June 20, 2014 – Ottawa, ON - Department of Justice Canada
The Honourable Peter MacKay, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the appointment of David Thomas, B.A., LL.B., as Chair of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT).
Mr. Thomas received his Bachelor of Arts at the American College of Switzerland after studying at the University of British Columbia, and his Bachelor of Laws at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1989. As a successful lawyer in the field of immigration and administrative law for more than twenty years, Mr. Thomas has already been a part-time member of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and brings an understanding of employment law, human rights law, Aboriginal issues, and experience in managing human and financial resources. He has been featured as a speaker at numerous Canadian Bar Association conferences; at continuing legal education programs; and at events organized by immigrant societies. He has also founded businesses and social enterprises that aim to help developing countries.
An active member of the Vancouver community for more than two decades, Mr. Thomas has served as Director and Executive Member of the Sovereign Order of St. John; as Director of the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce; and is currently director of the Canada-Korea Business Association. Previously, he was active in the creation and upkeep of local recreation facilities through the West Vancouver Parks and Recreation Commission; the West Vancouver Select Committee for Recreation Facilities Master Plan; and as a Member of the West Vancouver Council Standing Committee for Recreation Facilities. He has also had several roles working with children as a leader in Scouts Canada; as a basketball coach for youth through the Steve Nash Basketball Program (formerly known as the Junior Grizzlies Basketball Program); and as a “Big Brother” in Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.
The CHRT was established in 1977 as an independent agency. Along with the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the CHRT administers the Canadian Human Rights Act according to procedures specified by law and without interference from the government.
This appointment is effective on September 2, 2014.
For further information on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, visit www.chrt-tcdp.gc.ca.
- Paloma Aguilar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
- Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207
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