Statement by Minister Virani on the Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission

August 7, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada

Today, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, issued the following statement on the independent fact-finding review of the recently appointed Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC):

"I have received the independent review of issues surrounding the appointment of Birju Dattani as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). I want to thank the team at Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP for doing this work on such a tight timeline. 

“While I carefully consider this matter, Mr. Dattani has agreed to take leave at this time and will not begin work at the CHRC on August 8, 2024. I will have more to say in the coming days.

“Maintaining the confidence of all Canadians in the CHRC and its Chief Commissioner remains my top priority.”