Alberta Labour Relations Board
Schlesinger, Nancy
Nancy has spent most of her career at the Alberta Labour Relations Board, working alongside the Board’s dedicated staff and members. She started as the Board’s legal counsel in 1999, followed by appointments as Vice Chair in 2002, Essential Services Commissioner in 2019, and Chair in 2021. Prior to working for the Board, Nancy worked as legal counsel at the Alberta Court of Appeal, where she assisted the appeal justices with their work. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta Law School and clerked for the Alberta Court of Appeal and Court of Queen's Bench before being called to the Bar in 1995.
Nekolaichuk, Gordon
Gordon Nekolaichuk was appointed a full-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in 2021. Prior to joining the Board, Gordon practiced labour, employment, and human rights law with both employer-side and union-side law firms. He has represented employers and unions before arbitrators, the Board, other administrative tribunals, and at all levels of Court. He also taught labour law as a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta. Gordon is a graduate of the University of Alberta (B.A. 2008, LL.B. 2011) and clerked for the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench before being called to the Bar in 2012.
Smith, Ian
Ian Smith was appointed a full-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in November 2013. Prior to joining the Board, Ian was a partner at Miller Thomson LLP practicing labour and human rights law. He has represented clients’ interests before arbitrators, administrative tribunals and all levels of the Alberta Courts. Ian is a graduate of the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.
Eustergerling, Geoffrey
Geoff Eustergerling is the Director, Employee and Labour Relations for ATB Financial. In his role, Geoff leads and maintains the employee and labour relations activities for ATB across Canada. This includes collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and third party litigation. Through his career, he has gained experience in health care, public education, construction, hospitality, and banking. Geoff has led more than two dozen negotiations for bargaining units across the country. Geoff holds a BComm from the Haskayne School of Business and has had a CPHR designation since 2016.
Fitz, Raelene
Raelene Fitz works as a Lead Negotiator for Alberta Health Services responsible for collective bargaining, contract administration, dispute resolution, developing interpretive guides and resources, and providing expertise to strategic initiatives and projects. Raelene's career in human resource management and labour relations includes experience in the construction industry and the health care sector. Raelene holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Alberta and Diploma in HR Management from MacEwan University.
Galway, Corinne
Cory Galway is a Senior Negotiator with Alberta Health Services. Since 1995 she has negotiated on behalf of a variety of health care employers and is/was responsible for collective bargaining, grievance management and consultation, dispute resolution, project management and employee benefits. Cory has a Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta and a mediation certification with the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society. Previously, Cory was a board member and volunteer for the Strathcona County Mediation Society.
Leclair, Darren
Darren has over 33 years of progressive labour relations experience across several industries. His current position is Labour Relations Specialist with Kal Tire. Darren's experience includes corporate, regional, and field roles within multiple provinces in both provincial and federal sectors; and within both private and public sectors. Darren is a member of the Discipline Committee of CPHR Alberta. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba and has held CPHR certification since 1999. Over his career, Darren has managed/directed numerous labour relations activities. He has worked with operations management in all facets of labour relations matters including: negotiations, grievance arbitration, management training/education and assorted regional labour and employee relations issues.
Klassen, Randolph
Randy Klassen is the Regional Director of the CLAC Member Centre in Calgary and has over 20 years of experience working as a Union Representative with employees in a variety of sectors. Randy currently serves on the CLAC H&W Board of Trustees and has served on two other Boards over the last 15 years. Randy has completed and obtained Trust Management certificates from the IFEBP and holds a Marketing Diploma from Mount Royal College in Calgary.
Schenk, Rodney
Rod Schenk works for PCL Constructors Inc. as the Director Labour Relations, Western Canada. He has 30 years of experience in labour relations, working on both the union and management side. He has worked for CLAC in Alberta and British Columbia, JV Driver Projects, and Bemac Construction. His labour relations experience is primarily in the construction, maintenance, and fabrication sectors in Western Canada, but also has construction labour relations experience in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. He has a Bachelor of Management degree, specializing in Human Resources and Labour Relations from the University of Lethbridge. Rod was a ALRB Member previously from 2011 – 2017.
