August 8, 2024
OTTAWA – The Federal Government is delaying the release of a report into Birju Dattani’s appointment in June to chair the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).
Dattani has a history of antisemitic commentary, which prompted B’nai Brith Canada to demand an investigation into the vetting process.
“Minister of Justice [Arif] Virani said Canadians would receive the results of the investigation today [Aug. 8],” said David Granovsky, B’nai Brith Canada’s Director of Government Relations. “We are disappointed with the delay, but somewhat reassured that it appears as though this matter is being taken very seriously.
“Transparency is paramount for the Government to regain the trust of its constituents.”
In a statement Wednesday evening, Virani announced that Dattani would take an immediate “leave of absence” until the inquiry is completed. No timeline was given.
B’nai Brith condemned Dattani’s selection as Chief Commissioner of the CHRC after it was revealed that he had repeatedly expressed antisemitic views on social media, including in a post comparing Palestinians in Gaza to Jewish prisoners in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust. He has also participated in panels alongside individuals with known links to radical organizations and possibly listed terrorist entities. In 2015, Dattani reportedly argued that terrorism could be considered a “rational” and “well-calculated strategy” with “surprisingly high success rates.”
“We certainly want answers,” Granovsky said. “We call on the Government to quickly publish this report and for Minister Virani to make the proper decision as swiftly as is possible.”
