New Chair Appointed

Halifax lawyer Peter Gurnham has been appointed chair of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. His appointment was confirmed by Executive Council today, Oct. 22, and is effective Saturday, Oct. 23.

Mr. Gurnham has extensive experience in administrative and regulatory law and has appeared before a variety of tribunals.

Mr. Gurnham replaces John Morash, whose term has ended. Mr. Morash has accepted a contract to stay on the board for a one- year term as a part-time member.

Mr. Gurnham has served as a member of the board for the past 18 months. The appointment was based on a recommendation from an independent review panel. The panel followed a process similar to that used for the appointment of provincial court judges.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal that reports on administrative issues to the legislature through the minister of Environment and Labour. It makes decisions regarding both regulatory and adjudicative issues. The regulatory component of the board's work includes the regulation of public utilities and licensing of public passenger carriers. The board also conducts hearings relating to gaming control, liquor control and film classification. The adjudicative work includes appeals or applications relating to property assessments, expropriation compensation claims, planning and subdivisions, and municipal boundaries.