MINISTER OF JUSTICE APPOINTS BOARD MEMBER TO THE CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

OTTAWA, February 1, 2008 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C. Q. C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the appointment of Robin A.M. Baird as a part-time Board Member of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Mr. Baird is a Private Practitioner located in Victoria, B.C., specializing in Civil and Criminal Law. He received his Bachelor of Laws in 1989, his Masters of Laws from the London School of Economics in 1999, and his Certificate D’Assiduite from the Université De Tours (Tours, France) in 1982.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)'s founding legislation inspires a vision for Canada where "all individuals should have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have", free from discrimination. The CHRC works with employers, service providers, individuals, unions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, Provincial and territorial human rights bodies -- to foster understanding and commitment for achieving a society where human rights are respected in everyday practices.

The Commission is working within a new service delivery model that provides discrimination prevention initiatives, modern dispute resolution approaches for addressing inquiries and complaints, as well as regulatory, policy and knowledge development. Enhancing employment equity in federally regulated employment sectors for women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities is also a key function. Internationally, the Commission's strong leadership role includes chairing the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, within the United Nations.

This appointment is effective immediately.

For further information on the Canadian Human Rights Commission, visit: www.chrc-ccdp.ca

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Ref.:

• Office of the Canadian Human Rights Commission
  613-995-1151

• Darren Eke
  Press Secretary
  Office of the Minister of Justice
  613-992-4621