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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 . “I stand resolutely behind my record,” he wrote in an email statement to the .

“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 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 co.

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