Thibodeau, Trisha
Trisha Thibodeau has over 18 years of experience in the Labour Relations field and is currently employed as a Labour Relations Officer with the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA). Prior to that, she was employed as a Labour Relations Consultant with the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) and handled the majority of the Arbitration and Labour Board files for the Union. She has also had extensive experience with negotiations, including first contract, transition, and essential services bargaining. Trisha has pursued ongoing education in her field through Queens University and the ADR institute of Alberta.
Farkas, Kris
Kris Farkas is a labour relations consultant in Alberta with degrees in both commerce and law. After several years in private practice, focusing on labour law, Kris joined United Nurses of Alberta, initially as a Labour Relations Officer, and for ten years as Manager of Labour Relations. She has acted as Union Counsel at arbitrations, labour board hearings, professional conduct hearings, and various levels of court. Kris also has experience negotiating collective agreements, for groups ranging in size from less than twenty to more than 20 thousand.
Flannery, Lynda
Lynda Flannery brings over 30 years of experience in human resources, specializing in labour and employee relations, to the Board. Her experience encompasses the public and private sectors and several industries: construction, oil and gas (operations plus pipeline and up-grader major projects ), municipalities and health care. Lynda began her professional career as a labour economist, and progressed through various construction project management and human resources management positions. In all her roles, she introduced innovative and practicable approaches to all aspects of human resources and sought to and was successful in improving employee and labour relationships and processes. She has an Honours and a Master of Economics degree from U of A and Queens University respectively, as well as a Masters degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Bastyr University (Washington, USA). She was first appointed to the Board in 1985/86 and served until 2010. At that time she retired to meet family obligations.
Lacasse, Jacqueline
Jacqueline Lacasse is the Director of Labour Relations at the University of Calgary and is responsible for collective bargaining, contract administration, program and policy development, grievances and arbitrations and labour relations training. Prior to joining the University, Jacqueline practiced labour and employment law in private practice and as in-house legal counsel for Alberta Health Services. Jacqueline is an active community volunteer and has held board roles for a number of local non-profit organizations.
Burns, Jennifer
Jennifer has a LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. She was called to the bar in Alberta in 1996. For most of thirty years, Jennifer worked with Extendicare Canada Inc. in various roles, primarily in the areas of labour and employment, and then with The Good Samaritan Society as Vice-President, HR and Legal Counsel. Jennifer currently works as Vice President, Human Resources at Shepherd’s Care Foundation. Aside from serving numerous terms with the Alberta Labour Relations Board, Jennifer served as a Tribunal Member with the Alberta Human Rights Commission from September 2010 to June 2013.
Kolba, Bill
Bill is a retired National Representative with the Communications Energy & Paperworkers’ Union with extensive experience in servicing local unions and organizing unorganized workers. He served as President of the union’s Composite Local 777 while working at CIL\AT Plastics. He also served as a Board Member for over nine years on the Employment Insurance Board of Referees as well as serving on the Executive Board of the Energy and Chemical Workers Union.
Schick, Jeremy
Jeremy Schick was appointed a full-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in September 2019. He previously acted as Legal Counsel for the Board since 2013. Before joining the Board, Jeremy practiced labour and employment law, administrative law, and civil litigation, on behalf of employers, employees, school boards, and other agencies, boards and commissions. He also previously taught as a Belzberg Lecturer with the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, teaching legal research, writing and advocacy. Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Alberta (B.Com. 1996, LL.B. 1999), and clerked for the Alberta Court of Appeal and Court of Queen's Bench before being called to the bar in 2000. In his spare time, Jeremy volunteers and acts with various community theatre groups in Edmonton.
Bokenfohr, Paul
Paul Bokenfohr has over thirty years of experience in the labour relations and human resources management field. He has practiced in a number of different industries including education, construction, oil, brewing, telecommunications and technology. He has held positions in Construction Labour relations- Alberta, Suncor, Labatt’s and TELUS. Paul holds a BA and MBA from the University of Alberta.
