Message from the Chairperson

Since my appointment as the Chairperson of the CIRB a little over a year ago, it has been my commitment to ensure that the Board achieves its mandate of contributing to and promoting a harmonious industrial relations climate in the federally regulated sector as effectively and efficiently as possible.

The demand for CIRB services continues to be high and cases have become increasingly complex. This trend has characterized the Board’s case volume since the enactment of changes to the Canada Labour Code in 1999, and reflects the dynamic nature and driving forces underlying the Canadian industrial relations scene. Nevertheless, the performance of the Board and its adjudicative members continues to improve, as more cases have been disposed of than received for the fourth consecutive year.

Enhancements to operational processes and technical tools have continued to progress in 2004-05, and have contributed to the Board’s efficiency in dealing with matters. Additional measures have been initiated, and will be developed and implemented in the coming years, in consultation with the Board’s stakeholders. In the same vein, the CIRB is putting in place a more formal, regular and broader stakeholder consultation process. The main focus of these consultations will be the discussion of added measures that could be adopted to further expedite the disposition of matters and reduce the number of pending cases – a priority that has been identified by the client community in past consultations.

In light of the continuing challenge to manage its historically high and complex workload, the direction of the CIRB for the years ahead will be its continued focus on the fulfillment of its current mandate with an emphasis on the reduction of pending matters. Toward this end, I am committed to finding new opportunities that will increase the productivity of the CIRB and gain greater efficiencies.