Reference N14117E
October 16, 2014 – Ottawa – Veterans Affairs Canada
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced that Wilfred Jephson and Mary Tobin Oates will join the Veterans Review and Appeal Board, which provides Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members, and their families, with an independent avenue of appeal for disability benefit decisions made by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Wilfred Jephson of Ottawa, Ontario, has a strong background in policing and recently retired from the RCMP after 25 years as an investigator and general duty officer. During his career, he spent six years as a staff relations representative, advocating for the well-being of serving members and the development of the RCMP. Mr. Jephson is fluently bilingual and holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University.
Mary Tobin Oates of Ottawa, Ontario, has worked as a legal advisor for more than a decade in various federal departments including the RCMP, Finance Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and Justice Canada. Ms. Tobin Oates previously worked as a lawyer for Canada’s income security programs, where she gained experience with administrative tribunals and the hearing process.
Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Review and Appeal Board
902-566-8575