Begemann, Bill
Bill has been a member of Local 424 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers for over thirty years. He has worked in various positions throughout his 17 year tenure within the business office of the Local Union and is currently working as an Assistant Business Manager for the membership of Local 424. As a result of his experiences he has been involved in all facets of organizing, grievances, arbitrations, board hearings and negotiations. He has sat on numerous Industry boards and is an active participant in the Labour community.
Marsden, Peter
Peter has over 30 years of labour relations experience in the municipal and electrical industry. Prior to his retirement in 2016 Peter spent 28 years as full-time President of Local 38, Canadian Union of Public Employees. His experience includes collective bargaining, contract administration, grievances and disputes resolution. Peter has served on many boards including Employment Insurance Board of Referees, Local Authorities Pension Plan, CUPE Alberta and his community association.
Ploof, Cal
Cal is currently the Director of Organization and Recruitment, for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, local Union 488. Mr. Ploof has been involved in Organized Labour for 34 years obtaining experience in collective bargaining, grievance proceedings, unfair labour practice complaints, duty of fair representation complaints as well as numerous certifications and revocations.
Brown, Allan
Allan has served as the Labour Relations Officer for the SAIT Academic Faculty Association since December of 2010. His responsibilities include grievance handling, conflict resolution, contract negotiations and arbitration presentations on behalf of the Faculty Association. Mr. Brown’s Labour Relations experience began with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 424 where he worked for 12 years in Membership Development and eventually Assistant Business Manager.
Allan has developed a broad knowledge of the Alberta Labour Relations Code and practices as they pertain to Union Certification, Negotiating Collective Agreements, Interpreting and servicing Collective Agreements, Grievance and Arbitration cases.
Davis, Clayton
Clayton Davis is the Executive Director, Human Resources, at NAIT. He provides strategic HR direction and is accountable for labour relations matters. He started his labour relations involvement in the 90s with the Alberta healthcare sector, including a number of years with Alberta Health Services, then shifted to post-secondary in 2005. Clayton is an active community volunteer, with a focus on STEM initiatives for young people. He has held board roles for a variety of local non-profit organizations.
Norton, Crystal
Crystal Norton has over 20 years of experience, having held various Human Resources and Labour Relations positions in the healthcare, utilities, and construction/maintenance industries. Crystal has acted as the chief spokesperson role in collective bargaining, facilitated collective agreement administration and conflict resolution, and the delivery of programs focused on healthy, safe and productive workplaces. She is currently the Director of Labour Relations for Worley, leading the LR team for North America. Her educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Management degree with a major in Labour Relations and a Master of Business Administration degree. She has also pursued additional training in leadership, conflict resolution, and interest based negotiations and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).
Renke, Brygeda
Brygeda Renke is the Executive Director and General Counsel for the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA) which represents over 4200 academic staff - faculty, librarians, administrative and professional officers, trust research staff, academic teaching staff, faculty service officers, and temporary administrative staff. She first joined the organization in December 2007 and took on the role of Executive Director in July 2010. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA (Distinction) in 1982 and then obtained her LLB from the University of Alberta in 1985. She is a member of the Law Society of Alberta in good standing with nearly 25 years of legal experience, with a focus in civil litigation and employment law. As AASUA's Executive Director and General Counsel, she has extensive experience in the post secondary sector and provides legal advice to the organization. She serves as a resource to the Association's negotiating team for collective bargaining. She represents the Association on all matters arising from the seven collective agreements, including grievances, appeals, arbitrations, and discipline matters. As well, she is responsible for all management, personnel, and financial matters, and is responsible for the effective delivery of all AASUA services and administrative duties associated with her role as Chief Administrative Officer for the AASUA.
Soderstrom, Carl
Carl Soderstrom is the Executive Director of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, Alberta's largest union with a membership of over 90,000. Carl directs, coordinates, and advises the Union regarding high level strategy and tactics. He has presented numerous cases before the Labour Relations Board, arbitration panels and professional licensing boards and has negotiated and been involved in a broad spectrum of collective bargaining disputes. He has served as a member of the Alberta Labour Relations Board since 2011. Carl has also served as a Vice-Chair and Trustee to the Local Authorities Pension Plan and as a Member of the Public Service Pension Plan Board.
