Warren Ross, CMPA’s general counsel and VP of national industrial relations, is leaving the producers association next month after a decade.

With Ross’ departure, Sean Porter has been promoted to the role of lead negotiator and senior director of national industrial relations and counsel. (Ross pictured left; Porter, right)

Ross’ next move has not yet been disclosed. The CMPA said simply that he is leaving “to pursue a new opportunity.”

Reynolds Mastin, who himself served as CMPA’s chief negotiator (as well as chief legal officer) before becoming president and CEO in 2015, said Porter’s “ability to see the big strategic picture and collaborative approach to addressing complex industrial relations issues” will serve its membership well as it enters a busy year of bargaining.

Porter, who has been with the CMPA since 2018, was previously an associate in the labour and employment group at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, advising and representing employers on a broad range of labour, employment and human rights matters. He has also worked as an associate at labour and employment law firm Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP.

Mastin praised the “tireless dedication and outstanding contributions” made by Ross since he joined the CMPA in 2011.

The CMPA said it will soon begin hiring for a new role within its national industrial relations department.