Debra Rusnak | Barrister & Solicitor
Called to the Bar
British Columbia Bar: 2010
Noteworthy
Member of the Government of Canada’s Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations Registry of Investigators (2025)
Appointed as an Independent Investigator of Sport Integrity Canada (2025)
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Debra Rusnak is an experienced lawyer and investigator with expertise in all areas of workplace law. A long-time resident of the Lower Mainland, Debra earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia before obtaining her law degree from the University of Victoria. Debra was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2010.
Prior to joining Southern Law, Debra was senior in-house legal counsel for a large federal Crown corporation where she was responsible for advising on workplace matters including human rights, collective agreement drafting and interpretation, health and safety responsibilities, and workplace investigations for both unionized and non-unionized employees. Most recently, Debra practiced with a leading municipal law firm where her workplace law practice also included advising local government clients on governance matters.
Debra works to promote healthy, safe, respectful, and productive workplaces. She conducts investigations in a neutral, fair, and timely manner, using a trauma-informed process. Debra brings a calm and thoughtful approach to addressing all issues affecting the workplace.
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Debra is an experienced labour, employment and human rights lawyer, with expertise in governance matters. She has considerable experience working with public sector employers, in both federal and provincial jurisdictions, and at multiple levels of government.
Debra has investigated allegations of bullying and harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, and general workplace misconduct. Additionally, she has overseen a vast number of workplace investigations, providing legal advice on the investigative process and recommended outcomes.
Debra also advises organizations on developing and updating a broad range of workplace and governance policies.
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Debra was appointed as an Independent Investigator of Sport Integrity Canada in 2025.
Debra became a member of the Government of Canada’s Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations Registry of Investigators in 2025.
Debra Rusnak she/her
Southern Law LLP
301 - 1835 Lonsdale Avenue
North Vancouver, BC V7M 2J8
778-989-4066