Thibault, Karen
Karen Thibault is a Union Representative in Disputes and Arbitrations for Alberta’s largest union, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. Karen graduated from the Labour College of Canada in 1985. She began her career with AUPE as a Union Representative in 1987. As well as being involved in organizing, Karen has negotiated numerous collective agreements covering many sectors, and has extensive experience in grievance handling and dispute resolution. As a Union Representative in Disputes and Arbitrations, Karen acts as Union Counsel representing members at arbitration and dispute resolution.
Chaffey, Jeffrey
Todd Chaffey is the Director of Total Rewards & Labour Relations for EPCOR Utilities Inc. Todd has broad Human Resource experience in all facets of human resource management including Labour Relations, Pensions, Benefits, Compensation, Employee Relations, Talent Management and Payroll. Todd also has extensive experience in Labour Relations as a Senior HR leader in several large organizations in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario in the Mining, Construction and Utility industries. This experience includes leading collective bargaining, arbitration hearings, dispute resolutions and mediation. Todd earned a BA from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Denver University. Todd also holds a Red Seal Heavy Equipment Technician certificate from the Province of Alberta.
Fowler, Laine
Laine is the Labour Relations Officer for the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA). As the sole practitioner at MRSA she attends to all representational and negotiation matters, including grievance handling, arbitration, and labour board activities for the MRSA. Previously she gained experience in the health care sector, supporting these efforts as well as, organising and certification, determination, and was chief negotiator on approximately 2 dozen negotiations, which included bringing forward various labour board applications. She obtained a BA, Law and Society, from the University of Calgary in 2007.
Gervais-Arbane, Debbie
Debbie has an extensive background in labour relations working with unions, including: involvement in numerous union organizing drives; negotiating first and subsequent Collective Agreements; dispute resolution and mediation; grievance processing up to and including presenting arbitrations; sitting as nominee on grievance panels; and appearing before the Labour Relations Board. Debbie has formal training in both the arbitration and mediation processes which provides a good background for her position as Board Member.
McGreer, Katie
Katie works as a Labour Relations Officer for the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA). In her role at UNA, Katie provides a full range of union services including negotiating and interpreting collective agreements; assisting locals and members with grievances; and working collaboratively with Employers to resolve disputes. She also acts as counsel at arbitrations and professional conduct hearings. Katie has a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Arts in Political Theory from McGill.
Mulla, Adeel
Adeel acts as Corporate Counsel for Legal Aid Alberta to achieve their mandate in providing service and expertise to individuals in need and supporting fairness in the justice system. Prior to joining the Board, he represented both employers and unions in several different industries including construction, food processing, retail, and legal services. He is an active volunteer and has held board and committee positions with various non-profit organizations and institutions. Adeel was called to the Bar in 2015.
Olmstead, Wayne
Wayne has over 35 years of experience in labour relations and human resources in Canada and the U.S. He has appeared before both the Alberta and Saskatchewan Labour Boards; has lead negotiations on behalf of employers in the mining, construction, aerospace and manufacturing industries; and has served on several industry boards and committees. Throughout his career, Wayne has worked to balance the interests of the employer and employees and their representatives – only by working together, can all parties be successful. Wayne previously served on the Alberta Labour relations Board from 2009 – 2016.
Wayne holds a Masters Degree in Industrial Relations from Queens University as well as a B.Comm. from the University of Alberta.
Rosinski, Leanne
Leanne Rosinski is the Associate Director, Labour Relations, at the Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (AASUA). She oversees the services provided by labour relations officers and leads the case management and grievance processes for the AASUA, including arbitration hearings. Leanne provides advice and strategic counsel to the executive director on labour relations issues and is also involved in collective bargaining. She has extensive labour relations and human resources experience in both management and union roles and is skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution. Leanne received her Bachelor of Education in 1994 and taught elementary and junior high school before she transitioned to the university teaching environment. Leanne holds a Master of Laws in Labour Relations and Employment Law, and certificates in labour relations, labour-management relations, grievances and arbitrations, and information access and protection of privacy (completion in Spring 2023). Leanne is also a Commissioner for Oaths in the Province of Alberta and a Professional Investigator licensed through Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.
