Chairperson: Joanne Blanchard

Joanne Blanchard was appointed as the Chairperson of the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) in June 2024.

In the Spring of 2024, Ms. Blanchard performed the administrative functions of the Regional Vice-Chairperson for the PBC's Quebec Region and was officially designated in that role in May 2024. She has been a PBC Board member since October 2022.

Ms. Blanchard began her career as an Independent Board Member and Adjudicator for the Correctional Services of Canada, where she conducted disciplinary court hearings. Her decision-making and adjudicating skills were further honed during her tenure as a Board Member of the Employment Insurance Board of Referees and the Social Security Tribunal.

In 2016, Ms. Blanchard joined the Immigration and Refugee Board (CISR) as a Board Member, where she presided over hearings for asylum seekers. Her leadership skills and dedication to efficient, fair processes were recognized with several key roles, including as Assistant Deputy Chairperson of a national Task Force. Notably, she developed change management strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing productivity and consistency in decision-making.

Joanne Blanchard brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to justice. Her career spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions to the fields of public safety as well as immigration and refugee protection.

Throughout her career, Ms. Blanchard has been recognized for her leadership and innovation and received various organizational Awards which highlighted her contributions to leadership and innovation.

Ms. Blanchard holds a Bachelor of Laws from Université de Moncton and a Bachelor of Psychology from McGill University.