. The Board’s first and foremost consideration in its decision-making is the safety of the public.

See also:

• Biographical notes for Mr. Dion.

For further information:

John Vandoremalen
National Parole Board
(613) 954-6547

Media Relations
Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-0657

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
(613) 991-2863

Biographical notes: Mario Dion

Date of birth: October 1956

Education: LL.L., University of Ottawa

Professional Experience

Since April 2003
Executive Director and Deputy Head, Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution of Canada

1997 to 2003
Associate Deputy Minister of Justice (Civil Law and Corporate Management)

1996 to 1997
Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and Counsel

1995 to 1996
Associate Deputy Minister of Justice

1993 to 1995
Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Management, Policy and Programs Sector,
Department of Justice

1992 to 1993
Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Management, Department of Justice

1990 to 1992
Deputy Commissioner, Correctional Programs and Operations, Correctional Service of Canada

1988 to 1990
Assistant Commissioner, Communications and Corporate Development, Correctional Service of Canada

1987 to 1988
Senior Counsel, National Parole Board

1980 to 1987
Legal Counsel and Senior Counsel, Correctional Service of Canada

1980
Articling Student, Legal Services, Department of Justice