Backgrounder - Appointments, reappointments and designation to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Stephen J. Gallagher

Prior to his appointment to the IRB, Stephen J. Gallagher (Montreal) was a lecturer for the Department of Political Science at McGill University. He has also been a lecturer for the Department of Political Science at Concordia University, Bishop’s University, the University of Calgary and Brandon University, and assistant professor for the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba. He has written extensively on immigration and refugee matters. Mr. Gallagher received a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University and a Master of Arts and a Doctorate from McGill University.

Ruth Delisle

Ruth Delisle (Montreal) was appointed to the IRB on March 18, 2002. She was reappointed March 18, 2005. Prior to her appointment to the Board, Ms. Delisle was an X-ray technician at Notre-Dame Hospital, the Hébert-Cousineau and Associates Clinic and the Rive-Sud Radiology Clinic. She also worked as a professor of Bankruptcy Law at the Université de Montréal, as a notary in private practice and as a training consultant with Groupe conseil DCA. She received her Diploma of Collegial Studies in X-ray Diagnostic Technology from Ahuntsic College and her Licentiate in Laws and Notarial Law diploma from the Université de Montréal.

Michael J. Hamelin

Michael J. Hamelin (Montreal) was appointed to the IRB of Canada on November 10, 1997. He was reappointed in 1999, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Prior to his appointment to the Board, Mr. Hamelin owned a private practice specializing in corporate, commercial, family and immigration law and in general litigation. He also served as President of Alliance Quebec and was a founding member of the Parc-Extension community action committee. He received his diploma in Social Sciences from Vanier College, his Bachelor of Civil Law and Bachelor of Laws from McGill University and his Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University. Mr. Hamelin was called to the Barreau du Québec in 1987.

Viviane Ducheine

Viviane Ducheine (Montreal) was appointed to the IRB on June 18, 2007. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Ducheine was the coordinator of the Equal Access to Employment Program for the City of Montreal and the Superintendent of the Intercultural Bureau of Montreal. Ms. Ducheine received her Bachelor of Arts and her Master in Political Science from the Université du Québec.

Leonard Favreau

Prior to his appointment to the IRB, Leonard Favreau (Toronto) worked in law enforcement for 31 years. He worked for the Peel Regional Police for 26 years, where he held various positions, including Uniform Patrol Constable, Homicide Bureau Detective, Staff Sergeants Uniform Patrol, Staff Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Inspector and Officer-in-Charge. He also worked for the Thunder Bay City Police for five years as a uniform patrol constable. Mr. Favreau holds a Diploma in Law and Security Administration from Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University in British Columbia.

David Lee

Prior to his appointment to the IRB, David Lee (Toronto) worked as a senior review officer for the Pay Equity Commission of the Ontario Ministry of Labour. He has held the positions of Human Rights/Dispute Resolution Advisor at York University and Investigator/Mediator at the Ontario Human Rights Commission. He has also been a lawyer in private practice. He served as a police officer for 15 years with the Toronto Police Service. Mr. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School. Mr. Lee was called to the Ontario Bar in 1995.

Irvin H. Sherman

Irvin H. Sherman (Toronto) was appointed to the IRB on June 4, 2007. Prior to his appointment to the Board, Mr. Sherman most recently practiced law as an Immigration Counsellor with Martinello & Associates and with Rekai & Johnson. Mr. Sherman, a former member of the IRB, received his Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University and his Bachelor and Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1968.

Kim D. Workun

Kim D. Workun (Vancouver) was appointed to the IRB on August 10, 1998. She was reappointed in 2001, 2006, 2008 and 2009, designated Assistant Deputy Chairperson on October 12, 2007 and again on May 14, 2009. Prior to her appointment to the Board, Ms. Workun worked as a lawyer for a private legal practice in Alberta. She also worked as legal counsel for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and was employed with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary and her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta. Ms. Workun was called to the Alberta Bar in 1986.