Embattled federal human rights pick lists job he never did on resume

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OTTAWA — The federal government’s former pick for head of the Canadian Human Rights Commission who resigned before actually starting the job is now listing the title on his resume. 

Birju Dattani was appointed as chief commissioner back in June, but resigned before starting the job in August after an investigation determined he did not “directly disclose” the anti-Israel nature of his work as a graduate student nearly a decade ago. 

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Earlier this month, the Centre for Free Expression, based out of Toronto Metropolitan University, publicized that Dattani was joining as a senior fellow, announcing him as the “former chief commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.” 

A biography on the centre’s website lists the same, as does Dattani’s personal LinkedIn page, which states he held the job from August 2024-August 2024.

“While it is technically accurate, it raises an eyebrow that he would choose to advertise a title that he only briefly held, from a job he never did, given the circumstances of his resignation,” said Toronto Liberal MP Marco Mendicino, who served as public safety minister until last year.

“The title refers to a job that he never did because he resigned from it, and it is curious.”

Dattani has not yet responded to multiple emails from the National Post seeking comment. 

Centre director James Turk said in an email on Monday they were able to bring on “such an impressive expert on human rights law” because of the “unfortunate circumstances” surrounding the announcement of his appointment.

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Turk pointed to how the independent review found no evidence of Dattani having views that could be considered antisemitic. The report concluded he was careful to criticize the State of Israel’s actions, not its people, during his interview.

Dattani’s appointment was a “testament to his stature in the field,” Turk wrote, adding he believes Dattani’s decision to resign demonstrates his integrity as a person “who did not want any cloud of suspicion about his commitment to human rights for all.”

Justice Minister Arif Virani triggered the investigation after prominent Jewish advocacy organizations raised concerns about Dattani based on anti-Israel social media posts and related activities he participated in while using a different name during his time at graduate school nearly a decade ago.

The probe concluded that Dattani “intentionally omitted” reference to a past name he used to post the comments, and did not provide it as part of the background check process.

In a letter to Dattani, which Dattani shared, Virani expressed concerns about his “candour” during the appointment process after having received a copy of the third-party probe.

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According to a statement Dattani released announcing his agreement to resign, he responded to Virani by offering to make a joint statement to express his commitment to the role, saying he feels he “could not have been more candid and transparent.”

On Monday, a spokeswoman for Virani said the minister released the review in full and was clear that Dattani never held the role.

“The findings speak for themselves,” said Chantalle Aubertin in an email.

“Furthermore, Minister Virani announced on August 7 that Mr. Dattani took leave while he considered the matter and did not begin work at the (Canadian Human Rights Commission) on August 8, 2024.”

Dattani did serve as the director of Yukon Human Rights Commission before his appointment and was the first Muslim and racialized person picked for the federal role.

“Mr. Dattani’s use of such a revered title, following his resignation from the role before his official start date, is disingenuous,” Richard Robertson, B’nai Brith Canada’s director of research and advocacy said in a statement.

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“Not only is use of the title misleading, but he also is making a mockery of the investigation.”

Shimon Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said that Dattani “is playing fast and loose with the truth.”

“He was appointed but never served.”

The Opposition Conservatives criticized the Liberals for not agreeing to hold committee meetings to further probe Dattani’s appointment, given his past comments were searchable online.

Deputy leader Melissa Lanstman said the ordeal remains a “shocking embarrassment.”

“Mr. Dattani is free to seek employment, but it is Justin Trudeau’s fault that he can now put ‘Human Rights Commissioner’ on his resume,’” she said in a statement.

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