New Chair, Members Appointed to Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board

The government has appointed a new chair and two full-time members to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB).

Halifax lawyer and current board member Stephen McGrath is the new Chair, replacing Peter Gurnham, who retires effective Tuesday, March 1. The new board members are Julia Clark, a lawyer with the provincial Department of Justice, and Bruce Fisher, director of financial planning with Halifax Regional Municipality.

“Mr. McGrath’s wealth of experience and skills will be of great value as he assumes the role of chair to help ensure the UARB continues to provide a valuable service to Nova Scotians through consistent and well-reasoned decisions on hearings, appeals, licensing and compliance issues,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Allan MacMaster. “We are fortunate to have such a vast array of knowledge and expertise with the appointments of Ms. Clark and Mr. Fisher. I also want to thank and acknowledge Mr. Gurnham for his 19 years of service as he leaves behind a strong legacy that will serve the UARB well in the future.”

The NSUARB is an independent, quasi-judicial board with powers and duties under the Utility and Review Board Act and other legislation. Its list of regulatory and adjudicative work includes setting electricity rates, water rates, and gasoline and diesel prices.

Quick Facts:

• Mr. Gurnham has served as Chair since 2004
• the board consists of up to 10 full-time members appointed by the governor-in-council; nine positions are currently filled
• each full-time member holds office on good behaviour until the age of 70
• remuneration for the chair is on par with a deputy minister (about $187,000) and remuneration for full-time board members is on par with an associate deputy minister (about $158,000)

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board website: https://nsuarb.novascotia.ca