A coalition of human rights groups have voiced their support for Canada’s embattled incoming human rights chief after three Jewish groups called for his removal over reports of his past anti-Israel statements. The group, which includes the National Union of Public and General Employees, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees, the Federation of Black Canadians and others, blamed racism for the response to Birju Dattani’s controversial comments. “The attempts to have Mr.
Dattani — the first Muslim and racialized person appointed to this position — vacate his seat without due process is deeply concerning,” the group said in an open letter sent to Justice Minister Arif Virani on Wednesday. “While the allegations against Mr. Dattani are concerning, this campaign against him highlights the heightened level of scrutiny he, like many Canadians, faces because of his faith and ethnic background.
Mr. Dattani has responded comprehensively to the media about allegations related to his academic activities as a student 12 years ago.” Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman said that Jewish communities across Canada are feeling vulnerable due to the normalization of antisemitism in the wake of October 7 and cannot trust Dattani to be impartial.
“If you have the arbiter of racism and human rights in this country, and people don’t feel like they’re going to get a fair hearing, then he’s the wrong guy for the job,” she said. Dattani told National Post l.
