The Manitoba government named 12 new members to its Social Services Appeal Board, Families Minister Scott Fielding announced today.
The 15-member board reviews appeals from Manitobans who use government programs such as Employment and Income Assistance, Rent Assist, Manitoba Prenatal Benefit, marketAbilities, Community Living disABILITY and 55-Plus: A Manitoba Income Supplement. It also hears licensing appeals for adoption agencies, child-care and residential-care facilities.
“The purpose of this board is to give Manitobans a fair, impartial and informal appeal process for decisions that relate to various social services and programs,” said Fielding. “I am confident these new board members will use their skills and expertise to ensure Manitoba families will continue to receive quality care and programming.”
The province selected James C. McCrae of Brandon to serve a two-year term as board chair. McCrae’s career spans several years within all levels of government. He served as the member of the legislative assembly for Brandon West from 1986 to 1999, which included appointments as attorney general, minister of health and minister of education. McCrae recently served a term as a Canadian citizenship judge and has been involved with boards, committees and charitable organizations such as the United Way.
Carmanne (Anne) Berry of Teulon will serve a one-year term as vice-chair. Berry has extensive experience in financial operations and management, and has volunteered with organizations such as the Thompson Kinette Club.
The minister also congratulated the following new members on one- and two-year terms: Khaled Al-Nahar of Winnipeg, Teresa Banman of Steinbach, Alice Cook of Grand Rapids, Viola Davidson of Winnipeg, Taranjit Dhaliwal of St. Adolphe, Jason Guy Glesby of Winnipeg, Dolores Hardy of Brandon, Shirley Kalyniuk of Rossburn, Helene Lariviere of St. Malo and Treena Ross of Fraserwood.
Zanna Joyce of Winnipeg and Annette Niven of The Pas were reappointed to one-year terms. Garry McLean of Lake Manitoba First Nation remains in his current term.
The minister offered his thanks to outgoing board members for their dedication and service.
