News Release - Appointments to the IRB

Ottawa, September 24, 2007 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, today announced two appointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Janet Ellis was appointed for a two-year term in Toronto, effective November 26, 2007. Donald E. Collison was reappointed to a five-year term in Toronto, effective October 1, 2007. These appointments were made in accordance with the IRB’s merit-based appointment process.

Prior to her appointment to the Board, Ms. Ellis, was a private practice lawyer. She was also appointed to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in 1994 and to the Human Rights Tribunal in 1993. Ms. Ellis received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph and her Bachelor of Laws from Queen’s University.

Mr. Collison, a Board member in Toronto since June 21, 2004, was reappointed. Prior to his appointment to the IRB, Mr. Collison held numerous positions with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. He also owned a small business in Smith Falls, Ontario, and worked as a staff lawyer for the Canadian Environmental Law Association and as a barrister and solicitor with Edward McGill law firm. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Bishop’s University and his Bachelor of Laws from Queen’s University. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1975.

Created in 1989, the IRB is an independent administrative tribunal that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. The Board has three divisions – the Refugee Protection Division, the Immigration Appeal Division and the Immigration Division. The IRB determines refugee protection claims made in Canada, hears immigration appeals, and conducts admissibility hearings and detention reviews.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064