Close X
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
ADVT 
National

Chief human-rights commissioner resigns after investigation into Israel comments

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Aug, 2024 11:58 AM
  • Chief human-rights commissioner resigns after investigation into Israel comments

The recently appointed chief commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission said Monday that he agreed to resign after an investigation into his past comments related to Israel.

Birju Dattani has previously denied allegations that he made anti-Israel statements, including what Conservatives characterize as a "justification of terrorism."

The justice minister launched an investigation after Canadian Jewish organizations raised concerns about Dattani's past activities.

"The findings speak for themselves," Justice Minister Arif Virani said in a statement Monday.

"I have accepted Mr. Dattani's decision to step down as chief commissioner. As I have said, maintaining the confidence of all Canadians in the Canadian Human Rights Commission remains my top priority."

The lengthy report details 14 allegations levied against Dattani, including comments he made on social media and elsewhere under the name Mujahid Dattani.

The law firm that conducted the investigation did not find any indication that Dattani harboured or harbours antisemitic beliefs, or any evidence that he has unconscious or conscious biases toward Jews or Israelis.

However, the firm did find that his explanation for not including the name Mujahid Dattani on his application and background check "lacks credibility."

Instead, he provided the name Birju Mujahid Dattani, despite appearing on several panels and on social media using the first name Mujahid.

"On a balance of probabilities and based on the totality of evidence, we find that Mr. Dattani intentionally omitted the reference to 'Mujahid Dattani' on the background check consent form (and elsewhere) and at no time in the application or interview process disclosed that, in the past, he had used the name 'Mujahid Dattani,'" the investigative report states.

After receiving the findings, Virani told Dattani in a letter on July 31 that the results of the investigation raised serious concerns about his candour during the appointment process.

Dattani was due to start in the role last Thursday, but agreed to take a leave while Virani considered how he should respond.

"I remain a steadfast believer in the commission's work, mandate and its importance to our democracy," Dattani said in a statement Monday. 

Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman welcomed the news, but called it overdue.

"Dattani’s past writings were easily discoverable with a simple Google search," Lantsman said in a post on X.

"Either the political staff in the Trudeau government failed to do such a rudimentary search, or they found that material and viewed the comments as not problematic."

She called for a "full, free, and fair investigation" into how the appointment happened in the first place. 

The process to appoint a new chief commissioner will begin "as soon as possible," Virani said in a statement. His office said he would provide no further comment Monday. 

MORE National ARTICLES

Feds release carbon pricing impact data as cost debate rages

Feds release carbon pricing impact data as cost debate rages
Canada's greenhouse-gas emissions will be 12 per cent lower in 2030 with carbon pricing in place than they would be if it was scrapped, new federal data published Thursday suggest. The data also show that the pricing system for consumers and big industry in place could cause Canada's GDP to take a $25-billion hit at the end of the decade — 0.9 per cent below what it would be without the carbon price.

Feds release carbon pricing impact data as cost debate rages

NDP's Jagmeet Singh says report shows 'a number of MPs' have helped foreign states

NDP's Jagmeet Singh says report shows 'a number of MPs' have helped foreign states
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says a recent spy watchdog report shows a "number of MPs" have knowingly provided help to foreign governments — behaviour he calls unethical or even illegal. Singh said Thursday he is "more alarmed today" after reading an unredacted version of a report on foreign interference by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. 

NDP's Jagmeet Singh says report shows 'a number of MPs' have helped foreign states

Uber says new B.C. rules will increase costs, Eby says companies can 'suck it up'

Uber says new B.C. rules will increase costs, Eby says companies can 'suck it up'
Uber issued a statement Thursday saying it supports some of the new rules coming in September, such as an increased minimum wage and health and safety coverage, but the amount it is being forced to pay workers for using a personal vehicle is "unreasonable."

Uber says new B.C. rules will increase costs, Eby says companies can 'suck it up'

B.C. politicians ask for audit of $3.86 billion North Shore water treatment plant

B.C. politicians ask for audit of $3.86 billion North Shore water treatment plant
A group of local politicians from B.C.'s Lower Mainland are asking the provincial auditor general to investigate how the cost of a wastewater treatment plant could balloon to $3.86 billion. The original cost of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2018 was $700 million and it was expected to open in 2020, but the Metro Vancouver regional district fired the contractor over construction delays in 2021. 

B.C. politicians ask for audit of $3.86 billion North Shore water treatment plant

Nanaimo man charged with gun offences

Nanaimo man charged with gun offences
The Canada Border Services Agency says a man from Nanaimo has been charged with nine counts of gun and drug-related offences. The agency says it launched an investigation after border officers inspected three firearm suppressors at the Vancouver airport between August and October 2022.

Nanaimo man charged with gun offences

Targeted shooting in Penticton

Targeted shooting in Penticton
Mounties in Penticton are asking for the public's help after a man was shot in the leg. They say officers responded to the call around 7 a-m yesterday, and the victim was brought to hospital.

Targeted shooting in Penticton