Section 152 — Composition of the Board
Text of provision
The Board is composed of a Chairperson and other members as are required to ensure the proper functioning of the Board.
Plain English
Section 152 provides that the IRB consists of a Chairperson, a number of Deputy Chairpersons, and other members as the Governor in Council considers necessary to carry out the IRB's functions. The Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons are the executive leadership of the tribunal.
Division-specific leadership (e.g., Deputy Chairperson responsible for the RPD) is responsible for managing caseloads and procedural matters within each division.
Practical effect
The Chairperson has significant authority to issue guidelines and directives on how divisions approach specific issues. The Chairperson's Guidelines (e.g., Guideline 4 on Women Refugee Claimants Fearing Gender-Related Persecution) are binding on IRB members and represent an important source of institutional guidance in how claims are assessed. Guidelines do not have the force of law but must be considered by members.