Biographies – Board Member Appointments

Laurie Blakeman – Edmonton, Alberta

Laurie Blakeman spent 18 years as an MLA in the Alberta Legislature making a substantial contribution to her community through her parliamentary activism and commitment to human rights and women’s issues advocacy. Prior to serving in public office, Ms. Blakeman spent two decades working in theatre, the arts, and with not-for-profit organizations in various creative and leadership roles. Ms. Blakeman holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Alberta.

Ms. Blakeman has been appointed for a five-year term.

Jacques A. Bouchard – Barrie, Ontario

Jacques Bouchard comes to the Board after a 35-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, bringing with him significant experience in managing human, financial and logistical resources. Mr. Bouchard also has a great deal of volunteer experience serving his community on various boards. Mr. Bouchard completed advanced studies in Human Resources at the University of Toronto and holds the title of Professional logistician.

Mr. Bouchard has been appointed for a five-year term.

Richard Boughen – Cumberland, Ontario

Richard Boughen brings with him more than 26 years of experience in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, during which he gained a wealth of expertise in leadership, human resource development, and policy creation. Mr. Boughen holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Leadership and Management from Charles Sturt University.

Mr. Boughen has been appointed for a five-year term.

Rose Marie Braden – Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Rose Marie Braden has almost three decades of experience as a lawyer in both private practice and with government. Most recently, Ms. Braden worked for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans providing legal advice on matters of environmental, administrative and Aboriginal law. Ms. Braden has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University, and is a graduate of the Justice Canada Leaders of Tomorrow Program.

Ms. Braden has been appointed for a five-year term.

Denise Dietrich – Waterloo, Ontario

Denise Dietrich has been a Member of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board since 2012. A nurse with more than 36 years of health care experience, she has worked as a vocational and medical rehabilitation consultant helping clients with permanent disabilities. She also possesses extensive experience as a decision maker on regulatory bodies. Ms. Dietrich holds a Bachelor of Sociology and a Diploma in Gerontology from the University of Waterloo, as well as a Master of Health Studies from Athabasca University.  

Ms. Dietrich has been reappointed for a two-year term.

Leonard Hall – Langley, British Columbia

Leonard Hall has been a Member of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board since 2014. Prior to joining the Board, he spent 31 years with the RCMP in the areas of law enforcement, police policy, and training, as well as five years conducting training with Canada Border Services Agency and other public safety officials. Mr. Hall holds a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Mary’s University and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University.

Mr. Hall has been reappointed for a two-year term.

Thomas Jarmyn – Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Thomas Jarmyn has been a Member of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board since 2014 and Acting Chairperson since April 2015. Mr. Jarmyn is both a Veteran, having served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1979 to 1997, and a lawyer. He practiced law privately for 15 years and spent almost four years as Counsel for the Minister of Public Safety. Mr. Jarmyn holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Royal Military College of Canada, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University, a Master of Public Ethics from Saint Paul University, and a Master of Laws from York University.

Mr. Jarmyn has been reappointed as a Board member for a one-year term and designated as Chairperson on an interim basis.

Wilfred Jephson – Ottawa, Ontario

Wilfred Jephson has been a Member of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board since 2014. Prior to joining the Board, he spent 25 years in the RCMP as an investigator and in administrative and Human Resources roles. Mr. Jephson holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University.

Mr. Jephson has been reappointed for a two-year term.

Dana Kean – Côte Saint-Luc, Quebec

Dana Kean has been a Member of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board since 2014. She has a strong legal background specializing in medical and health law. She also has extensive experience as a decision maker in an administrative tribunal, having previously served in the appeal division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Ms. Kean holds a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Master of Medical Law from the University of Sherbrooke, as well as a Common Law Certificate of Qualification.

Ms. Kean has been reappointed for a two-year term.

Michelaine T. Lahaie – Kanata, Ontario

Michelaine Lahaie comes to the Board after 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a Maritime Surface and Sub-surface Officer and a senior leader at the rank of Commander. She has a strong background in operations, training and human resource management, and the distinction of being the first female Commanding Officer for the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School. Ms. Lahaie holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College militaire royal de Saint-Jean and a Master of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.

Ms. Lahaie has been appointed for a five-year term.

Ann Lavallée – Orleans, Ontario

Ann Lavallée spent 32 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a senior leader at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The last 14 years of her career were spent specializing in the fields of tuition benefits, healthcare and personnel management. Outside of her work, Ms. Lavallée has volunteered in her community, most recently with the Special Olympics of Ontario. Ms. Lavallée holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean and a Master of Business Administration from the Royal Military College of Canada.

Ms. Lavallée has been appointed for a five-year term.

Bernard Leblanc – Moncton, New Brunswick

Bernard Leblanc has been a Member of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board since 2007. Mr. Leblanc brings with him 20 years of experience as a trial litigator in family and disability law to his role, and six years of experience as Chair of the Mental Health Tribunals for the Moncton, New Brunswick area. Mr. LeBlanc holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Acadia University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick.

Mr. Leblanc has been reappointed for an eight-month term.

Mélanie Leduc – Brossard, Quebec

Mélanie Leduc brings with her more than 15 years of experience with the federal government in the field of immigration. This work has given her a strong background in the interpretation and application of legislation and in decision-making. Ms. Leduc holds a Bachelor of Criminology and a Bachelor of Law from the University of Montreal.

Ms. Leduc has been appointed for a five-year term.