Small, Brian
Brian has over 50 years experience as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) LU 424, not only in the field but also as a representative of management within the Construction and Maintenance Industry, both public and private. During his career, which included a 22-year tenure with the City of Edmonton (COE), and in his last 5 years as the Electrical Supervisor, Building Maintenance, he dealt with various Union and Management Labour challenges and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) issues. At the completion of his tenure at the COE, Brian joined the Chemco Group of Companies as the Director, Labour Relations. His wide range of duties, until his retirement in 2022, included but were not limited to, interpreting, and negotiating Building Trade CBA’s, Human Rights issues, Employment Standard & Occupational Health & Safety challenges, meeting with our Indigenous Partners, attending grievance and arbitration hearings as well as Human Resource consultation. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Construction Labour Relations Association – Saskatchewan and serves as the Electrical Trade Chairman. He is also a Trustee for the IBEW Local 2038 (Regina) Pension, Health & Welfare Plan, and an Electrical delegate for the Construction Labour Relations Association – British Columbia.
Johnson, William
Mr. Johnson has practiced labour law in Alberta for 30 years. Bill has a diverse background in labour and employment law with exposure to numerous sectors of the economy (retail, industrial, health care, public sector, transportation, entertainment, communications, education, construction and utilities). In 2002, the Province of Alberta appointed Bill as a Queen's Counsel, and in 2011, he was inducted into the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Bill has been frequently listed in LEXPERT magazine to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada in the area of employment and labour law. Bill was appointed in 2013 for a three year term as a member of the Alberta Human Rights Commission. In the 2016 Chambers Canada, Canada's Leading Lawyers for Business journal, the authors comment on Bill states, "William Johnson commands 'a national reputation' as a 'highly sophisticated' and 'very well respected' employment lawyer".
Cunliffe, Pemme
Pemme Cunliffe was appointed a part-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in 2024. Pemme has a BScN from the University of British Columbia and MSHA from the University of Alberta followed by a LLB from the University of Alberta. Prior to attending law school, she had an extensive career in Nursing and Health Administration, followed by 20 plus years in labour law. Subsequent to six years in private practice, she combined her two careers as in-house counsel for Covenant Health. Since retiring from active practice in 2016, she has been working as a Labour Relations Consultant specializing in Collective Bargaining and Workplace Investigations. In addition to providing Labour Relations advice to clients, she also has been involved in numerous arbitrations and mediated workplace disputes.
Pemme has been a member of the Labour Relations Board since 2013.
Scott, Karen
Karen Scott was appointed a part-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in 2024. Karen practiced labour, employment, and human rights law for over 20 years. In addition to her law practice, Karen has mediated and adjudicated human rights matters as a part-time member of the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal since 2015. She also acts as a third-party investigator conducting workplace harassment investigations and has been retained by employer and employee counsel as a mediator in employment law matters. She has taught employment law as a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law since 2017. Karen graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2002 (With Distinction) and clerked for the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench and Court of Appeal before being called to the Bar in 2003.
Semaine, Wassila
Wassila Semaine was appointed a full-time Vice-Chair of the Labour Relations Board in 2024. Wassila practiced at various sized firms and as a solo practitioner, focussing in areas related to labour, employment, privacy, human rights, and workplace investigations, acting, at different times, for the employer, employee, and/or union. Wassila holds a B.Sc. (2002), a MSc (2005), and an LL.B. (2008) from the University of Alberta. She has also completed other various post-graduate courses through Osgoode. As part of her articling, she clerked with the Alberta Court of Appeal, before being called to the Bar (in 2009).
Bish, Brent
Brent Bish has previous experience on boards and is currently the elected councilor of the Town of Hinton representing several boards. Mr. Bish is also the President of the United Mine Workers of America and has 28 years of service with the Cardinal River Coals LTD. Brent has a Business Administration Diploma from the College of New Caledonia.
Graham, Carol
Carol A. Graham is a lawyer with 30 years of experience in labour relations working with public, private and non-profit organizations. She is curently working as a Managment Consultant in Human Resources specializing in arbitrations, mediation, collective bargaining and investigations.