Acting Commissioner for Workers: Mr. Chris Roberts
Notice of opportunity
Open - Submit your application
Notice of opportunity: Employment Insurance Board of Appeals Member
The Government of Canada has begun implementing a new structure to hear workers' appeals in disputes with the program. The panels that will hear appeals will be composed of equal numbers of workers, employers and government representatives. As part of this process, a call for applications has been issued to identify worker representatives in all regions of the country.
Mandate
The mandate of the Commissioner for Workers is to represent Canadian workers' interests in the management and direction of the Employment Insurance program. He fulfills this mandate by:
- consulting with various stakeholders, organizations, unions and workers regarding the administration of applicable legislative provisions
- the development of policies and programs, and by receiving complaints from the public
The Commissioner generally does not intervene in the day-to-day management of the program and does not have access to information contained in the files of claimants or applicants.
Vision
The vision of the Commissioner for Workers and his team is:
- to present and defend the issues relating to access to the Employment Insurance program for all workers, and
- to remain accessible and connected to the reality and needs of all workers
Commitment
Our actions are guided by our commitment to representing all workers in their access to Employment Insurance. Please feel free to email us your concerns and suggestions or suggest topics for investigation.
About the Acting Commissioner for Workers
On April 13, 2026, Mr. Chris Roberts was designated as the Acting Commissioner for Workers at the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC) for an 18-month term or until a new commissioner is appointed.
Mr. Roberts' long professional career as a trade union economist includes a tenure as National Director of the Social and Economic Policy Department of the Canadian Labour Congress where he led the organization's research and policy work, including on employment standards and social security programs.
Prior to his appointment at the CEIC, Mr. Roberts was a member of several federal consultation and advisory committees serving the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the Social Security Tribunal of Canada, the CEIC and the federal Labour Program.
Mr. Roberts holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from York University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at McMaster University.
Contact us
Commissioner for Workers
Canada Employment Insurance Commission
140 Place du Portage
Portage IV
Gatineau QC K1A 0J9
EDSC.CT-CW.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-6276