Darrell Le Houillier has been appointed chair of the Environmental Appeal Board, the Forest Appeals Commission and the Oil and Gas Tribunal, announced David Eby, Attorney General.

Le Houillier most recently served as a member of the Civil Resolution Tribunal and has previously held positions in the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal and the Workers’ Advisers Office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geological (environmental) engineering from Queen’s University and a bachelor of laws degree and certificate in natural resources and environmental law from the University of British Columbia. Le Houillier has worked as both a lawyer and as an environmental assistant for an environmental engineering consulting firm.

The Environmental Appeal Board, the Forest Appeals Commission and the Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal are independent, quasi-judicial expert tribunals that hear appeals in the areas of environmental protection and the allocation and management of publicly owned natural resources. The tribunals operate with members cross-appointed to all three boards.

The Environmental Appeal Board hears appeals from decisions made by government related to environmental issues. The Forest Appeals Commission conducts hearings of appeals regarding decisions made by government related to forests and the environment. The Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal considers appeals from decisions of the Oil and Gas Commission.

These tribunals offer an efficient, accessible alternative to the formal courts, increasing access to justice for British Columbians.