Date: 20050524

Docket: A-613-04

Citation: 2005 FCA 198

CORAM:       LINDEN J.A.

ROTHSTEIN J.A.

NOËL J.A.

BETWEEN:

                                                                 LYNNE READ

Applicant

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                           and

MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

(formerly Minister of Human Resources Development)

Respondent

Heard at Toronto, Ontario, on May 24, 2005.

Judgment delivered from the Bench at Toronto, Ontario, on May 24, 2005.

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE COURT BY:                                           ROTHSTEIN J.A.

Date: 20050524

Docket: A-613-04

Citation: 2005 FCA 198

CORAM:       LINDEN J.A.

ROTHSTEIN J.A.

NOËL J.A.

BETWEEN:

                                                                 LYNNE READ

Applicant

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                           and

MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

(formerly Minister of Human Resources Development)

Respondent

                                    REASONS FOR JUDGMENT OF THE COURT

                        (Delivered from the Bench at Toronto, Ontario, on May 24, 2005)

ROTHSTEIN J.A.

[1]                In spite of the able argument of Mr. Hildebrand, we cannot agree that the Pension Appeal Board erred in any manner that would warrant interference by this Court with its decision. Upon reading the reasons of the Board, we do not see, as the applicant alleges, that the Board made its decision solely on the basis of a lack of objective medical evidence supporting a severe and prolonged disability or that it rejected the applicant's claim solely because of the absence of a definitive diagnosis.

[2]                As we read the Board's reasons, it had regard to the evidence of the applicant's family doctor, the rheumatologist that treated her, the findings of a functional abilities evaluation and the applicant's own evidence. In particular, the functional abilities evaluation concluded that the applicant could function at a light to medium capacity. It was the Board's consideration of all that evidence that caused it to conclude that the applicant's appeal should be dismissed.

[3]                The applicant says that the Board's reasons were inadequate in that they do not explain why the opinion of the family physician was discounted. However, the family physician states that he was working in cooperation with the rheumatologist. It was the rheumatologist who suggested that a functional abilities assessment be carried out. It is apparent from the Board's reasons, that it was that assessment that was significant to the Board and explains why it made its decision.

[4]                The application will be dismissed.      

                                                                                                                             "Marshall Rothstein"           

                                                                                                                                                      J.A.                        

                                                  FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL

                           NAMES OF COUNSEL AND SOLICITORS OF RECORD

DOCKET:                               A-613-04

STYLE OF CAUSE: LYNNE READ

Applicant

and

MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

(formerly Minister of Human Resources Development)

Respondent

PLACE OF HEARING:         TORONTO, ONTARIO

DATE OF HEARING:          MAY 24, 2005

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT

OF THE COURT:                   (LINDEN, ROTHSTEIN & NOËL JJ.A.)

DELIVERED FROM THE

BENCH BY:                            ROTHSTEIN J.A.

APPEARANCES:                  

Jamie Hildebrand                                  FOR THE APPLICANT

Shawna Noseworthy                            FOR THE RESPONDENT

SOLICITORS OF RECORD:                     

Mr. Jamie Hildebrand

Huron/Perth Community

Legal Clinic

Stratford, ON                                        FOR THE APPLICANT

John H. Sims, Q.C.

Deputy Attorney General of Canada

FOR THE RESPONDENT