The newly appointed head of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and recent leader of the Yukon Human Rights Commission is defending himself as the “target of unfounded allegations” since he has been subjected to criticism for positions taken and social media posts made about a decade ago.
In recent days, Birju Dattani has made national headlines about scrutiny over his appointment and has become the subject of a federal government investigation.
“I stand resolutely behind my record,” he wrote in an email statement to the News.
“I am confident that the investigation will vindicate my longstanding commitment to human rights.”
Justice Minister Arif Virani made the appointment. Virani wasn't made available for interview. According to a statement to the News from his spokesperson, Chantalle Aubertin, Virani is launching a "formal, independent review of the matter."
"He is deeply concerned about statements and social media posts attributed to Mr. Dattani as well as the fact that these were not provided in the appointment process and not surfaced in due-diligence," Aubertin wrote.
Aubertin said the review will culminate in a public report that's expected to be done ahead of Aug. 8, when Dattani is set to assume the role.
Meanwhile, the chair of the Yukon Human Rights Commission is backing Dattani’s appointment as the Canadian human rights commissioner.
After issuing a press release thanking Dattani for his “exceptional leadership” for the few years that he led the territorial human rights commission and expressing confidence in his capabilities, chair Michael Dougherty is doubling down on the statement.
“Dattani was exemplary in meeting the highest standards of dedication to the defense of human rights for all Yukoners. His experience here showed him to be exceedingly knowledgeable, hard- working, innovative, highly empathetic to all communities and, beyond any doubt, completely impartial in the manner in which he carried out his responsibilities in the Yukon,” reads Dougherty’s public statement.
Dougherty rejects the notion that Dattani is “in any way unqualified for the role” of leading the national institution.
“Dattani has dedicated his life to advancing human rights. We are only too aware that personal attacks come with the territory for those who are committed to ensuring the rights of all persons,” Dougherty said.
As reported by the Globe and Mail, Jewish advocates had raised concerns with the federal Justice minister about whether he properly vetted Dattani. Shimon Koffler Fogel, president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, met with Virani last week about Dattani's appointment as chief commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission earlier this month. Koffler Fogel said that positions taken and tweets posted by Dattani around ten years ago were of “serious concern” and undermined his group’s “confidence in the human rights commission to adjudicate issues of hate and discrimination.”
The Conservative Party of Canada suggested Dattani’s track record should disqualify him from the position “that’s sole purpose is to fight racism and defend human rights.”
“Earlier this month, the Liberals appointed an individual with a disgusting antisemitic record as head of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Reports reveal that the now active Chief Commissioner, Birju Dattani, participated in an anti-Israel rally following the death of a senior Hamas terrorist, shared a platform with radical extremists that oppose Israel’s existence and has shared content that compares Israelis to Nazis,” reads the Conservative's press release.
“This appointment will only embolden those who spread hatred and violence towards Jewish Canadians."
In his statement, Dattani clarified that his recent apology isn’t an admission of wrongdoing.
“Rather, it was an expression of empathy for those who have been distressed by these unfounded allegations,” he said.
Dattani claimed numerous lawyers and colleagues who are black, Indigenous and people of colour have been dismayed at his work and character being “unjustly criticized,” leading some to reconsider their engagement with the public service out of fear of “similar repercussions.”
“To them, I offer this assurance: always persevere in doing what is right,” reads his statement.
“Canada is a beautiful place, full of people who can see the difference between the truth and misinformation, and we all have a role to play to continue to make this a better place for all people. I intend to continue on with that path.”
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com