The Board

Yoan Marier

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Yoan Marier has several years of experience in the field of federally regulated transportation, regulatory compliance, and access to justice. Before joining the TSB, Mr. Marier worked for the Social Security Tribunal of Canada for nearly 4 years as a member, acting vice-chair and coordinating member. During this period, he conducted hundreds of hearings and rendered just as many decisions aimed at resolving employment insurance disputes. He also coordinated a team of nearly 40 decision-makers and participated in the management and development of the organization's strategic priorities in a context of major transformations. Additionally, he contributed to improving access to justice through his work on reducing delays and simplifying the Tribunal’s decisions and appeal process.

In the transportation domain, Mr. Marier worked for Transport Canada in the transportation of dangerous goods between 2014 and 2016, where he ensured the regulatory compliance of companies carrying out air, rail, marine and road transportation. Earlier in his career, Mr. Marier worked as a commercial airplane pilot in the Montreal area, which gave him a good understanding of the constraints that the industry is facing and its perspective on the work of the regulator.

Mr. Marier also spent eight years at the Canada Border Services Agency in different functions, in the field and as a trainer. Notably, he participated in a specialized team carrying out in-depth searches of planes arriving in Canada at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and was a minister's delegate for the purposes of enforcing immigration law.

Mr. Marier holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Montreal.

Paul George Dittmann

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Paul Dittmann began his career in aviation with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, earning his glider wings in 1985. After joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986, he completed pilot training in 1991 and then went on to fly the Sea King helicopter on operations with 423, 443, and 814 (Royal Navy) Squadrons. He later instructed on the Sea King with 406 Squadron and on the Outlaw helicopter with 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School while serving as its Commandant. Mr. Dittmann has 4,000 hours of flying time and qualified as a naval diving officer

Mr. Dittmann's experience at National Defence Headquarters includes posts as an aircraft accident investigator and as the Chief Investigator for the Canadian Armed Forces. Additionally, he held the posts of Contracted Flying Training and Support Program Manager, Director of Air Simulation and Training, and Director Fighter Capability Requirements.

Mr. Dittmann is a graduate of Royal Roads Military College (Bachelor of Science, Physics and Oceanography), Royal Military College (Masters of Defence Studies), the Canadian Forces College (Joint Command and Staff Program), and NATO Defense College (Senior Course in strategic defense and security studies).

He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2017.

Kenneth Potter

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Ken Potter graduated in 1982 from the Georgian College Marine Engineering Technology program in Owen Sound, Ontario. In 2006, he earned a Bachelor of Maritime Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

During his career, Mr. Potter worked 15 years as a merchant marine Engineering Officer and Marine Surveyor, 16 years at the TSB as Senior Investigator, Manager of Head Office Marine Investigation Operations, and acting Director of Investigations, and 5 years in private practice conducting marine casualty investigations. During his time at the TSB, he received several awards, including the Achievement Award in 2010 and the Award for Excellence in Investigation in 2012.

Mr. Potter has represented Canada as a member of the Canadian delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He has provided IMO training to international students as an internationally recognized authority on marine casualty investigations. Similarly, he has been involved with the Global Affairs Canada - Taiwan MOU on Marine Systems Technology Cooperation providing assistance and advice to Taiwan on policies and procedures related to developing marine casualty investigation capacity in line with the IMO Casualty Investigation Code. Since 2000 Mr. Potter has been a member of the Canadian Subcommittee of the International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee 80 on Marine Navigation and Radio Communication Equipment and Systems.

After retiring from the Public Service in 2013, Mr. Potter worked at the Georgian College Centre for Marine Training and Research as an instructor teaching Marine Emergency Duties, Oil and Chemical Tanker Safety, and as a part-time Professor of Marine Engineering. He is also an experienced pilot and owner of several aircraft based at Carp Airport near Ottawa.

Leo Donati

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Leo Donati joined the TSB in 1997 in the role of Senior Human Factors Investigator. He actively participated in over 100 investigations, including the Swissair 111 in-flight fire, the MK Airlines reduced power take-off and collision with terrain, the McBride railway bridge collapse, and the Queen of the North ferry sinking. He served as Manager, Human Factors and Macro Analysis, from 2008 before being promoted to Director of Operational Services, 2011-2017. While at the TSB he represented Canada as a member of the Canadian delegation to the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, providing guidance in the areas of human factors, accident investigation, and family assistance.

Dr. Donati has a career spanning over three decades in the federal government. Prior to joining the TSB, he served with the Canadian Forces as a Bioscience Officer in assorted roles, including in the integral support of accident investigations for the Directorate of Flight Safety. After his retirement, he worked as a contractor providing technical expertise to the TSB and carrying out projects for the Parole Board of Canada in support of its Senior Management and Board.

Dr. Donati holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of British Columbia. He also has two Master of Science degrees, one in Biology from Simon Fraser University, and one in Ergonomics from Loughborough University of Technology. He obtained his Doctorate in Human Factors in the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department at the University of Toronto.

Louise Smolska

Appointed Member of the TSB in September 2024

Louise Smolska has over 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, with a background in railway safety, operations, and government affairs. Before joining the TSB, Ms. Smolska worked in railway safety at Transport Canada for almost 10 years, where she gained significant experience in policy development, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder management. During this time, she was responsible for leading the development and application of critical safety regulations, analyzing international regulatory frameworks, and managing complex safety investigations.

Beginning her career as a Train Conductor and Locomotive Engineer, Ms. Smolska gained extensive hands-on experience in rail operations before transitioning into more strategic roles. Her expertise spans from managing commuter lines, directing freight rail activities, managing governmental affairs, and overseeing safety and compliance in various capacities.

Ms. Smolska is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain from Salford University, and possesses qualifications in railway safety inspection, as well as numerous rail technical certifications.