Labour - Labour Board
Board members: Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons
- Chairperson: Colin S. Robinson
- Vice-Chairpersons:
Colin S. Robinson
Appointed as chairperson in 2012, Colin Robinson previously served as the Board’s full-time vice-chairperson since 2003. Mr. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from the University of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the Bar in Manitoba in 1995 and practiced primarily in the fields of labour and administrative law prior to being appointed to the Board. In addition, Mr. Robinson serves on the board of directors of the Canadian Council of Administrative Tribunals and is actively involved in the training programs conducted by the Manitoba Council of Administrative Tribunals. He also acts as an arbitrator and mediator.
Kristin L. Gibson
Appointed on a part-time basis in 2013, Kristin Gibson is a partner in the Winnipeg law firm MLT Aikins LLP. She carries on practice as a labour and employment lawyer, and as a labour mediator and arbitrator.
A. Blair Graham, K.C.
Appointed on a part-time basis in 2006, Blair Graham holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Manitoba. Mr. Graham practiced law as a partner in the firm of Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP for over 30 years, with an emphasis on civil litigation, administrative law and arbitration as an arbitrator until June 30, 2021. He now practices independently, limiting his practice to arbitration and mediation in relation to both labour relations matters and all types of civil and commercial disputes. He has been selected by his peers on several occasions as one of the best lawyers in Canada in the area of Alternate Dispute Resolution. He has been active as a Chairperson in labour arbitration matters since 1997.
Dennis Harrison
Appointed on a part-time basis in 2018, Dennis Harrison is a graduate of Red River College with a Diploma in Business Administration. He retired in June of 2017 following 32 years of employment with the Province of Manitoba in the labour department: a board officer with the Manitoba Labour Board, conciliation officer with Conciliation and Mediation Services and the executive director of Conciliation and Mediation Services.
Diane E. Jones, K.C.
Appointed on a part-time basis since 1985, Diane Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree from the University of Winnipeg and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba. She is currently active as a chairperson in arbitration matters.
David Lewis
Appointed on a part-time basis in 2020, David Lewis holds a diploma in Agriculture and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba. He retired in May of 2019 following 32 years of practicing law; first in private practice, followed by 25 years as in-house counsel dealing exclusively in the field of labour relations. He is currently active as a chairperson in arbitration matters.
Karine Pelletier
Appointed on a part-time basis (.8) in 2016, Karine Pelletier holds a Bachelor of Arts from l’Université de Saint-Boniface, an LL.B from l’Université d’Ottawa and a LL.M from the University of Ottawa. Ms. Pelletier serves as a panel member for the Manitoba Law Society Admission and Adjudication Hearing Panel. She also sits on the boards of the Plug In Institute ICA, l’Association des juristes d’expression française du Manitoba; and la société historique métises. In 2019, she was appointed to the Manitoba Human Rights Adjudication Panel. Before joining the Manitoba Labour Board, Ms. Pelletier worked in private practice and as in-house legal counsel in the areas of administrative law, human rights and labour and employment. Ms. Pelletier is bilingual in French and English.
Michael D. Werier
Appointed on a part-time basis in 2006, Michael Werier is counsel to the Winnipeg law firm of D’Arcy & Deacon LLP. He carries on a practice as an arbitrator/mediator in Manitoba. He is currently chairperson of the Manitoba Labour Management Review Committee, chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, Arbitrator under the Northern Flood Agreement, and Chief Adjudicator of the Manitoba Human Rights Adjudication Panel.
Gavin M. Wood
Appointed on a part-time basis in 2006, Gavin Wood holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba and a Masters of Laws degree from Columbia University in New York City. He is presently practicing as a sole practitioner under the firm name of Wood Orle Litigation Lawyers. He is currently active as a chairperson in arbitration matters.
